Jeju Island: Korea’s tourism hotspot
Within Northeast Asia, between mainland Korea, China, and Japan, is the Jeju Island in South Korea, which is Asia’s top treasure island boasting beautiful nature.
The island has an area of 1,846 square kilometers, and it is the largest island in Korea, but the smallest province in the country.
The island is also known for its picturesque landscape and great food, and it is affectionately called the Island of Gods. Also called the ‘Hawaii of Korea', the island compares to the Hawaii Islands in the US because of the elements that compose the island - namely volcanic rocks, temperate climate and frequent rainfall.
Honeymoon destination
For the group of 22 journalists who visited the Jeju Island and covered the opening of the 9th Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity, during the 2014 Korea Foundation Programme for International Journalists, the island, a popular honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds, is a true tourism hotspot and a must visit place for all those coming to South Korea.
Formerly known as the Cheju Island, Jeju is one of the most popular tourist spots in South Korea. The place gathers a lot of crowd from South Korea, Japan and the rest of the world, attracting about 10 million tourists annually, making the island the biggest tourism attraction centre in Korea.
The island has been nicknamed Samdado, which means the ‘island of three abundances.' The three abundances refered to are the wind, rocks and women. The women are said to be extremely beautiful.
Jeju is one of South Korea's nine provinces and its capital is Jeju City.
Being right between the sub tropical and moderate climatic zones, the island experiences mild sub-tropical climate with temperatures, being moderate almost all the year round and a little cold during winter.
World’s Heritage site
Jeju was inscribed by UNESCO in the World’s Natural Heritage list in July 2007.
The next crowning achievement came in November 2011, when the Swiss-based New7Wonders Foundation confirmed that the Jeju Island was a New7Wonders of Nature winner, along with the Amazon in Brazil, Halong Bay in Vietnam, Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Komodo National Park in Indonesia, Puerto Princesa Underground River in the Philippines and the Table Mountain in South Africa.
The UNESCO triple-crown of Jeju and the New7Wonders tag have brought about increased accessibility and awareness of Jeju’s assets.
These environmental achievements made it possible for Jeju to host the International Union for Conservation of Nature World Conservation Congress, the world’s largest environmental congress, last summer.
Jeju Free International City Act
On April 1, 2002, the government of Jeju passed the Jeju Free International City Act.
The Act gave Jeju the autonomy it needed to adjust specific legislations, tax codes and even visa requirements to further entice investors.
Since then, much has changed on the island. The flexibility gained allowed the government to pursue specific branding opportunities, like being tagged “World Peace Island” by Korea on January 26, 2005.
Core projects
Core projects transforming Jeju are the Jeju Global Education City, which covers an area of 3,792,049 metres square of Daejeong-eup, Seogwipe City, the Jeju Myths and History Theme Park, in Andeokmyeon, also in Seogwipi City, which covers 3,986,000 metres square, which would be finished in 2018, the Jeju Science Park and the Jeju Healthcare Town.
Also located on the island is the Jeju Aerospace Museum, project which opened in April 2014 in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipe city, and includes illustrious partners such as the Korean Air force, the Korea Aerospace Research Institute and Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute and the US Smithsonian Institute.
Going to Jeju
Going to Jeju is not difficult. The island is well connected with the mainland by air, as well as by boat. The Jeju International Airport is well connected to places like Busan and Seoul and services international destinations such as Tokyo, Shanghai and Beijing.
The Ferry/Boat service is also great if one prefers to reach Jeju Island from the mainland. Most of the ferries ply on an overnight journey, but they are reasonably priced.
Main industries
Besides tourism, Jeju’s main industries are fishing and agriculture. Fresh fish, squid, octopus, sea cucumber, and various other creatures can be easily bought in markets, restaurants, and even right on the beach.
Jeju’s tropical weather is perfect for growing pineapples and tangerines. The island is also famous for its Shitake mushrooms and cactus plants. Honey made from local flowers has a special taste.
There are stone statues known as ‘dolharubang' which means ‘stone grandfather.' The first was carved from lava rock in 1750. These statues are of helmet-wearing men and are life sized. Today, there are 45 of these statues in existence.
Volcanic island
The highest mountain in South Korea, Hallasan (Halla Mountain), is located on Jeju Island. The peak of the mountain looks like a giant crater. The Island was formed from lava from the Halla Mountain.
Jeju Island's Hallasan Mountain is actually a dormant volcano. It is 1,950 meters above sea level. The last time the volcano erupted was approximately 800 years ago. It is believed to have been formed about 25,000 years ago.
Kim Han-wook, who was appointed chairman of the Jeju Free International City Development Centre (JDC) in 2013, has pledged to establish a system in which “rewards are merited and faults are punished.
He said JDC would like to be reborn as a special organisation for Jeju and return the benefits to locals.
