Overview
Formed by volcanic eruptions off the southern coast, Jeju is a green island of lava fields, craters and a mild climate, crowned by the dormant volcano of Hallasan at its centre. Long a place apart with its own dialect and traditions, including the haenyeo women who free-dive for shellfish, it is now Korea’s leading beach and honeymoon destination. Its coast, mountains and lava caves earned it World Heritage status, and it is reached by a short flight from Seoul or Busan.
Highlights
Hallasan, the volcano at the island’s heart, offers day hikes to its crater lake, and the tuff cone of Seongsan Ilchulbong rises from the sea for a famous sunrise. Waterfalls, black-sand and white-sand beaches, and the lava-tube caves ring the coast, and the haenyeo still dive off the shore. Coastal drives, gardens and the island’s fresh seafood and black pork fill an easy holiday.