This island with its distinguishing geographic features resembles the Hawaiian Islands of the United States. The volcanic rock, frequent rainfall and moderate climate of Jeju Island, make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea.
Besides its wide variety of natural treasure, the island also offers diverse range of thrilling activities to choose from.Hiking on Halla-san, the 1,950 meters high volcanic mountain in South Korea, fishing, horse riding or exploring the island on a bicycle are some of the activities that you will surly enjoy during your stay in Jeju. If you are not looking for too much excitement, you can simply get around the stunning sandy beaches of the Jeju Island or view the captivating sunrises and sunsets over the ocean. The magnificent views of this volcanic island in South Korea offer enough to leave you in awe.
The wide variety of wild life and national parks in Jeju add to its beauty. The forests and national parks in Jeju Island are home to numerous animals and floras. Some rare varieties of animals and plants are also preserved within natural reserves in Jeju. The Bijarim forest is well known for its huge collection of Bija trees. Its unique collection of orchids and parasitic plants is worth mentioning.
Mt. Hallasan National Park is famous for its climatic diversity and vertical ecosystem of floras. With its wide variety of animals and plants it reflects the truly unspoiled beauty of nature. The historical importance of this National Park is noteworthy. Archaeological remains of Paleolithic period found in this park make it a coveted destination for the research scholars across the world. .
Bija Forest the biggest pure forest in the world. The trees in Bija Forest stands with the height of 7~14m, circumference of 50?110?, crown width of 10?15m. Since ancient times, the fruit produced from Bija Tree, Bija, was used as a donation to the palace, used as a vermicide, and also used in sacrificial rites. The Bija oil was extracted because of fatty substance, and this shows effect to bronchial asthma, and internal organs.
The tree was used as a material of high quality furniture or baduk board due to its high quality. An 800-year-old Bija Tree called Choegoryeong Tree, the oldest tree in Jeju, stands on the middle of the forest. Also called Josang Tree, this Bija tree is 25m tall, with the circumference of 6m. Also, there are many rare plants including Aderides japonicum, Calanhe sieboldi, Bulbophylum inconspicuum, and nutmeg orchid growing in Bija Forest. Besides, various kinds of trees such as Ficus erecta, silk tree, paulownia tree, silver magnolia, Pyrrosia attract the tourists.
The observation course of Bija Forest was opened in 1992. Flowers were planted on the ground and promenade was created to give comfort to the tourists. To experience the pleasure of Bija Forest properly, you should have enough time. Choosing the time early in the morning or a day with thin fog is another way to tour Bija Forest.