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 autumn . 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
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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
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