Jeju Island is the premier tourist destination in Korea with great beaches, waterfalls and caves with temperate and tropical flora and fauna. The locals are starkly different from the people you would find in Seoul – many cannot speak standard Korean. Ironically though you will find tourist oriented workers with passable English language skills. The best thing to do on this splendid getaway island is to just relax and enjoy being immersed in a rural setting. For those looking for more action, there are various theme parks to explore.
      
 
Highlights
 
This 6-day trip will take you around the island of Jeju, where you will spend your days admiring stunning sceneries, learning more about the island’s unique culture and enjoying the amenities of the massive Jungmun Resort. For the adventurous, you can opt to go on an ATV tour and even hike up the island’s most famous volcano.
 

Itinerary:
 
Day 1 JEJU - GEUMNEUNG BEACH

Upon arrival at Jeju airport, you will pick up your rental car and head to Geumneung Beach, where you will be staying tonight.
 
Along the way, you will enjoy a scenic coastal drive passing by attractions such as the Yongduam Rock, which was formed over thousands of years by winds and waves. The rock bears some resemblance to a dragon’s head and there are several legends behind this unique feature. Around the area, look out for Haenyo, nicknamed the ‘mermaids of Jeju’. They are in fact female divers who gather seafood.
 
Another interesting highlight of the drive is Dokebi Road, better known as the Mysterious Road. Due to an optical illusion, it appears as if cars are rolling uphill, even with the engine off!
 
As you near your hotel, you will pass by Hyeopjae Beach and Geumneung Beach, which were both filming locations for Jewel in the Palace. Hyeopjae Beach is renowned for its jade-coloured waters and is a spectacular panorama of white sandy beaches and stunning scenery.
 
If there is time, you can also stop over at Hallim Park, which is a gorgeous collection of towering palm trees and thick pine forests sprawled out over 81 acres.
 
Total travelling distance: 33km
 
Overnight in Geumneung Beach


Day 2 GEUMNEUNG BEACH - SEOGWIPO
  
After breakfast drive to O’Sulloc Tea House Museum. Jeju Island is blessed with the perfect climate for cultivating green tea and today you will get a chance to experience it firsthand. The museum is located at the entrance of the Seogwangdawon Green Tea farm, and provides visitors with an insight of the history of tea growing in the region, as well as a culinary experience featuring various dishes made from green tea.
 
Move on to Mt Songaksan, which was another filming location for Jewel in the Palace. Even if you are not a fan of Korean drama serials, you will still appreciate the stunning sceneries. The drive from Mt Sanbangsan to Mt Songaksan is a famous driving route and is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline on Jeju Island. You will be able to drive up to the top of Mt Songaksan for stunning views of the surroundings. There is also Jinjigul Cave, which is a man-made cave, excavated by the Japanese military in 1945 for the purpose of an advance base. Inside, you will find an exhibition of Japanese military history.
 
Today, you have a chance to go on one of Jeju’s highlights – the submarine tour (optional). A submarine will take visitors to a depth of 30 metres to view the amazing seabed and the thriving life forms underwater. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, and is conducted every 45 minutes. The cost is approximately 39,600 won for adults and 19,700 won for children.
 
Final stop of the day is Sanbangsan Mountain. The unique feature of this mountain is the cave within. It is located 150 metres above sea level and boasts a spectacular view out over the ocean. Due to its proximity to the sea and and its high elevation, the peak is often ringed with clouds. Nearby is the Sanbangsa Temple and Bomunsa Temple, which holds relics of Buddha.
 
Total travelling distance: 80km
 
Overnight in Seogwipo
Breakfast included


Day 3 SEOGWIPO
  
Spend the day at Jungmun Resort, which is a tourist attraction built into the beautiful natural setting of the Jungmun Coast. Some of the many attractions here include the Museum of African Art, Teddy Bear Museum and Jusangjeolli Cliff. Many Korean movies drama serials have also been shot here.
 
Whether, you are staying at the Lotte Hotel Jeju or not, you should visit this luxury hotel, built to a tune of 200 billion won. There is a free Volcano Fountain Show at the Lotte Hotel, which starts at 8.30 pm.
 
Overnight in Seogwipo
Breakfast included


Day 4 SEOGWIPO
  
Day 4 is dedicated to Mt Hallasan, the best known mountain on the island. The dormant volcano rises 1,950 metres above sea level, and features a crater lake and 368 parasitic volcanic cones. The climate here changes with altitude, and trekkers can get to observe the changing vegetation. There are several trails here ranging from 3 to 9 hours.
 
Also, stop by Jungmun Beach for another chance at sighting the Haenyos.
 
A tip: Look out for the Jeju black pig, which is a food specialty of Jeju.
 
Overnight in Seogwipo
Breakfast included


Day 5 SEOGWIPO - SEONGSAN ILCHULBONG
  
First stop for the day is Pyoseon Beach, which is a beautiful beach displaying different colours during high tides. In the vicinity is Seongeup Folk Village and Jeju Folk Village. Both are excellent ways in which to learn more about the island’s traditional ways. Cultural highlights here include residential houses, Confucian shrines and schools, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones, fortress ruins and stone monuments. Several of the scenes from Jewel in the Palace were filmed here and you will be able to find information to help you locate and identify them.
 
If you still have not seen the Haenyos at work yet, your last chance is probably at Dongbong-ri Village. Here, you can enjoy their spoils of the day, with a plate of seafood going at 10,000 won.
 
At Seopjikoji, which is your next stop, you will find a beautiful scene made up of the ocean, plains, roaming horses and a lighthouse. Many of the sets for the series All In were destroyed by Typhoon Maemi, but the house has been rebuilt and features a casino. The stunning location has also been used for numerous Korean movies.
 
The final stop of the day is Seongsan Ilchulbong, just five minutes’ drive away. It is a 182-metre tall volcanic crater. The jagged edges around the crater give it the appearance of a massive crown. Sunsets here are particularly beautiful.
 
Total travelling distance: 50km
 
Overnight in Seongsan Ilchulbong
Breakfast included


Day 6 SEONGSAN ILCHULBONG - JEJU AIRPORT
  
Rise early this morning to catch the sunrise at Seongsan Surise Peak. Then, continue your drive along the eastern side of the island as you make your way to Jeju Airport.
 
Highlights along the drive include Bijarim Forest, Manjanggul Cave and Hamdeok Beach. Manjanggul Cave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which maintains an average temperature of 13 degrees year-round. Inside are oddly-shaped passages, stalactites and the world’s largest Stalactic column.
 
Return car at Jeju Airport and catch onward flight.
 
Total travelling distance: 70km
 
Breakfast included
 
Accommodation selection for Geumneung Beach
Accommodation selection for Seogwipo
Accommodation selection for Seongsan Ilchulbong


INCLUSIONS:

• Accommodation x 5 nights
• 6-day car rental
• Travel Pack

*This is a land-only package. Price does not include international airfare, unless otherwise stated. Blackout dates: 16-19 Mar 2012; 29 Apr-6 May 2012; and 15 Jul-30Aug