Jeju Island

Korea's Hawaii: Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong and the Olle Trail make this volcanic island a paradise for road trips and hiking.

Jeju Island is South Korea's largest island and its only special self-governing province. It lies in the sea off the southwest of the Korean Peninsula and covers about 1,850 sq km. Formed by volcanic eruptions, it is centered on Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak (1,947 m), and is dotted with more than 360 "parasitic cones" (small volcanic hills known locally as Oreum). Hallasan divides the island into Jeju City in the north (home to the airport and Dongmun Market) and Seogwipo in the south (the Jungmun Resort Complex, the Jusangjeolli columnar joints and Cheonjiyeon Falls). Sightseeing is usually organized into east, west, south and north routes, plus Hallasan itself. The east route has Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seopjikoji, Udo Island and Manjanggul Cave. The west route has Hyeopjae Beach, Hallim Park and the O'sulloc green tea fields. The south route covers the Jungmun Resort Complex, the Jusangjeolli columnar joints, Jeongbang Falls and Olle Trail Route 7. The north route covers Jeju City, Dongmun Market and Yongduam (Dragon Head Rock). Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong and the Geomunoreum lava tube system are together a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The climate is warmer and more humid than on the Korean mainland: late March to April brings rapeseed blossoms and cherry blossoms, May–June hydrangeas, and July–August is beach season but rainy and humid. Typhoons occasionally affect the island in September–October. Mid-October to November is the best time for silver grass and autumn foliage on Hallasan, and December–February brings ripe tangerines and snowy Hallasan scenery, though the island is windy and cold. Getting there: Jeju Airport has direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and other cities, and the flight from Seoul Gimpo takes about 1 hour. Chinese citizens can visit Jeju visa-free for 30 days. Public buses reach the main sights but are infrequent, so driving is the most convenient option (an international driving permit is required; mainland Chinese licenses are not valid), or you can hire a private car or join an east or west route one-day bus tour. Recommended length of stay: 3–4 days, with 1 day each for the east, south and west routes, plus 1 extra day for climbing Hallasan. Tips: Jeju is windy, so bring a windproof jacket for coastal sights; summit trails on Hallasan must be reserved on the official website; black pork barbecue, cutlassfish soup, haenyeo (female diver) seafood and tangerines are must-tries.

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Itineraries