Jeju Island is highly revered on the international stage for its geological, ecological and historical significance. In 2010, the whole of Jeju Island was designated as a UNESCO Global Geopark. A “Geopark” is the term given by UNESCO to an area of high geological importance, in order to preserve and conserve the heritage of the land. Currently, there are 12 main sites on Jeju Island, along with 4 Geo Trails. These trails are intended to give the hiker an opportunity to fully experience the history, culture, mythology and life of the local community and land.
The 12 main sites include Biyang Island, Suwol Peak, Manjang Cave, Udo Island, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, Seonheul Gotjawal (Dongbaek Hill), Halla Mountain, Yongmeori Coast, Jungian Daepo Columnar Joints, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, and Seogwipo Stratum.
The Sanbang Mountain and Yongmeori Coast trail is located on the southwestern tip of the island. It is a highly popular site for being one of the most beautiful trails in all of Korea.
There are 3 different trails you may choose from at this site. Trail A, which lays west of Sanbang Mountain, runs 13.2km long and takes about 3.5 hours to complete. The Abridged Trail A, a shortened form of Trail A, runs 10.5km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. Trail B, which lays east of Sanbang Mountain, runs 10km long and takes about 3 hours to complete.
Trail A begins and ends at the Yongmeori Coast Parking lot, and you will walk through such sites as Fossilized Human Footprints and the Sanbang Mountain Carbonate Hot Springs.
Trail B begins and ends at the Hwasun Golden Sand Beach, and you will walk through such sites as the Hwasun-ri Prehistoric Site and the Hwasun Golden Sand Beach, a popular site of avid water sports fans.
As you are hiking, you may notice various markers along the way. There are blue and pink ribbons hanging on rocks and trees, as well as wooden sign boards that will guide you on your hike so you do not lose your way.
The trail also includes restrooms and rest areas where you can buy food and drinks. There are also a number of stores on the way to purchase memorabilia or souvenirs. However, the stores may be few and far between, so make sure to bring your own water to stay hydrated! The Jeju sun can be quite strong, so it is also a good idea to wear sun protection.
You will also have fun opportunities to experience the local culture, such as the Haenyo Suit Photo Zone, where you can put on a real Haenyo wetsuit for photographing opportunities.
For more information, contact +82-64-740-6074, or visit the website: www.jejugeopark.com
The Seongsan & Ojo trail is located on the eastern tip of the Seongsan peninsula. It is said that as the sun rises first over Seongsan Sunrise Peak, the town of Ojo-ri is the first to receive the sun’s rays.
Admissions for the Geo Trail costs KRW2,000 per adult (up to the age of 64), and KRW1,600 per adult if a part of a group of 10 people or more.
Children and youth aged 7 to 24 are charged KRW1,000, or a group rate of KRW800 per youth. The entire distance of the trail is 7.1km, and takes about 3 hours to complete. There is also an additional hike that you may add to your trip, which will lead you to SeongSan Ilchulbong Peak. This will add an additional 1.2km and 30-40 minutes to your hike.
The entire trek is in the shape of a circle, and it begins and ends at the Ojori Parking Lot. It is about an hour car ride away from the Jeju International Airport.
As you are hiking, you may notice various markers along the way. There are blue and pink ribbons hanging on rocks and trees, as well as wooden sign boards that will guide you on your hike so you do not lose your way.
On the hike, you will come across some major points of interest, such as the Habitat for Migratory Birds Commentary Point, where all migratory birds that come across Jeju stop by, and the Siksanbong, which includes the Siksanbong Peak, named one of the top 10 best Seongsan scenery sites.
The trail also includes restrooms and rest areas where you can buy food and drinks. There are also a number of stores on the way to purchase memorabilia or souvenirs. However, the stores may be few and far between, so make sure to bring your own water to stay hydrated! The Jeju sun can be quite strong, so it is also a good idea to wear sun protection.
