3 unforgettable days in Jeju, Korea

The picturesque island of Jeju is not surprisingly rife with attractions, although what perhaps surprises most visitors is the uniqueness and diversity of these things to see. Abundantly a trophy of nature, not-too-secretly a hub of off-beat museums, and a showcase of talented performers from the stage to the sea, Jeju Island delivers a full experien  ce to every weekend stay. Here’s an itinerary of how to achieve just that.

Day 1: A Taste of Culture, Nature & Authentic Cuisine

Begin the day with a stroll along Jungmun Beach. Go swimming if you want, but remember to conserve energy for the day ahead.

Tip: To get around the island with ease, we highly recommend renting a car for the day. The island’s pretty small so it should not take too long to get around, but you’ll definitely be glad for the convenience.

Jeju, apart from its natural sights and scenery, is also known for its quirky museums. Make a stop at the Teddy Bear Museum near Jungmun Beach, then to Loveland up north, closer to Jeju City.

Enjoy a dinner of local fare and receive a crash course on Korean dining etiquette. Try on a hanbok, a type of traditional clothing, then enjoy a round or two of a Korean board game. Indeed, few other experiences take you close to the heart of Jeju Island.

Day 2: Head East

Start your day at another one of Korea’s favorite museums, the Trick Art Museum. Ready your camera batteries for all the shots you’ll be taking at mind-boggling, life-size optical illusions.

Drop by the Seongeop Folk Village at the foot of Mt. Hallasan for an interesting glimpse of Jeju’s culture and heritage.

After a delicious Korean lunch buffet, enjoy a show featuring the legendary haenyeo, women the average age of 65 who free dive up to 20 meters into the ocean for a catch.

Next, make the climb up to Seongsan Sunrise Peak, where you’ll be blessed at the top with breathtaking views. Then head back down to the Manjang Cave to see the spectacular Lava Tubes, which are quite the sight. Finally, wrap up the day with the NANTA Show, the award-winning musical kitchen extravaganza you don’t want to miss while in Korea.

Day 3: See the West

See more of Jeju’s natural feats. Begin at the beautiful Hallim Park, and roam its numerous, lovely gardens. Then go for a trek at Suweolbong, a UNESCO-designated Geopark. Keep your eyes peeled for the awesome volcanic rock formations.

Take a break with a Korean-style lunch buffet, then head off to the otherworldly Spirited Garden, considered one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.

Head up to Mt. Sanbang, via a trek up a mountain of volcanic lava. Apart from a cave perched 150 meters above sea level, you’ll also come to a peak of magnificent views, proving every bit worth the climb.

Head out for a taste of Jeju’s nightlife. Drop by Tap-dong-lo in Jeju city, the more populated evening hub and grab dinner at one of its many restaurants, open late into the night.

See more: All you need to know about Dol Hareubang in Jeju Island

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The best art galleries in South Korea

With an ever-evolving art scene, South Korea is home to a number of world-renowned galleries that feature works spanning multiple genres and mediums. From Seoul to Busan and everywhere in between, the following galleries showcase some of the best art the country has to offer.

Gana Art Center 

Pyeongchang in northern Seoul is home to some of Korea’s oldest and most influential galleries. Among them is Gana Art, a modern complex designed by celebrated architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Founded in 1983, Gana Art has presented over 400 exhibitions of Korean and international art over its lengthy history, including prominent artists such as Pierre Alechinsky, Roy Lichtenstein and Joan Miro.

Jeju Museum of Art 

Surrounded by the beautiful and pristine nature of Jeju Island, the Jeju Museum of Art is the epicenter of the region’s art. The building itself reflects the local culture, colors and sounds of the island, while its historical and contemporary works are sure to inspire art enthusiasts. Of particular interest is the Chang Ree-suok Hall, which displays more than 100 artworks created by the well-known Korean artist Chang Ree-suok.

Gallery Yeh 

With its striking modernist architectural shell, Gallery Yeh is an iconic landmark in Seoul’s ritzy Gangnam district. Established in 1978 and reopened in 1982, it led to the transformation of the Sinsa-dong neighborhood into a dynamic cultural center. The gallery has also played a significant role in bridging the gap between Korea’s capital and the wider art world, featuring the works of celebrated artists such as Raphael Soto and Alberto Giacometti, as well as representing Korean masters such as Ku Pon-ung, Kwon Ok-yeon and Kim Hwan-gi around the globe.

