DAY
Jejudo West / 9 hours
Tour Highlights
- Spirited Garden
- Sanbangsan Tholoid
- Jisatgae Columnar Joint
- Oedolgae Rock
- Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Jeju (- - -) 130kmSpend a full day exploring western half of the island, including many of the top attrractions of Jeju. Spirited Garden features more than 2000 Bunjae trees of 100 different species and you will get to learn about all the different ways that Bunjae is created.
Sanbangsan is up next and you will see a magnificent trachyte cone abruptly rising 395 meters by the sea that lacks crater on its summit. Access to the grotto is steep stairs up for 10 minutes. There is a 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.
Yongmeori Coast is a tuff ring outcropping into the sea showing the sedimentary structure of volcanic ash. The way to the coast is down a steep path with huge rocks. Tide and weather permitting, you will explore the rippled cliffs, appeared to undulate towards and away from you, and the fancy rock formations. The Dutch trade ship The Sperwer was wrecked nearby coastal waters on August 16, 1653 and of the 64 crewmembers only 36 survived. A duplicate of the ship with its rare exhibits is on display on the dry land, that provides insight into an exciting moment in history.
En route, stop at Jisatgae columnar joint, forming an extraordinary and striking cliff face. A spectacular 1km stretch of coastline with hexagonal rock columns, bizarre formations resulted from rapid cooling and contraction of lava, is definitely one of the more mysterious and beautiful spots on the island. The surging ocean smashing against the rocks are remarkably refreshing.
Head on to 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.
Tour also includes Cheonjiyeon waterfall cascading down a cliff 22m high and 12m wide into a pool inhabited by giant eels and surrounded by lush vegetation. The tour involves a short walk through subtropical woods, the home to more than 400 individual species of plants and animals. In fact, the diversified biosphere is one of the most unique on the island, making your walk so relaxing and enjoyable - a peaceful way to spend some time with nature.
