Coolest Places in Korea

Cheju Island and its History
Chejudo is the largest and most famous island in Korea and is located approximately 100 km off the southern coast of the peninsula. It is a province of 1,825 square kilometers with a population of 520,000. Chejudo's principal mountain is Mt. Halla, a volcanic cone last active in 1007. At 1,950m, it is the Republic's highest mountain. At least 15 separate lava flows have been identified which have left tunnel-like pillars, and other unusual features of quick-cooling basalt. These features have now become objects of tourist attraction. At the summit of Mt. Halla, there is a large crater. A round-trip hike to the summit takes about six hours. Chejudo has become a popular tourist resort for visitors, both foreigner and Korean. The flying time is only an hour. Ferry service is also available from Pusan, the country's main port. The island is a popular vacation spot for honeymooners.

Its History Chejudo has had a turbulent history, and the waves of many cultures have washed ashore in many ways making its culture both fascinating and different from that of the mainland. It first came under the government control during Koryo Dynasty in 938 A.D. and later conquered by the Mongols, who attempted the systematic breeding of cattle and horses.

During the Choson period, a Dutch ship was wrecked on the island's coast and its crew was detained for 13 years. Later, one of the seaman, a man named Hendrick Hamel, published the record of his sojourn upon his return to Europe.

Because of the island's remoteness, some primitive practices and beliefs linger on, with trace of shamanism and superstition still found in the local people's way of life. Replicas of primitive stone carvings are sold as souvenirs. Vestiges of a matriarchal society are still noted as the men stay at home to care for their families while women work as divers, gathering shellfish among craggy coastal rocks.

On Chejudo live some of the hardiest women in the world. Trained in swimming and diving from an early age, they are indifferent to the winter's frigid blasts and icy water. They can remain under the water for three to four minutes at depths of 12 to 18 meters. The women divers' age range from the early teens to well past 60 year-old and they work year round for a lifetime.

Within Cheju City there is a place called Samsonghyol Hole.(Hole of the Three Family Spirits) It is said that on this site appeared three gods named Ko, Pu, and Yang who are now considered the island's forefathers.

On the eastern side of the island are vast meadows suitable for grazing land which have supported Korea's leading livestock breeders through the centuries. An 80,000-hectare ranch located here is rated as one of Asia's best stock farms. Imported breeds have improved Korea's livestock. Historically famous for horse raising, Chejudo still has about 65% percent of Korea's total 4,600.

Sogwip'o is a small town located on the southern part of the island known for its beautiful beaches, waterfall, and oranges. Tourist hotels overlooking the ocean cliffs are a pleasant place to stay for a few days.

The mild southern climate is suitable for growing oranges, grapefruit, and tangerines, and Sogwipo' has become the citrus center of the country. Protective rock walls have been built around the orchards to protect the trees from famous Chejudo winds.

About a 20 minute drive to the west of Sogwip'o is Chumgmun resort, which is an integrated recreation center for tourists. It includes long white beaches and scenic Ch'onjeyon Waterfall. Various facilities for sports and recreations along with other accommodations are being developed in an area of 420 acres. Existing facilities include first-rate hotels, a golf course, an aquarium, a botanical garden as well as many other small attractions.
 

• Cheju Island
• Mt. Sorak
• Kyungju City
• MinSokChon (The Folk Village)
• KyungbokGoong (A Palace)
• Everland. (Amusement Park)
• Daehaakno (The University Road)