Top 3 Must-Do For Your Jeju Island Tour: Woman Divers at Sunrise Peak, Mysterious Road & Hallasan
JEJU ISLAND – SOUTH KOREA’S “ISLANDS OF GODS”
Jeju earned the name of “Islands of Gods” from the number of Gods worshipped (approximately 18,000 gods!) throughout history and according to one legend, the predecessors of Jeju Islanders are actually demi-god who have lived on the island!
Photo Credit: Korea.net
Where is Jeju Island?
Located 64 kilometers south of the Korean Peninsula, Jeju Island was also named as one of the world’s new 7 Wonders of Nature back in 2011 and is the country’s most popular holiday island especially for Korean newlyweds.
Due to its relatively isolated location, the people of Jeju has incorporated many local legends and mystic beliefs into their culture and a distinctive Jeju dialect, (which is quite impossible to decipher for anyone who’s not familiar with the language!) is also used among locals.
? Did You Know: The Island Abundant with 3 Things
Besides its official name, Jeju Island is also popularly known as 삼다도(Samdado) – literally, the island abundant with 3 things and they are:
Photo Credit: Jeju Tourism Organisation
- Wind
Due to its geographical location, wind is a big influential factor in the life of Jeju’s inhabitants and it is evident just by looking at the architecture of the houses built in Jeju Island, which are usually lined behind walls of stones and fields surrounded by stone fences.
- Stone
Speaking of stone, everywhere you go in Jeju, it will not be difficult for you spot basalt, a volcanic rock formation that is commonly found in Jeju Island. In fact 90% of Jeju Island’s surface is made of basalt and it has even given rise to other famous attractions including the grandfather stones (dolhaubang)!
- Women
Last but not least, you’ll find that in Jeju, the ratio of women far outweighs men and boasts a matriarchal culture where women are the breadwinners and in many occasions, men took on “traditionally” feminine tasks such as tending to children. Do read on to find on the job that Jeju women took on!
SO WHAT IS THE BEST WAY FOR ME TO EXPLORE JEJU ISLAND?
Photo Credit: VisitJeju.net
As South Korea’s biggest island (about 1,770 square kilometers), it will take more a day to fully discover the beauty of Jeju Island! For your complete Jeju adventure, we recommend:
- At least 3 days 2 night’s stay
- Break down your sightseeing plan to East & West course
- Take up our group or private tour for you to comfortably check out each point of visit in Jeju Island!
KoreaTravelEasy EAST COURSE (Available on Monday, Wednesday & Friday only)
Hallasan Mountain National Park ➝ Jeoulmul Forest Park ➝ Seongeup Folk Village ➝ Lunch ➝ Seongsan Illchulbong + Woman Diver Show ➝ Woljeong Beach ➝ Manjang Cave
WEST COURSE (Available on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday only)
Mysterious Road ➝ Botanical & Camellia Garden ➝ Jusangjeolli Cliff ➝ Cheonjeyon Waterfalls ➝ Lunch➝ Sanbangsan ➝ Songaksan ➝ O’Sulloc Green Tea Museum & Innisfree Jeju House
Now that we settle the ‘how’, time to find out ‘what’ attractions that you should not miss while you’re there!
Photo Credit: VisitKorea.org
TOP 3 MUST-SEE AT JEJU ISLAND
#1 The Original ‘Goblin Road’: Mysterious Road
Photo Credit: VisitJeju.net
Approximately 200meters long, experience strange spectacles at Mysterious Road as things start to defy your conventional understanding of the law of physics. Due to this seemingly mysterious phenomena, it was named as the ‘Goblin Road’.
Watch as objects on the road roll up hill instead of moving down, vehicles with engine off slides uphill… no trickery involved, you just have to be there to experience it!
#2 Hallasan National Park
Photo Credit: VisitJeju.net
Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan is also known as “Mount Yeongjusan”, literally “mountain high enough to pull the galaxy”. Hallasan is a designated national park since 1970 and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 2011. There are in total 6 hiking trails along Hallasan and all trails are relatively short (less than 10km), which means it is possible for you to complete the trail in less than a day!
