All ashore for memorable island experiences

Cruise to Jeju Island, South Korea

"South Korea's Hawaii." "The Island of the Gods." "Honeymoon Island." Jeju Island enjoys multiple nicknames, all of them well earned. Cruise to JeJu Island and discover why this South Sea getaway ranks as one of South Koreans' favorite weekend vacation spots. The joys of the island are art, nature and culture on full display. From the Jeju Island cruise port, embark on your journey visiting cultural sites. In addition to art and folklore museums is the Hello Kitty Island museum, a look at the popular brand's history. Or immerse yourself in a Jeju Island day trip to breathe in the warm sea breezes and admire the spectacular landscape. Walk along brilliant green footpaths that snake up the sides of ancient volcanic peaks, or wander the circuitous underground lava tube caves that volcanos left behind. Photograph sheer cliff faces and towering waterfalls, or spend an afternoon snorkeling Jeju Island's turquoise waters. You might continue your trip to Jeju Island with a stroll through a bonsai garden or the tidy rows of a tea plantation.

National Language Korean

Currency Accepted South Korean Won (KRW)

Things To Do in Jeju Island

Jeju Island boasts a UNESCO-recognized lave tube cave system.

Experience Lava Love

Jeju Island's Manjanggul Lava Tube Cave system is one of world's longest, winding nearly 4.6 miles (7.4 kilometers) underground. Step into Manjanggul — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — the 75-foot-tall tunnel (23 meters), adorned with shelves, stalactites, stalagmites and cones, all made of lava, and discover why it's one of the best things to do on Jeju Island.

Head to Sunrise Peak for breathtaking views.

Breathe Deep at Sunrise Peak

On Jeju Island's extreme eastern tip, Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, draws early risers with a pre-dawn spectacle of rainbow sherbet skies. The dormant volcanic peak is worth climbing any time of day for its views of the sea and Korea's islets. At the top of the steep stairway you can peer into the bowl-shaped crater.

Jeju Island's tradtional dol hareubang, or grandfather stone statues are important to the island's culture.

Meet Stone-Faced Grandfathers

Topped with mushroom-shaped hats, carved with large noses and round bellies, Jeju Island's traditional dol hareubang, or grandfather stones, ward off evil spirits. The beloved statues are an important part of Jeju's cultural heritage. See a collection of 48 ancient dol hareubang at the Jeju Stone Park, near the Jeju Island cruise port. Contemporary grandfather stones stand watch throughout the island.

Enjoy some local fire-grilled black pork on Jeju Island.

LOCAL CUISINE

Among the best things to do on your cruise to Jeju Island is dining at traditional haenyeo houses, where the fish are caught by women who dive up to 33 feet (10 meters) deep without oxygen tanks. Locally raised black pork tastes delicious grilled over a fire and dipped in anchovy sauce. Nibble too on Jeju Island's pear-shaped hallabong tangerines.

Jeju Island's stone souvenirs fill the shelves of local shops.

SHOPPING

Dol hareubang and the conical Hallasan mountain peak symbolize Jeju Island and are celebrated in the form of statuettes, jewelry, key rings, and good luck charms at shops across the island. Green tea, rice wine, and chocolates made with hallabong tangerines are popular souvenirs, as are cosmetics made with local organic flowers, tea, and crushed lava stone.