Jeju Island
Jeju Island is South Korea's premier domestic holiday destination, known for its volcanic landscapes, beautiful beaches, tangerine orchards, and unique culture. It's often called the "Hawaii of Korea."
History
Jeju was formed by volcanic eruptions over 2 million years ago. It had a distinct culture from mainland Korea, including the haenyeo (female free divers) tradition and a matriarchal family structure. Jeju was a separate kingdom (Tamna) until the 10th century. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its volcanic features.
Famous for
How to reach
By air: Jeju International Airport (CJU). By ferry: from Busan, Incheon, Mokpo, and Wando. By sea: multiple daily ferries from mainland ports.
Nearby attractions
Emergency contacts
About
Jeju is a volcanic wonderland. Hallasan, a dormant shield volcano, dominates the island and offers rewarding hikes to the crater lake at its summit. Seongsan Ilchulbong is a massive volcanic tuff cone rising from the sea, offering spectacular sunrise views.
The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of walking paths that circle the island, passing through coastal cliffs, forests, and villages. The haenyeo (female divers) harvest seafood without oxygen tanks, a tradition dating back centuries and recently designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Jeju's cuisine features abundant seafood, black pork (BBQ and stir-fried), and hallabong (a sweet tangerine variety). The island is also famous for its museums, including the quirky Loveland sculpture park. South Korea requires no visa for most nationalities, and the island is popular for honeymooners and families.