Jeju-do (제주도), also known as the hawaii of South Korea is the country’s largest and most popular island. Gorgeous beaches, abundance of flora and fauna as well as a host of hotels and resorts to choose from. Indeed an ideal place for everyone from the seafood addicts to nature lovers and even honeymooners. A travel spot designed for rest and relaxation home to South Korea’s highest mountain, Mount Hallasan, a hikers paradise with access to dormant volcanoes and must do activities like watching the sun rise from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jeju Shinhwa World Theme Park & Jeju Duty Free Shop is certainly a one stop destination for accommodation, shopping, dining and entertainment. Wide choice of rooms are available spread over Marriott Resort, Landing Resort and Somerset Jeju Shinhwa World properties depending on travellers preferences and needs. Irregardless of choice, all rooms are well appointed and fully furnished with modern day amenities.
Shinhwa Theme and Water Park is a haven for the young and young at heart with many wet and dry fun-filled rides that will put a smile on everyone. Larva’s Adventure Village is not to be missed, as one of the hottest children’s cartoon at this day and age has many activities for kids that will keep them entertained for hours on end. To fill your tummies after an exciting day at the parks, head to 濟州膳JEJUSEON which serves amazing Korean cuisine with the highest quality produce and seasonal ingredients available. Opt for delicious dishes with abalone that are caught fresh from the ocean around Jeju island, it does not get any better then that.
Hanwha Resort Spa Therapy Center is one you should make a day trip to or even stay overnight for. Good for people of all ages with a selection of treatments using only premium and natural products.
Highly recommended is Aqua Tonic, the paradise of water. A well trained therapist will accompany you into the pool for a series of relaxing floating and stretching routines that is good for both body and mind. She will also ensure safety and proper use of the facilities in the surrounding areas such as Aroma Shower and Aqua Wall. This water therapy course targets five pressure points with use of soothing sounds and lights to bring holistic healing, especially good for the elderly.
Another popular pick is Hay Bath where guests lie on hay from Jeju island placed in a heated bed made of wood that will detox and help promote better blood circulation. Volcanic lava stone is placed on the belly for further heat treatment and face mask made from natural ingredients for cell regeneration is used while you enjoy this holistic treat.
WE Hotel is a five star establishment that also houses a hospital. Surrounded by lush forest in a tranquil setting perfect for those seeking a retreat from the busy cities and for those who are looking for wellness and medical treatments. WE Hotel aims to be a health promotion center for both locals and foreigners with each treatment customised for that specific individual’s condition.
Medical doctors are located onsite with a full operation theater thus many guests use the hotel for post recovery rest in the most conducive of environments. The detox program is much sought after as well as the Mind Room using colour ball therapy with singing bowl made of 99% crystal to bring balance to mind, body and soul. The Carbon Vichy uses micro bubbles in a bath to reinvigorate and rejuvenate with addition of essential oils for relaxation and sheer bliss.
Yongmeori Shore, a well visited attraction of Jeju has a shore line that looks like a dragon head and even it’s back and tail for those with a vivid imagination from a satellite image. A scenic venue perfect for those picture postcard photos with a horizon where sea meets the sky. For those who enjoy seafood, there is a casual local joint serving the day’s catch by Haenyeo female divers. These ladies are famed for their fitness and ability to hold their breath under water for long periods of time to catch abalone, clams among others.
Incheon, also called officially the Incheon Metropolitan City (인천광역시), is known for more then just it’s world class airport. As South Korea’s third largest city there is much more to experience for one and all, male and female, young and old! Neighbour to the the capital Seoul, this ultra modern hub has high rises that reaches to the sky and is an important transportation metropolis connecting the world to South Korea.
Gyeongwonjae Ambassador is an amazing site for traditional hanok styled architecture, surrounded by state of the art buildings this oasis in the middle of Incheon is home to a luxury hotel accompanied with classic Korean food and beverage. Premium wood is the central element used in both exteriors and interiors of the rooms, suites and villas with unique Korean style beds and rare ondol floor heating. With decadent artworks, this venue is the place for many weddings and important occasions.
Looking for a birds eye view of the city, the observation deck on the 33rd floor of G Tower is the place to go with an almost 360 degrees view of the beautiful scenery of downtown Incheon for example Songdo Central Park and on clear days even to the majestic mountains and ocean beyond. The best part, admission is complimentary and photo taking is allowed.
Water Taxi should be part of your “to do list”, tickets are easily purchase on arrival and the cruise down the waterway is delightful with sights and sounds a normal car or train would not be able to give. Seats are comfortable to relax and enjoy the sail or choose to stand at designated spots for the best photo opportunities on-route. While waiting for your boat ride, snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the waiting area.
Soraepogu Seafood Market is the place to be for all gourmets, seafood of all sorts from fishes to crustaceans can be bought and taken to nearby restaurants to have them cooked according to your preference. The place is gigantic with rows of glass tanks holding fresh live seafood ranging from abalone to crabs to octopus. Ideal for gatherings of family, friends and even for couples on dates.
Savour BlackBookAsia (SVR BlackBookAsia) is proud to collaborate with Korea Tourism Organization and the respective Incheon and Jeju tourism offices. Two different locations but each with it’s own stunning trademarks from modern sky scrapers to natural scenic mountains as well as amazing local fruits, vegetables and of course seafood that will satisfy one and all. Savour BlackBookAsia magazine encourages readers to dedicate extra days to discover the beauty and splendour of Incheon and Jeju.
Special thanks to Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), Incheon Tourism Organization and Incheon Tourism Organization.