Known locally as the Island of the Gods, Jenju Island is a popular honeymoon destination, and it’s not hard to see why. With a wide range of activities that include scenic mountain hikes and horse riding, as well as gorgeous ocean sunrises and sunsets over its many sandy beaches, Jeju is an inherently romantic destination. The island also plays host to a lively selection of restaurants, cafes and bars, not to mention plenty of shopping destinations where you can indulge in all the honeymoon retail therapy your heart, or other half, desires.
Areas & Neighborhoods in Jeju Island
Jeju City — This is where you’ll land if you arrive by plane, and the perfect spot to unpack and let your hair down for a day or two before heading out to explore the island’s beauty spots. A great place to hit the bars and have a drink with friends and to sample the local cuisine at one of the city’s many restaurants.
Seongsan — A charming village on the east of Jeju Island, Seongsan has a plethora of delightful markets to capture your attention, as well as a variety of lovely seafood restaurants. The nightlife in Seongsan is pretty quiet, making it the perfect place to get some rest before setting out to explore the sights of Udo Island and the volcanic crater at Seongsan Ilchubong.
Udo Island — This island, though tiny, is nonetheless a place of intrigue and fascination. The island is formed entirely on a lava plateau, make it a rich and fertile farming land. And, with it being essentially a flatland, it’s also the perfect place to jump on your bike and head out for a leisurely ride.
Seogwipo — This southern part of Jeju is another tourist favourite and home to the famous Jungmun Resort. Here you will find a seashore of such striking beauty that it has become a favourite location for filmmakers and advertisers alike. Meanwhile the Yeomiji Arboretum is another site of beauty, albeit this time one designed by man, yet nonetheless boasting over 2000 rare plants in its greenhouse, and 1700 types of flowers and trees in its grounds.
Things to See in Jeju Island
Jeju boasts a surprisingly rich blend of heritage, culture and natural splendour. Jeju Mokgwana for example was once the administrative centre during the rule of the Joseon dynasty, and is home to a number of imposing historical buildings. It also plays host to regular displays of traditional martial arts, and visitors are also invited to try their hand at archery. The Arario Museum however is where you should head to explore some culture. With four galleries that host both permanent and temporary exhibitions from local and international artists, the museum is a real find for art lovers. And the Halla Arboretum offers nature fans the chance to wander serene footpaths through curated gardens and greenhouses.
Things to Do in Jeju Island
Serious hikers will want to tackle Hallasan, South Korea's highest peak and one of three UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites on Jeju Island. For something a little different however, the Kimyoung hedge maze is a Jeju-shaped puzzle for you to get lost in. And with horse riding and scuba diving also available on the island, you’ll have no shortage of things to do on your stay.