Johyun Gallery 

Founded in 1990, the Johyun Gallery (formerly known as Gallery World) is one of Busan’s premier art galleries. Johyun represents many well-known Korean and international contemporary artists such as Nam June Paik, Julian Opie and Georges Rousse. With its carefully curated exhibitions of sculptures, paintings, and installations, Johyun is guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning of art lovers.

Artside Gallery 

Notable for its focus on contemporary Chinese art, Artside Gallery has been a leader in the artistic exchange between Korea and China, and has garnered international attention for hosting the first solo exhibition of artist Zhang Xiaogang in the country. In 2007, Artside opened a gallery space in Beijing, and in 2010 relocated its Seoul gallery to Hyoja-dong. Despite its expansion, the gallery’s vision remains the same – to present the best in Chinese and Asian avant-garde as a way to encourage understanding and creativity across Asian art.

Gallery FACTORY 

Situated in Hyoja-dong to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, is Gallery FACTORY, a small but punchy avant-garde space that has established itself as a steadfast presence in Seoul’s evolving art scene. The gallery encourages community participation through workshops and lectures, as well as by engaging in art consultation, public art projects, publications and international exchange programs. If you’re looking to discover the experimental work of up-and-coming artists based in Korea, Gallery FACTORY is certainly the place to do it.

Ungno Lee Museum of Art 

Designed by French architect Laurent Beaudouin, the quaint white structure that is the Ungno Lee Museum of Art was built to commemorate the work of the artist Goam Ungno Lee (1904-1989), who devoted his life to the modernization and globalization of Korean tradition through architecture. Goam’s work, which epitomizes the harmony between East and West, is distributed throughout four halls, which seem to flow together in one continual, unified space.

See more: Changwon, the city of art in South Korea

Source: Internet

Where to enjoy autumn season in Jeju

Each little corner of Jeju Island has its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re walking on the 1,950-meter-tall Hallasan Mountain, trekking over one of the 360 oreum (volcanic cones), or strolling along its extensive network of walking trails ... you’ll encounter a variety of distinct island charms. Where would you like to go first this autumn?

Jeju in autumn

Gapmajang Road

The mid-mountain region of Jeju Island was formed when lava flowing from the top of Hallasan Mountain at Baengnokdam crater down to the ocean hardened at locations along the way and ultimately formed a plain. This plain is known for its suitability for raising horses, and during the 100 years or so between 1794 and 1899, Jeju's horse culture developed substantially. This is especially the case for the region of Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo. It is also an area with an Olle walking trail and plenty of beautiful fields of spring wildflowers and autumn pampas grass.

The area around the 2nd Sanrok Road south of Hallasan Mountain was appropriately named on the “100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea” by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. But you don’t have to see it only from a car. There are plenty of spots to hike and admire the mountain and ocean views. Bring friends, family, your significant other, and take pictures of the pristine scenery and majesty of Jeju’s natural environment.

Address: 3149-33beonji, Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo

Geumbaekjo Road

Here you can see magnificent vistas of pampas grass that wave high and low on the slopes of Jeju Island. This is a famous 10-kilometer-long highway leading northeast from Seogwipo City though to Susan-ri, Seongsan-eup. Along the way by car you will pass through pristine mid-mountain plains that by all accounts inspire a romantic mood in those who are fortunate enough to experience its winding roads and wonderful scenery.

If you need to stop along Geumbaekjo Road, please look for a parking area or observation deck. This is the safest place to view the volcanic cones, coastline and forest of the south side of the island.

Address: Susan Eco Experience & Information Center, Susan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo

Dalkmeoreu Coastal Path

The pampas grass growing along the northern coast at Sinchon-ri, Jocheon-eup, covers a hidden place with an unusual name. Dalkmeoreu Coastal Path gets its name from the shape of a geological formation that some say looks like a chicken sitting on the ground when viewed from a certain angle. The area is a well-known fishing spot and there is an eco-learning experience center on site. The coastal path has been designated an official “Korean Coast Stroll Pathway” by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the Korea Ocean Foundation. It was recognized as a natural, not artificial, creation which is both beautiful and full of marine culture and history.

The path covers some 1.6 kilometers from Sinchon Port to Sinchon Village Diving Women Changing Area. The course is just a 30-minute walk, but during that short time you can take in the fullness of the autumn sky, sea, and sunset. Its panoramas and ocean waves crashing on the rocks make it one of the best date spots on the island. Naturally, since Jeju is an island it’s possible to view the ocean from every part of it, but it’s these sorts of quaint walking paths that offer visitors a distinctly local experience. How about giving this Dalkmeoreu Coastal Path a try?

