Jeju was awarded by UNESCO for a few of its nature wonders
namely the Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone’s bio-reserve, Mt. Halla Natural
Reserve and Geomunoreum Lava Tube System. Jeju’s basaltic lava flowing
underneath the earth, its underwater volcanoes are simply out of this world. As
I wrote earlier, Jeju also is being recognised by UNESCO for it Haenyeo or
women divers under the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Aside for its nature wonder, Jeju has a few attractions that
I was not aware earlier (and now I do and impressed of) and would like to share
it with those planning a trip here.
Innisfree Jeju House
If you like kdrama or kpop, I am very sure you know or at
least heard of Innisfree. It is a naturalism-oriented South Korean cosmetics
brand by Amorepacific and is famous for its eco-friendliness using Jeju’s quality
ingredients. What makes it even more unique is that the organised activities
here such as making natural soap with tangerine peel, green tea, volcanic clay
and mask making to suit our own type of skin. Not only that, there is also a café
here that serves organic food and beverages ie Jeju Pink Lemonade, Hallabong
(Jeju famous tangerine) Blender, Green Tea Roll (I absolutely love this),
Citrus Sudashi Cake and many more.
Yeomiji Botanical Garden
I had many photos taken here. ‘Beautiful land’ or ‘Yeomiji’ Botanical Garden consists of roughly 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants. It is said to be one of the best botanical garden in Asia that covers both indoor and outdoor plant attractions. The outdoor gardens are being segmented to Jeju Native Garden, Korean Garden, Japanese, Italian Garden and French Folk Garden whereby one can ride the tram to check out the gardens, the Jungmun Tourist Complex as well as the Cheonjeyeon Falls.
As for the indoor garden, it covers the Cactus and Succulent Garden and also the Flower Garden of which very popular among the ladies. There is also an Observation Platform located in the indoor complex that provides view of the outdoor gardens, Hallasan Mountain, up till the coastal area, even as far as the Marado Island.
O'sulloc Tea Museum
O'sulloc Tea Museum was the first tea museum opened in Jeju
Island in 2001 aimed to educate and preserve the age-old Korean tea culture and
tradition. Located at Seokwang tea fields - one of Korea’s largest growers of
nokcha (green tea) - the museum’s Tea Stone Gallery sets to demonstrate and
educate Korea tea culture to its visitors. The Tea Cup Gallery and Tea Cups of
the World showcases tea wares and utensils from the Three Kingdoms and the rest
of the world, on the history, culture, custom and tradition. It also offers all
sorts of green tea-infused desserts and drinks.
Jeongbang Falls
It is one of the top 3 waterfalls in Jeju Island, not only
that some said that it is one of the few waterfalls in South East Asia to fall
directly into the ocean. Oh yah, if you are lucky you might get to see the famous
Haenyeos or woman divers doing free dive for seaweeds, sea cucumber and
abalone. I also find it interesting that we could sample fresh shellfish
seafood snack, eaten with garlic and gochu-jang (red chili paste) while
enjoying the view. I saw locals pairing it with a bottle of cold Soju.
Jusangjeolli Cliff
Formed between 250,000 and 140,000 years ago when the lava erupted
into the sea of Jungmun. Jusangjeolli Cliff is also referred as ‘Jisatgae Rocks’ by the locals are basically rock pillars that
are shaped like cubes or hexagons that runs along the Daepo coast. It is also a
popular spot for sea angling. What makes it special is that the local council
has erected a park that connects to the Olle walking trail, this allows visitors
to view the cliffs as well do a little bit of brisk walking and enjoy Jeju’s
nature wonder.
There are many places that you can visit here, best is to spend a week of so and oh yah, I would highly suggest for you to do a self drive roadtrip in Jeju. It’s more FUN!
