70% of Korea’s territory consists of mountainous areas. The country has a large number of amazing mountains. National parks and recreational forests, where nature surprises again with its beauty and tranquility, are very popular destinations among visitors.
But the favorite travel site of Koreans and international tourists is Jeju Island, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world.
And it is that this island, located south of the Korean peninsula, has a climate between subtropical and temperate and shows its wonderful exotic landscapes with the naked eye. In this way, it has become an exclusive nature and ecotherapy destination for visitors.
Jeju Island is the most beloved and largest tourist destination in South Korea. It is located about 90 km south of the extreme southwest of the Korean peninsula, which allows you to appreciate a unique natural landscape, very different from that of the continental territory.
The charm of the island is largely due to its nature such as the sea of crystal clear and emerald waters; Mount Hallasan with its extraordinary landscape; the Oreum (parasitic cone that emerged during volcanic eruptions); the strange rocks created by the wind and the waves; and the mandarin orchards. This environmental jewel has seduced many foreigners, mainly Chinese and Japanese, and has become one of the most beloved holiday destinations among foreign tourists.
Jeju Island was created by volcanic activity and has a diverse topography and unique enough to call it a “giant volcanic museum.” There are 368 large and small oreums (parasitic cone). Likewise, about 160 volcanic caves are scattered throughout the island.
Recognizing these geographical characteristics, Jeju Island was designated as a biosphere reserve in 2002. Five years later, it was registered as a Natural Heritage of Humanity and was declared a World Geopark. While in November 2011 it was declared as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world.
Mount Hallasan is one of the most representative tourist destinations on the island since it not only houses the highest mountain in Korea, but also calms the mind and body connecting tourists with nature.
Likewise, a variety of volcanic topography is preserved in the place, including Baengnokdam, a volcanic crater at the top of the mountain, steep rock walls such as Yeongsilgiam and about 40 oreums. The entire mountain is composed of a volcanic rock, mainly basalt. Likewise, Mount Hallasan has a unique biodiversity and ecosystem. Depending on the altitude, several plants are distributed, from temperate flora in the lowlands to the alpine in the highlands.
Another natural tourist attraction is the Ilchulbong Peak of Mount Seongsan located on the east side of the island. It is a volcanic vent 182 m high and was designated as a natural monument in 2000. At the top of the peak, you can enjoy the view of the wide crater and the spectacular sea. In the container-shaped crater, approximately 200 species of flora and fauna live, including the Eulalia grass. The colorful sunrise from the top is famous, so the Mount Seongsan Sunrise Festival is celebrated every year on December 31.
An island floats in the southern sea of Ilchulbong Peak on Mount Seongsan. There is another volcanic island “Udo”, also known as the small island of Jeju. There are countless natural landscapes that allow you to feel nature with the five senses. The Seobinbaeksa Temple presents dazzling beauty with its white gravel beach. Also the sea caves near rock walls and the coastal road of Udo – famous for scooter tours – provide opportunities to connect with nature.
Volcanic caves are one of the most important natural tourist places on Jeju Island, which have nothing to do with land landscapes. There are more than 160 volcanic caves formed under the lava surface on the island. Many tourists visit Manjanggul, Gimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul to appreciate the mystical nature. In particular, the Yongcheon cave, with a gigantic size of 2.5 km, has the characteristics of both karst and volcanic cave, so it is recognized as unprecedented internationally. However, unfortunately, the visit to the Yongcheon volcanic cave is prohibited for the public in order to avoid damage.
Gotjawal, nicknamed the “fantasy forest,” is a unique and rough topography that was formed when the lava that emerged from a volcanic eruption was divided into large and small rocks. The coexistence between the tropical flora of the northern limit and the glacial of the southern limit is observed, a very rare phenomenon, even internationally. It is called the lung of the island because of its dense virgin forest and well-preserved ecosystem.
In turn, another of the much chosen places on the island of Jeju, is the Jeju Olle, a series of trails that presents the virgin nature and cultural heritage of the island. In total, 26 trail routes, covering a distance of 425 km, are available. The trails are chosen according to the physical strength and taste of the walkers. However, it is recommended to travel only one route a day. On the Olle road, there are several beaches, volcanic cones, waterfalls, farms and salt flats. Also some seets are accessible for people with reduced mobility.