Jeju Island, Volcanic island in South Korea.
Jeju is a volcanic island in the East China Sea, stretching 64 kilometers from east to west and containing craters, waterfalls, cliffs, and lava tunnels. A central massif rises from sea level to a summit with a crater lake, shaping the entire landscape.
The island remained an independent kingdom called Tamna until 938, when it joined the Goryeo dynasty. It then served for centuries as a place of exile for political prisoners, isolated from the mainland by its location.
Haenyeo women still dive without breathing equipment to collect seaweed and shellfish, following techniques passed down through generations. Villages display stone guardians called Dol Hareubang at entrances and courtyards, figures locals have long believed bring protection to households.
Most visitors arrive through the international airport, which offers direct connections to cities across East Asia. On clear days you can see the coast from the center, but fog may limit visibility and affect hiking conditions.
Mount Halla rises to 1950 meters, making it the highest mountain in the country outside the mainland, with a crater lake at its summit. On the lower slopes orange trees grow beside pine forests, an unusual mix of subtropical and temperate vegetation.
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