First point of business at the start of September was to ship the S Events team out to the far-east, to run a three-day event on the volcanic island of Jeju off the Korean Peninsula.
The arrival of September usually signifies a new academic year, the end of the summer holidays, and a change of seasons. Whilst children and teachers up and down the country were preparing to go back to school. The first day of September saw the S Events team assembled at London's Heathrow airport in the early hours, checking-in for the first leg of the 5,730 mile trip from UK to the Korean Peninsula.
Destination: Jeju Island, South Korea.
The first-stage of the journey started with an 11 hour flight from London to Incheon International Airport, Seoul. Touching down some 11 hours later, the next leg of the journey was a 35 minute train ride to Gimpo International Airport aboard the AREX - a South Korean commuter rail line that connects Incheon International Airport with Seoul Station.
Over time, Korea has invested a lot in its railway infrastructure, with the introduction of the Korea Train Express, a high speed rail service connecting Incheon International Airport to the capital city of Seoul. Since its opening in 2004 the high-speed rail service has halved the demand for air transport along this route which used to be one of the busiest direct air-routes in the world.
From 11 hour flight, to hot-footing across a busy airport terminal to boarding a high-speed train, the cleanliness and efficiency of the rail system was certainly something to write home about. Korea's rail system whilst busy but not overcrowded, it's efficiency and smooth running bringing shame onto railways everywhere. Travelling at 217 mph meant only a short 35 minute train ride for this leg of the journey. Before long we were alighting at Gimpo International Airport, ready to schlep ourselves back onto another plane destined for Jeju Island.
"How's Jeju?"
Geography
Jeju is an active volcanic island off the coast of south Korea measuring 45 miles east to west and 25 miles north to south. The island was formed from volcanic activity 2 million years ago. Volcanic activity ceased around 25 thousand years ago. Several thousands of years of persistent volcanic activity helped shaped the island to what it is today. It is the largest island off the Korean Peninsula and the main island of the Jeju province of South Korea. Jeju Island is also home to the World Heritage Site: Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.
Climate
The climate in Jeju is fairly similar to that of the rest of the Korean Peninsula; temperate and humid made up of mild winters, hot, muggy and rainy summers. Consistent with the rest of the peninsula, Jeju island is affected by the monsoon circulation: In winter the northwest cold currents prevail (which initially dry, but before reaching the island passes above a large body of water), while in summer, hot and humid currents of tropical origin prevail. Spring and autumn are transitional periods mild and pleasant, especially during October.
The rain season (Jul-September) often quite heavy can bring an average of 60 inches of rainfall to the northern coast and 75 inches on the southern and eastern coasts.
Although winter months on Jeju are typically milder than that of the Korean Peninsula thanks to its southerly geographical location, it can also be rainier with stronger winds lowering temperatures. Milder periods during the winter can see temperatures around 10° alternating with cold weather with possible sleet and snowfall.
Although consistently hot and humid, summers on Jeju island benefits from a gentle sea breeze bringing much relief to high summer temperatures averaging around 32/34 °C. However the annual monsoon circulation occurs during this time, so you may want to think twice before booking Jeju for your summer holidays. Unless of course you love getting unexpectedly caught up in downpours and sightseeing in a wet, squelchy and possibly very see-through outfit.
Things to see and do
1. Manjanggul Lava Tube
The Manjang-gul Lava Tube is located in Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwaeup, Jeju City. At up to 23m wide, 30m high and 8.928km long , it is the twelfth longest lava lava tube in the world and the second longest on Jeju Island. It is regarded as having significant and heritage value owing to its excellent condition of preservation despite its age of formation approximately: 300,000 to 200,000 years ago.
2. Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
Cheonjiyeon Waterfall is a waterfall on Jeju Island, South Korea. Literally, the name Cheonjiyeon means 'sky connected with land.' It is one of the main tourist attractions on Jeju, at 22 m high and 12 m wide.
3. Hallasan Mountains
Hallasan is a shield volcano on Jeju Island. Volcanologists have dated Jeju's most significant eruption eruption to 25,000 years ago. Following those findings, the local media, with a propensity to sensationalise, reported that Mt Hallasan was neither dead, or dormant, but still classed as active. It is the highest mountain in South Korea. The area around the mountain is a designated national park, the Hallasan National Park. Hallasan is commonly considered to be one of the three main mountains of South Korea, along with Jirisan and Seoraksan.
4. Yeomiji Botanical Garden
Established 30 years ago, Yeomiji Botanical Gardens is located in Jung-Mung Tourist Complex, the epicentre of tourism in Jeju Island. Six themed-gardens and a seasonal display are housed under one of the region’s largest greenhouses. There’s an aquatic garden and a cactus garden, each of which reproduces the biosphere and common plants of that habitat.
5. Seonimgyo Bridge
Located by the cave at Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Seonimgyo Bridge is adorned with seven Nymphs carved into either side and is locally known as Chilseonyeogyo or 7 Nymphs Bridge. The nymphs symbolise the seven beautiful and legendary nymphs that would descend from heaven at night. In fact, the Chilseonyeo Festival in May celebrates the coming of the nymphs, and tourists can bathe in the falls. The bridge is also the first arch bridge in the entire region.
6. Jungmun Beach
Huge waves around Jungmun beach means that not only is it a Mecca for surfer types, the annual Jeju International Surfing Competition is held there also. The sands along the 560-metre shoreline is made up of multicoloured grains of red, black and grey, as well as the predominant white sands, making for an iridescent Instagram-worthy sunset.
7. Jeju Shinhwa World Theme Park
First opening its doors in September 2017, Jeju Shinhwa World, is a world-class theme park and cutting-edge MICE Resort for Business Travellers, offering great accessibility and all the necessary facilities to make a premium MICE venue. The art works of local talents is showcased in and around the park adding to the quirks and uniqueness of the resort.
Featuring a total of 615 rooms; all equipped with a smart control system for adjusting room temperature and lighting, with access to an all-day restaurant, snack bar, café and bar to chill-out, relax or hold casual meetings. In addition, the Landing Convention Centre located within the resort’s grounds is available with the capacity to hold international conventions, exhibitions, formal banquets and corporate events.
8. Shinhwa World Waterpark
Also located at Shihwa World resort is Shinhwa Water-park, Jeju’s largest water-park with a total area of 15,000 ㎡ and a capacity of 4,000 people. Offering 19 attractions including 13 outdoor and indoor pools, an impressive outdoor wave pool and some of the world’s best water slides, including the first 230 metre slide in Asia. Additional poolside facilities include outdoor cabanas a Jacuzzi and spa offering multiple relaxation features and services.
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