VISIT JEJU

When people think of a summer vacation on Jeju Island, generally their first image is of its beaches and ocean views. But if you look a little more closely, you’ll find that there are some marvellous, secluded spots in the island’s forests and valleys. Take just a few steps into these places and you’ll find the coolness of the natural setting wash over you. And best of all, it’s not just the cool temperatures but the magnificent scenery which can inspire and energize you and your vacation. A great example is Donnaeko Valley, its forest, and the ice-cold 5-meter-tall Wonang Waterfall which flows down from Hallasan Mountain.

Since ancient times this area has been famous for its wild boar population. It even gets its name from this in the Jeju language — dotdeureu — meaning pig in a field. Don’t worry, though, as no wild boars have been seen since the 1920s, so it is safe to enjoy walking in the forest and swimming here. Of all the great locations within the Donnaeko area, Wonang Waterfall is the most popular (and crowded) spot. As you approach the falls along the promenade, a spectacular emerald deluge of water comes into view. Be forewarned that this water feature is so enticing that you’ll have a hard time not at least dipping your toes in the pond’s icy goodness. So be sure to bring some extra towels, especially if you have kids and they inevitably insist on a swim.

Walking along the black sandy beach at Samyang, you can see why it was once a place famous as a clean source of water for local residents. Long before the concept of bottled water, Samyang Springs were where drinking water was secured. And with that in mind, now with the extra hot summer nights, the fact that even today you can find a refreshing, cool and natural source of water adds to its charm. Some years ago the water source near Samyang Community Center was contained and used for drinking water and a bathing area for residents. Just 40 to 50 meters away is an open-air bath called keunmul — or “big water” with separate changing areas for men and women and a public washroom between the two.

One of the special features of Samyang Springs is that you can clearly identify the high and low tides here and plan your day of swimming or sunning accordingly. It’s undoubtedly a popular beach and due to word of mouth many visitors come here in the busy summer season — so much so that locals are having some difficulties regarding excessive noise and litter. So, if you plan to spend a pleasant day at the beach, please keep the rules of proper etiquette in mind. That way, everyone can benefit from this lovely, natural summer setting.

The mountainous, uninhabited areas of Jeju Island are famous for their plant and animal wildlife. Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest, in the southernmost part of Korea, is blessed with natural tree growth and mountain topography (700m above sea level, 10 degrees cooler than in Seogwipo City) that is perfect for people to really enjoy and benefit from their time hiking or camping in the forest. When you enter, you are wrapped in a deep, verdant embrace. It’s perfectly fine to take off your shoes and walk barefoot along the path. The cool, fragrant breeze will feel good on your skin and help your mind and body to refresh itself. There are many camping facilities, but all are designed to be environmentally friendly. In addition, there is an outdoor pond where you can take a dip and since there are reasonable entrance fees this makes it all the more attractive for families looking for healthy, fun outdoor activities. Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest opened in 1995 and is managed by Seogwipo City Hall. There is plenty of parking available as well. So why not spend an authentic day outdoors with friends and family, and enjoy everything about the beauty of the island’s natural treasures.

Down at the southern edge of Korean territory, Jeju Island very rarely experiences problems with heavy snow and ice — maybe just once a year. It’s so rare that there’s a Jeju museum dedicated to ice-related activities like ice slides and sculptures, in addition to its trick art and chocolate making experience programs. Located near Jeju International Airport, it’s a great place to go on your first or your last day on the island. In summer, its ice slices and sculptures make for a very cool way to spend a few hours at Jeju’s only ice-themed tourist attraction. To keep the ice slides and exhibits (like its 6-meter-tall ice snowman) in good repair, the exhibition area is cooled to minus 5 celsius. So why not put this “ice kingdom” on your travel list.

Managed by Jeju City Hall since 1995, Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest offers up to 1,000 people at a time the chance to stay in its cedar, pine and mountain mulberry forest. Located at a volcanic cone 650 meters above sea level, the forest has a number of trails from which you can clearly observe Jeju City and Hallasan Mountain. Facilities include an observation deck, hiking trails, a promenade, campsite, fitness equipment, a children's playground, and more. There are 8 sections totalling 27.3 kilometers of forest trails which you can cover in an hour to three and a half hours. In addition to the walking trails, there is plenty of space for visitors to simply relax and take in the healing sights, sounds and scents of the forest. So why not keep Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest in mind for a cool, healthy outing this summer?