Holiday in Jeju-do

About Jeju-do

Jeju-do, South Korea's largest island, is a volcanic natural paradise of UNESCO-protected beauty and the country's most popular holiday destination. The 'Island of the Gods' lies in the Korea Strait south of the peninsula and impresses with a landscape that is hard to surpass in its diversity: extinct volcanic craters, subtropical forests, black lava beaches, and emerald green tea plantations. Hallasan, a 1,950-meter-high shield volcano, forms the majestic center of the island and is South Korea's highest mountain. The ascent to the crater lake at the summit is one of the most popular hikes in the country and offers a spectacular 360-degree view over the island to the mainland and Japan on clear days. Jeju's lava caves are geological wonders. The Manjanggul Cave, one of the longest lava tunnels in the world, stretches over 13 kilometers and impresses with massive lava columns and a 7.6-meter-high lava column — the largest known in the world. The entire volcanic system is part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage. The island's coast is characterized by the Jusangjeolli cliffs, geometrically perfect basalt columns that appear to be shaped by human hands, and Seongsan Ilchulbong, a dramatic tuff crater that rises directly from the sea. The sunrise from the summit of this 'Sunrise Peak' is one of Korea's most famous sights. Culturally, Jeju is famous for its Hänyeo — the legendary female divers who have been diving for sea urchins, abalone, and shellfish for generations without breathing apparatus. This tradition is UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the Hänyeo, many of whom are over 70 years old, are a symbol of female strength and independence. The island also surprises with its thriving art scene. The Bonte Museum, the Arario galleries, and numerous quirky theme museums (from the Teddy Bear Museum to the Trick Art Museum) make Jeju an unusual cultural holiday destination. The O'Sulloc tea plantations offer Korean green tea amidst picturesque plantations, and the tangerine farms invite visitors to harvest the famous Hallabong mandarins.