« Jeju Island is the largest island and the smallest province of South Korea. Its administrative center is the city of Jeju. Located 90 km from the southernmost point of Korea, Jeju is known as the Korean Hawaii.
Jeju Island is of volcanic origin, home to Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea at 1,950 m. The island emerged entirely from a volcanic eruption several hundred million years ago and is mainly composed of basalt and lava. The climate is subtropical, warmer than in the rest of Korea. Since 2007, the unique nature of the island has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, "Volcanic Island of Jeju and its Lava Tubes." Tourism plays a significant role in Jeju's economy, attracting numerous visitors from other parts of Asia, including Japan and China, thanks to its climate, landscapes, and beaches. A large portion of Koreans visit Jeju for their honeymoons, leading to a plethora of parks and attractions designed specifically for newlyweds, such as the erotic Love Land.
Due to the relative isolation of the island, Jeju's culture is distinct from that of mainland Korea. The most notable cultural artifact is the famous hareubang (stone grandfather) carved from lava.
Another aspect of Jeju life is the matriarchal family structure, prevalent mostly in coastal areas. The most vibrant example of this structure is the haenyeo (women divers), who are the heads of their families. They earn a living by free diving at great depths to collect shellfish, sea urchins, and a variety of other marine products, still diving well into old age. One of the island’s many attractions is the longest lava tunnel in the world, Manjanggul, which stretches over 13 kilometers.☝️ »
Jeju Island is of volcanic origin, home to Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea at 1,950 m. The island emerged entirely from a volcanic eruption several hundred million years ago and is mainly composed of basalt and lava. The climate is subtropical, warmer than in the rest of Korea. Since 2007, the unique nature of the island has been protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, "Volcanic Island of Jeju and its Lava Tubes." Tourism plays a significant role in Jeju's economy, attracting numerous visitors from other parts of Asia, including Japan and China, thanks to its climate, landscapes, and beaches. A large portion of Koreans visit Jeju for their honeymoons, leading to a plethora of parks and attractions designed specifically for newlyweds, such as the erotic Love Land.
Due to the relative isolation of the island, Jeju's culture is distinct from that of mainland Korea. The most notable cultural artifact is the famous hareubang (stone grandfather) carved from lava.
Another aspect of Jeju life is the matriarchal family structure, prevalent mostly in coastal areas. The most vibrant example of this structure is the haenyeo (women divers), who are the heads of their families. They earn a living by free diving at great depths to collect shellfish, sea urchins, and a variety of other marine products, still diving well into old age. One of the island’s many attractions is the longest lava tunnel in the world, Manjanggul, which stretches over 13 kilometers.☝️ »