Jeju is both the largest island in South Korea and the smallest province in this Asian state. The administrative center of the province, which has special autonomy within the country, is the city of Jeju. Tourism plays a large role in the economy of the province, and the beautiful and unusual sights of the island attract tourists not only from mainland Korea, but also from different parts of the world.
Jeju Island on the map
The main attractions of Jeju Island
1
Sangbangul Temple
Mount Sanbansan on the east coast of the island looks like a bell, and according to legend, one of the spirits of the island, disturbed by a hunter, threw part of a huge rock at it. So this block remained in the form of a low mountain.
The main attraction of the mountain is the grotto cave, from which a small stream flows. In the grotto at the turn of the X-XI centuries, a Buddhist temple was founded, where a statue of Buddha was installed in the farthest hall of the grotto.
It is noteworthy that there are two temples on the mountain. In addition to the Sanbangul Temple, there is also the Pomunsa Temple, but it is almost impossible to understand where the border between them lies.
2
Cliffs of Zhusan Zholli
On any map of South Korea and on guides to the wonderful island there is an amazing natural monument. The rocks of Zhusan Zholli were formed as a result of solidification of lava, about 250 thousand years ago.
It is noteworthy that the columns washed by the waves of the ocean have a regular hexagonal shape. All stone giants have different heights, and they stretch along the coast for 2 km.
The highest cliff has a height of 27 m, and for the convenience of contemplating the natural beauties at the top of the cliffs, an observation deck is equipped.
3
Garden Museum Sokpuchak
In the south of the island, on one of the slopes of multiple hills, there is a magnificent private botanical garden. This is a garden museum in which rare species of plants and trees grow.
Tourists visiting Sokpuchak are most struck by the beautiful orchids that grow directly on volcanic lava without a single gram of land.
They opened it for visits in 1997. It is pleasant to walk among rare flowers, as well as indulge in philosophical thoughts in the shadow of tangerine trees.
4
Yakcheons Temple
© Dmitry Pogozhev
The religious building is the largest Buddhist temple in Asia, and it occupies an area of 100 thousand m².
It was built in the traditional architectural style for the East, the hallmark of which are multi-pitched roofs and several entrances oriented to the cardinal points.
A magnificent park is surrounded around, and the interior and exterior are striking in luxury. Inside the main temple of the complex, a Buddha sculpture and an altar are installed.
5
Cheongjeyeon Waterfalls Park
Three waterfalls on a fleeting river flowing along a picturesque mountain gorge form a beautiful cascade, which is a real decoration of the island.
Thanks to the special microclimate, majestic tropical plants grow around the waterfalls. The river does not dry out during the driest periods, and local residents believe that a dragon lives here, guarding the miracle of nature.
At the second waterfall, which is the largest of the three, an arch is thrown over the waters of the river, and sculptures of seven nymphs are installed on its sides. According to legend, it was these nymphs that helped the emperor swim in the waters of the river.
If you are interested in the theme of waterfalls, then on our site most-beauty.ru you can find information about the most beautiful waterfalls on the planet.
6
Cheongjiyon Falls
Just one letter in the name, and the tourist gets to another beautiful waterfall of the island with the name Cheongjiyon. There are no cascades, and the waterfall falls from a height of 22 m.
It is located near the town of Seogwipo, and at the foot of the cliff an artificial pond was created. An alley leads to the waterfall, on the sides of which tropical plants grow, so the trail is directly buried in greenery.
The attraction is popular among tourists, especially at night, when the official illumination of a natural object creates incredible beauty.
7
Yomiji Garden
According to botanists and tourists, Yomiji Garden is one of the best botanical gardens in Asia, and it opened its doors to visitors in 1989.
Three years after the opening, a unique greenhouse was built for the garden under a glass roof, and the shape of the building resembles a huge octopus. Under the roof there are many rare exotic plants from around the world.
In the center there is an observation deck for circular viewing, and the garden itself is divided into compartments located in the "tentacles" of the octopus.
8
Hallasan
Hallasan volcano, extinct many centuries ago, is the highest mountain peak in the country, and the area at its foot has received the status of a natural national park.
This is a real symbol of Jeju, so its peak is visible from anywhere in the island, and the mountain itself is included in the list of state natural monuments.
A Buddhist temple was founded on the slope of a beautiful mountain during the reign of the Koryo dynasty, and Lake Pannocktam formed in the crater, the depth of which reaches 100 m in the rainy season.
9
Manjangul Cave
This is the only and largest lava cave in the world, open to the public. It is considered the true geological pride of South Korea.
Inside, it is always cool, and on the walls lava formed bizarre patterns. It was formed about 10-13 thousand years ago, and archaeological research has shown that the Paleolithic people used it as a home.
Around the cave is a park, and everything is done for the convenience of visitors. There are benches and even a cafe where you can drink wonderful coffee.
You can find out more about very beautiful caves in a separate article on our website.
10
Inspirational garden
The word bonsai has two meanings. The first is the art of growing bonsai that originated in Japan, and the second is the decorative tree itself.
Jeju bonsai garden is distinguished by the fact that the trees here grow in the open air, which is not found in China or Japan. Gardens in the East is a whole philosophy where three virtues merge together - truth, goodness and beauty.
In 2007, it was called “Spirited Garden”, but everyone interprets it in his own way - “thinking garden”, “inspired garden” ...
11
Teddy Bear Museum
Children will surely like the Teddy Bear Museum, as evidenced by their rave reviews in the visiting book, even if written by the hand of their parents.
