Jeju Island Special Tourist Zone (제주도 관광특구) - Area information - Korea travel information

Jeju Island Special Tourist Zone (제주도 관광특구)

12.6 Km    21458     2024-03-15

Jeju-do
+82-64-740-6000

Located to the southwest of the Korean Peninsula, the island of Jeju is Korea's largest tourist destination. The entire island has been designated as a special tourist zone, and it's easy to see why: there is hardly any spot on the island that is not photogenic. Unlike mainland Korea, which has a temperate climate, Jeju boasts a climate that is closer to subtropical. Hallasan Mountain, lying at the center of the island, is surrounded by 368 parasitic cones, known as "Oreum." Eleven beaches have been designated as tourist beaches, but including those that are not officially designated, the island features nearly thirty beaches in total. Famous beaches include Iho Tewoo Beach, Samyang Beach, Hyeopjae Beach, Geumneung Beach, and Gwakji Beach. Jeju's renowned Olle Trails, a system of hiking paths, span a total length of 425 kilometers and would take about fifteen days to complete in their entirety.

Hallasan Mountain [National Geopark] (한라산 (제주도 국가지질공원))

Hallasan Mountain [National Geopark] (한라산 (제주도 국가지질공원))

12.8 Km    435162     2022-11-30

2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-3945

Hallasan Mountain stands proudly at the center of Jeju Island and is perhaps the island’s most memorable landmark. Also called Yeongjusan Mountain, meaning "mountain high enough to pull the galaxy," Hallasan Mountain is widely known by scientists for its geological value. Designated as a national park in 1970, there are 368 parasitic cones called "oreum" (Jeju dialect meaning peak) around the main mountain.

Hallasan Mountain is famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants that results from the varying temperatures along the mountainside. Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) have been identified; to explore the mountain's treasures, simply follow one of the well-developed hiking trails.

Hallasan Mountain Trekking (한라산 트레킹)

Hallasan Mountain Trekking (한라산 트레킹)

12.8 Km    111319     2020-06-25

2070-61, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-740-6000

Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan is 1,950 meters in x_height and is the highest mountain in South Korea. Formed from volcanic activity, the mountain is a dormant volcano made mostly of basalt. Home to the magnificent Baekrokdam (lake-filled crater), the mountainside is covered with alpine flora and lush trees.

The mountain is characterized by majestic cliffs, steep slopes, interesting rock formations, and, in particular, myriads of colorful azaleas. There are over 360 small mountains (uniquely-shaped volcanic mountains called “Oreum” in Jeju dialect) surrounding Halla Mountain that offer new delights to visitors with the coming of each new season. Along with Hallasan, the oreums were officially named the Hallasan Natural Protection Area (Natural Monument No.12) in 1966.

There are six hiking trails along Hallasan. Seongpanak Trail on the east and Gwaneumsa Trail in the north go all the way up to the summit (Baekrokdam). Those looking for a less rigorous hike are advised to take the shorter trails reaching midway up the mountain. All trails are relatively short (less than 10 kilometers) and can be hiked in less than a day. Visitors are advised, however, to start early in the morning if planning on hiking up to the summit and to check official operating hours, as some trails are only open during certain hours of the day. Keep reading for information on some of the most popular trails.

* Gwaneumsa Trail (North)—Summit Trail
Gwaneumsa Trail offers hikers the best view of Hallasan’s deep valleys and stunning terrain. Midway along the trail is Guringul (a lava cave) and Tamna Valley. Tamna Valley is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves are changing and during the winter when the entire area lays under a dusting of snow.

* Seongpanak Trail (East)—Summit Trail
This relatively long, gently sloping trail is perfect for beginners. Lush broadleaf trees give shade from the beating sun and in spring the azaleas bloom and turn the mountainside into a dazzling array of color.

* Eorimok Trail (Northwest)
This short trail is another relatively easy trail for beginners. In spring, the nearby meadows are adorned with red royal azaleas. From the stone pathway to Mansedongsan visitors can catch a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the island’s signature Oreums.

* Yeongsil Trail (Southwest)
As the shortest trail in Hallasan, this trail boasts Yeongsilgiam (a spectacular cliff with series of unusual rock formations). It is covered with azaleas and royal azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn foliage starting in October.

Loving Hut Jeju (러빙헛제주)

Loving Hut Jeju (러빙헛제주)

13.1 Km    198     2021-03-22

7036, Iljudong-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-10-4696-9006

This is a Korean cuisine located in Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do. A vegetarian restaurant. The representative menu is hot pot special.

