VISIT JEJU

Sallok Road, which literally means a road at the foot of the mountain, runs through the forest around the base of Hallasan Mountain. A drive on the road is a trip to an art gallery full of picturesque scenes. Beautifully aged trees, like guards in green uniforms, line the sides of the road. Beyond the road ahead, a clear blue sky stretches out far and high. You are driving, but at some point you feel like you walk through the road.

Every view you see is a beautiful masterpiece, but the best among them is sunset in the Hannam-ri section. As the sun shining through the clouds gradually descends, the bright blue sky turns to reddish pink and purple. Even the long row of trees adds a splendid variation to the scene. This amazing transformation wins your heart. There is something different from the sunsets you see on the beach. Enjoy this amazing feast inside your car and soon you will be at the western sea of Jejudo Island.

The beauty of Jejudo Island doesn’t end at the roads passing through the forest at the foot of Hallasan Mountain. There are roads along on the coast, and if you haven’t driven on these roads, you haven’t seen the real charm of Jejudo Island. The island’s coastal roads offer delightful scenery, and Sinchang Coastal Road boasts the best sunset view. This road, famous for its scenery of the sea and windmill, is often called Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road. The windmill at dusk might arouse a mysterious feeling in you, making you think of a giant waving endlessly to somebody far across the sea. Due to its fascinating landscape, this place is a favorite filming location for dramas, movies, and commercials. To enjoy the view, driving is great, but it is better to walk if you have the time. A walkway built over the sea leads you to Sinchang Lighthouse. On the foreshore is a sculpture of a fish that shines brightly in the sunlight. During ebb tide, stop by a “wondam,” a stone wall traditionally formed to catch fish using the tides. You can easily find people catching top shells and small fish there, which is quite a nostalgic scene.

Watching the sunset on Jeju’s coastal roads evokes emotions and feelings that were buried during your daily life in the city. Jagunae Port is one of the most enchanting places on the island to watch the sunset. From Sinchang Coastal Road, head to Suwolbong Peak. Jagunae Port is on the way there. The port offers a wonderful view of Chagwido Island, which is an uninhabited island designated as Korea’s Natural Monument No. 422. Since it’s unmanned, it looks somewhat lonely, but you can feel reassured at the same time. The name of this island is based on a legend about a Chinese person named Ho Jongdan. According to the legend, Ho came to the island and weakened its energy to keep a great figure, who was said to be a threat to China, from being born. When he tried to leave the island, a falcon appeared and stopped him. This is how the island got the name Chagwido, which means an island where one’s return is stopped in Chinese characters. If you look closely, you can see the outline of a falcon in the shape of the island. As the sun descends near the falcon’s beak, the beauty of the sunset reaches its height.

The coastal road through Jagunae Port to Suwolbong Peak at dusk offers photogenic scenery. Everywhere you look encourages a photoshoot, and the results are satisfying, except for one. Though the sunset behind the silver grass on Suwolbong Peak is a scene you cannot miss, neither photos nor words are capable of capturing the magnificence of the moment. So, if you have never seen this glorious view in person, come and fully embrace its beauty. Honestly, every coastal road introduced so far deserves a personal visit. Each one has its own unique feature. Sinchang Coastal Road has the sunset with the turning windmills; Jagunae Port has the sunset by Chagwido Island; and Suwolbong Peak has a sea that turns red with the sunset.

Since the whole course is only 10 km long, which is a 20-minute drive, visiting the three places mentioned above won’t be a huge burden. The observatory platform on Suwolbong Peak offers a full view of Sinchang Coastal, Road, Jagunae Port, and Chagwido Island. Below the peak lies epic scenery of coastal cliffs designated as a part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. If you wish to look at the cliffs, take the Eongal Coastal Trail that connects Suwolbong Peak and Jagunae Port.

If Hannam-ri Sallok Road seems relatively far to visit and the course from Sinchang Coastal Road to Suwolbong seems time-consuming to explore each and every place, then Geumneung Beach is a great option. This Hawaii-like beach, just like the adjacent Hyeopjae Beach, has a splendid view. However, unlike its neighbor, Geumneung Beach is less popular, and so offers a more relaxing time. As some say, it’s better to enjoy a decent dish or sunset in a soothing atmosphere. The scene of the white sand and the emerald sea turning gold at sunset is breathtakingly beautiful. Even the sky, gradually changing colors to cherry pink and purple, catches your eyes. Facing the sunset, you would rather wish you could stare at the sun without blinking, since even the slightest moment is too precious to miss. As soon as the sun disappears into the darkness, the streetlights on nearby Biyangdo Island come on and the romantic night of Jeju begins.

<Where to recommend>