For more information, contact +82-64-740-6074, or visit the website: www.jejugeopark.com
The Gimnyeong & Woljeong trail is located about 50 minutes east of the Jeju International Airport, along the north easter coast of the island. The towns in the area were built on lava caves, and local villagers had to learn how to till the rocky soil to grow crop. The hike will take you through these villages, and you will experience how the live off the land, as well as get to know some of their folklore.
The distance of the entire trail is 14.6km, and takes about 5 hours to complete. You may also opt for a shorter hike of 4.7km, which will take about 1.5 hours to complete.
The trail begins and ends at the Gimnyeong Social Center, located at 1223-5 Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju.
As you are hiking, you may notice various markers along the way. There are blue and pink ribbons hanging on rocks and trees, as well as wooden sign boards that will guide you on your hike so you do not lose your way.
On the hike, you will come across some major points of interest, such as the Dodaebul, which is a stone lighthouse used for fisherman out on the sea. It was the job of the entire fishing community to light the fire and put it out. The fisherman out to sea would light it up, and the last to come in would put it out. When electricity was connected to the town in 1972, the stone lighthouse no longer was used.
You will also experience the Geut Spring Water and the Geut Spring Cave. Legend has it that the water from this spring has the power to bring health, healing and life back to a dying person’s body. Locals claim that the spring was discovered by a person who heard the water flowing unde ground and dug until they came across the spring.
The trail also includes restrooms and lounge areas where you can buy simple drinks and snacks. You will also come across local restaurants and shops, but make sure to bring your own water to stay hydrated! The Jeju sun can also be quite strong, so make sure to wear sun protection.
For more information, contact +82-64-740-6074, or visit the website: www.jejugeopark.com
The Suwol Peak trail is located on the westernmost tip of Jeju island. Suwol Peak located in Gosan-ri is a small oreum, or volcanic hill, about 77 meters in height.
There are 3 different trails you may choose from at this site.
Trail A will take you straight south on the coastline, passing through the summit of Suwol Peak, and finally arriving at Haenyo’s House. It runs 4.6km long, and it will take you about 2 hours to complete. You will see such sites as the Military Camps in Vertical Shaft Caves and Black Sand Beach.
Trail B takes you through Dangsan Peak, and circles you back around to the Chagwido ticketing office. Trail B runs 3km long, and it will take about 1.5 hours to complete. On this trail, you will learn about the history of Dangsan Peak and its geological features.
Trail C circles around Chagwi Island, which lays further west off the coast of Jeju Island. You will first travel by boat to the island, then hike around Chagwi Island, viewing the unique fauna and geology of the island. This course runs 4km long, and takes about 1.5 hours to complete.
The trail also includes restrooms and rest areas where you can buy food and drinks. There are also a number of stores on the way to purchase memorabilia or souvenirs. However, the stores may be few and far between, so make sure to bring your own water to stay hydrated! The Jeju sun can be quite strong, so it is also a good idea to wear sun protection.
For more information, contact +82-64-740-6074, or visit the website: www.jejugeopark.com
Beloved cultural dishes from any nation come with a deep history, a rich cultural heritage and love by its people. Here are some popular Jeju dishes compared to some Singaporean favorites.
Laksa vs Meat Noodles (고기국수)
Both Laksa and Jeju’s Meat Noodles are noodles served in a hot broth, but the similarities end there. While Laksa is traditionally served with a broth made from coconut milk or sour asam, meat noodles are served in a thick and hearty pork broth. Laksa typically comes with chicken, prawn or fish, but the traditional jeju meat noodle dish is made from pork, served with thick slices of pork in a pork broth. Laksa is oftentimes made spicy, but the spiciness of meat noodles will vary by restaurant. Some restaurants put spices in the broth as it stews, and others add a red hot sauce to the dish, which you can request to withhold, if you are not a fan of spicy foods.
