A drive along Jeju Coastal Highway [Buzz Korea]

It was amazing Tuesday a fully shining day of May 2014 when I along with my family visited Jeju along with family friends. It was a memorable trip with lots of fun and enjoyments. I have been to Jeju many times but this time with my family made it a worth remember for me. It has been since long I have a keen desire to drive along the coastal high way and I was able to bring my dream true this time.  

I must say if you are planning to travel Jeju with all-out enjoyment you must have to rent a car and drive at your own. This will make your trip the most amazing you have ever had. You can drive along the shore, stop by every attraction and observatory to appreciate the beauty of nature and relax for a while. There are a lot of routes that you can travel the best you like but don’t forget to pick the maps from the Jeju international airport or from the office of rent a car. It will help you finding the best sights, bits of culture and astounding land marks.

We traveled to seogwipo-si which has a lot of attractions including Jeju world cup stadium, alive museum, eongtto water fall, cheonjiyeon water falls, and Jeju submarine tour. All these attractions are amazing to experience. The best of all is to drive along the coastal side and enjoy the natural beauty with sea shore. One thing is worth mention that if you will follow the navigator while driving at coastal high way, you may never be able to enjoy the true scenery because the coastal road given in map is not updated with navigator and it will always keep you on the high way. However you should be attentive while driving so that you may not miss the sea shore.

Phase-1

The first Coastal high way you can take from Seogwipo-si is near the Hwasun Geummorar beach and Marrado ferry. A lot of attractions can be found nearby this area which include Marine Park, peace museum and Jeju art par however you need to leave the coastal high way to enjoy these attractions. There are spectacular views and the fresh air will welcome you at each stop with stunning view of black water and heavy waves around.

Phase-2

You can take the second phase of the coastal high way from start from Gwa-ri- Pirate submarine which ends at Yongdang-ri (Jeolbuam temple. This is one of my favorite routes with remarkable scenery. You can stop by Halim Park, Hyeopjae beach, Myeongwol fortress to relish the nature from very close.  I am sure you are definitely gonna love it.

Phase-3

The coastal high route from Aweol to Gueom-r having some remarkable views of the black lava shoreline, emerald beach, Yeondae ,ihotewoo beach, Youngduam, Jeju cruise , Yeongduam, Jeju seaside concert hall, Ramada plaza. This phase ends at Serabong Byeoldobong. You can stop at the observation platforms or cafes and relax in pretty setting. It is great to watch the waves crashing over the rocks on days when the waves are high. The view from anywhere in or around the beach is stunning. There are also quixotic and elegant pension and houses along the shoreline to allure exhausted tourists.

Phase-4

The coastal highway extends from Yongduam  to the airport. This road is good for driving, as well as hiking or biking, and will help you feel at harmony with the sea. You can refresh yourself with the salty smell of the ocean and the echoing sound of the waves. In the springtime, the highway is lined with a yellow wave of rape flowers. In the summertime, sea birds hover above the sea, crying out to their friends. In winter, the sea becomes calm and quiet. All of these different aspects of the coastal highway make it one of the most popular tourist areas in Jeju all year round.

Phase-5

The next phase of coaster high way is from Jeju independent movement memorial hall leading to Hamdeok beach which is one of my most favorite beaches in Jeju because of its blue water and white sand. The coastal high way further extends to Handong-ri area. On it way there are some most famous yongcheon cave and manjanggul cave. These lave caves are about 12 kilometers and famous as the world largest lava tubes. Don’t miss the chance to go inside the lava tube; it would be a memorable sight of your life. The government has opened just 1 km of lava tube for the tourists.

Recently, many cafes with traditional atmospheres have opened along this highway. People enjoy drinking tea and coffee while looking out at the scenery from the cafe windows. Youngsters pedal along the well-paved road and enjoy fresh air. The covered carts (poch'ang mach'a) are the things what make this highway prominent. Soju, beer, and simple side dishes are served. Many people gather in this area for an exotic night view. As the sun sets, these carts become lively and you can taste fresh sea food at reasonable prices.