Jewel of S.Korea

Jewel of S.Korea

Thursday, November 13, 2014

Jeju Island's attractions

Today we will get to know more about Jeju Island & it's attractions.
Just in case some of them will appear in movie " After Love "^^

Introduction of Jeju-do
( " do " means Island in Korean )



Jeju Island is the largest volcanic island in Korea. Officially called Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, this premier tourist destination boasts mild weather, as well as scenic beauties of beaches, waterfalls, cliffs and caves. Some of the top tourist sites include Hallasan National Park with a largely diverse species of flora and fauna, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak with breathtaking views, and Manjanggul Cave, the world’s longest lava tube that has been registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage. Meanwhile, Jeju has recently won the Global Geopark certificate, and also has been selected as the New 7 Wonders of Nature.


Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock) (용두암)   




Introduction

Situated to the north of Jeju City, Yongduam was created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years. However, there are plenty of other stories of how it came to be. One legend has it that a dragon stealing precious jade from Mt. Halla was shot down by an arrow from the mountain deity. When he fell down on Yongduam, his body immediately sank into the ocean and his head rapidly froze looking at the sky. Another legend has it that a white horse, who dreamed of being a dragon and ascending to the sky, came to be caught by a soldier and froze into the rock.

From Yongduam, visitors can see Haeneo women divers working on catching seafood. Near the rock are various cafes, bars, and restaurants. The coastal road between Aewol-eup and Yongduam is a popular spot for couples. Cafes and seafood restaurants began to appear there five years ago and now form a pleasant café village. 

Drinking a cup of coffee at the village café and driving along the scenic coastal lines, visitors can encounter Iho Beach where black rocks contrast with the emerald-blue ocean, Hagwi Coast, and Aewol Port. Aewol Port is also home to small seafood restaurants and fishing boats coming in and out, adding flavor to the coastal drive. Further from the port is one of the most popular beaches on Jeju Island, Hyeopjae Beach, showcasing the deep royal-blue sea year-round with splendid white sand.


Udo Maritime Park (Udo Island) (우도해양도립공원)   




Introduction

Situated on the eastern end of Jeju Island, Udo Island was named because it resembles a lying cow. It boasts fertile soils, abundant schools of fish, and scenic sights; local heritage (female divers, stone walls, and stone tombs) as well as natural attractions abound on the island, making it a miniature of Jeju Island. The island is also full of amenities and tourism outlets: fishing, bike trails, sand massaging, tour submarines and cruises.

Seobin Baeksa (a coral beach designated as Natural Monument No. 438) has appeared regularly in films (including Il Mare) and TV commercials thanks to its breathtaking white sand and emerald blue sea. The sea around the beach showcases different colors depending on the water level. These make Seobin Baeksa one of the most popular tourist attractions along with Hallasan Mountain on Jeju Island. Residing in Udobong Peak (132.5m), the highest spot on the island, is a lighthouse surrounded by a spacious park. The peak offers outstanding overlooks of the island at a glance.

To protect the exquisite nature and promote maritime tourism, Bukjeju County designated two ports on the island (Udo Port and Haumokdong Port) and the sea surrounding it (25,863㎢) as Udo Maritime Park in January 2001. Visitors can appreciate maritime tourism at its best including a trip under the sea by submarine. 


Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak 
[UNESCO World Heritage] (성산일출봉)   



Introduction

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. 
The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.


Jeju Folk Village Museum (제주민속촌박물관)    




Introduction

With a total of 117 houses and facilities, Jeju Folk Village Museum has restored the scenes of the village to that of the 1890’s. Among them are Mountain Village, Hill-Country Village, Fishing Village and Shamanism Village. On land of more than 40 acres it has been reconstructed following long-term research and analysis of experts. Some of the extensive range of folk items on display are 1,627 woodenware, 1,046 bamboo ware, 1,699 earthenware, 1,544 porcelain ware, 765 wax candles, 921 ironware and 579 other items. The Jeju Folk Village Museum is the island’s main tourist attraction where customs of the old days can be explored.

Since March 2006, Daeganggeum Mini Theme Park located at the Jeju Folk Village, offers various things for visitors to see. Many of the scenes from episodes 27 to 32 of the historical drama, in which Jang-geum learns medicine as a maid were filmed at Jeju Folk Village. In order to fit the theme of Daeganggeum, the separate locations have joined together, and are now open to tourists. Visitors can appreciate the amazing scenic beauty of Jeju as well as experience the traditional culture of Jeju at this theme park.


Jungmun Saekdal Beach (중문·색달 해변) 



  Introduction

Jungmun Beach (중문해수욕장) has a sandy shore so fine that it is called Jinmosal. The white sand beach is 560m long and the water has an average depth of 1.2m. Different shades of black, red, and grey are beautifully mixed into the white sand of the beach. This helps to accentuate Jeju-do Island’s black Hyeonmuam stones. To the right side of the beach is a natural sea cave called Haesikgul Cave. This area is often used for TV commercials, and the turbulent water is great for windsurfing and other water sports.


Yeomiji Botanical Garden (여미지 식물원)   




Introduction

Located within Jungmun Resort, Yeomiji Botanical Garden (여미지식물원) is the best botanical garden in Asia that has a unique southern atmosphere. The indoor garden contains approximately 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants including Flower Garden, Water Lily Garden, Jungle Garden, Subtropical Fruits Garden, Cactus and Succulent Garden, and Observation Platform. The outdoor garden houses, Jeju Native Garden, as well as Korean, Japanese, Italian and French folk gardens. The tour train accommodating 60 persons lies between Indoor and Outdoor Garden. The Jungmun Tourist Complex, Cheonjeyeon Falls as well as a clear view of Mt. Hallasan, and nearby coast as well as Marado Island can be observed at the thirty-eight meter observation platform.

No comments:

Post a Comment