Bak Kut Teh vs Haejangguk (해장국)
Bak kut teh and haejangguk may taste vastly different, but the concept is the same: a thick and hearty meat stew seasoned with a variety of other spices and ingredients. Korean haejangguk is sometimes called “hangover stew”, as it is traditionally consumed after a long night of drinking, or eaten for breakfast while you are getting over a hangover. There are various types of haejangguk, but one of the most common types is a thick and hearty beef broth with cabbage, vegetables, meat and usually sliced congealed ox blood, or pork blood sausage.
Char Kway Teow vs Bibim cold Noodles (비빔국수)
While char kway teow, an immensely popular dish in Singapore, is stir-fried and mixed with various types of seafood or meat and vegetables, you can experience a different type of mixed noodle dish in Jeju. Bibim cold noodles is a cold dish made with noodles mixed in a sweet and spicy red bean paste sauce. It is a very popular dish in Korea and Jeju, especially in the hot summer months.
Even after the sun goes down, Jeju stays alive and bustling. Experience everything Jeju has to offer deep into the night.
Seogwipo’s daily Olle Market is the largest traditional market in Seogwipo and features agricultural products, seafood, and household items. Originally, formed in the early 1960’s and expanded in 2001, the Olle Market now runs over 620 meters long and features agricultural products, seafood, and household items. The market hosts approximately 200 shops, 140 street vendors, and also offers free delivery service. It even has an outdoor stage for various cultural experiences. Located at 22 Jungjeong-ro, 73 Bungil, Seogwipo, Jeju, the Olle Market is open year round, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Credit cards are accepted and pets are allowed. Restrooms are located on the premises. For further information, dial 82-64-762-2925.
JEJU Duty Free
If you are not traveling domestically within Korea, and your next flight destination is outside of Korea, all of your duty free needs can be met by visiting Lotte Duty Free, located in Seogwipo at Lotte Hotel Jeju (Jungmun Gwangwang-ro 72-beongil, 35, Seogwipo, Jeju). Situated on the 6th floor of Lotte Hotel Jeju, it offers all the high-end brands that you have come to expect from a luxury duty free shop, as well as world-famous Korean brands. They are open every day from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. For more information, call 064-766-9000, or visit their website at http://www.lottehotel.com/jeju/en/facility/shopping.asp?type=SH (website available in Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese).
Open to foreign visitors only, some of Jeju’s finest hotels offer their guests a chance to win big at their casinos.
Jeju KAL
The MegaLuck Casino is located at the Jeju KAL Hotel at Jungang-Ro 151, Jeju-si, Jeju, only 15 minutes away from the airport. Featuring 28 table games and 24 gaming machines, the MegaLuck Casino is open 24 hours a day. For guests staying at the hotel, the Jeju KAL Hotel also offers the following amenities; a business center, a fitness center, and karaoke. For further information, dial 82-64-720-9999.
Jeju Oriental
The Jeju Oriental is located at 47, Tapdong-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju, just 15 minutes from the airport and close to the beach. Guests have access to various casino games such as Black Jack, Roulette, Tai-sai, and Baccarat. For further information, dial 82-64-754-8867, or visit www.oriental.co.kr (The website offers information in Korean, English, and Japanese.)
Sun Hotel & Casino
The Sun Hotel & Casino is located at 67 Sammu-ro, Yeondong, Jeju-si, Jeju. Hours of operation are 2 p.m. - 5 a.m. on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends. Guests have 24-hour access to the casino and can try their luck at Roulette, Black Jack, Baccarat, and slot machines. For further information, dial 82-64-741-8000.
Paradise
The Paradise Grand Casino is located in the Jeju Grand Hotel, approximately 10 minutes from the airport, at 80, Noyeon-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju. Guests of the Paradise Grand Casino have 24 hour access to table games such as Black Jack, Baccarat, Tai-sai, Big Wheel, and slot machines. For further information, dial 82-64-743-2121, or visit www.paradisecasino.co.kr (The website offers information in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.)
