Jeju Island

Jeju mesmerizes as South Korea's premier honeymoon island and domestic tourism haven, where Hallasan Mountain's 1,950-meter volcanic cone (Korea's highest peak) dominates the horizon rising from island's center, Seongsan Sunrise Peak's dramatic tuff crater rises vertically from ocean creating one of Korea's most iconic natural landmarks, and Manjanggul Lava Tube's 7-kilometer underground passage (1km open to visitors for ₩4,000 entry) showcases raw geological power on this triple-crown UNESCO-listed volcanic wonderland (World Heritage Site, Biosphere Reserve, Global Geopark). Korea's largest island (pop. 670,000 on about 1,830 km²) floating 90km south of mainland peninsula developed unique culture setting it distinctly apart from mainland—matriarchal haenyeo women divers (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage) are free-diving grandmothers in their 60s-80s harvesting sea urchin and abalone from 10-20m depths while holding their breath without oxygen tanks, distinct Jeju dialect remains nearly incomprehensible to Seoul Koreans despite shared writing system, and special visa-free entry status attracts Chinese package tourists and Korean newlyweds in droves.

Hallasan National Park's challenging summit hike (free entry, 9-10 hours round-trip via Seongpanak or Gwaneumsa trails, very strenuous with elevation gain and rocky terrain) reaches Korea's highest point rewarding fit hikers with Baengnokdam crater lake views—shorter easier Eorimok or Yeongsil trails (3-4 hours) reach beautiful viewpoints without summiting, satisfying less ambitious hikers. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak, UNESCO, ₩5,000 entry) rewards steep 30-minute climb up 600 steps to the extinct volcanic tuff cone's crater rim with breathtaking 360° ocean views—arrive before dawn (around 5:30am summer, 6:30am winter) for the namesake spectacular sunrise over Pacific waters. The volcanic legacy manifests everywhere across Jeju: Manjanggul Lava Tube's cathedral-size passages formed 200,000 years ago by flowing basaltic lava feature a 7.6-meter lava column (world's largest), Cheonjiyeon waterfall and Jeongbang waterfall (Korea's only waterfall cascading directly into ocean) both charging small entry ₩2,000, black basalt volcanic rock walls dividing green fields creating checkerboard patterns, and iconic stone harubang (grandfather) statues with bulging eyes guarding gates as island fertility symbols.

Pristine beaches fringe the coast offering swimming June-September: Hyeopjae Beach (west) and Hamdeok Beach (northeast) showcase rare-in-Korea white sand and emerald turquoise water perfect for families, while Jungmun Beach (south) attracts surfers year-round, and dramatic 20-meter basalt column cliffs at Jusangjeolli showcase hexagonal formations. The Olle Trail network's 26 distinct hiking routes totaling 425km circles the entire island connecting fishing villages, volcanic cones, and coastal cliffs—each route takes 4-8 hours, well-marked with ribbon symbols, and showcases different Jeju landscapes. The food scene celebrates the island's agricultural and marine bounty: Jeju black pork (heukdwaeji) BBQ grilled tableside is the island's signature dish (₩25,000-40,000 per person), haenyeo divers sell ultra-fresh seafood including sea urchin roe, abalone, and octopus, hallabong sweet tangerines (Jeju-grown citrus hybrid), abalone porridge, and raw fish (hoe) restaurants.

With rental cars absolutely essential as public buses run infrequently and miss most scenic coastal spots (₩50,000-80,000/day, international license required, GPS crucial), overwhelming Korean domestic tourism creating infrastructure geared toward Korean visitors (limited English), volcanic landscapes and lava tube systems fascinating geology enthusiasts, and subtropical climate making it Korea's warmest region though still experiencing four seasons, Jeju Island delivers volcanic adventure, Korean beach holiday, haenyeo cultural heritage, and honeymoon romance for those willing to navigate car rental and language barriers.