visit Jeju Island, South Korea

One of the more fascinating attractions of Jeju Island is the unique sisterhood of female divers, known as Haenyeo (or ‘sea women”), who have been sustainably hand harvesting the ocean here since the 17th century. This unique group gives you some indication of the importance of the ocean on the island.

Meanwhile, rural landscapes offer a different sense of tranquility to Jeju with a prevalence of nature. It’s one of the few corners of South Korea where you’ll be able to enjoy a slower pace of life.

The variety of natural scenery, including citrus orchids and over 360 volcanic hills, known as “Oreums”, has gained Jeju Island a firm place on the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

two rocks look out over Jeju in a shape similar to a man and woman embracing — Jeju is the top honeymoon destination for Koreans, thanks to the beautiful beaches and nature.

Seongsan Ilchulbong seen from below — Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as ‘Sunrise Peak’ was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions on a shallow seabed about 5 thousand years ago.

a footpath leads the way up to Seongsan Ilchulbong — Seongsan Ilchulbong

Hikers make their way up wooden stairs to Seongsan Ilchulbong — The climb at Seongsan Ilchulbong

Foliage in the foreground with a volcano looming in the background — Seongsan Ilchulbong

volcanos in Jeju seen from Seongsan Ilchulbong — Looking out from Seongsan Ilchulbong

the view over Jeju as seen from Seongsan Ilchulbong — Seongsan Ilchulbong

rock at Seongsan Ilchulbong bathed in sunlight — Seongsan Ilchulbong

a rock looms over Jeju from a overhead view — Looking out from Seongsan Ilchulbong

Fields of grass and light purple blooms on Seongsan Ilchulbong — Purple grass flowers at Seongsan Ilchulbong

mountainous landscape is seen beyond vast sea — Ocean views on the boat from Jeju to Udo Island

a red lighthouse stands above the rocks along the passage to Udo Island — Scenic views on the short boat ride from Jeju to Udo Island

rocks lead off into the ocean on Udo island — Udo Island coast

women fish near the shore in rock pools on Udo Island — Women fishing in the rock pools on the shore of Udo Island

women prepare octopus and sea snails in large red buckets on Udo coast — Women preparing their catches on the shore at Udo Island

peanut fields on the island of Udo — Udo Island is famous for its peanuts, which are grown locally and often used to top ice creams ordered by visitors to the island.

Yongmeori Coast seen from afar — Yongmeori Coast - ‘Yong’ means dragon and ‘Meori’ means head in Korean. The coastal area got its name because it is believed to look like a dragon, jumping into the ocean with his head raised.

a passage within the layered sedimentary rock at Yongmeori Coast — Yongmeori Coast

layered sedimentary rock at Yongmeori Coast — Yongmeori Coast

sea laps the mussel covered rocks at Yongmeori Coast — Mussels on the rock at Yongmeori Coast

Check out Lisa See’s ‘The Island of Sea Women’ from our book club selects for more Jeju inspiration.

For more South Korean destinations see our photo journal for Seoul or for more island destinations in Asia, check out our photo journal for Penang.