Known for its pop culture, South Korea is a travel destination at the top of many people's bucket lists. Whether you enjoy eating delicious food, looking at scenic spots, or experiencing a rich culture/history, South Korea offers numerous attractions and destinations to meet your travel demands. Being situated on a peninsula, South Korea is the perfect travel destination during the summer. If you're looking for where to go in South Korea this summer or any time in the future, you must visit Jeju Island! If you don't know where to go in Jeju, here are some of the best tourist attractions in Jeju!
Jeju Island
Without a doubt, Jeju Island tops any South Korea's travel destination lists. If you ask any Korean where they would like to travel to, chances are they will mention Jeju Island. Described as the "Hawaii of Korea", Jeju Island's beautiful sandy beaches, grand mountains and volcanoes, and clear blue sea make it a must visit spot for any traveler.
Photo Credit: Jieun Lim
Jeju Haenyeo Museum
If you are interested in cultural experiences, visit Jeju Haenyeo Museum and learn about Jeju's unique haenyeo culture (which literally translates to sea woman). Haenyeos are female divers who harvest a variety of sea creatures found in the waters near Jeju. Historically, their harvests are the livelihoods of many families in Jeju. Because of this, Haenyeo is a symbol of Jeju's unique semi-matriarchal family structure. In 2016, the culture of haenyeos is inscribed in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List, and in 2017, the culture is designated as a South Korean Intangible Cultural Property.
Note: Unfortunately due to the declining industry, haenyeos are in danger of extinction. As of late, almost every haenyeos are middle-aged women or older.
O'Sulloc Tea Museum
If you prefer a more historical experience, check out the O'Sulloc Tea Museum. As the flagship location, the O'Sulloc Tea Museum has two highlights that visitors love: the Green Tea Field and the Tea Store. Get your Instagram ready because the Green Tea Field acts a a beautiful background for many people's photos. If taking pictures is not your thing, the Tea Store will surely make your visit worth it. Try out their delicious drinks and desserts. Their signature green tea ice cream is a must try!
Jusangjeolli Cliff
If you want to check out Jeju's natural scenic spots, try the Jusangjeolli Cliff. The Jusangjeolli Cliff is a beautiful natural cliff along the coastline with rock pillars decorating it. Designated as a Natural Monument, the cliff is formed when lava from the island's Halla Mountain erupted into the sea. Being about 20m (65ft) tall, the cliff is a popular spot to view high tides. The Jusangjeolli Cliff is easily accessible by foot, being only walking distance from the nearby International Convention Center.
Jungmun Saekdal Beach
You can't miss out on hitting the beach during the summer, especially when you're in Jeju. Jeju has numerous of sandy beaches for visitors to choose from, depending on their preferences. If you can't decide on which beach to go to, give Jungmun Saekdal Beach a visit. It's a beautiful arch-shaped beach with four different colors of sand (white, black, red, and a special gray called jinmosal). On the right side of the beach is a 15m (49ft) tall cave that you can explore. Enjoy one of the many activities the beach has to offer such as parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, and rafting. There is even a yacht tour! If you enjoy surfing, the beach is home to first surfing club in South Korea and venue for the Annual Jeju Surfing Competition.
Jungmun Resort
Once you are done having fun at the beach, visit Jungmun Resort right next to the beach. It's the largest resort in South Korea and is located in the Jungmun Tourism Complex, one of the main tourist attractions of South Korea. Surrounded by nature, the resort offers a unique experience. Designated as an International Tour Site, the resort has attractions such as the Jungmun Golf Club, Yeomiji Botanic Garden, Teddy Bear Museum, and Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls. As its name states, the Teddy Bear Museum is a museum full of collections of teddy bears. The museum has collections of teddy bears from around the world. Its exhibition halls are designed with different themes, such as historical Korea and historical artworks parodies.
Photo Credits: Teddy Bear Museum
Jeju Horse Park
If you like horseback riding or has always wanted to try riding a horse, you're in luck. Horse riding has been a part of the 600-year nomadic culture of the Gasi-ri Village. The village is known for raising the highest quality horses as tributes to Joseon kings. If you want to experience the nomadic culture, visit the Jeju Horse Park located near the Seongeup Folk Village. As of today, Jeju Horse Park provides a venue to promote Jeju’s horse culture in a convenient and enjoyable manner. The park includes the Jeju Horse Museum, a horseback riding course, a camping site, an art shop (with art from the village community), and a cafe.
Photo Credits: Jeju Horse Park (LEFT) and Jeju Horse Museum (RIGHT) by Korea Tourism Organization
Hueree Natural Park
