VISIT JEJU

The sunset from Sarabong, which is called ‘Sabong Nakjo,’ is considered by many to be on par with a 'Seongsan Sunrise', which is the sunrise from Seongsan Ilchulbong, on the eastern edge of Jeju Island. If you climb Sarabong, you will get a vivid, unforgettably panoramic view of Jeju Harbor, Jeju International Airport, the city, and to the south, Hallasan Mountain. If you are planning on visiting Sarabong for the sunset, be sure to double check sundown, since the exact time changes with the season.

Sarabong is shaped like a horseshoe when looking down from the sky, and on the ground its pine forest is very dense. It is one of the 368 volcanic cones of Jeju Island, but it is completely different from the others. It looks like a park, so if you walk along its trails, you can often encounter locals exercising in their athletic wear. In some ways, the place feels like a mountain village. There are two recommended courses to walk and explore on Sarabong. The first is the so-called ‘Wondosim City Tour Course,’ which takes you around the Dongmun Market and Sanji Stream. The other is the ‘Oreum in Downtown Tour Course,’ which takes you from Byeoldobong to Sarabong along the Jangsu trail. If you plan to reach the peak of Sarabong at around sunset, then give yourself about an hour to do the walking trail.

Sanji Lighthouse, located at the northern side of Sarabong, has been protecting Jeju marine traffic for more than a hundred years since it first began operation in October 1916. Its current incarnation opened in December 1999 as a white concrete structure measuring some 18 meters in height. The light flashes once every 15 seconds and can be seen up to 48 kilometers away. For local residents, Sanji Lighthouse is a ‘night view’ spot. Its trail is popular with people going on dates or with families out to get some exercise. And of course the scenery of Jeju Harbor after sunset and the Tapdong area of Jeju City to the west is spectacular. As it grows dark, the street lamps and the lights of many fishing boats offshore shine through the dusk like stars.

Kim Man-deok was a wealthy merchant who helped feed hungry islanders during a famine with her own hard-earned money. Her esteemed reputation has been the subject of many plays and TV dramas. The Kim Man-deok Memorial Hall opened in 2015 to honor her life and spirit of community service. The memorial hall consists of three floors, from a Permanent Exhibit Hall on the third floor, to a Sharing Meditation Hall on the second floor and the Sharing Practice Hall on the first floor. All together, you can get a good sense of her achievements here. Please remember that the hall is open until 6 p.m., but the ticket booth closes at 5 p.m.