Address: 2408-1 Sinchon-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju City

Ttarabi Oreum

Before you ascend this oreum in October or November, you’ll notice just how Ttarabi’s thick, swaying pampas grass has turned a beautiful, golden brown. Known as “the queen of Jeju oreum” its shape is delicate and graceful, giving off an aura of royalty. And not unlike a queen, it’s rather popular, so if you’d like to enjoy the view from the top in peace, it’s best to visit either early in the morning or at sunset.

Sunset in Ttarabi Oreum

Ttarabi has a horseshoe shape and is made up of three circular craters and six large and small connected peaks. It is thickly covered with grass and trees and if you walk the circumference you’ll need about an hour to do so. From the top you’ll see in the distance wind turbines generating clean energy, as well as the verdant rural landscape of the region, its distinctive Jeju stone walls, or batdam, and Gasi-ri village.

Address: San 62 Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo

Akkeundarangswi Oreum

Compared to Darangswi volcanic cone, the 10-minute climb to the summit of Akkeundarangswi is much easier (“akkeun” means “something that comes close”, or “small” in the Jeju language). Still, it affords hikers a remarkably beautiful view. The top of the oreum is devoid of trees and other structures, so it’s just you, the pampas grass, and the sky up there. You’ll be the recipient of the gift of a genuine Jeju autumn experience.

Walking through the thick, golden-brown pampas grass, there are plenty of great photo ops. But be sure to wear long sleeved shirts, pants, and appropriate footwear for optimal comfort and safety. It can get quite cool and the path slippery if it rains. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the charms of this volcanic cone. Pack a bottle of water and some snacks and head out for a beautiful day in Jeju’s great outdoors!

Address: 2593 Sehwa-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City

Read more: Where to find the best delicacies in Jeju

Source Visit Jeju

Top water activites to do in Jeju in the summer

Home to the breathtaking Hallasan mountain, the awe-inspiring haenyo or powerful sea women, and historically-infused harubangs or grandfather statues at Jeju Stone Park, Jeju Island is also renowned for its picturesque beaches. For all water sports enthusiasts, add Jeju to your bucket list! It is a paradise filled with crystal turquoise waters perfect for you to spend your summer.

Kayaking

What’s more fun than kayaking? Kayaking in a transparent boat! Kayak in the emerald ocean of Jeju at Woljeongri Beach, also known as the “place where the moon rests”. The beach boasts silvery white sand complemented by flaring hues of the sun. Breathe in the ocean air and repose while  the see-through kayak brings you even closer to the marine life and ocean floors. This activity is suitable for all ages. Bask in the summer heat and kayak on.

Stand-up paddleboarding

Originating from Hawaii, stand-up paddleboarding is a relatively new sport that has just been introduced to the island in recent years. This activity is also beginner-friendly as lessons are provided. All you have to pay for is the board rental! Not to worry, the instructors are equipped with the ISA SUP instructor certification and can communicate in English. Opt for the Jeju SUP Surfing Club guided tour to learn the basics of paddleboarding and embark on a unique tour of Jeju Island’s caves.

Submarine tour

When else will you get a chance to get on board a submarine? The Seogwipo Submarine conducts safe undersea tours along the 40-metre deep sea bed which allows you to observe the brightly-colored fish and beautiful coral reefs. A passenger ferry at Seogwipo Port will take you to Munseom to board the submarine. After the deep sea tour, there will also be a tour of Munseom Island itself. This activity is perfect for families with children and those who still wish to get up close and personal with Jeju marine life without having to get their feet wet.

Scuba diving

The deeper you go, the cooler it gets. Try scuba diving at the Southern coast of Jeju and revel in the vibrant marine life! The Jeju Island Diving Service conducts their dives at small rocky outlets off Sogwipo city. Opt for a dive at Supseom Island to witness the large schools of squid and you might even catch a glimpse of dolphins if you’re lucky.

Read more: Experience 4 routes for hiking in South Korea

Snorkeling

Located 14 kilometres east of Jeju, Hamdeok Beach is a tropical gem that boasts clean and shallow waters perfect for snorkeling. The marine life of Hamdeok Beach is sure to entrance you with colorful glimpses of yellow-striped butterfly fish, triggerfish and little schooling fish, amongst others.

Source Internet

Best local restaurants in Jeju, South Korea

For such a tiny island, Jeju is packed full of specialty dishes. From rich black pork to abalones plucked fresh from the ocean by Jeju’s very own ‘mermaids’, there are plenty of delicacies to try. Here’s a selection of Jeju’s best restaurants to whet your appetite, and our suggestions for places to try them.

