Jeju Island has been judged Korea’s World’s Greatest Place in 2023 by TIME Magazine.

An island off the south coast of the Korean peninsula, Jeju is well known in Asia, and its popularity is made easier with the air route between Seoul and Jeju and international cruises returning in 2023.

Here’s what draws tourists to Jeju:

Nature

Jeju is known for its volcanic formations, the centre of the island being Hallasan, a dormant volcano and South Korea’s highest point. The island also features lava tubes and volcanic tuff cones such as Seongsan Ilchulbong, a perfect spot for enjoying the sunrise and stopping point on the Jeju Olle Trail that circles the entire island.

Produce

Regional areas in Korea boast their own speciality foods and interpretations of common dishes, and Jeju is no exception. Famed for its pure environment, Jeju’s mandarin-orange fruit hallabong is ubiquitous and can be picked fresh from orchards around the island. Another specialty is Jeju’s tender black pork which is often barbecued in thicker chunks with black hairs occasionally intact as a mark of authenticity.

Culture

As South Korea’s most popular domestic leisure tourism destination, Koreans flock here to unwind. Unlike the bali bali (hurry hurry) lifestyles of Seoulites, Jeju people live on island time. That’s not to say Jeju residents don’t work hard - testament to this is Jeju’s UNESCO listed Haenyeo divers who free-dive for abalone and sea urchins amongst the black volcanic rock. Some Haenyeo are well into their 80’s yet still doing the physically demanding and at times dangerous work that has been passed down from generations.

Sustainability

Away from the bustling cities of the mainland, Jeju is clean and quiet, and Jeju’s local government is eager to keep it that way with an initiative to become carbon-neutral by 2030. Along with renewables including massive offshore wind farms, Jeju has the highest proportion of electric cars and charging stations in Korea. EVs are available for rental and are the ideal mode of transport for exploring the attractions and scenic areas scattered across the island.

Luxury

A string of new luxury hotels have opened in Jeju over the past three years including Grand Hyatt Jeju in 2020 and Parnas Hotel Jeju in 2022. The latest luxury offering is Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa which opened in March 2023, in Seogwipo City on the less populated southern side of the island. The hotel overlooks the ocean with views of nearby Beomseom Island and Seogwipo’s columnar joint cliffs - one of Jeju’s designated natural monuments.

For more information on travel to South Korea and Jeju Island.....

Photos: courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization