Top 11 famous tourist destinations in Jeju Island, Korea

 Jeju Island is the largest island in Korea, located exactly south of the Korean mainland. Jeju is a very popular tourist destination for both Koreans and foreigners. As a result, Jeju has been developed as a holiday destination, and there are many hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions as well as various attractive museums and unique theme parks.

Jeju, which means "a big village across the sea," has a unique culture that is different from the mainland. This is evident in the major cities of Jeju City and Seogwipo. But the reason people usually visit is to relax and enjoy great outdoor activities. Jeju Island is composed of a coastline with wonderful rural scenery and beautiful beaches, so visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery and various recreational activities.

1. Jeju Stone Culture Park

Jeju Stone Culture Park is a place full of interesting-looking rocks and sculptures, and it is good to go if you want to know the rich cultural heritage of the island. The myths and legends surrounding Jeju's many natural landscapes have been handed down for a long time. Many of the rocks in the park symbolize folk tales that have been handed down from generation to generation. For example, unique stone harbang statues or 'grandfather rocks' protect the island and repel evil spirits. The solemn-looking rocks located in Jeju Stone Park are very impressive, and the stories behind them stimulate your imagination.

2. Daepo Coast Columnar Joints

The Daepo Coast Columnar Joints are a wonderful layer of rock with a similar appearance to the world-famous Giant's Causeway on the North Island. The cliff formed by the explosion of Hallasan Mountain, designated as a natural monument, created a beautiful topography after the lava cooling. The Daepo Coast Columnar Joint Cliff, which lies along the southern coastline of Jeju Island, is especially spectacular when waves hit rocks. In the waves, you can see unique squares and hexagons reappearing in front of you.

3. Dongmun Market

Dongmun Market was established in 1945 and many shops and stands sell various items such as fruits, vegetables, and meat. There is also a fresh fish stand, selling everything under the sun. Clothes, stationery, and souvenirs are also sold, making them popular with both locals and tourists, and it is a fun place to enjoy afternoon and evening. You can also find many delicious local foods in the market. Dongmun Market is a traditional market and is a good place for those who want to experience Jeju Island's local life.

4. Jeongbang Falls

Jeongbang Falls is located on the outskirts of Seogwipo and is one of the most famous waterfalls on the island. The sight of white water falling from the top of the cliff flowing into the sea below is very impressive. The 23-meter-high Jeongbang Falls is located between a cliff and a tree, boasting beautiful scenery. It is famous for being the only waterfall in Asia that does so. You need some hiking to get to Jeongbang Falls, so you'd better wear comfortable shoes.

5. Hallym Park

Hallim Park is a place where culture and nature are harmonized and has various facilities and gardens for all families to enjoy. There are children's amusement parks, animal and plant exhibition gardens, and traditional folk villages, providing a variety of fun. Also, Ssangyonggul Cave and Hyeopjaegul Cave are located, making them more attractive.

6. Hyeopjae Beach

Hyeopjae Beach is located in the west of Jeju Island, where the white sand beach and beautiful turquoise water are impressive. Warm sand is perfect for relaxation, and you can enjoy swimming in attractive water. There are restaurants and cafes around the beach, so you can use convenience facilities, and the view of Biyangdo nearby is beautiful. You can enjoy a day or relax at Hyeopjae Beach.

7. Manjang Cave

Manjanggul Cave is one of the largest and longest lava caves in the world. It is known to be 30 meters high, 23 meters wide, and 9 kilometers long. Inside the cave are beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and rock layers. There is also a huge 7.8-meter-high lava column at one end of the cave. Manjanggul Cave offers a unique view where bats live and gently radiate lava is created.

8. Hamdeok Beach

Hamdeok Beach is located about 30 minutes east of Jeju City and is a popular place to enjoy summer vacation with your family. The beach is made up of soft sand and shallow water, and much of it disappears at high tide, and when the water retreats, huge sandbars appear. Around the beach, there are rocky islands, winding hills, and Jocheon Village, so you can enjoy hiking with wonderful scenery. Hamdeok Beach also offers various water sports such as kayaking, snorkeling, and water skiing.

9.Hallasan National Park

Hallasan National Park is a park where you can enjoy nature and scenery around Hallasan Mountain. Hallasan Mountain, the highest peak of Jeju Island, is a beautiful mountain that can be seen almost everywhere on the island. Hallasan offers a variety of hiking trails and scenery, and you can enjoy abundant natural scenery such as flower-filled grasslands and dense forests.

10. Udo Island

Udo Island is known for its rugged nature. It features desolate coastal cliffs and beaches, and the small lighthouse and museum are also attractive. Udo Island is located about an hour away by ferry from Seongsan-ri Village in the east of Jeju Island. It takes about an hour to drive through the entire island, and you can enjoy a variety of tourist attractions as well as exploring natural scenery.

11. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak is a volcanic crater known as Jeju's iconic attraction, and is Jeju's most famous sunrise spot. Ilchulbong Peak was formed by a volcanic eruption about 5,000 years ago, and if you go up a steep cliff, you can enjoy the scenery of the sea and Jeju from the top. Especially at sunrise, the sun slowly rises above the horizon, creating a beautiful landscape.

Jeju Island is a beautiful place where the blue sea, fantastic scenery, and various nature and culture are harmonized, and the trip to Jeju Island will leave unforgettable memories.