Donsadon

Black pork is a specialty unique to Jeju. It’s made from the flesh of domesticated black pigs bred only on the island. If you pass a farm or two, you may well see the small, smooth-skinned pigs snuffling around. Grilled black pork is a dish so well-loved in Jeju that there’s a whole street devoted to it — head to Black Pork Street for pork restaurants galore. If you’re looking to head a bit more off the beaten track, however, Donsadon is an excellent option for fresh, sizzling barbecued black pork.

Myeongjin Jeonbok

Jeju is famous for its abalones, and Myeongjin Jeonbok is one of the most popular abalone restaurants on the island. Abalones are traditionally harvested by haenyeo, Jeju’s ‘mermaids’ — female divers who descend to depths of up to 15 metres to collect delicacies such as octopus, sea urchins, oysters and other shellfish, including abalones. Myeongjin Jeonbok has just four dishes on the menu — abalone sizzling stone pot rice, grilled abalone, rice porridge with abalone and sliced raw abalone. This means that each dish is honed to perfection. The ingredients are fresh and delicious, and the restaurant is good value for money compared to other similar establishments. Expect to wait for a table, as it’s a popular spot.

Deomjang Jungmun

For the Jeju specialty dish godeungeo gui — grilled mackerel cooked to perfection — head to Deomjang Jungmun in Jeju city. The mackerel is served with a wide variety of complementary side dishes, and portions are sizeable and good value for money. Mackerel is particularly well-loved in Jeju because it’s inexpensive, and in the hands of a skilful chef, there is a delicious counterpoint between the fish’s soft, slightly sweet flesh and crispy, sizzling skin.

Samsunghyeol Haemultang

Haemultang is a spicy seafood hotpot, filled with an abundance of fresh seafood. It’s popular all over Korea, but the Jeju version is especially tasty due to the availability of a wide variety of delicious shellfish and other seafoods. The dish is bursting with flavour and healthy vitamins; as well as seafood, the rich broth contains a number of vegetables, and is seasoned with gochujang, a spicy bean paste. Haemultang is the specialty dish at Samsunghyeol Haemultang, and the restaurant also boasts an extensive menu of other seafood options. The seating is traditional Korean style.

Friendship Sashimi Restaurant

Fresh sashimi is a sought-after delicacy all over Korea. Mouth-watering slices of raw seafood are served with side dishes and a mixture of soy sauce and fresh chilli for dipping. Look out for street food tents (or pojangmacha) all over Jeju, or head to a specialty sashimi restaurant such as Friendship Sashimi Restaurant, which has great views over the Jeju seafront.

Manna Sikdang

Hairtail fish, or galchi jorim, is a fish prized by Jeju’s locals. Long, thin and silvery, it’s hard to keep hairtail fish fresh for long once it’s caught, so Jeju — with its ultra-fresh seafood — is the best place to eat this unique fish. It’s normally served in a spicy stew. Many restaurants on the island serve this dish, as it’s now quite famous, but one of the most well-known places to go is Manna Sikdang. Be prepared to wait for a table, and go early, as the restaurant closes once it has sold out for the day.

Guksu Madang

Guksu Madang’s specialty dish is momguk, or gulfweed soup. Pork bones are boiled to make broth, and flavoured with onions, sour kimchi and vegetables. The star ingredient is gulfweed, a seaweed known as ‘mom’ or ‘mojaban’ in the Jeju dialect. Momguk is a dish unique to Jeju, and cannot be found elsewhere in Korea. The dish’s history lies in Jeju’s past: with a climate that included harsh sea winds and cold weather, the island’s crops were vulnerable to failure, and so the Jeju natives turned to seaweed for a reliable source of nutrition. Momguk was traditionally served at family gatherings and events.

See more: 5 most romatic destinations for couples in Jeju, South Korea

Source: Internet

The most beautiful paradise islands to visit in Asia

With crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, palm trees and lush green hills, surfing spots, incredible underwater life and some of the best diving sites, Asia’s beautiful islands are close to being heaven on Earth. They are the perfect answers for those seeking moments of relaxation and freedom out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

1. Cat Ba Island, Vietnam

Located in Northern Vietnam, the stunning Cat Ba National Park is home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site: Ha Long Bay. Cat Ba Island is the largest island in the park, and the town itself is rather touristy, with many karaoke bars attracting Vietnamese weekenders. But take a little ride out of town, and find the many golden beaches, boat ride options, dense jungles and lush green mountains offering plenty of treks with incredible views of the famous karst scenery of Cat Ba National Park.

