ShoreTrips says...

Dominated by Mt. Hallasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that rises up from the center of the island, Jeju Island, off of Korea’s southern coast is known as the “Hawaii of Asia.”

Popular as a honeymoon destination and a favorite of Koreans and international visitors alike, this volcanic island is encircled by more than 254 kilometers of scenic coastline.

After being welcomed by your tour guide at the cruise ship pier, you will begin your day on Jeju with a visit to the Haenyeo (women sea divers) Museum. Located in Hado-ri, a leisurely seaside village where many haenyeo have traditionally lived. The museum illuminates their way of life, displays models of their homes and contains exhibits of their daily diet, tools and clothing, as well as their contributions to opposing the Japanese occupation of the 1930s.

Next, your guide will take you to Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). This lava formation rose up from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jeju Island, it boasts a huge crater at the top of the peak. With 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. The views from the summit are superb.

From there, you’ll drive down the eastern coast to Jeju Village Folk Museum, a 40-acre center of historical research and re-creation of Korean village life in the 1890s. With 117 houses and facilities to explore, the museum complex includes typical villages once found in the mountains, hill country, and coastal fishing areas, as well as one dominated by shamanistic religious practices. There is also a mini-theme park in which a popular historic dramatic series was filmed.

The magnificent Manjanggul Cave or Lava Tube will be your final stop. The length runs almost 9,000 meters and is amongst the largest in the world. Pictures you see online will not do it justice as stalactites, lava columns, cave coral and helictites shoot out from every direction providing a vision of epic proportions. You may feel like you are on another planet!

Fresh tangerines and other Jeju specialties are readily available for purchase in tourist shops and traditional markets. Crafts, specially-dyed clothing, and cosmetic items using natural ingredients are other popular souvenirs that embody the unique cultural flavor of Jeju. Most tourist attractions on the island have souvenir stands featuring products specific to that site, in addition to Jeju favorites.