Overview
Jeju Island (濟州島) is a volcanic island located at the southernmost tip of South Korea and the largest island on the Korean Peninsula. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007, it attracts over 15 million visitors annually with its stunning natural landscapes and unique culture, making it Korea's premier tourist destination.
Basic Information
| Location | Southernmost point of South Korea |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,849.02㎢ |
| Population | Approximately 670,000 |
| Highest Peak | Hallasan (1,947m) |
| World Heritage | UNESCO World Natural Heritage (2007) |
| Administration | Jeju Special Self-Governing Province |
Natural Environment
Hallasan Mountain
The highest mountain in South Korea, formed by volcanic activity. At its summit lies Baengnokdam, a crater lake, home to diverse flora and fauna.
Oreum
Jeju has 368 oreums (parasitic volcanic cones). Among them, Seongsan Ilchulbong is particularly famous as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.
Lava Tubes
World-class rare lava tubes including Manjanggul and Hyeopjaegul are distributed throughout the island, valued highly for their geological significance.
Beaches
Beautiful beaches include Hyeopjae Beach, Woljeongri Beach, and Hamdeok Beach, characterized by emerald waters and white sandy shores.
Major Attractions
- Seongsan Ilchulbong: Famous sunrise spot, UNESCO World Natural Heritage
- Udo Island: Beautiful small island east of Jeju
- Cheonjiyeon Falls: Beautiful 22m waterfall
- Manjanggul Cave: One of the world's longest lava tubes
- Olle Trail: Walking trail along Jeju's coastline
- Jungmun Resort Complex: Large-scale resort and tourism complex
Jeju Culture
Haenyeo (Sea Women)
A representative cultural heritage of Jeju, these female divers harvest seafood without oxygen tanks. Inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2016.
Dol Hareubang
Iconic stone statues of Jeju that served as village guardians. Today they are representative tourism symbols of Jeju.
Jeju Dialect
A unique dialect significantly different from standard Korean. Designated as an endangered language by UNESCO.
Jeju Cuisine
- Black Pork: Grilled Jeju native black pork
- Galchi Jorim: Braised hairtail fish dish
- Sea Urchin Soup Rice: Rice soup with Jeju specialty sea urchin
- Bingdduk: Traditional buckwheat crepe with radish