Visiting Jeju Island: Journey Itinerary & Helpful Data

While you go to South Korea, there are some tried and true locations that will likely be constructed into any journey itinerary – bustling Seoul, or foodie paradise Busan. However there’s one vacation spot that offers you a style of all the things Korea has to supply, from the spectacular surroundings to the superb cultural scene, historic highlights to the possibility to get lively: Jeju Island. Round 100km south off the Korean mainland lies Jeju Island, an autonomous province that’s famed for gorgeous mountains, stunning coastlines, and an incredible tradition.  

How huge is Jeju Island?

At round 1,840 sq. kilometers, Jeju is the most important island in South Korea – actually, it’s quite a bit bigger than individuals may anticipate. It’s 2.5x the dimensions of Singapore, and solely a tiny bit smaller than the Spanish island of Tenerife. The inhabitants of Jeju Island is over 675,000, that means there are about as many individuals in Jeju as there are in Luxembourg!  

What’s the finest time to go to Jeju Island?

In case you’re a nature lover, Spring and Autumn will serve you properly. In Autumn, (Sep-Nov) the island turns into a haven for individuals who like to observe the leaves change, with wealthy oranges protecting the island. Nonetheless, for true photographers, there’s no higher time to go to than in Spring (Mar-Might). The climate is gentle, and it’s throughout this era that the island’s unbelievable subtropical local weather involves life, littering the panorama with stunning cherry blossoms, vibrant azaleas, golden canolas and magnolias.

In case you’re a sun-lover, summer time (Jun-Aug) on Jeju Island will serve you properly – although you may need the dodge the odd rain bathe. With temperatures reaching 30 levels, it turns into a preferred vacation spot for beach-goers and watersports lovers alike. However if you happen to’re a fan of a extra tranquil panorama, winter (Dec-Feb) gives the chance to discover rolling hills and dramatic UNESCO World Heritage websites with out the crowds.  

Why is Jeju Island well-known?

The flight between Jeju Island and Seoul is the world’s busiest route – and that’s not by likelihood. Jeju Island will not be solely a paradise for these after coastlines and mountaintops – it’s additionally well-known because the filming location for innumerable Okay-dramas, is house to over 100 museums, and has an enchanting tradition that features its personal dialect, a bunch of free-diving ladies named haenyeo, and an unbelievable meals scene. It’s additionally price visiting Jeju Island to study extra in regards to the essential, sobering position it performs in wider 20th century Korean historical past. 

What are one of the best meals to strive in Jeju?

As an island with a wealthy seafaring (and diving) tradition, you’d be remiss to go to Jeju Island and never pattern the seafood. The haenyeo are matriarchal group that, based on the Jeju Tourism Board, date again one thousand years, and are unbelievable free divers who head as much as 20 meters underwater to retrieve abalone, conches, and seaweed. The result’s an area delicacies crammed with contemporary, locally-caught seafood dishes. (In case you’re in Jeju-si in any respect, the Jeju Haenyeo Museum makes for a really fascinating go to.)  

For the meat-eaters amongst us, you can also’t go to Jeju Island with out attempting black pork. It’s a dish that’s so intrinsic to Jeju tradition that there’s a complete avenue devoted to it! The native breed of black pig is a staple in lots of Jeju dishes, so it’s properly price a strive whilst you’re there… simply be sure that it’s Korean BBQ model!  

While you go to Jeju Island, you’ll discover it house to swathes of timber that brim with juicy mandarins. In case you don’t seize a contemporary one, just remember to cease in at an area retailer for a contemporary juice, a zesty tangerine chocolate, or a scrumptious mandarin-infused baked deal with.  

What’s there to do in Jeju Island?

Brief reply: heaps! From climbing to watersports, museums to café-hopping – it’s an island filled with issues to do.  

In case you’re based mostly in Seogwipo Metropolis – the right location for any eager vacationers – you’ll haven’t any finish of pure options to discover. It’s one of the best base to hike on the Olle Path (we suggest Path #7) and spot the dramatic Oedolgae Rock, go to the Jeongbang Falls – the one waterfall in Asia to stream straight into the ocean – and head up the superb Seongsan Ilchulbong for unbelievable views throughout the island and out to sea.  

It’s additionally one of the best place to benefit from the island’s shoreline. You possibly can pay a go to to Jungmun Seaside, the place the gusty winds make it the final word browsing vacation spot, and even strive your hand at one of many native diving golf equipment. In case you desire to stay dry, you’ll be able to take a yacht crusing tour across the island – after which wind down the night again on dry land, with a sundown drink searching to sea from the cliffs.  

In case you’re after the right Jeju Island journey itinerary, we can assist you out – we spend two implausible days in Jeju as a part of our 12-day Korea Journey.  

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