VISIT JEJU

Jeju Island has some 360 volcanic cones and is said to have been created by a mythological grandmother figure called Seolmundae Halmang. This origin story is the central to Jeju Stone Park, a themed park which features Jeju stone culture. It is located in a strikingly beautiful valley between a number of volcanic cones and the Gotjawal forest. Especially in winter, the large volcanic stones and stone statues found around the park collect white caps and blankets of pristine snow. This contrasts sharply with the black basalt rock. In addition to this beautiful scenery, the park serves to preserve local Jeju stone culture and educate visitors and students. Every year there is a festival commemorating the role played by Seolmundae Halmang in Jeju life, art, history and culture. Various history and mythology programs, art exhibitions and lectures are also offered here. 

Jeju Ecoland is a 1 million-square-meter theme park in the middle of the Gotjawal forest. It has the island’s only train track running through it with electric powered trains modelled after the Baldwin steam locomotives of the 1800s. You can travel from station to station and see the entire park more easily and efficiently this way. Since it’s electric, it’s also environmentally friendly. Why not take the opportunity to see the beautiful winter landscape of Ecoland’s Gotjawal forest by means of the island’s only train-based mode of transportation?

Tip:  Try the following experience programs
- Gotjawal Forest Commentary
A free program to learn about the origins and composition of the Gotjawal habitat
Departs from Picnic Garden Station every day at 11:00 / 14:00 / 15:00 / 16:00
- Gotjawal Healing
A program of natural therapies to rejuvenate your mind and body in a forest environment
Departs from Picnic Garden Station Friday and Sunday at 14:00
* You must arrive at Ecoland at least 1 hour before the program begins

Located near the Jungmun Tourist Complex, this is a lush natural recreation area of 2.55 million square meters. Nutmeg, cedar and other evergreen trees, most of which are over 50 years old, grow here in a dense habitat that from the ground obscures even the sky! From an observation deck in Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest you can view the Seogwipo City area, the coast and to the north on a clear day, Hallasan Mountain. There are also meeting rooms, a forest recreation center and a campsite. It’s open to all and offers a rare glimpse into the original forest habitat and ambience. Regardless of the season, there’s scarcely a more beautiful forest spot on the island than here.

With about 200 deer wandering the grounds of the 500,000-square-meter Roe Deer Observation Center, you can freely wander around this large, fun destination for kids and nature lovers alike. You can learn more about the native Jeju deer and of course have the kids try feeding these wild animals — which is always a thrill (Feeding times for the deer are at 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.) The center has a long walking path to enjoy, making it a great place to spend quality time with the family.

The 1100 Altitude Wetland is a remarkable place to view the diversity of plant and animal species which inhabit the wetlands of the Jeju Ramsar Convention (an International Convention for the Protection of Wetlands). In addition to being an important source of the island’s drinking water, many rare creatures thrive here. There is a natural eco-tour in the wetlands, so visitors can see firsthand the splendor of nature on Hallasan Mountain. In winter up on the mountain, the snow falls frequently, abundantly, and with breathtaking beauty.

Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest is composed of mostly 40 to 45-year-old cedar trees. The area gives visitors the immediate impression of quiet dignity. There are a number of walking paths that weave their way through the forest. You can stroll through them at your leisure. In winter, with freshly fallen snow on the ground and in the tree branches, it’s easy to imagine yourself walking through a fairy tale forest. There are a number of forest experience programs on offer here, in addition to a woodworking experience program and an informative guided tour.