Jeju, South Korea

Jeju Island lies in the Korean Strait and is South Korea’s southernmost island. Known to the Koreans as the Island of the Gods, it is a popular vacation spot for many Koreans, Japanese, and Chinese. It is also the favorite honeymoon spot for Korean newlyweds.

Jeju is famous for not only its beaches but for its Haeyneo women divers, who catch seafood by hand. Without any special equipment, they free-dive to depths of 20 meters for extended periods of time. They take baskets to carry their catch of clams, abalone, octopus, and seaweed. It is said that these amazing women represent Jeju’s matriarchal past.

The island was created by volcanic eruptions, which left some of the finest lava tubes in the world. The Manjanggul Lava Cave was created when lava that was deep in the ground spouted from the peak and flowed to the surface. The lava developed a hard crust that thickened to become a roof and walls around the flow. After the tubes drained and cooled, they became tunnels and caves.

There were so many things we could have seen on Jeju, including the caves and a volcano. However, since the day was overcast and extremely cold, and we were tired from visiting several ports in row without a break, we decided to limit our activities that day to just a visit to the Jejumok-Gwana pavilions. Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the volcano because of the fog.

Jejumok-Gwana contained a number of structures with intricate painted interiors. Figures or manikins in traditional costumes were displayed in several of the rooms and made the rooms more realistic than just seeing rooms with furnishings. Unfortunately, we didn’t get much information about the history and significance of the displays. But they were still interesting.

Jejumok-Gwana Pavilions

Korean Traditional Dress

Jeju Lighthouse

The sun finally made an appearance, but the cold wind didn’t relent all day, which really made us appreciate all the Jeju people who came out to give us information and a warm sendoff.

Jeju had so much to offer visitors. It would be a wonderful place to spend more time—but in better weather and when you are full of energy.