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5 reasons to visit Jeju, your visa-free gateway to beautiful Korea

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Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju1.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Canola flowers and cherry blossoms adorn a highway in Jeju Island, South Korea. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>With only over 8,000 Filipino tourists in 2016, <a href="http://www.ijto.or.kr/english/" target="_blank">Jeju Tourism Organization</a> in South Korea is seeking more Philippine tourists this year. Should you give in? Here are several reasons why Jeju-do could be your next destination.</p><div><strong>1. Visa-free option to experience South Korea</strong></div><p>Since the Korean wave reached Philippine shores, many Filipinos have longed to visit the land of their dream oppas or favorite idols but may be burdened by visa rules. Entry to South Korea requires a visa, but not when you&#x27;re heading straight to Jeju-do. </p><p>Budget airlines have yet to offer direct flights from the Philippines&#x27; major airports to Jeju but <a href="https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ph/home" target="_blank">Philippine Airlines</a>&#x27; chartered flight is a good option. You may also sign up for group tours via <a href="http://www.raksotravel.com/" target="_blank">Rakso Travel</a> or go DIY with budget flights with stop-overs in Singapore or Hong Kong. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju2.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">There are plenty of shops for everything Korean: beauty masks, clothes, BB creams, and more. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div><strong>2. Awesome sights and natural wonders</strong></div><p>Though far from South Korea&#x27;s capital, Jeju-do promises a city experience like that of Seoul (Wi-Fi almost everywhere, well-lit shopping districts, and plenty of dining options) but with a provincial charm you won&#x27;t find elsewhere. The special tourist zone island rightfully holds many titles: UNESCO triple crown awardee, World Natural Heritage, and as part of 7 Wonders of Nature.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju3.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc"><cite>Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization.</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Jeju-do is home to <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264179" target="_blank">Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff</a>, a natural wonder that features volcanic rock formations that look like perfectly-carved cubes and hexagons. The carvings emerged after lava from South Korea&#x27;s tallest mountain Hallasan erupted into the sea of Jungmun. Stay awhile to enjoy the sound of waves while savoring fresh air. </p><p>Then there&#x27;s <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264207" target="_blank">Seongsan Ilchulbong</a>, a postcard-worthy hill that makes for memorable long walks. Couples young and old go hiking and reward themselves with picturesque views at the peak. Other tourists watch &#x27;mermaids&#x27; known as Haenyos, female divers who can hold their breaths for over 3 minutes and dive up to 30 meters deep. These Haenyos have been named intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju4.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Awesome views await visitors of Seongsan Ilchulbong. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Seongsan Ilchulbong has vast lands peppered with wild flowers, making it a great backdrop for your travel selfies. The hill&#x27;s sunrise view is also a great motivation to wake up early. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju5.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc"><cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div><strong>3. Gorgeous flowers, happy places</strong></div><p>If you plan to see cherry blossoms sans the hordes of tourists during Sakura season in Japan, set a trip to Jeju-do. During spring, cherry blossoms adorn highways around the island. The baby pink blooms also meet yellow Canola at Keunsaseumie Oreum, or create archs in tranquil parks around Jeju City. Jeju-do&#x27;s Canola fields, usual sceneries in Korean dramas and music videos, are also best for do-it-yourself pre-wedding or family portraits.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju6.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Perfect for lovely dates. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju7.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Picture-perfect! Cherry blossoms are good backdrops. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju8.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">A usual street view in Jeju during spring. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju9.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Cherry blossoms galore: Calming view of the famed flowers. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Huge roses and vibrant tulips can also be seen at <a href="http://theme.ecolandjeju.co.kr/M/EN/view/guide.php" target="_blank">Ecoland</a>, a child-friendly theme park at Beonyeong-ro. Ecoland visitors are treated to sunny sights, beautiful views of calm lakes, and a scenic train ride that passes through a forest. There are also plenty of picnic areas in Ecoland, making it a great spot for idling or playful family time. </p><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju-slide1.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju-slide2.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju-slide3.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju-slide4.jpg"/></div><div><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju-slide5.jpg"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><p>Blooms welcome visitors of Ecoland theme park. <i>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</i></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Kids love various sights at Ecoland. <i>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</i></p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>No wonder Ecoland is a family favorite. <i>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</i></p></div><div class="item-desc"><div><i>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</i></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Families will love it here. <i>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</i></p></div></div></div><div><strong>4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Fit to a tea, beautify thee</strong></div><p>Tea lovers will love <a href="https://www.osulloc.com/kr/en/museum" target="_blank">O’sulloc Museum</a> in Jeju-do&#x27;s Seogwipo-si district. The museum has almost everything you need about tea: see vast fields of green tea, try tea rituals, and discover the beauty of tea cups from around the world. The best part? You can shop for affordable sets of flavored tea bags or exquisite matcha chocolates and spreads. Favorites include teas made from Jeju-grown citron and tangerine.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju10.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Enjoying nature at O&#x27;sulloc tea museum. <cite>Photo by Kim Tae Hyoung.</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju11.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Green tea galore. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju12.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Matcha lover? You would want to take home 10 boxes. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>Nearby the museum sits a huge Innisfree shop, where they sell the famed Jeju volcanic line (from pore cleansing foam to clay masks). Everything you need to beautify is within reach and if you want a personalized green tea-oatmeal-citron soap, you can even make your own. It&#x27;s also a good spot to shop for keepsakes or gifts for your friends back home.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju13.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc"><cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div><strong>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Tour for the tummy</strong></div><p>If you travel for food, you only need one reason to pack your bags and immediately fly to Jeju-do: black pork samgyeopsal (pork belly meat). Their distinctive ‘dwaeji’ is savory, soft and chewy. Eat it with rice or wrap it with greens, then enjoy it with soju and have a belly-full all-nighter. You may have to wait in line if you dine at Giunne Heugdwaeji, but it will be worth it. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju14.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Yummy! Cook your own version of Korean barbeque. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>You also shouldn’t miss Jeju-do’s delectable seafood. The island paradise has plenty of mouthwatering mackerel, tasty abalone, raw fish and squid, and more! Korea’s traditional side dishes will add flavor to the already scrumptious seafood.</p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://img.abs-cbnnews.com/2017/images/jeju/jeju15.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Abalone&#x27;s aplenty in Jeju. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><p>For those with time to spare, a trip to scenic cafes is highly recommended. Pass time with a nice cup of coffee at Bonmal café or G-Dragon café while appreciating Jeju’s calm seas. </p><div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/05/10/jeju-19.jpg?ext=.jpg"/><figcaption><div class="embed-desc">Bonmal cafe (left) and G-Dragon cafe (right) are great places for relaxation by the sea. <cite>Photo by Thea Alberto-Masakayan, ABS-CBN News</cite></div></figcaption></figure></div><div><strong>For more information on places to see in South Korea, visit <a href="http://kto.visitkorea.or.kr/eng.kto" target="_blank">Korea Tourism Organization</a>. </strong></div>

5 reasons to visit Jeju, your visa-free gateway to beautiful Korea

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5 reasons to visit Jeju, your visa-free gateway to beautiful Korea

Thea Alberto-Masakayan,

ABS-CBN News

Published May 10, 2017 11:21 PM PHT

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Updated May 12, 2017 11:23 AM PHT

Read More:

Jeju Island

Travel

South Korea

Korea Tourism Organization

Rakso Travel

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Jeju Tourism Organization

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