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Mount Hallasan

This 2,000 meter high, still-active volcano can be seen from all corners of the island and is a certified UNESCO bio reserve. Since Hallasan stands proudly at the center of the island, you’ll encounter countless species of local fauna on your way including roaming horses, spoonbills, and butterflies. If the lush alpine forests and rich wildlife doesn’t make you stop and hold your breath in awe, we don’t know what will.

The locals call it Yeongjusan Mountain, which means a mountain high enough to pull the universe. Hallasan was designated a national park in 1970 and has impressed scientists across the world for its vertical ecosystem. So far, 3,300 species of insects, 4,000 species of animals, and 1,800 kinds of plants have been identified in this diverse ecosystem. If exploring this mountain’s treasures sounds like your thing, just follow one of the well-developed hiking trails. 

In 1653, a Dutch sailor, Hendrick Hamel, published a journal describing his and his shipmates’ 13-year detainment on Jeju Island after wrecking their boat. What appeared to be mermaids of the island and their strange cries to Hamel and his pals were actually Haenyo – the diving women.

This tradition is still alive where local female sea divers go upwards of 20 meters under the sea fishing for clams, urchins, octopus, and sacred abalones. These magnificent women, sometimes as old as 65 years of age, don’t usually use any scuba diving gear to look for sea treasures. Witnessing them dive is a sight to behold, and rightfully so, Haenyos are extremely revered in Korea. You can visit their blue-and-white sea shack stands right outside the E-Mart, and just before the beautiful sea wall with steps leading down toward the sea.