Five activities you shouldn’t miss in Jeju

The haenyeo culture is unique to Jeju.  Haenyo refers to a community of women divers in Jeu who harvest seaweed and shellfish such as sea urchin and abalone for a living. In 2016, UNESCO inscribed the haenyeo culture on its List of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Learn about the history – how the divers carried out their work in the early days with basic equipment, and how they do their work today.

Not only will you find the visit educational, you will also have newfound respect for these women. The haenyeo culture fascinates many foreigners as their work is tough and dangerous. Most haenyeos also continue to work well into their ’70s or even ’80s.

To see them in action, go to Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak in Seongsan-ri for scheduled shows.

**Shows may get cancelled because of bad weather. Please check with your hotel or the Jeju Tourism Organization for up-to-date showtimes.   

Formed out of volcanic eruptions, Seongsan Ilchubong where you might see haenyos at work, is one of Jeju’s most popular scenic spots. A 40-minute hike (for someone of average fitness) will take you to the peak for breathtaking panoramas. But –  a must-visit for hikers and nature-lovers – is the Hallasan.

At almost 2,000 metres, Hallasan is the country’s tallest mountain. It is also home to hundreds of species of wildlife, many of which are endemic to South Korea. Fret not, if you are not a regular hiker. There is the 9.7km Seongpanak Trail which is marked by gentle slopes and wooden staircases, giving easy access to the peak. 

You may not be familiar with the brand Osulloc but, unless you have been living under a rock, you’d have heard of Sulwhasoo skincare, one of South Korea’s most famous exports. Amore Pacific, Sulwhasoo’s founding company, is also behind Osulloc – the country’s largest tea brand. South Korea may not be as well-known for its tea, as compared to its East Asian neighbours, but in Jeju, you’d find efforts to promote Korean tea culture and to spread word of it over the world. These endeavours are worth a visit.

Located near the Seokwang tea fields in Jeju, and next to a sprawling tea planation,  is Osulloc Tea Museum, Korea’s first tea museum. Its biophilic design entreats visitors to relax and take in the beauty of its surrounds. Shopaholics will also enjoy visiting the museum.  The retail space within the café is well-stocked with Osulloc skincare and snacks. 

The freshness and sweetness of Jeju’s seafood is so renowned that Styrofoam boxes packed with fish and abalone (and icepacks) are a common sight at the check-in counters at the Jeju airport. South Koreans rarely leave Jeju without packing some local seafood to bring home. And no islander visits family on the mainland without taking some abalones. Jeju abalones are best eaten grilled on a hotplate or cooked in porridge.

Touristy as the restaurant may seem, Myeongjin Jeonbok dishes up the best selection of abalone dishes with consistency. The waiting time during peak hours is usually an hour. If you are one of those who absolutely abhor waiting for food (no matter how good it is), make a reservation at Jeju Seon at the Jeju Shinhwa World Marriott resort for beautifully plated Jeju cuisine. The restaurant also serves hairtail fish, which tastes particularly sweet if caught off the waters of Jeju.  

6If you love pork that melts in your mouth and fills your mouth with full-on richness, you have to eat Jeju black pork. The meat from the endemic black pig can only be found on Jeju, and nowhere else. This is because Jeju pig farmers won’t allow any exports of the meat from the island – not even to the mainland!  Have it in gogi gaksu –  boiled and sliced with handmade noodles, in a BBQ, or in dombe gogi  – which is boiled black pork, sliced and served on a wooden block with condiments.

For moreish dombe gogi, I’d personally recommend Noknamu at Grand Hyatt Jeju. 

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