By Amélie, travel-addict and blogger - Voyagista.fr
"You are going on holiday in Korea?", they ask with a look of surprise... yes, Korea. The idea had been germinating in my mind after I saw images of Korea's world heritage sites. My follow up research confirmed my suspicions that Korea had a lot to offer and that we should take a look. I'm sure the Royal Palaces of Seoul, the charming village of Hahoe or the vestiges of the Silla Kingdom in Geyongju would interest the reader a great deal... but this time I will charm you with the island of Jeju.
According to Koreans, Americans have Hawaii but they have Jeju and the comparison isn't too far off: beautiful beaches, transparent water, volcanoes and nice little cafes by the sea. It has the added convenience of a direct flight from Hong Kong. Let's go on a little tour of the island...
Firstly, let's talk volcanoes ....
The island emerged in the Cretaceous period thanks to the island's major personality - Hallasan. This volcano dominates the landscape from a height of 1,950 meters. It is extinct now and offers an opportunity to go hiking overland and underground. The Hallasan volcanic explosions left behind lava caves that are the largest in the world and are World Heritage registered. Its damp and humid down here but a good walk all the same! Hallasan is not alone, volcanic cones surround you as you cross the island but the most beautiful and most impressive of all is Seongsan Ilchulbong, which lies in the south-east of the island. It is a volcano rising directly out of the ocean and that is still growing today.
Hit the Beaches and Clear Blue Waters...
Does Jeju really compare to Hawaii? Yes, the water is transparent blue and some beaches are so white that they hurt the eyes (on the island of Udo or beaches northeast of the island) but in April we had to forgo the swimming and sunbathing ... the weather was more Britain than Bikini!
On to the Hiking Trails...
The island can be explored on foot by the Olle tourist tracks: there are nearly two dozen trails, approximately 15 kilometers each, that make their way around the island. We took the No. 7 Olle trail but unfortunately could only complete 9 km after a storm threatened to leave us soaking. I felt that by taking the Olle we discovered the real Jeju, away from the organized tour groups tourists that visit on mass to sites such as the three well known waterfalls on the island (they are crowded by worth a visit)
An Island with a Strong Identity...
There are few historical sites on Jeju but island retains their own dialect and traditions. The Haenyo women, who make a living by diving for seafood (a tradition also found in Japan), have shaped a matriarchal society where men stay at home to care for children. Also typical of the island are the basalt statues called Dolhareubang (meaning stone grandfather in the local dialect), which served to protect homes and are now found as decoration all over the island.
Culinary traditions on Jeju are different from the rest of Korea. Rice is no longer king as it is not easily cultivable on rocky Jeju. Fruits do grow and here you can enjoy a mandarin specific to the island: juicy and sweet, it is impossible to miss them because they are sold everywhere. It also seems that any self-respecting Korean brings back a box home after the holidays!
Even though Jeju is not well know by Westerners, it is a very popular tourist destination for Korean honeymoons and Chinese tourists. Certains parts are very touristy as a result but the island is big and there remains a number of places to discover without the hustle and bustle.
Inspired by Korea? Like traveling in Asia? Come with me on a trip at www.voyagista.fr : photos of Korea and articles to help you discover the country of morning calm and many other destinations.
"You are going on holiday in Korea?", they ask with a look of surprise... yes, Korea. The idea had been germinating in my mind after I saw images of Korea's world heritage sites. My follow up research confirmed my suspicions that Korea had a lot to offer and that we should take a look. I'm sure the Royal Palaces of Seoul, the charming village of Hahoe or the vestiges of the Silla Kingdom in Geyongju would interest the reader a great deal... but this time I will charm you with the island of Jeju.
According to Koreans, Americans have Hawaii but they have Jeju and the comparison isn't too far off: beautiful beaches, transparent water, volcanoes and nice little cafes by the sea. It has the added convenience of a direct flight from Hong Kong. Let's go on a little tour of the island...
Firstly, let's talk volcanoes ....
The island emerged in the Cretaceous period thanks to the island's major personality - Hallasan. This volcano dominates the landscape from a height of 1,950 meters. It is extinct now and offers an opportunity to go hiking overland and underground. The Hallasan volcanic explosions left behind lava caves that are the largest in the world and are World Heritage registered. Its damp and humid down here but a good walk all the same! Hallasan is not alone, volcanic cones surround you as you cross the island but the most beautiful and most impressive of all is Seongsan Ilchulbong, which lies in the south-east of the island. It is a volcano rising directly out of the ocean and that is still growing today.
Hit the Beaches and Clear Blue Waters...
Does Jeju really compare to Hawaii? Yes, the water is transparent blue and some beaches are so white that they hurt the eyes (on the island of Udo or beaches northeast of the island) but in April we had to forgo the swimming and sunbathing ... the weather was more Britain than Bikini!
On to the Hiking Trails...
The island can be explored on foot by the Olle tourist tracks: there are nearly two dozen trails, approximately 15 kilometers each, that make their way around the island. We took the No. 7 Olle trail but unfortunately could only complete 9 km after a storm threatened to leave us soaking. I felt that by taking the Olle we discovered the real Jeju, away from the organized tour groups tourists that visit on mass to sites such as the three well known waterfalls on the island (they are crowded by worth a visit)
An Island with a Strong Identity...
There are few historical sites on Jeju but island retains their own dialect and traditions. The Haenyo women, who make a living by diving for seafood (a tradition also found in Japan), have shaped a matriarchal society where men stay at home to care for children. Also typical of the island are the basalt statues called Dolhareubang (meaning stone grandfather in the local dialect), which served to protect homes and are now found as decoration all over the island.
Culinary traditions on Jeju are different from the rest of Korea. Rice is no longer king as it is not easily cultivable on rocky Jeju. Fruits do grow and here you can enjoy a mandarin specific to the island: juicy and sweet, it is impossible to miss them because they are sold everywhere. It also seems that any self-respecting Korean brings back a box home after the holidays!
Even though Jeju is not well know by Westerners, it is a very popular tourist destination for Korean honeymoons and Chinese tourists. Certains parts are very touristy as a result but the island is big and there remains a number of places to discover without the hustle and bustle.
Inspired by Korea? Like traveling in Asia? Come with me on a trip at www.voyagista.fr : photos of Korea and articles to help you discover the country of morning calm and many other destinations.
