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Exploring Jeju Island: Tours, Attractions, and Environmental Concerns

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 9, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Tour Packages and Sightseeing on Jeju Island
  3. Key Attractions and Experiences on Jeju Island
  4. Environmental Concerns on Hallasan Mountain
  5. Luxury Experiences at JW Marriott Jeju Resort
  6. Jeju Island in Popular Media
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report 'Exploring Jeju Island: Tours, Attractions, and Environmental Concerns' presents a detailed overview of Jeju Island, South Korea, focusing on tours, key attractions, environmental challenges, and luxury experiences. The document details several tour packages, including private mini-bus tours provided by Jeju Namyang Travel, and highlights key cultural and natural sites such as Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak and Jeongbang Waterfall. It also addresses environmental issues impacting Hallasan Mountain due to the improper disposal of ramen broth by hikers. Additionally, the report explores the luxury offerings of JW Marriott Jeju Resort, emphasizing its culinary delights and traditional Korean-inspired amenities. Conservation efforts to address environmental concerns at Hallasan are also discussed. Overall, the report provides a comprehensive look at the tourism, culture, and environmental status of Jeju Island.

2. Tour Packages and Sightseeing on Jeju Island

  • 2-1. Private Mini-Bus Tour

  • Explore the beautiful east or south of Jeju Island on a small group private tour. On the east side, you can witness the performance of female divers at the UNESCO-listed Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Alternatively, on the south side, you can visit the famous Jeongbang Waterfall, which falls directly into the sea. Specific stops vary depending on starting points. If departing from Gangjeong Cruise Terminal, visitors will go to Jeongbang Waterfall, Oedolgae, Seongsan Ilchulbong, and Gwangchigi Beach. From Jeju Cruise Terminal, stops include Hamdeok Beach, Jeju Haenyeo Museum, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Dongmun Market, and a folk village or Seopjikoji. This tour includes pick-up and drop-off services, as well as fuel and parking fees, but excludes lunch, personal expenses, food, drinks, and entry fees, which are around 10 USD per person. Note that Manjanggul Cave will be closed from December 29, 2023, to August 31, 2025, for safety inspection and internal construction.

  • 2-2. Drama Filming Locations Tour

  • This sightseeing tour covers the filming locations of three major Korean dramas: 'Dae Jang Geum,' 'Iris,' and 'All In.' The tour includes a Japanese guide, hotel pick-up and drop-off in Jeju City, and lunch. The itinerary features Mt. Songak, Jeju Folk Village, and Seopjikoji. Mt. Songak is known not only for its historical significance but also as a filming location for 'Dae Jang Geum.' Jeju Folk Village recreates an old Jeju village and served as a filming set for 'Dae Jang Geum,' with many scenes featuring Jang Geum studying medicine. Seopjikoji, located on the eastern tip of Jeju, is known for its unique volcanic ash geology and was a filming location for 'All In.' The tour lasts approximately eight hours, starting around 9:00 AM and ending around 5:00 PM. Lunch consists of seafood tteokbokki, a traditional dish enjoyed by locals.

  • 2-3. Jeju Private Tour Package (South of Jeju)

  • This package tour offers a private experience focused on the southern part of Jeju Island, featuring Mt. Hallasan and various waterfalls. The tour includes options for a regular taxi, jumbo taxi, minivan, or mini-bus, with pick-up and drop-off services included. The sights include the awe-inspiring waterfalls and stone pillars of Jeju, as well as the picturesque Yongmeori Coast. Tour highlights include climbing Mt. Halla and experiencing the natural beauty of the area. The package includes entry fees and lunch, with options for Korean BBQ or local food. However, personal expenses, additional food, drinks, and gratuities are not included.

3. Key Attractions and Experiences on Jeju Island

  • 3-1. Mount Hallasan

  • Mount Hallasan, located at the center of Jeju Island, is the tallest mountain in South Korea, standing at 1,950m above sea level. It is designated as both a National Park and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known for its rich biodiversity and unique volcanic landscape. Hallasan Mountain National Park offers various trails, waterfalls, serene lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and photographers. The mountain provides a different scenic experience in every season, from the fiery hues of autumn leaves to the serene snowy landscape in winter. Despite its natural beauty, Hallasan faces environmental challenges such as discarded ramen broth left by hikers, which poses risks to aquatic wildlife, endangered plant species, and attracts unwanted wildlife. Park authorities have installed containers for safe disposal of leftover broth and posted signs encouraging hikers to minimize waste. Hallasan’s allure combined with ongoing environmental efforts highlights its significance as a natural treasure of South Korea.

  • 3-2. Cultural and Natural Sites

  • Jeju Island offers a blend of cultural heritage and natural beauty, attracting visitors worldwide. Some of the top activities and attractions include hiking trails, pristine beaches, majestic waterfalls, and charming surrounding islands. Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, is a notable UNESCO World Heritage site formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions, renowned for its spectacular sunrise views. Visitors can also explore ranches offering guided horse-riding tours, bustling traditional markets like Dongmun Market, and family-friendly spots such as Eco Land theme park with its scenic train rides through Gotjawal Forest. Cultural highlights include Yakcheonsa Temple, a serene Buddhist site perfect for meditation, and Jeju Stone Park, showcasing the island’s geological and cultural heritage through stone sculptures and exhibits. These diverse attractions underscore Jeju Island's rich cultural tapestry and natural wonders, providing a multifaceted experience for tourists.