2. Komodo, Indonesia

If you thought dragons didn’t exist, think again. Komodo National Park is home to the Komodo Dragon. Located between the islands of Flores and Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia, Komodo is a secluded and untamed Jurassic Park-like island part of the National Park. Besides being well known as the home to the giant lizard, Komodo is also known as a paradise for nature lovers, with numerous mountains to climb and amazing diving sites around the stunning coral reefs.

3. Jeju, South Korea

Considered the Hawaii of South Korea, Jeju Island is a long-time favorite amongst South Korean travelers and honeymooners. Iho Beach stands out in the region with its combination of grey and yellow sand. It is a shallow beach, perfect for a good swim. Downtown Jeju is also a great spot for people watching and having a beer at one of the numerous bars.

4. Baros Island, Maldives

Baros Island is part of the North Malé Atoll and home to the luxury Baros Maldives hotel. The peaceful and stunning beaches circling the perimeter are perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. With facilities such as a dive center (courtesy of the hotel), tourists can make the most of the clear, warm ocean lapping the island. Or guests can simply submit to pure relaxation through the variety of spa treatments, complimentary morning yoga classes and infinity pools offered by the resort.

5. Akajima, Japan

Akijima, often referred to as ‘Aka’, is part of Okinawa’s Kerama Islands in Japan. In the summer, it becomes popular with Japanese tourists, but even in peak season, Akajima retains its charm with spotless beaches and welcoming locals. Offshore, it is possible to snorkel, dive and kayak in waters rich in tropical sea life.

6. Cebu Island, The Philippines

Located in the Visayas region of the Philippines, Cebu consists of a beautiful, long and narrow island with upland areas offering stunning views of mountains and seas and 167 surrounding islets. There are high-end resorts in tourist areas such as in Malapascua, Badian and Camotes, but also more modest resorts in fishing villages such as Moalboal.

7. Similan Islands, Thailand

Consisting of a group of 11 archipelagos located off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea, the Similan Islands are stunning islets protected by the Thai government. Under the crystal-clear waters of this marine nature reserve lies a paradise for divers and snorkelers. With warm weather all year, this is the perfect spot to see gorgeous corals, imposing boulders and beautiful tropical fish in a peaceful setting.

Read more: The most spectacular dining locations in the Maldives

Source theculturetrip

The most romantic destinations in Jeju, Korea

Each Asian country has its own must-visit off-shore island, Singapore has Sentosa, Thailand has Phuket, and Indonesia has Bali. For South Korea, the top island destination is undoubtedly the picturesque Jeju Island.

Manjanggul Cave

Manjanggul Cave is one of the top ten lava tubes to visit that was formed about 200,000-300,000 years ago. It is one of 7 Geomunoreum lava tubes of Jeju Island and located in the North East area. These lava tunnels have a unique and interesting shape, and the whole cave complex is 13,422 metres, making it one of the largest of its type in the world. The cave is softly lit and filled with rock pillars and stalactites.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from the sea in a series of volcanic eruptions beginning over 100,000 years ago. The site resembles an old fortress on a coastal cliff and is originally a volcanic island but is later connected as sand and gravel accumulated in between. The sunrise from the peak is considered as one of the most fascinated views in Jeju.

O’Sulloc Museum

Korea is famous for tea culture. ‘O’ in O’Sulloc means to appreciate and enjoy, while ‘Sulloc’ refers to a type of green tea. The museum takes the shape of a tea cup, and is separated into at least 6 different exhibitions. Here, you can view the different types of tea cups of Korea and around the world and spruce up your knowledge of tea history. Moreover, you can learn how to categorise tea leaves based on various factors, and especially, enjoy a hot cup of tea by the lotus pond in the indoorgarden, or on the observatory deck, where you can look out into the expanse of greentea fields in the near distance.

Woljeongri Beach

One of Jeju’s main attractions is the clear, emerald-blue sea which laps round its shores. This is set off to great effect by Woljeongri Beach’s white sands and surrounding landscape, making the beach a perfect spot for walks along the waterfront. Woljeongri is also surrounded by a number of very good cafes.

Jusangjeolli Cliffs

Jusangjeolli Cliffs refer to the set of blackish, rock pillars of rectangular or hexagonal shapes on the east coast of Jungmun Tourist Resort. As if carved by stonemasons, the pillars are evidence of nature’s awesome power. They commonly expressed as vertical columnar jointing, the formations are created via sudden cooling of lava that shrinks in mass. The sight of waves crashing against the columns is both serene and beautiful.

Source Internet