Six Things Not to Miss on Jeju Island

Not every island can boast having UNESCO status, including being a Global Geopark and Natural Heritage Site, but Jeju Island has all these things, and more. Located in the Korea Strait, Jeju Island is famous for its lava tubes, hiking trails and ancient dolmen stones. Home to the highest mountain in South Korea, this unspoilt island is tailor-made for ecotourism. Here are six unique attractions in Jeju Island that you won’t want to miss.

1) Grandfather Stones

Jeju Island is littered with strange figures carved from basalt rock and known as dol hareubangs. Similar to Easter Island’s moai, these carved statues were placed outside gates to provide protection from demons and guarantee fertility. Standing up to three metres in height, these Grandfather Stones wear nothing more than a fearsome facial expression and a mushroom-like hat.

For an up-close encounter, visit Geumneung, which has a wide collection of dol hareubangs and other statues.

2) Manjanggul Lava Tunnel

Manjanggul is among the largest lava tunnels in the world and the cave itself is a World Heritage Site and major attraction on Jeju Island. Visitors can explore just one kilometre of the 13km-long Manjanggul system.

This strange underground passageway with dripping walls is actually the inside of a lava flow. These vast lava tubes were formed when hot lava flowed from the volcano. The outside hardened in the colder air and formed a crust while the lava inside continued to flow, creating these hollow cave-like passageways. Look out for the strange shapes left behind by the molten rock flow, including the Stone Turtle, said to be shaped like Jeju Island.

3) Hallasan Volcano

The highest peak in South Korea is Hallasan, a dormant volcano in central Jeju Island, which is 1,950 metres high. There are many hiking paths and trails up the flanks of this rocky mountain to its snow-capped summit. Enjoy showy azaleas in spring and vibrant foliage in the autumn. Voted one of the world’s New 7 Wonders of Nature, this ecological treasure is surrounded by a national park rich in wildlife.

Elsewhere, numbered walking trails, known as Olle, follow winding lanes around the scenic coastline. Routes are marked by coloured ribbons and are the best way to enjoy the serenity and natural beauty of Jeju Island.

4) Women Divers 

Known as haenyeo, women in Jeju Island traditionally dived for shellfish and seaweed to support their families while the men were away fishing or at war. Trained to hold their breath for several minutes, these ‘Korean mermaids’ dive more than 20 metres to bag abalone, sea cucumber, octopus and shellfish. As you enjoy a meal of fresh seafood during your stay in Jeju Island, give a thought to the woman who harvested the catch. This dying art is usually practised by older women whose average age is about 65!

Republic of Korea

5) Honeymoon Island

Jeju Island was a favourite honeymoon destination for Koreans for decades, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere and rural natural beauty. You may want to visit the adults-only Jeju Loveland theme park with your partner and see a different perspective of Korean culture.

6) Yakcheonsa Temple 

Yakcheonsa Temple is another example of the superlative attractions on Jeju Island. It’s one of the largest Buddhist temples in Asia and houses an enormous figure of Buddha. Admission is by voluntary donation. Admire the stunning ocean views, impressive artworks and dragons decorating the immense structure.

Bonus: Another attraction Singaporeans would love for all its cuteness, is the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum.