The island of love awaits you in South Korea: this is Jeju
For years the South Korean Jeju Island It has been a great unknown, but its designation as "Wonder of the Natural World" has placed it on the map and on the lists of many travelers. The splendid nature of Jeju It is felt in each of its outdoor corners but also inside, where spectacular volcanic caves seem to set off on a journey to the center of the earth.
With the Mount Hallasan as an accomplice, we walk the winding paths that are lost between pine forests, mandarin orchards and basalt cliffs to discover all the charms of this fascinating island. Welcome to the Hawaii of Korea!
Road to Hallasan
Jeju was announced in November 2011 as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, although it was previously considered by the ** UNESCO World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve and Global Geopark **. Awards that increasingly attract more tourists from around the world willing to be part of this beauty of nature sculpted by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago.
The largest and southernmost island in Korea, with 73 kilometers from east to west and 31 from north to south , has remained outside the country for years due to its geographical isolation, something that is reflected in the purity of its landscape , the only one that has not been affected by excessive Korean industrialization, despite being only an hour's flight from Seoul .
The capital, Jeju City , located to the north, and Seogwipo , to the south, are the main cities of the island in which the numerous harubang , elongated figures made with volcanic stone, are responsible for protecting.
Harubang protect Jeju
JEJU FROM THE HEIGHTS
jeju it's a paradise for hikers , since it has various routes, perfectly prepared for the visitor, which lead to countless attractions. Paths, between green and gray, like those that ascend to the hallasan volcano , in the center of the island, where the subtropical temperature that prevails in Jeju changes drastically as we approach its highest point, 1,950 meters . The top treats us to beautiful sunrises witnessed by a small lake which occupies part of its crater.
But if it is about looking for the most beautiful views of the sunrise, “the peak of the rising sun” , 180 meters high, will be the ideal place. For this you will have to climb 600 steps to this greenish cone formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano.
Seongsan Ilchulbong , as it is also known, was named a UNESCO National Monument, though not much more should be expected from Jeju's most iconic image.
Jeongbang waterfall
JOURNEY INSIDE THE EARTH
In addition to the volcanic cones, the eruptions left caves that seem to want to lead us to one of the Jules Verne's fantastic journeys into the interior of the Earth . It is the case of Manjanggul , considered one of the longest lava tubes in the world , although only a small part is accessible to the visitor.
In the dark, a walkway lit by small lanterns guides us through the interior, where we can see curious formations sculpted by lava while humidity becomes noticeable.
Manjanggul, an underground world of lava
THE BEACHES OF THE ISLAND OF LOVE
After surveying the interior of the island, we headed to the beaches to relax . There we are surprised with a crowd of asians taking selfies or giving clumsy strokes on colorful floats despite being bathed on the same shore.
Two of the best beaches are Gwakji Gwamul , chosen by those looking for long walks and a calm sea, and Jungmun Saekdal , which stands out for the reddish, grayish or white colors of its appetizing sand. The latter is frequented by those who want to practice water sports such as windsurfing, as it has more waves.
Gwakji Gwamul Beach
Very close to Jungmun beach are the basalt columns of Jungmun Daepo , which remind us of the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. The remains of lava that solidified upon contact with the sea constitute some beautiful rock formations up to 20 meters high.
But perhaps the most striking and magical image of the coast is that of the long-lived haenyeo either "women of the sea" . Since the 17th century, women have been the ones dedicated to immersion fishing, representing an indispensable figure in the Jeju history and economy . Elderly ladies dressed in wetsuits with nets on their backs they submerge up to three minutes in the immensity of the sea to catch sea urchins, octopus or algae . A tradition that little by little is dying out, but of which we can still be spectators today.
Haenyeo, the women of the sea
INSIDE
In the south we reach the Geolmae Eco Park situated in Seogwipo-si. With several observation centers and more than 170 native plant species , the park is a tour full of nature that leads us along placid paths to the incredible jeongbang waterfall falling straight into the sea about 30 meters high.
A path that we can conclude at the table of one of the pleasant terraces of the port of Seogwipo , where appetizing mackerel fish dishes are served, typical of the area, and even live shellfish, which the haenyeo catch with extraordinary prowess.
To the south, although a little further inland and surrounded by thick forests with infinite shades of green and exotic plants , other unexpected waterfalls also spring up, those of cheongyeon.
Spring in the Jeju Hills
Tourism in Jeju proliferated as a favorite destination for Koreans who, attracted by the scenes from your favorite series and movies , they chose him to spend their honeymoon (the plane to Jeju from Seoul is the busiest air route in the world for a reason...) .
The most tourist area is located around Jungmun , and it is here that we find most of the resorts, restaurants, beaches, and an 18-hole golf course.
Jungmun, the most touristic area of Jeju
There are also curious thematic spaces for all tastes: optical illusion museums , Cinema Museum, the park of erotic sculptures Jeju Love Land , Chocolate Land , Jeju Glass Castle (the Crystal Castle) or the Teddy Bear Museum .
A wide and overwhelming offer of tourist attractions, some sensational and others quite strange, so that the days in Jeju never go unnoticed.
Jeju surreal island
AN EXCURSION TO UDO
Udo, known as the "cow island" Due to its shape, it is a small Jeju with traditional villages inside and quiet enclaves around the coast.
To get here you will have to do it in a short ferry crossing from the Seongsanhang Port to Haumok-dong Port.
Once in Udo, the best way to get to know the island will be rent a bike in one of the establishments next to the port. It is also possible to tour it by motorcycle, bus or quad.
An easy and gentle walk of approximately two hours will take you through all the attractions of Udo: beaches, sea caves, viewpoints and charming cafes with the best views of the sea.
In the background, the island of Udo