The first time I visited Jeju Island in early July 2024, I was introduced to the bizarre Jekyll-and-Hyde weather in the north and south caused by Hallasan rising almost 2,000 metres up the centre. In the north, it was sunny, and clouds wafted across the azure sky; past midway of the volcano that is South Korea’s highest point, grey fogs hid the sky from view.
That was a fascinating introduction to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at the tip of the Korean peninsula. The massive mountain determines many things besides the dynamic weather conditions. It also offers picturesque views, scenic trails that hikers fly in for, and volcanic black basalt – a hard lava rock with cheese-like holes – dotting the island as a ubiquitous construction material.
WHERE TO STAY
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spaph646
JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa's lobby. (Photo: JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa)