Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Seogwipo Chilsimni was originally was the name of a 27 km strip of land from Seongeup Village to Seogwipo Harbor in Jeju Island. However, over the years it has come to mean “homeland” for Jeju citizens. The Seogwipo area is also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jeju due to its beautiful ocean landscapes.The festival’s program includes folk performances rooted in Jeju’s history, legends, and natural environment. There are also a variety of ocean sports activities, which are very popular with visitors.


Jeju-do()

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.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Songaksan Mountain is also called 99 Bong (99 Peaks) due to its 99 small peaks. The road from Sanbanggulsa Temple in Southern Jeju to Songaksan Mountain is a famous coastal drive with breathtaking scenic views. Though not as enormous as Hallasan Mountain, the view from the peak of Songaksan is truly scenic. From the summit, one can see nearby islands such as Marado, Gapado, and Hyeongjeseom, and as far as Hallasan Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.The main peak rises 104 meters above sea level. To the northwest of the main peak is an expansive prairie with several peaks. There is a crater about 500 meters in diameter and 80 meters in depth, with some blackish volcanic ash still remaining inside. Looking along the jagged coastline, one can spot the large man-made caves built during the Japanese occupation. The seashore at the base of Songaksan Mountain is a famous fishing ground and diverse fish such as sawedged perch and black porgy are caught here.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Yongcheondonggul Cave (용천동굴) is the most typical form of lava tunnel on Jeju Island and with a total length of approximately 2,470.8m it is one of the largest. It has a unique topology and rich limestone formations such as lava terrace, lava shelves, lava waterfalls, and 140m of lava rolls. In particular, a range of carbonate formations such as straw soda, stalactite, columns, flowstones, cave corals, aragonite crystals can be found inside this large cave that also contains a lake. This unique cave is astounding in terms of its geological value and beauty. There are also items that can be found throughout the cave that appear to have been brought in by people who lived on the island long ago, such as pieces of pottery, animal bones, ironware, charcoal and other substances.  


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Kim Young Gap Gallery is a former elementary school turned gallery. Photographer Kim Young Gap, who had been suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, spent his life capturing the beauty of Jeju Island. He created the gallery during his last days so that he could ensure his works be shared for years to come. The gallery shows the photographer’s artistic passion, and his photos reflect the sublime beauty of Jeju Island, captured day after day in all kinds of weather. It is said that Kim Young-gap lived a life of poverty, spending the little money he had on film and developing supplies. Visitors to the gallery will surely be impressed by the commitment and lifetime sacrifice Kim Young-gap made 


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island

Designated as a natural monument, Bijarim Forest is a group of about 2,800 nutmeg trees between 500 and 800 years old. They are 7-14m in x_height and 50-110cm in diameter. This is the largest nutmeg tree forest in the world. In the middle of the forest is an 800-year-old tree, called ‘Ancestor tree of the Bija trees.' The tree is the oldest tree on Jeju-do with a x_height of 25 meters and girth of 6 meters.The trees emit a lot of phytoncide, which is said to strengthen the immune system and natural healing ability of the human body. Nutmeg tree blossoms and the oil are said to have been used as insecticides in the past. There are also rare orchids and plants growing in the forest. A walkway through the forest has been installed for visitors to enjoy a stroll through the wonderful forest.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The architectural style of Yakcheonsa Temple is reminiscent of that of Buddhist temples of the early Joseon Dynasty. Measuring an impressive 30m high and spanning a total area of 3,305 meters squared, it is the largest temple in the East. Upon entering Yakcheonsa Temple, guests will be greeted by a 5m-tall statue of Vairocana, the tallest of such statues in Korea, on a 4m high pedestal. The walls on both the right and left have been sculpted into large altar portraits of Buddha and in front of the Dharma Hall is a giant Buddhist temple bell, weighing 18 tons. Beloved for its size and grandeur, the temple consists of a main temple (2,652 meters squared) and a 3-story residential structure for the Buddhist monks. Other notable sites are the Gulbeopdang (the Dharma Hall, built inside a natural cave), the Samseonggak Shrine, and the Sarira Pagoda. Yakcheonsa Temple is not only popular among Buddhists but is also a well sought after tourist destination.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest is found along the east of 1100 Road which stretches across west of Hallasan Mountain, connecting Jeju-si and Seogwipo-si’s Jeju Jungmun Resort. Forests composed of various plant species fill the reserve along while serving as a habitat for rare animals such as pheasants, roe deer, etc. Modern and convenient forest lodgings, water activities, and walking trails are available for visitors to enjoy. There is also an observatory deck that offers a bird’s-eye view of Jeju World Cup Stadium, Jeju Convention Center, and Gwanghan Jungmun Tour Resort that stretches over 3.5 million ㎡.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Jeju Horse Park offers a venue to understand Jeju’s horse culture in an easy and fun way. The park has kept intact a 600-year nomadic cultural history of nomadic cultures at the site of the Gasi-ri village which used to house Gammajang, the place for raising the best horse during Joseon Dynasty. The park includes the Jeju Horse Museum, Ttarabi horseback riding place, Maeum Cafe, Mongol Ger Guesthouse, camping site, art shop, and an experience place to focus on the Project for a New Cultural Space Creation through the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The Jeju Horse Museum was the first national museum created by a village and its main theme covers the history and culture of the village is also regarded as a new kind of community business model. * Opened on September 8, 2012