Imposing lava columns, wonderful lakes and uncontaminated nature: Jeju island is a real dream, let's discover it together
Not just white sand beaches and crystal clear waters: theJeju Island, one of the most sparkling pearls of South Korea, resembles Hawaii above all due to its uncontaminated nature and volcanic origins, which have left wonderful traces on the territory. This is why tourists love to discover it, admiring the wild and enchanting views of this island of a thousand surprises.
Jeju Island, a true paradise
It's Jeju the largest island in South Korea, located about a hundred km from its coasts: it is immersed in the waters of the Korea Strait, where the Sea of Japan meets the East China Sea. For Koreans it is an important summer holiday destination, because here are some of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country. But the island attracts tourists from every corner of the world, due to its incredible wild and uncontaminated nature. It is no coincidence that it is also called “Korea's Hawaii”, since it shares volcanic origins with the famous archipelago of the Pacific Ocean.
With some of the most evocative natural sites on the entire Korean peninsula, Jeju Island is a true jewel: in the center it is dominated by Mount Halla, a large volcano almost 2.000 meters high (it is the highest mountain in the whole country). This fascinating landscape has been included among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites for its incredible naturalistic value, together with the numerous lava formations that characterize the entire island. Such as the imposing columns that dot the area - perhaps the most beautiful is the Daepo Jusangjeolli cliff, which is very reminiscent of Ireland's Giant's Causeway.
Waterfalls and other beauties on Jeju Island
What to see on Jeju Island? One of its most enchanting views is that of Seongsan Ilchulbong, the Mountain of the Rising Sun: it is a tuff formation born thousands of years ago following the eruption of an underwater volcano, which has a bizarre shape reminiscent of a crown. The best way to discover this wonder is to treat yourself to an excursion early in the morning, so you can then admire the sunrise from the highest point of the crater, with the sun's rays reflecting on the sparkling waters of the sea.
And after having climbed to the top of the mountain, here we are sinking into the bowels of the earth, inside the Grotta Manjanggul: this tunnel, eroded many millennia ago by the lava that flowed from the crater of Mount Halla, is one of the longest in the world. Here there are majestic volcanic stalactites, which offer a landscape capable of instilling fear. Another suggestive panorama is that of the cascate Cheonjiyeon, which come foaming down from basalt rocks and form a truly enchanted lake. According to legend, seven nymphs descended from the sky at midnight to bathe in its refreshing waters.
A short distance from this natural wonder, we can visit the Yeomiji Botanic Garden, one of the richest on the entire continent: there are over 200 rare species of flowers, plants and tropical fruits, immersed in a dream landscape where the most intense colors of nature reign supreme. And anyone looking for some curiosity can't miss it loveland. It is a theme park where numerous rather ambiguous sculptures - created by local artists - are exhibited, aimed at breaking taboos regarding sexuality.
Source: iStock
