Jeju Island, designated as Jeju Special Autonomous Province, lies southwest of the Korean Peninsula and is the largest tourist destination in Korea. The whole island was designated as a special tourist zone, and wherever tourists go, they can look upon beautiful scenery. Every year, about 8.7 million people from Korea and abroad visit this fascinating island that measures 73 km across, east to west, and 31 km, from north to south.
Jeju Island was also designated as a World Natural Heritage. The climate of Jeju is quite different from the temperate climate of mainland Korea. Since the island has a subtropical climate as well as a subarctic one, there are many unique plants that can only to be found on this island. The unique sight of Jeju Island captivates travelers. The scenery that represents this volcanic island of Jeju was created by Hallasan Mountain and Oreum (parasitic cones in Jeju dialect) as well as the pillar-shaped joint on the beach. The piedmont area that visitors encounter on their way from the beach to Hallasan Mountain is a gift of nature and the piedmont area on the way to Geomun Oreum, where Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is located, is worthwhile to see. Another unique aspect here is the Jeju dialect and lifestyle.
Traveling the 182 km circuit road along the coastline by car, motor scooter or bike is recommended. There is a trail for walking called “Jeju Olle” for those who choose to make a round trip on foot.
Jeju Island is implementing more discretionary and diversified policies in politics and economy as well as tourism, and this is what makes Jeju worthy of the name “free international city.”
* Current State of Jeju Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: All of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (except the annexed island)
2) Area: 1,809.56k㎡
* Tourist Attractions
Hallasan Mountain, Oreum (Parasitic cones), Coastal Road, piedmont area, Jeju Olle Trails, beach, museums, galleries, Jungmun Resort, etc.