Jeju's Hidden Gems: Must See Attractions for Adventurers

Jeju Island is identified as a tourist destination that has great appeal due to its beaches, volcanic formations, and hiking trails. However, the island boasts many off–the–beaten–path sites that any traveler who is bent on exploring Jeju Island should consider visiting. Here are some of the most unusual and less popular, but highly popular attractions that can be seen in Jeju.

Seongsan Ilchulbong

Although there is a place known as Sunrise Peak (Seongsan Ilchulbong) for the sunrise view, the other side of the crater is a secret and beautiful. If you have navigated to the peak to enjoy the awesome views take a step backward into the crater valley. It looks as though the valley is at the bottom of the earth, and is completely lifeless, with large volcanic rocks, and thick undergrowth. Hike through forests and meadows to find seclusion and explore Jeju’s volcanically-created landscapes.

Mysterious Road

Jeju’s Mysterious Road is an amazing road that looks like a road placed on the slope of the mountain between Nokcha and Jeoji. With your car in neutral gear, step on the brakes, and with a lot of amazement, you will realize that it looks like the car is rolling uphill and not downhill as expected. Surprisingly, there are theories on this phenomenon, ranging from optical illusions to magnetic fields, but the reason remains unknown. This peculiar attraction is not very popular in terms of tourism and therefore can be seen as quite an interesting pull-away for travelers.

Manjanggul Lava Tubes

Jeju has its longest lava tubes where tourists can enjoy their visit however, tourists should visit the other areas with the other lava tubes that are not so crowded. Ssangyong Cave lava tube near the Yangnegi crater is the second largest cave on Jeju Island and is considered an important tourist destination. On the other hand, Sinheung Cave has other unique structures that include lava formations. Wear your helmets and headlamps to explore and unveil a mysterious and unknown side of Jeju that dwells under the earth.

Geumneung Ecological Park

Tucked away at the base of Jeju’s Hallasan Mountain is this wildlife sanctuary, home to Jeju’s vulnerable animal population. Visit relaxed wooded areas with a focus on the wandering pheasants, otters and even flying squirrels and the likes. While Geumneung may not be as well-known as other Jeju wildlife attractions, it allows visitors to sit back and observe native animals way more often than they interrupt them in their daily activities. The trails also take the visitor to a Confucian academy of the olden days which has a small museum.

Jeongbang Falls

Although Jeongbang Falls claim the fame of being one of the most important waterfalls of Jeju, Sojeongbang Falls are almost as beautiful but with significantly fewer visitors. The waterfall is an easy 15-minute steep walk by the coast to find a 23-meter high waterfall directly falling into the ocean. Even though the reef formations are interesting to watch, make sure to bring a jacket and try to take a shower with ice-cold water inside the cave-formed basin of the falls. Take gorgeous pictures of the natural water pillars that are as transparent as glass at this secluded coastal location.

Beophwan Provincial Park

Beautiful and very secluded, this stately park stretches across the island’s thin zone between Seongsan and Pyoseon. Beautiful cliffs, secluded bays, and white, black, or pink sandy beaches are seen along the peaceful coast which is a result of volcanic activities. While being far less popular than other beaches of Jeju, such as the ones in the south, Beophwan is perfect for scenic coastal strolls. Witness echoing waves on the rocky cliffs, capture the formations in the grotto or sunbathe on pristine stretches of coastline.

Ojoong Crane Observatory

This sanctuary sits perched on a hill and offers a rather stunning aerial view of the island. Observe red-crowned cranes – an endangered Jeju’s native bird delicately flying above the wetland with the Hallasan’s peak as a backdrop. Go there early in the winter and probably be in a position to see the birds congregating before heading to the mainland. However, it should be noted that Ojoong does not offer the same glamour and popularity that is associated with most bird observatories.

Udo Island

Head out of the mainland Jeju for this rural island located on the eastern side of the island. Bike rental services are available around the port as the island is very calm with walls surrounding it and you will come across some of the inhabitants cultivating nutmegs and fishing manually. Greatly, explore abandoned beaches between two charming villages and with the view of the sea before the popular peach-shaped structure. Despite being located on a popular tourist route that is reached on a ferry, Udo remains out of reach for a majority of tourists.

Jeju is not only a set of touristic cliches’ and here are some reasons why Jeju has more to offer than its bestsellers. For those who are up for an adventure, hike through active volcanic craters, explore unknown waterfalls, stroll on isolated beaches, and much, much more. Whether to see endangered cranes or to go down to the volcanic tubes, let it wander off to offbeat places to unveil the hidden face of Jeju.