How is it possible nearly 12 million people visit a place you’ve likely never heard of each year?
The same way we all have our beloved secret getaways close to home, the same goes for Asia.
Travelers have been enjoying idyllic escapes to South Korea’s lesser-known paradise for years.
Seoul is always abuzz and thrilling to visit, but Jeju Island invites travelers to experience Korea’s charm in a more peaceful atmosphere highlighted by epic eats and otherworldly nature.
According to local publication, JoongAng Daily, more travelers have been trickling in this year and now it’s ready for the world stage.
Despite being mostly unknown to Western travelers, Jeju isn’t a far-flung remote island unequipped for a spike in tourism; there are ritzy name-brand hotels and centuries of astounding culture waiting for you.
Jeju Island: Closer Than You Think
How many cool places across the world would you be willing to sit through layover after layover to reach?
Being such a drag and energy zapper, that’s a promise I’ve made to myself not to do anymore unless it’s truly unique.
Jeju might be an exception, but the good news is that you can easily reach this 2 million-year-old island with a single connection.
With so many nonstop flights to Seoul, Taipei, and numerous Chinese cities, Jeju is a lot closer and easier to reach than you might think.
This volcanic wonder is set south of South Korea’s mainland in the Korea Strait alone, unlike other Asian countries with paradisal blips dotting the map.
Winter makes for a great time to visit with ideal weather for exploring the island. Agoda notes ‘crisp air’ and ‘minimal rainfall’ perfect for scenic hikes , especially with free entry to place like Hallasan National Park.
Jeju’s Otherworldly Nature & Postcard Villages
When we hear the word ‘island’, we automatically think of pristine beaches. In Jeju’s case, there’s far more to discover.
Take Jeongbang Falls, for example, the only waterfall to crash into the sea; an absolute must on your trip!
Then there’s Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO-protected site that’s an excellent stop for sunsets and to take in the island’s past volcanic past visit a huge crater than only be described as other-planetary.
Of course, this island has its fair share of incredible beaches to visit, such as Hamdeok, Hyeopjae, and Yongmeori, rounding out TripAdvisor’s top suggestions, but exploring other natural attractions is what will truly captivate you.
The island is teeming with scenic waterfalls, but the most amazing otherworldly experience may be paying a visit to Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of the longest naturally formed lava tubes on Earth.
When visiting Korea, you may not think of such an astounding nature. It’s likely that the food, culture, and bright lights of Seoul come to mind.
But don’t sleep on Jeju’s postcard villages, which make for a great alternative to Seoul’s popular Hanok Village since the new implementation of curfews and fines to combat overtourism concerns next spring.
Jeju Folk Village is a restored village from the 1800s, displaying more than 100 structures and historical remnants.
Seongeup Folk Village is another worthy photo-op where locals have been calling this place home continuously for over 600 years – and don’t skip the Green Tea Cave nearby!
Kimchi, BBQ & Incredible Seafood: Add Some Spice To Your Life In Jeju!
Surely, you’ve realized Chinese takeout and cheap supermarket sushi aren’t the only Asian delights back home.
The U.S. has seen an explosion of Korean restaurants largely highlighted by Korean BBQ garnished by Korea’s spice of life, kimchi, a spicy staple made of fermented vegetables and chilis (and very healthy!).
In Jeju, you can have the real deal at various markets, street vendors, and top-rated restaurants, much of which you’ll find in Jeju City, the island’s largest population.
Albeit winter makes for a great time to visit local citrus farms to sample Jeju mandarins too. Here are some savory dishes to keep an eye for when it’s time to feast:
- Black Pork BBQ
- Gogi Guksu (pork broth-based noodle soup; great for chilly nights!)
- Haemultang (seafood-based soup; equally great for nippy weather!)
Seafood is the claim to fame around here as ingredients are proudly locally sourced. According to TripAdvisor, these are the top 3 seafood restaurants to visit (all with perfect ratings!):
- Gozip Dol Wooluck – Jungmun
- Gozip Dol Wooluck – Hamdok
- Gozipfish – Topdong
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