Because of its volcanic history, Jeju-do has some fascinating basalt rock formations, lovely beaches, stunning waterfalls, and other natural phenomena to explore.
Jeju-do's 10 Beauties
Ask any Jeju native and they'll be able to quickly tick off to you the top 10 natural beauties of the island. (I swear, I didn't come up with this list myself.) Here they are -- some visitable, some not:
- Gosumokma: Gosu means old, primitive forest, and there is some disagreement whether the area adjacent to Hwangsapyeong is the "Gosu." But the name "Gosumokma" refers to the view of horses roaming around the foot of Hallasan.
- Gyulrimchusaek: The name comes from the autumn landscape of mandarin orange orchards around the Ohyeondan Shrine in old Jeju City. There had been some talk about officially designating this orchard, but an ancient document states that "Gyulrimchusaek" refers to mandarin trees on the whole island, not in one particular place.
- Jeongbang hapok: On the edge of the ocean, Jeongbang Waterfall is said to have housed a holy dragon that lived underneath it. People believe that the water contains the dragon's spirit and can cure diseases and bring rain during a drought. The small waterfall nearby is said to look like a servant waiting on a dignified lord.
- Nokdam mansel: The snow on Baekrokdam, the crater lake on top of Hallasan, doesn't melt until late spring/early summer. Legend has it that immortal beings drank the water underneath the snow and it is considered a sacred place.
- Sabong nakjo: The sunset viewed from the city of Sarabong (or Sara Peak) is called sabong nakjo. The Jeju people say it is like the sun and the sky are burning themselves together.
- Sanbang-gulsa: Inside the cave, water drops from the ceiling and the natives say it is the tears of the goddess Sanbangdeok, who guards the mountain. Legend has it that the beautiful daughter of Mt. Sanbang was in love with a youth, Goseong. An official in town had a crush on her and confiscated Goseong's property and sent him into exile. In despair, Sanbangdeok returned to the cave and turned herself into a rock. You can hear her teardrops falling as you look at the ocean from inside the grotto.
- Sanpojo-eo: Sanpojo-eo refers to the view of the sea scene while one is leisurely fishing (the water, other fishing boats, seagulls, white herons). Some say the word should be changed to reflect the fishermen's hard work, but that's the last thing you'll be thinking about as you see the reflected lights of hundreds of fishermen lighting their lamps at night in Jeju harbor.
- Seongsan ilchu: Seongsan, which means "holy mountain," got its name because the 99 rocks around its crater form a castle or crown. The view of it at sunrise is one of the sights not to be missed.
- Yeong-gu chunhwa: Yeong-gu means "a hill where an immortal being lives" and is in the Pangseonmun area of Odeung-dong. Chunhwa means "spring flowers," specifically referring to the azaleas that bloom there every spring. Looking at hillside flowers, the Jeju ancestors supposedly got a feeling of being close to the immortal beings.
- Yeongsil Giam: In a remote part of the Yeongsil trail up to Hallasan, there are about 500 oddly shaped rock pillars. They are said to be the 500 sons of a mother who drowned in the soup pot while making dinner for said 500 sons. Or 500 arhats (great monks who have reached nirvana). Or 500 generals guarding the island against enemies. Whatever they are, they are quite a sight to behold.
