JEJU The Northeast Asian Island of Jeju is an awe-inspiring land of natural wonders. The ultimate honeymoon getaway, discover South Korea’s answer to paradise Writer: Phoebe Harper | Project Manager: Krisha Canlas
Island of the Gods’, the volcanic land mass of Jeju, known locally as Jeju-do (제주도), has long attracted crowds of vacationers and honeymooners, and is well-established as the ideal hideaway for Korean newlyweds. Rising up from the depths of the Korean Peninsula as Korea’s largest and southernmost island, Jeju’s serene, crater-marked landscape and mild sub-tropical climate is blessed with a natural beauty ideal for hikers and a new wave of wellness tourism. Indeed, Jeju is officially recognised by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, Global Geopark and Biosphere Reserve, encompassing Korea’s highest peak of Hallasan Mountain, the vast forested swathes of a semi-tropical national park, a wild coastline and the world’s longest underground lava tube. The island is known for its unique cuisine, most notably the local seafood caught by Jeju’s famous female deep-sea divers (haenyeo), all of whom are aged 60 and over. Jeju’s beaches are perfectly suited for some coastal relaxation, its idyllic waters cloaking vivid seascapes of coral. Further inland, you will find narrow lanes lined with traditional cottages rendered from the native black lava rock, while fertile volcanic soils support palm trees, flourishing mandarin groves, pineapples and exotic dragon fruit. After arriving in the island’s main urbane hub of Jeju City, Jeju’s southern coast is the most developed for tourism. But hire a car to venture to Jeju’s more remote areas, and you will find a land that appears untouched for decades. Watch the sun rise from volcanic craters, explore towering waterfalls and unwind in a natural paradise.
