Jeju in South Korea gives a new meaning to island life. With the dormant Hallasan volcano at its centre, there are plenty of commandeering natural beauty spots and excuses for hikes. You can get closer to nature at the Yeomiji Botanical Garden, explore the coastline and see a waterfall or two, or head to the beach for a taste of South Korean resort lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking for a community feel or a peaceful stay, there are lots of Jeju hostels to choose from. There's one that takes in the serene views of Seogwipo Harbor, or you have the option to relax in a cabin-style hostel. There’s even a home away from home with skateboarding opportunities. Pick somewhere that offers free breakfast in the morning so you can save money for fresh seafood later on. Or, cook up dinner in a Jeju island hostel with a communal kitchen. Some hostels in Jeju also have bars, meaning you can mix with other visitors in the evenings too.
As a major holiday destination, Jeju has lots of neighbourhoods for you to uncover. Jeju City is the most central: travellers stop off here for bars and eateries as there are a number of places to sample local delicacies like black pork and pheasant. For wild beauty and waterfalls, Seogwipo is a great choice. Or, for something a little more quirky, drop by Jungmun to spend the afternoon at the Teddy Bear museum.
When in Jeju, a visit to Hallasan – the highest mountain in South Korea – is a must. It has a crater lake at the summit that you can hike to, and you can carry on your tour of nature at the Lava Tubes – a system of caves and tunnels that's part of the UNESCO Global Geopark. You can also watch island life in action by spotting one of the haenyo (female divers) off the shore. When all you need is sweeping sands and blue-sky views, Hamdeok Beach ticks all the boxes.
There are a couple of ways to get to Jeju Island. Ferries run regularly from Seoul and Busan, or you can fly directly into Jeju International Airport. From there, take the Limousine 600 bus to downtown Jeju. A good option for navigating around the city and out to the wilderness is to hire a bike. There’s an easy-to-use bus system too, and you can also take taxis.
