DAY
Jejudo Circle / 10 hours
Tour Highlights
- Sanbangsan
- Oedolgae
- Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
- Seongeup Folk Village
- Seongsan Ilchulbong
- Manjang Cave
Jeju (- - -) 170km
Spend a full day exploring natural wonders and culture of Jeju. Your first stop is
Sanbangsan, a magnificent trachyte cone abruptly rising 395 meters by the sea that lacks crater on its summit. 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.
Squeeze in a stop at the stunning shoreline to Oedolgae, a needle rock standing alone off the cliffy coast holding a sad legend of old fisherman. A group of pine trees and grasses inhabit the top of this needle rock, resembling human hair, gives impression that the old woman with sorrowful eyes and her open mouth still calls her husband.
Tour continues to 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.
Experience the heritage of the Jeju people and soak up the local culture as you explore Seongeup folk village where nearly 400 traditional thatched houses are still fully functioning. Scattered among the village are many houses that you can enter yourself and look around. Jeongnang gates are some of good examples that represent a beautiful tradition and culture of this friendly people with No Thief, No Beggar, and No Gate. While not overly exciting, the tour gives you a chance to get a glimpse into some of Jeju's unique culture.
Next up is UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, Seongsan Ilchulbong known as Sunrise Peak. It is the island's largest tuff cone which is surrounded on three sides by the ocean rising 182 meters strait from the water. You may wish to climb this steep cone up to the spectacular crater surrounded by 99 basalt pinnacles which looks like crown from a distance and reflects marvelous scenery. The views of the small town below and the surrounding ocean are gorgeous. Great for photos every step of the way!
Tour also includes UNESCO site of Manjang Cave, and experience the world's longest lava tube which has a known length of 13.4km. Be prepared for the damp and the difference in temperature. On entering the cave, you are likely to be greeted by a cold breeze oozing out of the lava tubes, and the cave's ceiling tends to drip at times. Although the floor is full of puddles and the lighting inside is dim, you can easily cover up to 1km by walk, exploring the weirdly shaped stalactites, stalagmites, flow ledges and finally lava stone pillar. One of the major attractions inside the cave is the Stone Turtle, which many believe is shaped like Jejudo.
