Jeju is a South Korean island that is known for its many beach resorts and its volcanic landscape. The island is dotted with craters, cavelike lava tubes, and hiking trails. The area is home to Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, which features hiking trails and a crater lake. Other attractions include the 7km-long Manjanggul Cave and Geomunoreum Lava Tube System. In the past, Hallasan Mountain was active, and you can still visit the site today.
Dol hareubang
The name Dol hareubang means “stone grandfather” in Jeju dialect. The name is an anagram of the Korean word dol, which means “stone” and was first applied to the statues in Jeju’s language after the island was granted independence. Some people believe that the statues are sources of fertility, and sometimes small replicas are given to women experiencing infertility.
Dol hareubang are stone statues that are found in strategic locations throughout Jeju Island. They are made of porous volcanic rock and can reach heights of three metres. Their distinctive and stylized shapes make them easy to recognize. Most of them have bulging pupil-less eyes and slightly raised hands. Some also sport mushroom-shaped hats. The Dol is believed to have magical and protective powers and is a symbol of the island’s shamanic traditions.
Thatch-roofed houses
Thatch-roofed houses on Jeju Island have a distinctive style. Ropes are used to hold the thatch roofs in place, keeping them low enough to protect the homes from wind damage. The island is an island of volcanoes, and typhoon winds often batter the island. Many of the houses are made of thatch, which is traditionally tied down with straw rope.
The imposing thatch-roofed houses are a prominent feature of the island, but it’s also home to unique cultural attractions. The island is famous for its miniature horses, and Koreans are particularly interested in them. On Jeju, you can also see haenyeo divers, who plunge without a breathing apparatus into treacherous waters. These ancient divers once represented the island’s matriarchal culture, but now are in danger of extinction.
Haenyeo
If you’re interested in diving, you’ll want to take a trip to Haenyeo on Jeju. This Korean island is known for the unique activity of female divers known as haenyeo. These women dive to depths of about 20 meters and hold their breath for two to three minutes. During that time, they produce a whistling sound as they exhale carbon dioxide and inhale fresh oxygen.
The haenyeo are a popular tourist attraction on Jeju, and their story has become a symbol for the island. Their story has a tragic side, however. Many haenyeo die while trying to stay under the water. In the 1970s, South Korea experienced a seafood export boom. During that time, haenyeo were able to become wealthy, and their focus shifted to getting better education for their children. Consequently, the haenyeo profession dwindled over the years as younger generations sought other more lucrative opportunities.
Waterfalls
If you are interested in waterfalls, Jeju is an excellent place to visit. You can visit the Sojeongbang and Jeongbang falls, which are connected by an Olle path. The waterfalls are best viewed in the afternoons and early mornings, and they are both easily accessible. Sojeongbang falls are five metres high and plunge into the ocean, providing breathtaking views of the Seogwipo coast.
The Jeongbang Waterfall is one of the most impressive waterfalls in Jeju-do. It can reach a height of 23 meters and is as wide as eight meters depending on recent rainfall. It is one of the few waterfalls in Asia that cascades directly into the sea. It is considered one of the scenic wonders of Jeju and is considered one of the island’s top ten.
Seonimgyo Bridge
The Seonimgyo Bridge in Jeju Island is a beautiful arch bridge that crosses the Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. It is adorned with seven nymphs carved on both sides. The bridge runs from east to west and spans the stream between the second and third tier of the Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. Seonimgyo Bridge is also known as Chilseonyeogyo Bridge.
The Seonimgyo Bridge is the first arch bridge built on Jeju Island. It is a modern arch bridge with 34 stone lanterns and 100 guard rails. It cost 400 million won to build and is 128 meters long. There are 14 nymphs carved on the bridge and there is a stairwell on the Cheonjeyeon side that leads to waterfalls.
Hanwha Therapy Resort
The Hanwha Therapy Resort for Jeju offers an extensive range of activities and services. The resort is located near Jeju Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest. Its facilities include a spa, a gym and a karaoke bar. It is also located 6.2 miles from the Jeju Harbour. Guestrooms are air-conditioned and come with free Wi-Fi. Some rooms feature balconies.
The Hanwha Therapy Resort for Jejudo offers a wide variety of holistic treatments to promote well-being. One of the most popular holistic treatments is the Hay Bath, which involves lying on hay from the island in a heated wood bed. This helps to detoxify the body and improve blood circulation. The treatment also involves a volcanic lava stone placed on the belly. It is followed by a face mask made of natural ingredients that promote cell regeneration.