VISIT JEJU

Jeju’s country villages are a treasure trove of travel experiences. Each area has its own character that gives any trip a unique flavor. Take Hahyo Village as an example. The region is known for its mandarin farms, so residents created an entire program of activities based on the area’s most famous export. This article will explore tours offered at three Jeju villages. We’ll start with the mandarin experiences at Hahyo Village, then move on to horseback riding at Uigwi Village, before finishing our journey at Seonheul Village’s gotjawal forest. 

Hahyo Village is on the south side of Jeju. Here, visitors can take part in many mandarin-related experiences. Fruit picking is a popular activity, but it only lasts during harvest from November until January. The good news is there are plenty of activities to do at other times of the year. Those with green fingers can learn how to plant their own mandarin seedlings that will one day grow into a full tree. Visitors who would rather jump straight to tasting the fruit can participate in one of many activities preparing mandarin flavored treats. These include making mandarin tarts, marmalade, and Jeju-style snacks like omegi-tteok rice cakes or gwajeul. Creating mandarin scented candles is another popular activity. If you’d rather someone else do the cooking for you, there are many restaurants that put a mandarin-flavored twist on Jeju staples. These include Dayoogi Punggyeong, a restaurant that adds the fruit to bibimbap—a popular dish in which rice, vegetables, and meat are mixed together in an earthenware bowl. It’s also possible to take a guided tour to learn more about Hahyo Village’s history and culture. Going further afield, the area is close to Soesokkak Estuary, one of Jeju’s most popular tourist spots. It is well-known for its spectacular cliffs, scenery, and the chance to row a boat up the river. 

Uigwi is a village on the south side of Jeju known for its horses. Otgwi Horse Theme Town is a riding school in the area that also offers short horseback riding experiences suitable for tourists and beginners. During these programs, you’ll ride the horse at a leisurely pace with a guide stood next to you the whole time; this means that even those who have never seen a horse before can be confident. You can choose from three riding programs that last either 10, 20, or between 40 and 50 minutes. The courses go around the stables and into the surrounding forest. These short excursions are a great way to experience horseback riding on a busy trip to Jeju. You need to book in advance, though, so be sure to make a reservation via the website or contact details below. Uigwi Village is actually a short drive from Hahyo Village, meaning it is possible to experience both villages in a single day.

Address: 955-17 Seoseong-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Contact: 070-4233-9777

Business Hours: 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

10-minute test ride: KRW 20,000

20-minute ride: KRW 30,000

40 to 50-minute ride: KRW 60,000

Website: https://otgwima.modoo.at/?link=7a8w9d3q

Dongbaek Dongsan Wetland Center is situated in a stretch of woodland on the northeast side of Jeju in a village called Seonheul. It is known for its lush natural environment and is also a Ramsar-designated wetland conservation area. Visitors can go on a relaxing walk through the forest and past features such as natural caves, old charcoal kilns, and ponds. The center also offers experience programs inspired by the village. Those keen to try Sonheul Village’s local cuisine can learn how to make acorn kalguksu. Kalguksu is a popular Korean noodle-dish in which the noodles are served in a warm broth. Acorn kalguksu is a twist on the regular recipe as the noodles are made with acorn flour. During the class, local experts guide you through the process of cooking the dish: from chopping the noodles to cooking the perfect broth. The best bit is that once you’re finished you get to eat your own creation. Hiring a guide for a tour of the area is another popular program. If you choose this option, a local expert will explain the area’s rich history, culture, and ecological value as you walk the 5.1km-long path. The tour takes around 90 minutes and while the walk is fairly easy, the path can be uneven so you should wear appropriate footwear.

Address: 77 Dongbaek-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Contact: 064-784-9445

Business Hours: 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Entry to the woodland is free

Cooking Class: Adults KRW 15,000 / Children KRW 13,000

Guided tour: Free but reservation is required at least one day in advance.

Website: http://ramsar.co.kr/