DAY
Jejudo Orientation / 9 hours
Tour Highlights
- Hallim Park
- Sanbangulsa Grotto
- Jisatgae Columnar Joint
- Oedolgae Needle Rock
Jeju (- - -) 110kmEnjoy a full day tour with a brief photo stop at Hyeopjae beach, creating a location of picture-postcard beauty especially with the jade-green color sea and the striking view of Biyangdo off the coast. Afterwards, explore Hallim Park, a subtropical botanical garden that is strongly scented with exotic sentiment. Every turn brings new surprises. There are palm tree garden, cactus garden, bonsai trees galore, stone statue park and the fascinating lava tubes lure you in. The walk-in bird sanctuary puts you face to face with peacocks and other exotic fowl. The Hyeopjaegul is unusual in that it has stalactites and stalagmites, and the Ssangyonggul is the only spot in the world that is actually a cave within a cave - You will discover them all.
Sanbangsan is a magnificent trachyte cone abruptly rising 395 meters by the sea that lacks crater on its summit. As you approach, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of sheer rock of this mysterious hump. There are lovely temples on the lower grounds with a golden Buddha statue and a series of prayer wheels. A short climb up the steep slopes of Sanbangsan brings you to the tiny cubbyhole of the 10 meter cave with a small pool and a stone Buddha surrounded by burning candles. The grotto's aura is enchanting with the welcoming scent of incense hanging heavily and the sound of water steadily dripping into the pool. The views from the grotto over the coastal fields, offshore islands, and the ocean are absolutely stunning.
A short ride from the fall is Jisatgae, the spectacular 1km stretch of coastline with hexagonal rock columns, bizarre formations resulted from rapid cooling and contraction of lava. They are definitely one of the more mysterious and beautiful. The surging waves crashing into the rocks are remarkably refreshing. There is a spacious observation deck that is multileveled allowing different vantage points of the cliff. The park offers a rather relaxed atmosphere, and you may feel all of your frustration completely washed away by the wave.
You will tour the Oedolgae, a needle rock standing alone off the cliffy coast holding a sad legend of old fisherman. Rising over 20 meters, it creates an awesome coastal views with its perfect backdrop of ocean and outlying islands. A great place to soak in the area's barely-touched nature amid fresh ocean breeze.
