Destination 14 - Jeju Island, South Korea

Jeju Island located at southwest of the Korean Peninsular. It was a volcanic island in the shape of oval. The size of the island is 73km from west to east and 31km from north to south. Because of the island is located at Korea's most southern region, the weather over there a bit warmer compare to mainland even though during cold winter month. Since the island is separated from mainland the citizen in this island have their own unique culture and dialect. Before this Jeju Island is a land of fishing villages. Women on that time were responsible in family income. Therefore, there are many woman divers in Jeju Island and the collect shellfish and seaweed. To go there can go by plan. From Gimpo International Airport to Jeju International Airport and it take about an hour.There are 3 airlines that can choose, Korea Air, Asiana Airlines and Jeju Air. Besides that can go by ship  from Busan to Jeju Island but it takes longer time about 11 hours. 


Every visitor that come to Jeju Island will  sure to see their fair share of "Dolhareubang" (old grandfather stone statues). Sometimes serious-looking, sometimes almost comical, these statues dot the landscape and have become one of the most widely-recognized symbols of the island. “Galot” is refers to traditional Jeju clothing that is dyed with persimmon juice. Normally associated with the area’s agricultural way of life, these orange-hued, lightweight pieces of clothing are a trademark of Jeju. Another special sight in the Jeju Island are the "Bangsatap" piled all around the island: at houses, beaches, and even tourist attractions. "Bangsatap" is these small, round towers made of many stones were thought to ward off evil, protect the village, and bring prosperity to the people. It is because of this deep-seated belief that one can still see "Bangsatap" near the entranceways of many buildings.

Besides that, Jeju Island also have a lot of interesting place to visit. In Jeju Island there are places that recognize as World Heritage Sites which are Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. There also have sandy beaches along the blue sea. Among all of Jeju’s natural wonders, three sites have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO (2007): Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System. Hallasan Mountain is perhaps Jeju’s most prominent geographical feature, rising out of the very center of the island. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak has been recognized for its sedimentological characteristics and is one of the best places in the world to study Surtseyan-type volcanic eruptions. The third and final World Heritage Site is Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, one of the most extensive series of lava tube caves in the world.

There are many attractive places in Jeju Island. Besides of  World Heritage Sites there also small island around Jeju Island. The small island named Udo Island, Marado Island and Biyangdo Island. There also have waterfalls in Jeju Island which are Cheonjiyeoun Falls, Cheonjeyeoun Falls and Jeongbang Falls. There is  road that have been selected as "The Most Beautiful Road In Korea" in 2002. It is Bijarim Forest Road. There are many more interesting place in Jeju Island. 

Old Grandfather Stones Statues

Jeju Island

Jeju Island