As it turned out, Koreans are real fans of teddy bears, and created their own museum for them. The three-story building is just packed with teddy bears. There is also a 6-meter bear King Kong, and even a teddy bear in a unique image of Marilyn Monroe.
After a visit, children and adults take with them not only fond memories, but also cute photos against a variety of bears.
12
Hallim Park
The initiator of the creation of the park on the slope of Mount Halpasan was Son Bom Gyu, and today it is one of the most beautiful places on the island.
To create natural splendor, tons of fertile land were brought here, and rare tropical plants were planted for many years. There are so many of them that the area is simply surrounded by greenery, delighting tourists.
On the open spaces of the park are the streets of a folk village, with thatched roofs of houses and household items that have long been out of use. The park is famous for its two natural caves with beautiful arches and halls.
13
Green Tea Museum
O’Sulloc Tea Museum, this is how the name of the unique museum is written in reference books in English. The museum building was erected near tea plantations, spread out over the expanses of the Korean island.
In the halls of the museum you can find out a lot of interesting things about the tea traditions of Korea, and most importantly, see the amazing exhibits associated with tea ceremonies that took shape centuries ago. Guides not only talk, but also show how to brew tea, as well as talk about growing technologies.
In addition, there is a tasting room where you can taste rare varieties of tea and enjoy its great taste.
14
Camellia Garden
A magnificent park in the heart of Seogwipo with beautiful avenues and original landscape design was opened in 2008. The owner of the park is a passionate person, collector and nerd Young Lee.
On the territory planted more than 6,000 plants, which the collector collected around the world. In different parts of the park you can see man-made stone pyramids, as well as visit the house of meditation.
At the end of the garden is a magnificent cascade of artificial ponds, but the main value is, of course, camellias of different varieties and forms.
15
Waterpark Jeju Waterworld
The largest entertainment complex on a small island offers visitors a huge range of entertainment, and the attractions of the Water World will give an unforgettable experience.
In addition to many water attractions and slides, there is a fitness club on site where you can play sports. There is also a golf course under the roof of the park, which makes it original among similar holiday destinations around the world.
Those who are tired of entertainment can visit the traditional Korean bath “chimzhilban”, where visitors can relax body and soul.
16
Living Museum / Alive Museum
One of the most unusual museums in the world, where each visitor can create for himself his own illusion. Photos from the halls of this museum will surprise friends and shock the uninitiated.
Three-dimensional compositions in the halls of the museum, against which you can take pictures, are striking in their realism. Magnificent 3D installations are made so that any visitor can become part of a painting.
One of the halls presents one of the largest collections of sweets in the world. By the way, some exhibits can be eaten. In the backyard of the museum is an exhibition of three-dimensional giant sculptures.
17
Amusement Park / Soingook Theme Park
Another place in Chengju that will surprise tourists with a huge selection of entertainment and cozy places to relax.
The park is divided into thematic zones, and during the day you can visit the world of dinosaurs and wander through the mysterious mazes. Those who wish can visit the dolphinarium, where dolphins and people show the harmony of mutual communication.
Small copies of world landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Tower Bridge and many others were built on the territory of the theme park.
18
Höpce Beach (협재 해변)
The magnificent beach in the western part of the town of Hallim-yip is included in the territory of the Hallim park, and has long become a favorite vacation spot for tourists. The beach season is open from May to September.
On the beach there is pure white sand with a small admixture of chopped sea shells. The resort area stretches for 9 km, and the beach offers magnificent views of the island of Piyando and the sea surface. Very close are comfortable hotels.
From the side of the island, the beach is bounded by a dense tropical forest, in which lovers of wild vacations can put up tents, and then vacation in Jeju turns into a real paradise, devoid of the benefits of civilization.
And about all the most beautiful beaches in the world, we have prepared a separate article!
19
Jeju Folk Village Museum
The unique village presents the dwellings, everyday life and traditions of the islanders' life as they were formed in the 19th century.
On an area of 4,500 ha, there are fishing huts, a section of a mountain village, a botanical garden and an ancient government building. In the squares you can see the ancient shamanistic rites, and in the shops you can buy objects of applied art.
There is an exhibition hall in the village where household items are presented, as well as a theater where folk representations of peasant life are shown.
20
Gully Gorge
Fantastic landscapes of the bed of a small river with many gemstones form a picturesque gorge, not far from the beach of Hakhesvesokkak.
Trees grow right on the rocks, and in some places lianas descend to the water. Kayaks and catamarans are available for visitors, so you can look at the gorge not only from a height or shore, but also from the surface of the river.
Yes, and the beach of Hakhesvesokkak, which overlooks the gorge, is famous for its unusual black sand of volcanic origin.
21
Haryban
Locals believe that these amazing stone statues protect the island from evil spirits, and also help residents in their affairs.
In the local dialect, stone figures carved from basalt are called Kharyban, which means stone grandfather. Although researchers claim that such a name appeared no earlier than the beginning of the twentieth century, and before that they were called “onjunsok”.
Pillar-like figures with a human face are inscribed on the World Heritage List. The expression on the faces of stone idols is striking, with a slight grin on his lips and bulging eyes without pupils.
Finally
South Korea is an amazing country in which high technology easily coexists with the innovations of scientific and technological progress, while Jeju Island is a South Korean state in miniature, but with its own unique traditions and local flavor. And finally, we note that you can get to Jeju from the capital city of Seoul by any means of transport, but the most exotic trip will be a ferry ride.
Article author: Valery Skiba