JEJU island
Some call Jeju Island the crown jewel of South Korea. Others have dubbed it the “Hawaii of South Korea”. Located in the southernmost part of the country, Jeju Island is also known as the “Island of the Gods” and its history is still largely unknown and debated by historians. Many believe that the island came into existence around two million years ago in a series of volcanic eruptions. And while the mainland was being ruled by the famed Three Kingdoms of Silla, Baekje and Goguryeo, Jeju was governed by the mysterious Tamna Kingdom.
Beyond the spectacular landscapes and visiting local honeymooners lies a dark history that islanders have lived with for more than 70 years. After the end of World War II, an uprising pitted Jeju islanders against the police, the US military and the newly formed South Korean government. To stop the unrest, the government in Seoul declared military rule to put an end to the uprising, which led to an ensuing conflict that left 30,000 civilians dead and those who survived were branded traitors and communists. For a long time, the memories of the massacre (now known as “Jeju 4.3” after the date it began, on April 3, 1948) were suppressed but in recent years, the South Korean government, police and defence ministry have apologised for their roles in the killings. Tourists who visit Jeju Island are now even able to learn first-hand about one of the most gruesome incidents in Korean history.
An incredibly diverse and fascinating island, Jeju may have had a dark past, but that has not stopped the locals from living every day to the fullest, and the island has remained one of the country’s must-visit places.
The Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the largest in the world
CONQUER MOUNT HALLASAN
Rising from the centre of the island, Hallasan Mountain is South Korea’s tallest peak and can be seen from most vantage points around the island. Standing 1,950 metres above sea level, Hallasan is a dormant volcano with a lake crater at its summit. The entire area around the mountain is called Hallasan National Park and was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2002 and a World Heritage Site in 2007. For hiking junkies, there are a total of six courses that you can climb but only two – Gwaneumsa Trail and Seongpanak Trail – go to the peak, where Baengnokdam Lake is located. Every season at Hallasan provides a different view, but it is most renowned for its springtime beauty when the azaleas are in full bloom.
MANJANGGUL LAVA TUBE (MANJANGGUL CAVE)
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Manjanggul Lava Tube is one of the largest in the world and is definitely a must-visit for anyone visiting Jeju. This natural phenomenon was formed when lava that was beneath the ground flowed up to the surface, hardened and formed a crust. The lava below then continued flowing until it hollowed out forming a tunnel. The beauty of the Manjanggul Lava Tube is that its features are all distinct and extremely well maintained. Only around a kilometre of the 13-kilometre-long tube is open to tourists, so a round-trip around this attraction will only take you around an hour.
HIKE UP SEONGSAN ILCHULBONG
Otherwise known as Sunshine Peak, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and another one of Jeju’s must-see natural attractions. The 180-metre-tall crater, which rose from under the sea over 10,000 years ago due to a volcanic eruption, is considered the best spot on Jeju to watch the sun rise over the ocean. A rather steep hike, it will take you around an hour to get to the crater rim and is best visited in the spring.
Catch a Glimpse of the Incredible Haenyeo Ladies
Translating to “sea women”, the haenyeo are traditional divers who harvest seafood by hand from the ocean floor. These incredible ladies catch seafood for a living with only a knife and and a mask, typically freediving to around 10 metres. They will often slice up their catch straight away, offering watching tourists fresh seafood right out of the ocean. It is important to note that these ladies don’t put on a scripted performance, rather tours are set up as a way for travellers to be able to experience the culture of the locals on Jeju. The haenyeo should always be treated respectfully, so ensure you always enquire politely whether you can take photos.