Jeju "The Samdado" of South Korea - "Island of Three Abundances"

Jeju "The Samdado" of South Korea - 

"Island of Three Abundances"

Jejudo (do is Korean for Island) is the largest island of South Korea, lying in the Korean Strait, southwest of the Korean mainland. 

The oval-shaped island maintains a rich cultural heritage that is distinctly different from that of the mainland.

Jeju was recently in the news as Seoul - Jeju Island  happens to be the busiest and the most popular  air route in the world  with around 11 million people  in a year and flight available after every 15 minutes.

Ten reasons which makes the island unique and draws tourists towards it:

1. The highest mountain in South Korea

Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano, soars upwards from the centre of Jeju island to a height of 1,950 mtrs making it the highest mountain in South Korea. The mountain is home to over 1,800 species of alpine plants. Hallasan is a UNESCO biosphere reserve.

2. Lava Tubes

The Manjang cave, another UNESCO Geopark is more than 8 km long  formed by cooling lava.

3. Grandfather stones

Jeju boasts "three plenties" or "three abundances" - wind , rocks and women. The second of these is due to its formation from an outpouring lava. Ninety percent of its surface is basalt. Around 1750, to scare off invaders, masons carved rocks into forbidding black "dolharubang" or "grandfather stones". The stones remain as a symbol of a distinct ancient culture.

Courtesy: asiatourpackages.info

4. Haenyeo or "Sea women"

As in the past, men of Jeju disappeared for weeks in fishing boats, someone had to stick to haul those rocks and put dinner on the table. As rice could not be grown on this wild, windy island, women were forced to look for alternatives and thus started diving for octopus, abalone, clams, squid and seaweed. The powerful sea women (haenyeo) dive 10-20 mtrs deep without any breathing apparatus and are renowned throughout the country.

5. Superb beaches  

6. Loveland

This hilarious over-the-top adult theme park is dedicated to sex.

7. Olle Walking Trails

One of the island's main attractions , Jeju Olle Trail, comprises a set of nature trails along the coast that lead hikers to fascinating view of Jeju.

8. Water/Oxygen/Massage Therapy 

9. Seaweed and Sea Urchin Soup

10. Sunrise from a Volcanic Crater

Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone , situated at the eastern tip of Jeju island is probably the most popular tourist attraction on the island.

Courtesy:onedaykorea.com

Jeju island is also famous for its many special farming and marine products of which the " prickly palm cactus" has recently amazed many scientists of the world for its extraordinary beneficial effects on human health.