4 reasons to visit Jeju-do, ‘the Hawaii of Korea’

It is dubbed “the Hawaii of Korea” for its grey-and-yellow beaches. But Jeju-do, which is also known for its volcanic clay and green tea-derived skincare products, has so much more to offer.

Those who are already familiar with Jeju, the largest island off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, will know about its pale blue hydrangea seas, its endless stretches of pristine beaches, and its much-loved O’Sulloc Tea Museum.

However, there are a few things you might have missed on your previous trips to the island.

Udo’s treats

Udo – literally “cow island” – got its name from its cowlike silhouette. Plan a weekend getaway to Jeju’s version of Hong Kong’s Cheung Chau, and explore the island by motorbike or on the various shuttle buses, which run at frequent intervals and make a number of drop-offs at prime spots.

Crush your sweet tooth with a monster sundae from the self-crowned “nutty” Prince of Udo. The gelateria, gussied up with blaring disco lights and K-pop music, sells ice cream made from Udo’s locally grown peanuts. It is a spectacle in itself to watch the Prince of Udo gingerly scoop the peanutty goodness up into cones, adding crisps and biscuits to create edible figures. The gelato chef loves the camera, and whips up gelato combinations according to his whim – so don’t be surprised if you end up with a towering “friendship special”.

Stride along Udo’s white beaches and with luck you’ll catch a glimpse of some haenyo – female divers who embody Jeju’s semi-matriarchal social structure – bobbing in the shallows at different locations around the island. Often without underwater breathing apparatus, these women plunge to the depths wearing rubber diving suits and carrying fishnets and spears, so they’re quite hard to miss.

Flower power recharge