Located roughly a hundred kilometers off the southwestern coast of South Korea, Jejudo is a volcanic island widely regarded as Korea's Hawaii. A short stay on Jeju Island will take you along its coastline on the Olle trails, discovering charming seaside vistas shaped by turquoise waters, waterfalls, and cliffs sculpted by waves. You'll also encounter the island's imposing volcanoes, including Hallasan, which towers at 1,950 meters altitude.

History

Jejudo, formerly called Cheju, was created approximately 2 million years ago following the eruption of Mount Halla (Hallasan), the highest peak in the country. At its summit, Baengnokdam marks a crater lake measuring 400 meters in diameter. Jejudo was once home to the Kingdom of Tamna, whose name means "the island nation." According to legend, this kingdom was founded by three demigods named Ko, Yang, and Bu, who are said to have emerged from the earth millennia ago. The island's inhabitants are believed to be their descendants. The Kingdom of Tamna forged important commercial ties with neighboring regions while maintaining independence. Toward the end of the fifth century, it grew closer to the Three Kingdoms, becoming successively a vassal state of the Baekje Kingdom in 498, the Silla Kingdom in 660, and the Goryeo Dynasty in 938, which ultimately annexed it in 1105. Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Tamna was renamed Jeju, a name it has retained to this day. Due to its remoteness, Jeju served as an exile destination for criminals and undesirable figures during the Joseon Dynasty era. On April 3, 1943, a popular uprising known as the "Jeju Rebellion" against law enforcement and political leaders resulted in numerous casualties. In their honor, a memorial was erected on the island.

Today

Nicknamed "the Island of Gods," "Korea's Hawaii," or "the honeymoon island," Jejudo ranks among the top travel destinations in South Korea. Its mild climate, lush landscapes, and beaches of fine sand lapped by turquoise waters attract many Korean, Chinese, and Japanese visitors. Nevertheless, this small paradise remains relatively unfamiliar to Western travelers, who often skip the island during their stay in Korea. Yet Jeju offers an impressive variety of activities. Volcanoes, hiking, beaches, museums—there's plenty to keep you entertained!

The Jeju Olle Trails Around the Island

Must-do experiences on Jeju, Jeju Olle-Gil is a network of hiking trails that winds along the island's coastline. Today there are 21 main routes and 5 additional ones spanning nearly 400 kilometers. Depending on which trail you choose, hikes can range from 1 to 8 hours. The trails are well-marked so you won't lose your way, and they present no significant difficulty. The routes have been designed to guide you toward the most stunning landscapes around the island. Steep cliffs, natural waterfalls, turquoise waters, and volcanoes await at every turn.

Mount Halla

A symbol of the island, Mount Halla is the largest volcano on Jeju and the highest mountain in South Korea. Towering at 1,950 meters above sea level, Hallasan is a dormant volcano that can be seen from any town on the island on clear days. Several well-marked hiking trails lead to the crater at its summit, from which you can enjoy a panoramic 360-degree view of the entire island. The hike does feature some challenging sections with steep inclines, so proper hiking boots and a reasonable level of fitness are advised. It's also recommended to start early in the morning since certain routes are subject to time restrictions. Plan for approximately 5 hours of hiking.

Jeju's Quirky Museums

Jeju Island is renowned for its incredible variety of museums of all kinds. On rainy days, visiting one of these museums can be a great way to escape boredom. There's the Teddy Bear Museum, the Chocolate Museum, the Trick Art Museum, the Jeju Folklore Museum, "Ripley's Believe It or Not," the Jeju Love Land park—something for every taste and age.

Meet the Haenyo

The Haenyo are practically part of Jeju's cultural heritage. These are women, mostly in their eighties, who dive apnea-style to depths of up to 10 meters to harvest seafood. During your stay on Jeju, you can meet these remarkable women of character on certain beaches and enjoy their morning catch by tasting delicious fresh seafood.

Climate

Jejudo enjoys a mild, coastal climate. Thanks to warm ocean currents, minimum temperatures remain above freezing even in winter. Summer is warm. The average temperature is 26°C, with highs reaching 33°C. Autumn is also warm and dry. During this season, water temperatures hover around 24°C, as they do in summer, through October. In winter, temperatures moderate. Snowfall occurs in the northern part of the island and in mountainous areas. Spring brings warmth and flowers. Precipitation is fairly frequent on Jeju, so remember to pack rain gear.

By Air:

Jeju has an international airport served by 23 direct flights, including 13 domestic and 10 international routes. Jeju is connected to major South Korean cities including Seoul, Busan, and Daegu.

By Ferry:

There are 6 direct maritime routes leading to Jeju Port. Ferries operate notably from Busan. The advantage of ferry travel is the ability to bring your vehicle. You'll also be able to enjoy views of the beautiful islands off southern Korea's coast and appreciate stunning sunrises or sunsets.

Buses and taxis are the main public transportation options on the island. However, some residents prefer bicycles to cars, particularly outside Jeju's urban areas. You can also rent a motorcycle or scooter with a valid international driver's license.

What to See and Do?

• Plan a hike on Mount Halla and the Olle-Gil trails
• Witness spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the ocean
• Go horseback riding
• Relax on the beach
• Meet the Haenyo diving women
• Explore the island's numerous theme parks and museums