At the furthest end of Korea is an island called Jeju. Like kind and generous Koreans, Jeju has a welcoming atmosphere as well as breathtaking natural beauty that is unique and spectacular enough to be recognized as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage. To mark the 2016 Visit Korea Year, we have picked some of the must-sees of the island. Ready to dive into its charm?
Meaning ‘you can reach the galaxy from the top’ Halla is a dormant volcano and the highest mountain in Korea, standing 1,960 meters high. It’s located at the center of the island and has a crater lake called Baengnokdam situated at the top. Along the way to the top you can see lots of oreums, or parasitic volcanoes, and a wide variety of vegetation ranging from subtropical plants to subarctic ones that are dynamically distributed according to the level. Check out the colorful mountain that dons different colors depending on the season, encrusted with followers at one and with red and yellow leaves and snow in others.
Jeju has many scenic coastal drives that offer picturesque and breathtaking views. Among the best is Aewol Coastal Drive that features a view so beautiful that you can even feel tempted drive back that way. Its mildly winding turns give you the fun of driving along the coast and provide you with enough time to appreciate the beauty formed by the horizon. You can take a break along the way for a chance to see some dolphins in the distance.
Thanks to its location, situated on the western part of the island, the drive is famous for driving alongside the sunset. You will lose track of time behind the wheel, when looking at the beautiful scenery created by the setting sun.
Densely populated with straight, tall trees, Saryeoni Forest is a place where you can discover a unique taste of Jeju’s nature. Full of pleasant energy, it provides a perfect venue for basking and healing in a wooded setting. Walk along the paths enjoying the dazzling sunlight beaming through the tall trees and the refreshing smell of soil and you will feel all your stress disappearing.
Tired of your life in a grey and gloomy city? Take some time away in Saryeoni Forest. Its greenness will definitely heal both your body and soul.
Youngnuni Oreum is one of the 386 oreums (or parasitic volcanoes) in Jeju and is perfectly located where it is able to command a panoramic view of East Sea. Walk up the mildly curvy trail leading to the top. Once up there, your breath will be taken away by the unique, spectacular view created by the vast openness around you as if you were on top of a mountain.
Visit Korea Year 2016. Jeju is truly the perfect place where you can appreciate some of the country’s true beauty. 