4. Environmental Concerns on Hallasan Mountain

  • 4-1. Impact of Leftover Ramen Broth

  • Mount Halla, located on Jeju Island and the highest mountain in South Korea, is facing significant environmental challenges due to the disposal of leftover ramen broth by hikers. According to reports, visitors are dumping between 26 and 31 gallons of broth per day. The high salt content in the broth is causing destruction to the soil and water sources, harming aquatic wildlife and preventing the growth of endangered plant species. The discarded broth is also attracting wildlife such as crows and weasels, further disrupting the mountain's fragile ecosystem.

  • 4-2. Conservation Efforts

  • To combat the environmental impact of discarded ramen broth, the National Park Office of Mount Halla has initiated several measures. Authorities have erected signs advising hikers to use only half the amount of ramen noodles and water. In addition, five large containers have been installed for visitors to safely dispose of their leftover broth. Activists and concerned residents have been conducting raids and issuing fines to enforce these guidelines. Posters on the mountain slopes provide additional instructions on how to preserve Hallasan's environment. UNESCO has designated Mount Hallasan as a World Heritage Site, underscoring the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

5. Luxury Experiences at JW Marriott Jeju Resort

  • 5-1. Culinary Offerings

  • The JW Marriott Jeju Resort is renowned for its culinary offerings that emphasize Korean gastronomy. Visitors are welcomed with tea and Jeju tangerine candy in the Hanok-inspired lobby, reflecting the resort's commitment to honoring Korean culture. The 197 spacious guest rooms and suites feature thoughtful Korean accents and provide guests with sweet and savory nibbles before even experiencing the resort's primary dining options. The resort has four distinct dining concepts, each offering unique culinary experiences. The Island Kitchen, the resort’s signature eatery, presents a lavish breakfast and brunch buffet called Jeju Brunch Royale, complete with free-flowing Moët & Chandon champagne, French caviar, and an assortment of freshly-baked breads. Afternoon tea at The Lounge spotlights local Jeju ingredients, offering delicacies against expansive sea views. The Flying Hog, another notable dining venue, features black pig delicacies prepared using elevated techniques like salt-curing and wet-aging, all crafted by the executive chef, Joon Ko. For seafood enthusiasts, Yeoumul offers a reservation-only, kaiseki-style menu curated by chef Jin Lee, focusing on Jeju’s diverse and seasonal bounty.

  • 5-2. Amenities and Accommodations

  • The JW Marriott Jeju Resort offers a blend of luxury and cultural immersion, beginning with the Hanok-inspired lobby and extending to the 197 guest rooms and suites, which include bojagi print walls and the traditional Korean color of yellow, symbolizing prosperity. The resort provides a wide array of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience for guests. This includes an afternoon tea that features local ingredients, a pint of local beer served at The Shade House, and a colorful stone commission by Swiss artist Ugo Rondinone that adorns the outdoor pool area. Each accommodation is designed to provide a seamless blend of comfort and cultural richness, making it a premier destination for those seeking luxury within a Korean cultural framework.

6. Jeju Island in Popular Media

  • 6-1. K-Drama Filming Locations

  • One of the elements contributing to Jeju Island's fame is its frequent appearance as a filming location for popular Korean dramas. The island's picturesque landscapes, from its beaches to its lush forests, provide a perfect backdrop for many television series. This incorporation into pop culture significantly boosts tourism, drawing fans from all over the world hoping to visit the sites they have seen on screen.

  • 6-2. Cruise Itineraries Including Jeju

  • Jeju Island is also a favored stop in various cruise itineraries. Cruises from around the region often include Jeju as part of their route, providing passengers the opportunity to experience the island's natural beauty and cultural attractions. Visitors on these cruises can enjoy short but immersive tours, allowing them to appreciate the highlights of the island's offerings, from its traditional markets to its volcanic landscapes.

7. Conclusion

  • Jeju Island stands as a unique travel destination that merges natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern luxury. Tour packages offered by providers like Jeju Namyang Travel make it convenient for travelers to explore diverse attractions such as Hallasan Mountain and cultural sites like the Jeju Folk Village. Hallasan Mountain, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, faces environmental challenges due to hikers dumping ramen broth, but ongoing conservation efforts aim to mitigate these issues. The luxury accommodations offered at JW Marriott Jeju Resort provide an enriched experience through gourmet Korean cuisine and traditional cultural elements. However, the report underscores the need for continued and enhanced conservation measures to preserve Jeju's pristine environments and cultural heritage. Ensuring sustainable tourism will be crucial for maintaining the island’s allure in the future. Practical suggestions include increased awareness campaigns and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations. As Jeju evolves, it will be crucial to balance tourist influx with ecological preservation, ensuring that it remains a cherished destination for generations to come.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. Jeju Namyang Travel [Company]

  • A tour provider operating from Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju, South Korea, offering various mini-bus and private taxi tours on Jeju Island. Known for providing comprehensive tour packages that include pick-up and drop-off services.

  • 8-2. Hallasan Mountain [Natural Site]

  • The highest mountain in South Korea, located on Jeju Island. It is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, featuring rich vegetation, waterfalls, and unique volcanic rock formations. Hallasan faces environmental challenges due to tourists dumping ramen broth, prompting conservation efforts.

  • 8-3. JW Marriott Jeju Resort [Hotel]

  • A luxury resort in Jeju, South Korea, renowned for its focus on Korean cuisine, including offerings like traditional tea, tangerine candy, and seafood kaiseki. The resort's amenities include an outdoor pool, original artwork, and proximity to hiking trails.

  • 8-4. Manjanggul Cave [Natural Site]

  • A lava tube cave located on Jeju Island, known for its geological features. It is mentioned in various tour itineraries but is currently closed for safety reasons, with alternatives provided to visitors.

9. Source Documents