The magical beauty of Jeju Island

Jeju Island, one of the most beautiful islands in East Asia, is located just one hour by air from Seoul, the Capital of the Republic of Korea. Being of volcanic origin Jeju has 368 secondary craters, with Mt. Halla (1950 m) in the centre of the island - it is an extinct volcano with a big crater on the top and lush vegetation growing down to the very seaside.

The island is 73 kms from west to east and 31 kms from north to south, with a coastline of 254 kms.

Climate

Typical coastal climate with minimum temperatures above 0 C even in winter due to warm currents.

The island is on the border of moderate and subtropical zones, South coast - subtropics.

Mild climate, 4 seasons:

- Hot summer: Usual air temperature is 26 C, highest 33 C, highest water temperature of upper layers is 28 C.

- Warm and dry autumn: The air is becoming cooler and water temperature remains as in summer (24 C) until October.

- Short and mild winter with snowfall in the northern part of the island and in highland, while in the southern part farmers harvest tangerines.

- Warm spring when everything blooms.

Beach season - from May to October, active tourism - year round.

Tourist features of Jeju

Mild climate

Jeju is in the subtropics and is an excellent place for active tourism - not too hot and not too cold. - Pure sea and air with a favourable ecology. The island has no manufacturing; most of the income of local people is tourism, agriculture and fishing. Jeju is one of the most unpolluted places in Asia.

Ecology is a high priority here and development of many places is strictly controlled. Many possibilities for water sports: Scuba-diving, sea kayaking, windsurfing, parasailing...

- Unique nature: Beautiful rocky seaside, picturesque beaches with colourful sand, many blooming trees in winter, spring and summer, diverse underwater world and lush vegetation.

- Compact location of local sights. On a relatively small territory of 1.845 sq kms, Jeju has many places for sightseeing. On Jeju you can visit several (but not all) exotic places and sights just in one day, and transfers take from 10 min to 60 min.

Parks and museums

Botanic Garden "Yeomiji"

A big indoor botanic garden with halls of cactuses, tropical fruits, flowers, water lilies, and much more, Yeomiji is home to a total of 2000 species of rare plants and 1700 species of flowers and trees.

There are also open gardens in Japanese, Italian, French and Korean styles. The Garden is 1,120 square metres and is described as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia.

Hallim Park is a 27.000 square metre botanical garden including two caves. The park's total area is divided into 16 gardens, including a tropical garden, garden of Washington Palms and a garden of foliage plants. At the end of the 100m long Hyopje Cave is another cave called "The Double Dragon".

This cave is named after the twin tunnels that appear to have been dug by dragons.

Jeju is also home to two interesting parks called Mini World and Miniature Theme Park. Here, you can get up close to small scaled replicas of some of the most famous architectures from more than 30 countries. Leaning Tower of Pisa, Taj Mahal and many Korean sites are part of this interesting display.

The two parks are in different parts of Jeju Island.

The Teddy Bear Museum

The Teddy Bear Museum has a collection of Teddy bears of various countries, times and themes.

The Teddy Bear Museum is the only one in Korea and is the biggest in the world. It's a hit with children and has facilities such as a coffee-shop and souvenir shop. The Museum's building is made in the form of a glass cone with 2 floors of expositions.

Green tea museum

The museum is located among the plantations of green tea and is built in the shape of a green tea -cup. Here you can see tea collecting methods and take pictures in the middle of tea plantations. The O'Sulloc tea museum teaches you about Korean tea culture through a miniature of a green tea production line and many other interesting activities.

There is a souvenir shop and of course a green tea-house with green tea and green tea ice cream. A very beautiful modern building, the museum is surrounded with summer-houses, stone towers and soft green grass lawns.

Sculpture park

This park, located near Mt. Sanbang, is a relaxing walking area where you can discover over 160 different sculptures in a peaceful atmosphere. The sculpture park also has an observation tower.

Bonsai Trees Garden

The garden was created through the work of one dedicated farmer who worked for 30 years. Here there are 2,000 bonsai (miniature trees) and 100 rare tree species growing in the garden.

Manjang Cave

With a total length of 13.422 m, it is the longest lava cave in the world. However only one kilo metre of the cave is open for visitors. Manjang Cave is Natural Monument No. 98 and is an amazing natural wonder not to be missed.

Wood and stone park "Mokseokwon"

This park contains rich collections of figures, made of stones, roots and tree trunks. The history of a man named "Gabdol" is tailored into an entertaining and heartening story from the use of small stone sculptures. There is also a museum with small ceramics. The artist is also the museum owner.

Park of Orchids on lava stones

A huge collection of orchids rooted on lava stones is only seen on Jeju Island. In nature these orchids grow around Mt. Halla. Their roots are longer than stems, as the roots get nutrition and moisture from the stones and from air. In the park you can find a tangerine and palm trees garden and a small inn.

There are several folk villages on Jeju. Seongeub Folk Village is the place to witness old style living that is so real, local people are still living here today. Traditional houses made of stone with thatched roofs, barnyards and sometimes even the local pig can be seen. You also have the opportunity to sample and buy some of the local products such as traditional medicine, honey and even horse bone powder.

Songeub was designated as National Folk Material No. 188. Another two big folk villages - in Phyoson and in Chungmun are more like museums.

Stone Statues Park-Studio

Here, a famous local artist makes and exhibits his workings of statues from volcanic stone. For inspiration he uses Jeju's local cultural aspects such as "Harubang" stone statues, village life, women divers and Jeju legends. This is very special art!

Entertainment at Jeju

Pacific Land Show

Dolphins and sea lions perform excellent shows in a pool with a transparent wall facing spectators.

The show is indoors. The same building has a small aquarium and a souvenir shop. The show will delight both kids and adults.

Elephants Show

Trained elephants perform different tricks and even play football. At the end of the show several volunteers among the spectators lay down on the carpets and elephants accurately step over them. You can also ride an elephant and buy a photo made while riding the elephant. The show goes on outdoors and the spectator area is under a heated awning, so you won't get cold in winter. The show is especially interesting for children.

Water park

Operates only in summer. Several water entertainment with waterside, pool, "bungee jumping". Mostly interesting for children.

Submarine tour

At a depth of 30 metres and a course of around 2.8 km long, the Submarine tour is a great way to see below the surface of Jeju's splendid seas. Here you can see the world of soft corals and colourful fish all amid a fantastic underwater landscape near Munsom Islet. You may even be lucky enough to see Haenyo hard at work.

"Volcano Fountain" Show

This show symbolically introduces the volcano formation on Jeju Island. A spectacular show with colourful rays, fountains, fire and holograms. The show takes place daily inside the Lotte Hotel at 8.30 p.m., interesting for both kids and for adults.