"Traveling in Jeju"

See the Sea, Walk the Forest! West Jeju Must-Visit: A Day Trip to Hyeopjae Beach & Hallim Park

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Hello everyone! Today, I’ve prepared a post filled with the charms of Jeju Island, a hidden gem of Korea that I truly cherish. Jeju is a dream vacation spot even for Koreans, a place that brings peace of mind whenever you visit. Among its many wonders, I want to share a perfect duo where you can enjoy the sea and the forest all at once: ‘Hyeopjae Beach’ and ‘Hallim Park.’ Now, shall we dive into the warm sunshine of Jeju together?

Jeju Island, Korea’s Emerald Gem

If you ask anyone to name the most beautiful island in Korea, nine out of ten will say Jeju Island. Formed by volcanic activity, Jeju features unique landscapes and offers distinct charms throughout the four seasons, making it Korea’s premier vacation destination. Today, I want to share a perfect duo located on the west side of Jeju: Hyeopjae Beach and Hallim Park.

Dolhareubang
“This is Dolhareubang, which literally means ‘Stone Grandfather’. It is a guardian statue of Jeju Island carved from basalt.”
Summer Tangerine
“Tangerine trees are one of the most common sights in Jeju. You can see tangerines hanging in clusters everywhere you go.”

Hyeopjae Beach: Transparent Waters and the View of Biyangdo

Before heading into Hallim Park, dip your toes into Hyeopjae Beach, located right across the street. The sand here is incredibly white because it’s mixed with crushed seashells, which makes the water glow in a transparent emerald hue.

Looking at Biyangdo, the small island floating in the distance, makes all your worries melt away. The water is shallow and calm, perfect for a peaceful walk, and the sunset here is indescribably romantic.

Hyeopjae Beach with stone towers
“Stacking stones and making wishes. I joined in on the tradition too!”
Biyangdo Island seen from Hyeopjae Beach
Biyangdo Island seen from Hyeopjae Beach
Emerald Hyeopjae Beach and the blue sky
“I just want to dive into this emerald sea!”

There are many stone towers at Hyeopjae Beach where people make wishes.

The Wonders of Nature: Hallim Park

After enjoying the sea breeze, cross the road to enter Hallim Park. Spanning over 100,000 square meters, it’s a massive botanical garden and theme park with nine different themes. It’s amazing to think that this lush paradise started from palm tree seeds planted in a wasteland back in 1971!

Here are the must-see spots in Hallim Park:

  1. Mystical Lava Caves (Hyeopjaegul & Ssangyonggul): Even in the peak of summer, it feels like natural air conditioning inside! These are natural monuments where you can see Jeju’s unique volcanic geology.
  2. Subtropical Botanical Garden: Filled with rare plants from around the world, it feels like you’re exploring a jungle.
  3. Jeju Stone & Bonsai Garden: You can find peace admiring traditional Korean bonsai and uniquely shaped volcanic stones.
  4. Jaeam Folk Village: A cozy space where traditional Jeju thatched houses are preserved, giving you a glimpse into how locals lived in the past.
Cave entrance
Cave entrance
Inside the Subtropical Botanical Garden
Exploring the interior of the subtropical garden
Cactuses in the botanical garden
Cacti of the botanical garden
Crocodiles in the botanical garden
“There are crocodiles inside the botanical garden!”
Prickly pear cactus
“This cactus is also called the ‘Palm Cactus’ because its shape resembles the palm of a hand.”
Cacti
“The botanical garden is filled with exotic cacti.”
Palm Tree
“These palm trees were planted back in 1971.”
Palm tree street
“Walking along this palm tree-lined street makes me feel like I’m abroad!”
Cacti
“Look at these cute little cactuses!”
Scenery of the lake and trees
“The natural scenery is so peaceful and beautiful.”
Tulips amidst the trees
“The tulips are in full bloom. They look so beautiful in their full glory!”
Tulips amidst the trees
pink Tulips
Tulips amidst the trees
red Tulips
Tangerines hanging bountifully on the tree
“The tangerines are hanging so temptingly on the branches!”
Tangerines hanging bountifully on the tree
Cloud-shaped tree
“The shape of the tree is so cute! It looks just like a fluffy cloud.”
"A Dolhareubang with a cute face"
“This is Dolhareubang. ‘Hareubang’ means ‘grandfather’ in the Jeju dialect. It’s like a guardian deity of the island.”
"The largest Dolhareubang in Jeju Island"
“They are a common sight wherever you go in Jeju.”
"Diverse cacti collection by the snack corner"
Folk Village sign and canola flowers
“The canola flowers are in full bloom!”
Jeju Traditional House
“The roofs are made of rice straw, and the walls are built using the abundant stones found all over Jeju.”
Backyard with Jangdokdae (Korean earthenware jars)
“Flowers have bloomed in the backyard!”
The sight of a peacock sitting on a traditional thatched roof
“There’s a peacock on the roof! I was so surprised to see it there.”
Three ladybugs
Three adorable little ladybugs
A park with willow trees
“Watching the willow trees swaying in the breeze makes me feel so good.”
“This video was taken while riding the Tropical Perimeter Tour Bus. It’s a 2km course around Hallim Park in an eco-friendly electric vehicle.”

A Local’s Tip!

I recommend setting aside at least two hours to explore Hallim Park comfortably. Don’t forget to try some local snacks like Mom-guk (seaweed soup) or Jeju traditional rice cakes near the folk village inside the park.

Experience both the refreshing sea and the tranquility of the forest in one day. Jeju is always ready to welcome you with open arms! 😊

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