Beloved Jeju Island: The Sightseeing Attractions and K-drama Locations

The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of hiking trails that wind around the perimeter of Jeju Island. This trail consists of 21 separate trails, each of which covers a different section of the island. The trails range in difficulty and length, and pass through a variety of landscapes, including forests, beaches, and wetlands. The trail is marked with distinctive blue and yellow signs and markers, and is easy to follow. The Jeju Olle Trail is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts, and offers a unique way to explore the island's natural beauty. Along the way, hikers can experience the island's rich cultural heritage, and visit local villages, temples, and other points of interest.

One of the most iconic attractions on Jeju Island is Hallasan mountain, a dormant volcano that is the highest peak in South Korea (1950 meters above sea level). Hallasan is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve, simply saying - home to a number of stunning natural features, including a crater lake, waterfalls, alpine plants, chipmunks, and hiking trails. If you are not fond of hiking, well… you can change your mind after seeing how beautifully Hallassan looks in spring when azaleas bloom.

Another popular attraction on Jeju island is the Seongeup Folk Village. It is a traditional village that has been preserved as a living museum. It is located in the western part of Jeju Island and is home to a number of thatched-roof houses and other traditional buildings. Visitors can see demonstrations of traditional crafts, such as pottery, weaving, and wood carving, and learn about the island's rich cultural heritage.

The Manjanggul Cave is one of the longest and best-preserved massive lava tubes in the world, that was formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, and is home to a variety of geological formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and lava pillars. And yes, it is another UNESCO geopark in Jeju. The Manjanggul Cave is a popular destination for hikers and cave enthusiasts and offers a unique glimpse into the island's volcanic past. The cave is more than eight kilometers long and people can walk one kilometer of its eerie passageway. Let’s say that it’s not the best place for claustrophobics. 

Cheonjiyeon Waterfall (God’s pond) is a stunning waterfall, known for its clear, blue waters and lush surroundings. The waterfall is also home to a number of rare plant species, and is a designated natural monument. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is situated in the Cheonjiyeon-dong neighborhood of Seogwipo City, and is easily accessible by car or public transportation. The waterfall is surrounded by a beautiful park, which offers a number of amenities, including restrooms, food vendors, and picnic areas.

Seongsan Sunrise (Ilchulbong) Peak is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the eastern coast of Jeju Island. It is a tuff cone, or a volcanic mountain formed by the eruption of ash and other pyroclastic materials. Seongsan Ilchulbong is known for its unique geological features, such as a crater lake and a series of cliffs that rise from the sea. Visitors can climb to the summit of the mountain, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

 The Jeju Stone Park is a natural theme park located in the north of Jeju Island. It features a number of stunning rock formations, including cliffs, caves, and waterfalls, and offers a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, climbing, and camping.

If you want to see typical Jeju’s beaches, you should visit Sopjikoji village. It’s a picturesque coastal village located in the east of Jeju Island. The village is known for its stunning views of the sea, and is home to a number of beautiful beaches, such as Yerae Beach and Geumneung Beach. Visitors can also see the Seopji Lighthouse, which offers panoramic views of the island.

Overall, Jeju Island is a unique and captivating destination that offers something for everyone. It’s hard to describe the beauty of Jeju and why it is worth visiting. As I mentioned before some of popular k-dramas have been filmed there, so why not watching one of k-drama and seeing how beautiful it is. Some of examples: 

1. "Winter Sonata" (2002)is a popular South Korean television drama that was filmed on Jeju Island. The drama tells the story of a young man and woman who fall in love on the island, and features a number of iconic locations, including the Olle-gil trails and the Seopjikoji coast.
2. "Boys Over Flowers"(2009). The drama tells the story of a poor, ordinary girl who falls in love with the rich, handsome heir to a conglomerate. The drama features a number of iconic locations on the island, including the Seogwipo Waterfall and the Jeju Teddy Bear Museum.
3. "Jeon Woo-chi"(2012). The drama tells the story of a man with magical powers who travels through time to save the world. The drama features a number of iconic locations on the island, including the Seogwipo Waterfall and the Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone.
4. "Crash Landing on You" is a romantic comedy-drama that aired on TVN in 2019. The series tells the story of a South Korean heiress who crashes her paraglider in North Korea and is rescued by a North Korean officer. The series was filmed on Jeju Island and in other locations in South Korea, and was a huge hit in South Korea and internationally.
5.  "Mr. Sunshine" is a historical drama that aired on tvN in 2018. The series tells the story of a Korean man who grows up in the United States and returns to Korea as an American soldier during the Joseon Dynasty. 
6. "Vagabond" is an action-thriller that aired on SBS in 2019. The series tells the story of a stuntman who becomes involved in a conspiracy after a plane crash. The series was filmed on Jeju Island and in other locations in South Korea. Also, it became a huge hit in South Korea and internationally.
7. “The World of the Married" (2020) features a number of beautiful locations, including the Jeju Folk Village Museum, the Seongeup Folk Village, and the Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market.
8. "Itaewon Class" (2020) is a superb k-drama which has an interesting plot, charming characters, and shows many iconic locations: the Jeju Folk Village Museum, the Seongeup Folk Village, and the Jeju Olle Trail.
9. "My Love from the Star": "My Love from the Star" is a South Korean television drama that aired in 2013. There are some scenes from the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, the Hamdeok Beach, and the Hallasan National Park.
10. "The Wind Blows" is a South Korean television drama that aired in 2019.Get ready to see the Jeju Folk Village Museum, the Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, and the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.
11. “The Island" was filmed on Jeju Island in 2018. Although not long ago this k-drama was shown on Netflix. We won’t spoil the plot, so no worries. Shorty, the film is set on a small island off the coast of Jeju Island, and tells the story of a group of people who are stranded on the island after a plane crash.This K-drama features the Hallasan National Park and the Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone.
12. "Our Blues" (2022) This serene series portrays the lives of a group of individuals on Jeju Island, navigating the highs and lows of life and love. Filmed primarily on the island, especially at the Goseong Traditional Market, where many characters are employed. 
13. "Something in the Rain" (2018). This drama unfolds the tale of Yoon Jin-ah, who finds herself falling in love with her best friend's younger brother. Follow their journey of love and life as they navigate their careers and uphold cherished traditions.
14. "Jewel in the Palace" (2003). This historical drama revolves around the life of Dae Jang-geum, a cook apprentice during the Joseon era, and her remarkable journey to becoming the first female royal physician to the King. Jeju Folk Village plays a significant role as a key location in "Jewel in the Palace."
15. "Princess Hours" (2006). The k-drama centers around the life of commoner Chae-kyeong, who unexpectedly enters an arranged marriage with Crown Prince Lee Shin. This endearing K-drama adds a unique touch to each episode's conclusion by featuring teddy bears that often recreate memorable scenes from the show. These charming teddy bears have become a delightful attraction at the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju.
16. "King the Land" (2023). Undoubtedly, "King the Land" deserves its place among the top-watched dramas, thanks to its breathtaking scenery captured from the picturesque Jeju Island! Why I said so. Well, you must watch it. 
17. “Melo Is My Nature”(2019), “Sh**ting Stars“ (2022), “Summer Strike”(2022).. We can go on and on… Hopefully, you'll watch at least one k-drama and when fly to Jeju!
     

Interested in TV series? See where HBO TV series were filmed.