Jeju Yakcheonsa Temple (약천사(제주))

Jeju Yakcheonsa Temple (약천사(제주))

13.3 Km    59604     2024-03-12

293-28, Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-738-5000

Jeju Yakcheonsa Temple is the largest temple in Asia. Originally a small hermitage named Yaksuam, it was named Yakcheonsa because of a famous mineral spring  ('Yaksu') nearby. It enshrines tombstones of two royal couples from the Joseon Dynasty: King Munjong and his consort, and King Yeongchin and his consort. The temple also offers temple stays for both Koreans and foreigners.

Jungmun Equestrian Park (중문승마공원)

13.7 Km    0     2024-01-09

244 Ieodo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Jungmun Equestrian Park is where visitors can experience horseback riding while looking at the sea, and even beginners can enjoy horseback riding without any concerns. Visitors can choose between a walking course that takes 10–15 minutes and a Beach Olle course that takes 20–25 minutes. The Beach Olle course has a beautiful ocean view and reaches its peak in spring when canola flowers are in full bloom. It is operated under a reservation system in principle, but walk-in is also accepted on a first-come,first-served basis. Visitors are advised to call in advance as programs are subject to cancellation in case of adverse weather.

Gwaneumsa Temple (Jeju) (관음사(제주))

13.8 Km    33792     2024-03-26

660 Sallokbuk-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-724-6830

Gwaneumsa Temple is a historic Buddhist temple located about 650m up on the slopes of Hallasan Mountain. The road leading to the temple is exceptionally scenic, framed by cedar trees and adorned vibrant with chrysanthemum flowers, creating a striking yellow path. The temple grounds host siginificant structures such as the Cheonwangmun Gate, Daeungjeon Hall, and the Gwaneumgul Cave. For visitor convenience, the complex includes a café and a restaurant specializing in Buddhist temple cuisine. Additionally, the temple offers a templestay program, providing guests with a unique opportunity to engage in rest and meditation, embracing the tranquil solitude of the temple environment.

Saryeoni Forest Trail (사려니숲길)

14.0 Km    10193     2023-01-16

Entrance of Bulgeun Oreum, Gasi-ri, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-900-8800

Saryeoni Forest Trail cuts through the dense Japanese cedar forest growing between Mulchat Oreum and Saryeoni Oreum, starting from the entrance on Regional Road 1112. While the vast majority of the trees growing here are Japanese cedar, visitors can also see Japanese oak, birch, snowbell trees, and cypress trees along this 550-meter-long trail. The forest trail is known as one of Jeju's top 31 hidden attractions, and is well-known as being very protected. It is very popular among tourists who enjoy hiking and the outdoors.

Jeju Eco Suites[Korea Quality] / 제주에코스위츠 [한국관광 품질인증]

Jeju Eco Suites[Korea Quality] / 제주에코스위츠 [한국관광 품질인증]

14.3 Km    403     2020-12-10

207-13, Jungmunsang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-738-9975

The idea behind Jeju Eco Suites was created by a husband-and-wife team of tour guide and painter. Its wooden buildings are surrounded by grass fields, giving the Suites an exotic feel of being in a forest vacation home. Like its name, Eco Suites uses solar power extensively to provide outdoor lighting and heating, while up-cycled trash bins and flower pots made out of old paint tins demonstrate the potent mixture of artistic creativity and environmental awareness that characterizes the rest of the Suites. There are 10 rooms in total, including the Deluxe Suite, Jacuzzi Suite, and Spaville Building. The interior is decorated with the same elegant and comfortable touch. All rooms are furnished with living rooms and comfortable sofas, wide terraces, and fully-equipped kitchens, which help to make the stay just like home. The two Spaville Buildings, which come in 45-pyeong (150m2) and 75-pyeong (250m2) varieties, are highly popular among visitors who prefer privacy.

All rooms accommodate travelers with dogs, while the lobby offers a suite of toys for children. Other amenities like free barbecue grill for rental, free laundry facilities, and free breakfast (for guests staying longer than 2 nights) show that the team is truly attentive to the comfort of the guests. From November to January, it also allows guests to experience the mandarin orange harvests in the nearby field. Tourist attractions like the Jungmun Tourist Complex or the Jungmun Beach are located about 7 to 10-minute drive away.

Keun Gaetmul Hoetjip (큰갯물횟집)

Keun Gaetmul Hoetjip (큰갯물횟집)

14.5 Km    8452     2019-05-22

161, Daepo-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-738-1625

Located in Daepohang Hoe Town, an area where ‘hoe’ (sliced raw fish) restaurants are gathered, is Keun Gaetmul Hoetjip, a two-story modern restaurant with a large parking space and a great view of the ocean.
The exceptionally hygienic condition of the restaurant and the kitchen is quite impressive.