5 Important Things to do in Jeju, Korea When Traveling Solo
Do not wait, Jeju is an easy recommendation for anyone! In recent years its becoming the hot place to be for Koreans looking for a short vacation but dont want to deal with international airports.
If you are in this region on a vacation, or you’re staying as a digital nomad, there are lots of things to do to keep you interested. One area of Korea that is often overlooked by people traveling on their own is the island of Jeju, which is off the Southern coast of the mainland.
This island has a variety of natural wonders as well as a city center with lots to see. Whether you are living in South Korea for a few months, or just passing through with a stop on Jeju Island, make sure you check out these top five sights for the solo traveler.
Visit Incredible Waterfalls
Sure, there are waterfalls all over the world, but if you are a nature lover, you know that each one is unique. There are plenty of waterfalls to choose from on Jeju Island, but few can compare with Cheonjiyeon. In fact, the Cheonjeyeon waterfalls are made up of three separate falls. All of them are beautiful and will leave you with lasting memories. Make sure to step onto the natural land bridges in the area, formed out of volcanic rocks, for great views and amazing photo opportunities.
Manjanggul Caves
Another natural wonder of Jeju are the Manjanggul Caves, which are designated as a World Heritage Site. These caves are actually a large lava tube, which give it a unique look and feel. You can view impressive stalactites and stalagmites formed out of cooled lava millennia ago. In addition, there are lots of living creatures in these caves that you aren’t going to find anywhere else, including the Jeju cave-spider!
Aewol Beach for the Sun and Wonderful Café’s
If you are ready for something more relaxing, Aewol Beach is definitely a great option. The beautiful beach is popular with both locals and tourists so you can enjoy a wonderful experience with lots of other people. Lined along the ocean beach are great café’s that offer delicious coffee, cakes, and plenty of other things that will keep you energized and ready for more.
Visit the Haenyeo
No trip to Jeju Island is complete without a visit to see the Haenyeo women. These impressive female divers swim to depths of 30 meters (98 feet) without any need for an oxygen tank. Girls often start training for this as young as 11, and continue to participate throughout their lives. It is a traditional practice that has been going on since at least 434 AD with the divers bringing up food including conch, octopus, sea urchins, brown alga, and other things for themselves and their community. It really is something to see!
Challenge Yourself to Hike Mount Hallasan
If you are up for the challenge, take on one of the many hiking paths that go up Mount Hallasan. The longest paths are around 10 km, and they will reward you with breathtaking views. The mountain is part of a crater that is in the center of the island, which formed thousands of years ago. The outer edge has 368 inactive volcanoes, giving you a site you won’t find anywhere else in the world. In addition to the great views, this is also a great opportunity for solo travel to check off ‘climb a mountain’ on your bucket list since there are some relatively easy trails that you can complete in just a few hours.
Tour Jeju on Your Terms
One of the best things about visiting Jeju is that you can see these (and many other) great spots on your own terms. If you want to travel by yourself, you can rent a car and spend as much time at each location as you would like. If, however, you want a worry free visit, there are plenty of tour companies ready to welcome you on their bus or taxi and transport you to each of these wonderful locations. Whichever option you choose, make sure you make the most of your time on Jeju Island and take in all that it has to offer.
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- By Mr Kim
- 2023/09/16
