Blending the raw poetry of nature with the warm pulse of human life, Jeju Island shines in its dual charm. These special charms of Jeju Island, in perfect harmony, stir the hearts of travelers. The Sungkyun Times (SKT) aims to capture the one-of-a-kind stories of Jeju Island, along with its hidden gems.
The Island of Stones, Wind, and People
-From Lava to Leisure
Jeju Island, the biggest island in South Korea, is located off the southwest coast of the Korean Peninsula and was created by intense volcanic activity that began about 1.8 million years ago. Halla Mountain, the most well-known landmark of Jeju Island, was also shaped by a volcanic eruption around 20,000 years ago and has become a majestic, towering form that defines Jeju Island’s landscape today. Having been formed in this way, Jeju Island has been called Samdado — a name meaning the island of three abundances: rocks, wind, and women. These reflect Jeju Island’s unique traits: its rocky volcanic terrain, strong year-round winds, and a history where men were often lost at sea. Today, Jeju Island holds the prestigious title of a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Natural Heritage Site in recognition of its breathtaking natural environment. Surrounded by the sea, its shimmering emerald-blue waters endlessly draw in visitors. Attracting more than 10 million tourists annually, Jeju Island has firmly established itself as Korea’s signature vacation spot.
-How to Visit
To reach Jeju Island from the mainland, travelers have only two options. The first option is traveling by plane, which is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Jeju Island. In Seoul City, flights to Jeju Island are only available from Gimpo Airport, and it takes about an hour. The second option, taking a ferry, offers a budget-friendly journey surrounded by the gentle waves of the deep blue sea. There are nine ports that have ferry routes to Jeju Island, including Mokpo Port and Jindo Port. The closest port to Seoul City is Incheon Port, and although the ferry takes about 14 hours, it has the great advantage of allowing vehicles to be brought to Jeju Island. Whether by air or sea, each journey has its allure, and both routes will lead straight to the emerald-blue sea of Jeju Island.
Flowing in the Heart of Nature
-Into the Rhythm of the Waves
When thinking of Jeju Island, the first image that comes to mind is the blue ocean beneath a clear sky. The best place to fully embrace Jeju Island’s blue ocean is along Olle Trail Route 15, which includes the Handam Coastal Walk stretching gracefully along the shoreline. Walking along the trail eventually leads to Gwakji Beach — a peaceful spot with shallow waters surrounded by stone walls, perfect for dipping one’s feet or leisurely searching for seashells. Even without stepping into the water, simply sitting on the soft sand or a bench while soaking up the warm sunlight with the sound of the waves can make all worries melt away. After fully enjoying the untouched beauty of the sea at Gwakji Beach, a scenic one-hour bus ride along the coast eventually leads to the next stop, the Dodu Rainbow Coastal Road. Upon reaching the coastal road, the vivid rainbow-colored seawall and endless horizon unfold like a masterpiece, as if they have jumped out of a painting.
Taking photos on the rainbow seawall, photo albums will soon fill with snapshots of Jeju Island’s coastal beauty. To experience Jeju Island’s ocean beyond the ordinary, take this route and infuse the journey with colors, scents, and the spirit of the ocean.
-Relaxation in Nature’s Embrace
When it comes to nature, arboretums are the essential stops — but among them, Halla Arboretum stands out as the place where Jeju Island’s natural beauty can be felt with every sense for free. With lush trees leading Kingos into a refreshing world of greenery, the arboretum unfolds with countless paths and hidden gems, leading to the Bamboo Garden, which is a highlight not to miss. Following the maps along the paths eventually opens the way to the Bamboo Garden, where visitors are greeted by a breathtaking scene of bamboo rising skyward like nature’s ladders to the clouds. After getting lost in the scent of bamboo and walking for a long while, the pace naturally slows as a gentle ache sets into the legs. Just then, the perfect next stop awaits — the Arboretum Night Market, open daily from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. Just a short walk from the arboretum’s entrance, the night market comes alive with twinkling lights, towering pine trees, and rows of charming booths with plenty of tables offering a perfect place to rest. Among countless booths and food trucks, the ones that deserve the most attention are the small independent shops. These shops are filled with handmade goods inspired by the trademarks of Jeju Island — from tangerines and camellias to the sea — offering delights to both the eyes and the heart. The arboretum, where refreshing nature meets Jeju Island’s romantic nightscape, is truly a destination that cannot be missed for experiencing the island to the fullest.
Streets That Whisper Jeju Island’s Stories
-A Journey from Canvas to Code
After refreshing the eyes and soul through breathtaking nature, now it is time to begin a journey into another side of Jeju Island, where human creativity and unique culture take center stage. The first man-made masterpiece to explore is the Waljong Art Museum in Seogwipo City, where the artist Waljong captures the essence of Jeju Island through bold colors and rugged painting styles that convey a sense of balance and comfort. While exploring the gallery, visitors may find themselves drawn into another side of Jeju Island, delicately expressed on canvas. From the serenity of art, it takes about an hour and a half by bus to reach the vibrant, pulsating world of code. There, the Nexon Computer Museum, built by the Korean game company Nexon, is filled with interactive experiences rather than static exhibits. Going up to the second floor, the museum’s highlight, sparkling game screens and nostalgic background music pull visitors into the world of gaming from the entrance.
From beloved classics to next-generation games fused with new technology, players will be immersed in the games completely as time flies by unnoticed. This journey is perfect for those who wish to experience Jeju Island beyond its natural beauty and dive into its cultural and technological heartbeat.
-A Single Bite, a Mouthful of Healing
Jeju Island is a paradise where every corner tempts with delicious flavors, and the area around Jeju City Hall is at the heart of it all. Here, colorful lights and mouthwatering scents fill the air, guiding visitors to hidden gems like Osina Guksu, a beloved spot known for its hearty bowls of pork noodle soup made with Jeju Island’s signature black pork. The smell of the steaming soup and the sight of the thick slices of pork make the mouth water, while the delicate flavor of the pork-based broth, combined with Jeju Island’s black pork, creates a rapturous taste beyond imagination. After a hearty meal, a short walk to the center of the City Hall area leads to Bbabbaragi, an up-and-coming café that offers the perfect shaved ice, a sweet ending to any meal. The must-try at Bbabbaragi is yogurt shaved ice, topped with creamy yogurt ice cream, a variety of fresh fruits, and a unique topping found only here — crunchy corn grains that add a delightful sweetness and nuttiness. The harmonious taste and textures found only at this spot will be remembered long after the day ends. To savor the rich and lively flavors of Jeju Island, enjoy every bite along the City Hall streets.
Beneath its serene surface, Jeju Island holds a secret garden of life and color. While traveling across the island, it is inevitable to fall in love with its lush nature and its unique charms shaped by human creativity. Every moment spent in this land of natural beauty and heartfelt warmth will linger as an unforgettable memory. For Kingos in search of their next journey, Jeju Island is always waiting with open arms.