With 6 distinctive hiking trails, you will be able to bask in breathtaking scenic view in every season – blooming red azaleas in Spring, clear panoramic view of the countryside and the island’s signature Oreums (uniquely-shaped volcanic mountains in Jeju dialect) in Summer, vibrant autumn foliage starting in Autumn and snowy white layers of snow in Winter.
? Did You Know?
- Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea, at the height of 1,950m.
- Hallasan is a mountain where fir tree forest is found which is unique of its kind in the world.
- Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) have been identified at Hallasan.
#3 Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong)
Photo Credit: VisitJeju.net
Listed as UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Seongsan Ilculbong was formed 100,000 years ago by an underwater eruption on the shallow sea bed. Located on the eastern end of Jeju Island, the iconic bowl-form crater in the middle is about 600m in diameter and 90m high, surrounded by 99 sharp rocks.
One of the most popular activities at Seongsan Ilculbong is to watch sunrise, especially during New Year. You could also choose to go for a horse-ride, or simply take a leisure stroll along the ridge even if you do not intend to hike up the crater!
And at Seongsan Ilchulbong, you definitely do not want to miss: Woman Divers (Haenyo) Show!
Photo Credit: VisitJeju.net
In the harsh Jeju environment where rice paddle is deemed too difficult to grow, the people of Jeju relied on fishing and trading their catch as a mean to provide for their family. While there were a time where this task was performed predominantly by men, Jeju women quickly took up the task as Jeju men spend weeks on fishing boats without returning home or simply did not survive the brutal ocean.
Now classified as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, be sure to see these amazing woman divers demonstrate their diving routine, from the you could even try the freshest sea harvest ranging from octopus, abalone, clams, squid and more as soon as the woman divers return from their demonstration!
Oh, did we mentioned that it’s free to watch this amazing woman divers’ demonstration?
Video Credit: UNESCO
? Did You Know?
- Since 18th century, these strong-willed women learned to dive deep at least 10-20 meters deep without breathing apparatus for as long as 2 minutes and often stay in the ocean up to seven hours a day!
- Aspiring Haenyo starts training at about 7 years old and the average age of women divers is 65 years old. The oldest living women diver who’s actively diving now is over 80 years old!
Bonus Feature: Jeju Black Pork 흑돼지
While there are countless number of must-try local dishes such as Mul-hoe, Galchi, Godeung-o, Bing Rice Cake and more(see photo below!) when you visit Jeju Island, today we will put our spotlight on one of the all time favourite: Jeju Black Pork!
Photo Credit: Jeju Tourism Organization
Native to Jeju Island, Jeju black pork are famous for its extra juicy, flavorsome texture, resulting from having the pork smoked over burning hay which allows the smoke to penetrate and flavor the meat. For a proper Jeju-style Black Pork experience, do eat it with Mel-jeot, a salted anchovy that reduces the pork’s oiliness which guarantees to double your enjoyment!
? Did You Know?
- Jeju Black Pigs were kept as a way to dispose of human waste before they are grown into full size to be eaten. In other words, “food” of the black pigs are human waste and their house was built outside the latrines so the food can be delivered directly!
- Jeju Black Pigs did not get its name because of this! Its name derives directly from its outer appearance, which is characterized as a smallish pig with a black skin and smooth coat of hair.
- This unique way of feeding continues until 1960s (some said that the proper taste of black pork has lost since but no complaints here!)
Photo Credit: Jeju Tourism Organization
And so where can you find this delicacy you might ask?
Well, simply sign up for a tour with KoreaTravelEasy and since it is inclusive as lunch in the East Tour, you will get to enjoy Jeju Black Pork in no time at all!
TODAY’S TIPS
- Bring along outfit and gear for all weather because at Jeju, a bright day can turn into a rainy before you know it!
- Visit during Spring, Summer or Autumn to fully enjoy the nature beauty of Jeju!
That is all from us for now! We look forward to arranging your group or private Jeju Island tour soon!
KoreaTravelEasy
KoreaTravelEasy If you would like to make your own private tour or a customized trip in Jeju Island, other itinerary or hire private car, please email us at info@KoreaTravelEasy.com or click the link below!
