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A climb up
Hallasan Mountain
to
appreciate Jeju’s natural beauty from on
high
is a must-do. First-timers can opt for
one of the easier trails, such as the Yongsil
Trail; it’s shorter and slightly less steep. But
if you’re ready for an adventure, go for the
Seongpanak Trail; nearly 10 kilometres
long and four and a half hours straight up!
Pack a jacket even in warm weather as it
can get windy near the top.
After all that activity you’ll be starving, so
grab some
black pork
(a Jeju Island
specialty), or try
live octopus
: beware,
the tentacles still squirm in your mouth, even
after they’ve been chopped up!
One of the most puzzling attractions on the
island is
The Mysterious Road
. Turn off
your engine and watch your vehicle move
up the hill, or so it seems.
The
Trick Art Museum
is fun for kids.
Filled with magical optical illusions, it provides
plenty of photo opportunities. Watch as
murals and frescoes come to life, and look out
for the room that makes one person look like
a giant and the other a dwarf.
End your day with a visit to the
Nanta
show
at Jeju theatre. This high-intensity
comedy musical uses all sorts of kitchen
utensils as props, is full of acrobatic moves,
and has a rhythmic beat that keeps your
toes tapping.
GETTING AROUND
Public transport in Jeju is not
easily available, so renting a car
at the airport is essential. Get
the phone numbers of where
you plan to visit because GPS
recognises phone numbers better
than addresses. And, as the
locals only speak Korean, use
pictures and actions when you
need to ask for directions.
JEJU FACTS
Jeju is an oval-shaped
volcanic island measuring
73 kilometres from west
to east, and 31 kilometres
from north to south.
At 1,950 metres, Hallasan
Mountain is Jeju’s most
distinctive landmark, and
South Korea’s highest peak.
It’s also a UNESCO World
Heritage Site.
The haenyeo or “mermaids
of Jeju” free-dive to
depths of 20 metres to
gather clams, abalone
and seaweed. These
amazing women (most of
them grandmothers) have
trained themselves to stay
underwater for several
minutes with no equipment
other than a wetsuit and
goggles.
As well as the Trick Art
Museum, Jeju has museums
dedicated to chocolate,
teddy bears and green tea,
and an impressive number
of natural and theme parks.
Jeju is one of the top
honeymoon destinations in
the world.
KOREA’S JEJU ISLAND
Whether you’re travelling in South Korea as a couple, with
friends or with family, Jeju Island has plenty to offer. Here are
five tips from ABIGAIL LAM’s recent trip to this fun destination.
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Travel Guide 2014