Jeju: Korea's Secret Island Paradise (Bigger Than You Think!)
Q1. Can you tell me more about Jeju Island in South Korea, the place where Island Box (IB) is situated?
[BS] Jeju Island is the largest volcanic island in the southern part of South Korea. With an area of approximately 1,850 square kilometers, it is more than 2.5 times larger than Singapore (728 square kilometers) and nearly three times the size of Seoul (605 square kilometers).
Often referred to as the 'Hawaii of Korea', Jeju Island is a popular tourist destination in Asia, attracting visitors from Southeast Asian countries including Singapore, as well as China, Japan, and Taiwan. Despite a resident population of only 690,000, Jeju Island welcomed over 13 million visitors in 2023, including 700,000 foreign tourists.
Q2. What makes Jeju Island such a popular destination?
[BS] Jeju Island: A Volcanic Wonderland
Jeju Island, a volcanic island in South Korea, boasts a unique volcanic landscape that has earned it a place on UNESCO's World Heritage List. With over 360 volcanic cones, known locally as oreum, dotting its surface and more than 160 lava tubes beneath, it's a geological marvel. Such a concentration of volcanic features on a single island is rare worldwide.
Must-see attractions include Mount Halla, Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), and the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System. The island's dramatic coastline, adorned with pristine beaches and numerous oreum, offers breathtaking scenery.
Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes (Republic of Korea), credit to Unesco
A Blend of Climates
Located at the meeting point of temperate and subtropical climates, Jeju Island offers four distinct seasons. The island's diverse topography, with Mount Halla at its heart, creates a variety of microclimates. While the coastal areas enjoy warm temperatures, the higher elevations offer cooler conditions, and Mount Halla is even known for its snowy winters. This unique climate supports a rich diversity of plant life.
A Foodie's Paradise
Thanks to its pristine natural environment, Jeju Island is renowned for its fresh seafood and produce. From the island's famous tangerines to delicacies like galchi (hairtail), okdom (red sea bream), and abalone, there are many seafood restaurants to satisfy any palate.
For many Koreans accustomed to a fast-paced lifestyle, Jeju Island offers a tranquil escape, promoting a 'slow life' philosophy and serving as a spiritual retreat
It's become common for people I know to seek refuge from the hustle and bustle of city life by moving to Jeju Island or spending a month there. I'm excited about the possibility of IB and SOS bringing the Jeju and Singapore communities closer together.
Cover image : Mt. Halla, credit to newphotographer2520, Pixabay.