Tour Guide: Jeju Island

Jeju where over 5 million people visit every year, is definitely the best tourist city in Korea. Recently, the number of tourists-both domestic tourists and foreigner tourist-is skyrocketing. Jeju has a nickname, "Samdado" which means "Three-many-island". The nickname refers to abundance of rocks, women, and wind. Jeju is very unique place compared to other places in Korea because their dialect is very distinct. Their dialect is so different, thus, Koreans who do not live in Jeju cannot understand what they are saying. This is because Jeju is an island so they have less contact with other places in mainland. Furthermore, Jeju has charming natural scenery that is unusual compared to the mainland of Korea. Jeju is a volcanic island; therefore, Halla Mountain, which is volcanic island is located in the center of the island. Halla Mountain is recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO with two other tourist site, Seongsan llchulbong Peak, Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, of Jeju. The volcanic activity generated tremendous amount of basalt. People in Jeju used the basalt to create a symbol of Jeju, Dolhareubang (it means stone statue of old grandfathers). Moreover, Jeju is famous with its beach because of the color of ocean which is similar to the tropical oceans-emerald-like color.

Tourist Spots Jeju is recognized as an unique tourist site because many foreign tourists can experience various style of food, attractions, and unusual environment.

① Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak [UNESCO World Heritage]
Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: Winter : 1 hour before sunrise - 20:00 Summer : 1 hour before sunrise - 21:00 *Not allowed to enter during bad weather
Admission Fee: Adult: 2000 won / Group 1200 won Youth & Children: 1000 won / Group 600 won * Group : 10+ people

② Geomunoreum [UNESCO World Heritage]
Address: San 102-1, Seonheul-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-do
Operating Hours: 9:00~12:00 (closed