VISIT JEJU

The Jeju Rail Bike presents an unusual experience of weaving through the grassy plains that stretch below Yongnuni Oreum. The peaceful and pastoral scenery continues like a panorama as you slowly glide across the open grassland. On a sunny day, you may be lucky enough to spot cows gathered in the middle of the meadow idly feeding on grass. No need to fret if you were unable to meet the cows. The expansive view all around the meadow will clear your heart and make you feel refreshed. As you meander along the rail, you will be able to spot Yongnuni Oreum and Darangshi Oreum which will seem so close, that they may be grasped by the hand. The two oreums are actually not too far from the plains, so you can briefly stop by after enjoying the rail bike.

The Seongsan · Ojo Trekking Course, which takes approximately two hours with an average walking pace, is best experienced with ample time to thoroughly observe and enjoy its surroundings. Facing the Ilchulbong from the parking lot, the course begins on the right hand side and comes to an end on the left side and, if you start at the left hand side, the course finishes on the opposite side. If you follow the direction of the original course beginning in the town of Seongsan-ri, situated on the Seongsan peninsula, you will first encounter the ultimate fortification that Japan rolled into during World War II, the Jinji Cave. Then, you will discover the 20 different species of migratory birds in the wetlands of Seongsanpo Port. You can also spot ‘jokjimeul’, the piles of small rocks placed to hold the fresh spring water spurting from the ground, tumulus, a vestige of volcanic activity, and a monument inscribed with the poem of Sangjin Lee which sings about the solitude of the sea and island.

When the sun rises from across the Ilchulbong, sunlight reaches the tranquil town of Ojo-ri, where you can quietly enjoy the romantic atmosphere. Known as the habitat of the hibiscus hamabo, the Oreum Siksanbong casts a shadow on the wide open surface of inland waters which seems to emanate a peaceful and mysterious energy in the area. The trekking course which tantalizes you with the occasional glimpse of the Seongsan Ilchulbong gushes marine culture like a fresh rainbow.

The lava cave is the best representation of the characteristics of the volcanic island of Jeju. A cave formed where the lava used to flow, you can see the wonders of the birth of Jeju in a warm temperature even in February. The entire length of Manjanggul reaches 7.4km, and the section open to visitors is about 1km long. The widest passageway is 18m, and the maximum height is 23m. When you enter the underground area at the bottom of some stairs, the cave is a continuation of unrealistic scenery. Although tens of thousands of years have passed, the traces of lava that once flowed through the cave still exist with no change. There are ledge-shaped marks that the lava made when it scraped past the wall of the cave, rocks that were swept away with the lava when it came to a stop, as well as the traces of the wave of lava that appeared near the rocks. The lava droplets that fell from the ceiling remain mysteriously intact in the lava stalactite and lava columns.

Located in Pyoseon-myeon Seogwipo-si, the Jeju Folk village is a lively reconstruction of Jeju’s ancient culture and history tracking back to the 1890’s, and is said to be most Jeju-like place in Jeju. You can have a look at Jeju’s mountain village, middle class village, fishing village, shamanistic village, and Jeju’s government office. In particular, the 100 traditional houses are filled with things such as pillars and rocks that have been recovered and perfectly reconstructed from the actual ancient homes of Jeju’s residents. Various folklore experience centers are available for the entertainment of men, women, young and old, including experience centers where visitors can try out folkcraft, arrowsthrowing game(tuho), mock punishment at the government office, and folklore play apparatus.

Embellished with the theme of Jeju’s Samda, Maze Land is a fun-filled maze park. Its vast open space is filled with mazes including one made with piled basalt, a second maze made from the imagery of a storm with the arborvitae, and a third maze made from the imagery of a female diver with the camellia and leylandii tree. With a length of 2.3km, the Seokcheok maze was made to look like a dolharubang from an aerial view. These mazes are difficult to get through, as shown in an episode of SBS entertainment program, ‘Runningman’, in which the cast members experienced difficulties in the maze. The exits of the wind maze, and woman maze are also difficult to navigate. In particular, walking through the baby camellia trees in the endless maze will rouse up the childish innocence that you had long forgotten about.