Seogwipo is one of the chief cities of South Korea’s largest island, Jeju-do (also Cheju-do). Celebrated as a honeymoon haven and conference locale, Seogwipo is blessed with abundant natural beauty and rich folk culture. Rare flora, lava-encrusted mountains, floating isles, silver stretches of coastline, waterfalls and, what’s more, a mild climate through the year, makes the city an ideal getaway.

Seogwipo is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Mt Hallasan is an inactive volcano and the highest mountain in South Korea. It has a huge crater that soars 1950m above sea level. In spring the slopes are covered in azalea blooms and in autumn they are resplendent in the tawny colours of the season. The mountain has been designated as a nature reserve to protect the flora and fauna of the region.

The Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls descend in three levels. Literally meaning ‘pond of the Heaven’s Emperor’, legend has it that seven nymphs who assist the Emperor of the Heavens to bathe secretly make merry in the waterfalls and pond at night. The first waterfall cascades down a 22m cliff to form the Cheonjeyeon Pond, which feeds the other two rapids. Sub-tropical vegetation lends a lush vitality to this picturesque spot. The other waterfall in Seogwipo is Jeongbang, spectacularly plunging to the sea with a thunderous roar.

The Daepo Beach Jusangieolli is a coastal area where tall hexagonal rock poles stand amidst the foaming waves - a beautiful sight especially when the sea is rough. The Jungmun Tourist Complex is built around the sights of Mt Hallasan, Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls and Jungmun Beach to provide water sports and recreational facilities. Apart from the classy hotels and condos, there is a sports centre, a riding area, a seaside golf course, an oceanarium and a huge botanical garden.

The Yeomiji Botanical Garden lies within the Jungmun Tourist Complex. It is a huge storehouse of 2000 varieties of flowering plants and more than 1700 semi-tropical plants outside the greenhouse area. Parts of the garden are landscaped in the traditional styles of Japan, Italy, France and Korea. Jungmun Folklore Museum has an exhibition of folk culture, focused on the way fishermen live. Thatched roof houses, low stone fences and utensils create a vivid picture of a traditional fishing village.

There is nothing very fancy about Seogwipo food but it is delicious. Try the broiled okdrom (local sea-fish), abalone porridge, sashimi and black pork. The pork is roasted till it is chewy and served with a fiery chilli sauce, the abalone is said to help restore liver functions and the sashimi is only for those of you who are not queasy about raw fish.

Getting There: The nearest international airport is Jeju, 45 km from Seogwipo. Seoul has many flights to Jeju daily. The Jeju World Cup Stadium is 15 minutes away from downtown Seogwipo. Buses and airport-limousine-buses make transportation within Seogwipo easy.

Accommodation: Luxury hotels, super-deluxe hotels, home-stays, motels and dormitories make up the wide array of accommodation facilities in Seogwipo. Whatever suits your budget and tastes is available here. The Jungmun Tourist Complex within the city has world-class hotel rooms and condominiums. Many international conferences have been held in Seogwipo in the recent past, so if you’re looking for these facilities they’re available in the luxury hotels.

For detailed country & visitor information, see South Korea.