Casinos at Hotels in Seogwipo
The Hyatt
The Hyatt is located at 114, Jungmungwangwang-ro 72 Bungil, Seogwipo, Jeju, and offers various amenities such as a pool, a spa, a fitness center, and a children’s playground. The casino’s hours of operation are Mon-Thu (2 p.m. - 6 a.m.) and Fri-Sun (24 hours). Only overseas guests with valid, foreign passports are permitted to access the casino. Once admitted, guests may try their luck at Baccarat, Blackjack, Roulette, Tai-sai, and slot machines. For further information, dial 82-64-735-8753.
*Please note that The Hyatt casino will relocate to Jeju Shinhwa World (Shinhwayeoksa-ro 304-beongil, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo) in November 2017.
Jeju Shilla
Lotte Hotel & Casino
The Lotte Hotel & Casino is located at 35 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72 Bungil, Seogwipo, Jeju. Guests have 24-hour access to the casino and can try their luck at Roulette, Black Jack, Baccarat, and slot machines. For further information, dial 64-731-1000.
Make sure to check out some of these amazing evening sights around Jeju!
Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium (별빛누리공원)
The Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium was established in 2009 as a theme park for advancing research & studies in astronomy. Today, it has become a public center for astronomy education. Located at San 34, Odeung-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju, its main observatory features a 600mm Cassegrain’s Reflecting Telescope and also houses a 4D theater, a planetarium, and a 2-story exhibition hall that showcases a journey into outer space. The duration of the entire experience will be about 90 minutes. The Jeju Starlight World Park and Planetarium is generally closed on Mondays, and sometimes on Tuesdays, if the preceding Monday happens to fall on a public holiday. Hours of operation between March and October are 3 p.m.- 11 p.m., while the hours of operation between November and February are 2 p.m. - 10 p.m. The last admission each day is 1 hour prior to closing. Free parking is available and the admission rates are as follows:
Adults: 19-64 years old, 5,000 won per individual; group rate (10+) 40% off (3,000 won)
Youth: 13-18 years old, 3,500 won per individual; group rate (10+) 40% off (2,100 won)
Children: 7-12 years old, 2,000 won per individual; group rate (10+) 40% off (1,200 won)
For reservation information for foreigners, dial 82-64-728-8900, or visit star.jejusi.go.kr (The website only offers information in Korean.)
Rose Light Festival (장밋빛축제)
The Rose Light Festival incorporates the beauty of nature along with LED technology in order to create some magnificent and enchanting evening displays. Located at Pyounghwa-ro 2346, Aewol-eup, Jeju, the Rose Light Festival runs approximately 1 hour in duration. Various amenities can be found on the premises, including a coffee shop, a restaurant, a snack shop, and a souvenir shop. The hours of operation are as follows: from December-March, 5 p.m. - 11 p.m, and from April-November, 11 a.m. - 12 a.m. For further information, dial 064-799-6996, or visit www.rosestar.kr (The website only offers information in Korean.)
Sunwoon Temple (선운정사)
Forest Fantasia (포레스트판타지아)
The Forest Fantasia exhibit skillfully combines virtual reality space and holographic multimedia to create dazzling works of illuminated art. It is located at Duksu-ri San 27, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju. For further information, dial 1899-0536, or visit forestfantasia.com (The website offers information in Korean.)
Perfect picturesque photo opportunities for you to commemorate your Jeju vacation.
Green Barley Fields of Ora-dong (오라동 청보리밭)
Jeolmul Forest Park (절물휴양림)
Ticketing is open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m, and admission is available even after ticketing hours. The rates are as follows:
• Adults - 1,000 won/800 won
• Youth - 600 won/500 won
• Children (7-12 years old) - 300 won/200 won
• Group (20+)
Parking is available at the following rates:
• subcompact vehicles (less than 1000 cc) - 1,000 won
• small and mid-size vehicles - 2,000 won
• large vehicles - 3,000 won
When renting cabins, be mindful that peak season runs from July through August. Weekends and holidays are also highly sought after throughout the year.
For further information, dial 82-64-728-1510, or visit jeolmul.jejusi.go.kr (The website offers information in Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese.)