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Lying off the
southwest coast of the Republic of Korea, the scenic resort-island of
Cheju-do is Korea's largest island and living folk village. It is also
considered to be a paradise for honeymooners and tourists with its close
proximity to the capital city of Seoul which is just an hour’s flight
away, and less than that from Pusan or Taegu in addition to the island’s
warm, sunny climate and numerous leisure facilities.
Cheju-do is also very well known for its golf courses and beach resorts.
The calm, translucent waters which are definitely more than suitable for
swimming and water sports sees the highest volume of beach denizens from
mid-July to late August. The steady wind also makes for great
windsurfing. For the ‘landlubbers,’ there is also small game hunting,
horseback riding, racing at racetracks, and perhaps chance a flutter at
the casinos found in most major hotels on the island.
Top Attractions of Cheju-do
 1.
Mount Halla
Hiking enthusiasts will surely enjoy following the trail to the summit
of Mount Halla, which stands at 6,400 feet and holds the status as South
Korea’s highest mountain. Once an active volcano, Mount Halla is now the
venue of many hiking trips following the trail to the top of the peak
where a lake and an occasional glimpse of the mountain’s few surviving
roe deer may be had.
2. Chungmun Tourist Complex and Cheju World
Water sports, a golf course and a ‘Pacific’-theme leisure center are
just a few activities the complex has to offer to help fill up the days
at Cheju-do. Cheju World, the island’s major amusement park, is also a
good place to while the hours away with the Park’s many thrill rides and
other attractions.
3. Tolharubang (Stone Grandfathers)
Black lava statues of a kind old man can be seen everywhere on the
island. Historically, these statues were regarded and revered as
guardian deities. Today, they are now included among the attractions and
scenery of Cheju-do.
4. Haenyo
Being a coastal island, it is fairly common to expect to feast on
seafood. Who would have thought that the divers tasked to bring up the
sea’s bounty to be an attraction on their own? The Haenyo are the
island's women divers. They dive to the ocean floor for abalone, clams,
and other shellfishes without the aid of any artificial breathing aides.
Around the area, the renowned Cheju Haenyo (local women divers) can be
seen working, and you can purchase fresh sea cucumbers, sea squirts, and
abalone from them.
 5.
Yongduam (Dragon Rock)
An unusual rock formation, Yongduam got its name from the fact that it
looks like a dragon's head with its mouth open. It is located on the
outskirts of Cheju City. The basalt figure has been created over the
years by wind and waves.
 6.
Songsan Ilch'ulbong (Sunrise Peak)
Songsan Ilch'ulbong is a volcanic crater on the far eastern end of
Chejudo Island. Surrounded by 99 peaks, it resembles an ancient castle
with turrets and towers when seen from afar. A trail leads up to the
western edge of the crater and scales the crater's steep slope. A climb
up this narrow trail will reward the climber with the most spectacular
view. At sunrise, the scene is even more stunning.
7. Manjanggul Cave
At 13.4 kilometers in length, Manjanggul Cave is the longest lava tube
in the world. It showcases many uniquely shaped lava stones and pillars.
8. San-gumburi Crater
As one of the three major craters on the island, San-gumburi Crater is
located 1,437 ft above sea level. It is home to 420 different species of
subtropical, temperate, and alpine plants. Many restaurants in this area
also serve traditional Cheju-do cuisine. There are also many
resting-places and ranches for horseback riding and hunting.
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