"Seongsun Sunrise Festival at Cheju" Top 5 Page for this destination Jeju-do by bpacker

Jeju-do Travel Guide: 353 reviews and 840 photos

On a flowery field by SeongSun Illchulbong

Jeju-do, Honeymoon Island

Don't give Jeju-do a miss just because you think the island is littered with love-sick couples and cheesy tourist attractions. It's possible to avoid the chedder if you go to places that are off the beaten track.
The island has plenty of those as the land area is reputedly bigger than Singapore. Then again, just about anywhere is bigger than my hometown...
Back to where I was saying, Cheju has a large land area with lots of dreamy, surreal landscapes that you won't find on the peninsula. One minute, you're walking in summery, flowered fields and in another, you're in a snowy field somewhere else . Unfortunately, most of these places are not along your usual bus routes. You'll need to hire a car to explore these places and some hangul (korean language)literacy . But don't be disheartened, most tourist sites have signs in English, Chinese and Korean so driving around is not a problem.
Besides, you can ask for directions at any gas station if you're lost. The locals here are more accustomed to English-speaking tourists and they're nicer and more down-to earth compared to the urban mainlanders. I found myself enjoying the local interactions and culture more than I ever did on the peninsula.
I saw a full display of their culture at the Seongsan Sunrise Festival and I counted myself very lucky to have witnessed it.
Where else in the world can you celebrate the start of a new year by dancing at the site of a volcanic crater? The festival was the main reason why I went to Cheju in the first place. No, I didn't go there just to see the phallic shaped stones that the Island is famous for, I went there to see the dawn of a new year in the most beautiful way I know....

Celebrating the New Year at a Volcanic Crater

Blazing Flowers in the Night Sky

Join the merry making locals and dance away the whole night long till the dawn of a New Year. For more details, refer to my travelogue.

Walk through Snowy Fields in Winter

Hubby and Snowy Fields at Mt Hallasan

Climb Korea's highest peak if you have the energy or if you are fit enough. Mount Hallasan is a sight to behold, especially in winter.

Pros and Cons

Pros:surreal and diverse natural beauty, good food at any town, easy to drive around
Cons:admission fees at every tourist spot, cheesy tourist phar
In a nutshell:Mythical place with diverse scenary and nice folks

Last visit to Jeju-do: Jan 2004
Intro Updated Feb 22, 2005
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Reviews (23)

By Ferry to Cheju Island Transportation (4)

Now, I really wouldn't recommend this to anyone since the journey to Cheju by ferry is long, ardous and it drives a... more travel advice

Dancing around a tepee of fire - Jeju-do

Seongsan Sunrise Festival Things to Do (7)

Though this is one of the major celebrations in Jeju, it's little known outside of the international comunity. A pity... more travel advice

From Seoul to Jeju Transportation (4)

The best way to get to Jeju is by plane. And once you're in Korea, taking a plane is pretty much like taking the subway.... more travel advice

Staying near SeongSan Illchubong Hotels (2)

If I were to return to Jeju, I'd stay near SeongSan Illchubong, the volcanic crater. Why? Because waking up early to see... more travel advice

Tourist Traps (1)
Forget about the dragon shaped rock
Restaurants (2)
See All Condiments that go with the...
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Comments (14)

nixca316 Feb 7, 2007 at 2:29 AM Report Abuse

Love your Lava cave tip...happy travels...happy running...happy riding! You're soooo Cool!
SorFee Sep 24, 2006 at 2:51 PM Report Abuse

I think you have a nice style of writing your travelogues. Enjoy reading your pages on Cheju :)
robertgaz Aug 17, 2006 at 10:38 PM Report Abuse

What to do in Jeju-do, eating black skinned pig, with a brew or two // S'wine advice from Forest Rump ;~)
traveldave Jun 23, 2006 at 6:15 AM Report Abuse

Looks like an interesting island to visit. I bet there are some good birds there too. Did you have a chance to do any birdwatching?
Nemorino Jun 23, 2006 at 2:03 AM Report Abuse

Another highly interesting and entertaining page! If I ever go there, I'll be sure to stay in a minbak and try a hefty portion of "brack wee wee".
ant1606 Sep 19, 2005 at 10:27 AM Report Abuse

Good tip on Cheju. Gotta try the cave.... Ciao - Ant
Escadora7 Jun 15, 2005 at 11:41 PM Report Abuse

Really nice photos. Loved your tip on the caves! Thank you for sharing. Ash & Eve
easyoar Apr 7, 2005 at 11:29 AM Report Abuse

Hi Glenda, great page! Your experience of ordering food reminds me of when i was in China, I had to go and point at another guests dinner and hold up 1 finger to show I wanted 1 portion of that!
airasia Mar 18, 2005 at 6:14 PM Report Abuse

Hi Glenda good info here and top 5 in this area. Any idea what is the voltage in SK. 110 V or 240 V?. Thanks.
jckim Mar 2, 2005 at 12:27 AM Report Abuse

Hey! You have alot of awsome pix Glenda! :) great help to Jeju-do travel tips and Interesting opinion... how taste Black Pork ? hahaha.... have fun!