SIGHT TO SEE
JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA
The country’ s largest island offers a wide variety of landscapes, says Emily Lush
Located at the confluence of the Yellow Sea, East China Sea and Sea of Japan, Jeju Island was formed two million years ago, when a subaquatic volcano blew its top. Dangling 50 miles off the tip of the Korean Peninsula, it’ s dominated by Mount Hallasan— a dormant volcano and the highest peak in South Korea. Lurking below the surface, the Geomunoreum Lava Tubes represent some of the largest and most intricate volcanic caves to be found anywhere on the planet.
Protruding from the eastern shore and connected to the island by a peninsula, Seongsan Ilchulbong is a 600-foot, flattopped tuff cone that was created by a hydrovolcanic eruption thousands of years ago. A 45-minute walk brings visitors to its crest, where the panoramic views are best enjoyed at dawn.
Jeju’ s interior is equally dramatic, with waterfalls, rainforests, fields of canola flowers and large plateaus. A wander through the Bijarim Forest on the island’ s northeast corner reveals thousands of ancient nutmeg trees.
The Indigenous Jeju people speak their own language and observe distinct traditions. The Haenyeo, a group of all-female freedivers, are a symbol of the uniquely matriarchal society. To see them dive, go to Yongduam Rock on the Esplanade at first light.
At Jeju Folk Village, restored thatched-roof houses from the 1890s reflect the traditional ways of island life. By contrast, Jeju City, the region’ s capital, is a hub for modern art.
While it’ s warmest in summer, expect milder temperatures and smaller crowds in spring and fall. To see Jeonnong-ro Cherry Blossom Road at its best, visit in late March. Spring is also when the spectacular Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival is held.
ESSENTIALS
------------
Island-bound flights are available around the clock from various cities on the South Korean mainland. While renting a car is an efficient way to get around, consider walking part of the Olle Trail, a 270-mile, 27-stage hiking route that circumnavigates the coast. image: Alamy
90 • pos t c a rds