It’s not just the amazing scenery that draws us to Jeju Island. We also can’t help but fall for its islanders and rich cultural heritage.
It’s not just the amazing scenery that draws us to Jeju Island. We also can’t help but fall for its islanders and rich cultural heritage.
Tangerine Picking
Did you know that Koreans consume twice as many Jeju tangerines than apples? Thanks to the high concentration of vitamins, they’ve been used as herbs since ancient times. These tangerines are so popular that they are used to make jams, juices, cough drops and even chocolate. But of course, nothing beats a sweet, ripe tangerine freshly plucked from its tree. The best part? They can be harvested all year round. Those grown indoors in greenhouses are harvested in summer, and the ones out in the field are plucked over winter from November to February.
There are plenty of farms in Jeju Island that offer a tangerine picking experience at an affordable price of 5,000 won (approximately SGD $6) per person. You get to tour the farms, and pick out at least a kilogram of oranges to take home. This is as fresh as you can get!
Where To Go
Calling all citrus fans! You’ll love that this 4,500m2 museum includes a themed exhibition room, a folklore exhibit and a subtropical garden. You’ll definitely be leaving with more than just a tangy taste in your mouth – you’ll be a tangerine expert!
Citrus Museum 441, Hyodonsunhwan-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, 064-767-3010
Jeju Olle
If you’re the adventurous sort who prefers to see the natural landmarks of Jeju Island via the offbeaten path, the Jeju Olle walking paths should be part of your activities. The natural walking paths will take you through the mountains and along coasts where you might see some hidden, forgetten sights of Jeju Island.
“Olle” used to refer to the narrow path between the street and doorstep. Today, the “olle” paths on Jeju Island are a way to appreciate the natural charm of Jeju Island at close proximity without damaging nature.
There are a total of 20 routes, and each route can range between a four- to eight-hour trek (with rest stops in between of course!). If you’re interested in coastal sights, Route 8 from Wolpyeong to Daepyeong Port is the best. You’ll get to see the rocky beach used by Jeju’s women divers, as well as check out the famous Jusang Jeolli Cliffs, where volcanic rock formations rise out from the sea. For a more educational walk that lets you see how Jeju residents live, go for Route 3, which takes you through the Kim Young Gap Gallery, an old elementary school converted into a photo gallery, as well as the Bada Mokjang Farm. By the end of each chosen route, you’ll be rejuvenated by the sight of Mother Nature’s gifts. This is the reason why people put in special effort to preserve the Jeju Olle Trail and call it the “Forest of Life”. A truly spiritual experience not to be missed!
