Luxury Holidays to Jeju Island

South Korea’s largest island, Jeju, is a natural paradise for nature and outdoor enthusiasts.

Just a little south of the mainland, the volcanic island of Jeju is home to Hallasan National Park, and the tallest mountain peak in the country. It was formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago, and the shield volcano is topped by a serene crater lake that serves as a watering hole for the local wildlife.

This is the ideal destination for a crater or lava tube hike, with numerous trails catering to all levels of difficult. And if you are after a deeper understanding of the island’s geology and history, a visit to the Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is ideal.

Scenic coastal roads take you around the island, making driving tours a pleasure. In the interiors, you will find verdant forests, such as the Bijarim Forest and Saryeoni Forest Trail, and waterfalls such as Cheonjiyeon, one of the most popular on the island.

It is easy to while away time in this natural paradise, and if you are a water lover, popular beaches such as Hyeopjae Beach and Samyang Beach, are perfect for swimming in the summer months.

Jeju Island boasts a unique culture and historic traditions. Here, the Haenyeo deep-sea divers – women aged 60 and up – have been harvesting sea life for centuries. Tour the Jeju Haenyeo Museum to see the divers in action and learn about this fishing culture that has been inscribed into UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Jeju’s vibrant markets are a throng of activity day and night, with Dongmun Traditional Market and Olle Market in Jeju City, brimming with seafood, local produce and people. Partake of famous local delicacies – grilled red tilefish, black pork and hallabong orange – against a backdrop of the bright city lights.