(Credit: Jeju Tourism Organization, YouTube)

 

A honeymoon is one of the most special experiences of your life, and probably the most special trip you’ll ever take. A honeymoon is when you get to know your partner more intimately, devote your time to each other and plan a beautiful future together. Of course, you want each day of your honeymoon to be memorable, if not perfect. You want it to be a luxurious, indulgent affair, because you and your loved one deserve the best.

Choose Jeju Island for your luxury honeymoon, for the perfect start to your married life. No matter what type of couple you are, the biggest island of South Korea has something to offer you and your partner. Honeymooning in Jeju may well be the most decadent experience of your life.

For the Love of Luxury

For many couples, the break they get for their honeymoon is the longest leave they get from a busy life. Honeymoons are also the perfect opportunity to unwind after the hectic few days of your wedding. It’s natural for many couples to want to spend this break doing practically nothing, except indulging themselves in every way possible. If this sounds like your ideal honeymoon, Jeju Island is a godsend for you.

 

The We Hotel, Jeju (Credit: The We Hotel, Jeju)

Some of the most opulent beach resorts in the world call Jeju home. One of the leaders of this pack is The We, a premium health resort right in the middle of Mount Hallasan. The resort is sprawled across a huge forested area, ideal for secluded and cosy walks. The forests are laden with azaleas and hydrangeas which lend it an air of romance. Say goodbye to boring drinking water and treat yourself to some natural volcanic bedrock water with minerals. Swim in their indoor or outdoor pools and ease your muscles with a luxurious spa session, followed by a delicious meal-- all in the privacy of this premium resort. There are various wellness therapies that you can try as well.

The Shilla Jeju (Credit: The Shilla Jeju)

The Shilla is equally luxurious, with a huge, glittering pool shaded by swaying palm trees. Book their presidential suite and gift yourself an unforgettable honeymoon. The best among their suites, this set of rooms has an opulent sitting area that leads to a wide balcony, both looking into the brilliant blue sea. You can drink in the sunset from the cosy intimacy of your bedroom, with champagne in hand. The canopied bed, the fireplace in the sitting room, the home bar, the chandeliers-- all make for a honeymoon fit for royalty!

Most of the premium resorts are ocean-front properties, so the azure waters and white sands are just a few steps away. You can eat a relaxed brunch at one of the many premium cafes and restaurants dotting the beaches and take in the sights while you eat. Who said you had to choose between food for the soul and food for the tummy!

The Adventure Lovers
If you love adventure as much as you love each other, honeymooning in Jeju is the perfect choice. There’s so much to do on this beautiful island that you will almost certainly wish to stay here forever. For those who love the thrill of a good hike, do try Mount Hallasan. South Korea’s highest mountain can be scaled up and down within a day if you start early. 

Hiking on the Hallasan

Depending on which season you are visiting, the mountain top will greet you with different sights, all equally astounding. Purple azaleas in spring, a carpet of red and gold in autumn and a winter wonderland-- Hallasan is a delight all year round. Besides the beautiful scenery, there is a crater lake and a variety of flora and fauna to keep the eyes and mind busy. You can have a cosy picnic on the highest peak of South Korea, surrounded by the best of nature.

Seogwipo Submarine

For some, the brightest gems of nature are those that sparkle underwater. And Jeju is rich in such gems. Drown yourselves in unforgettable experiences under the seas of Jeju. The Seogwipo Submarine is one such experience. The portholes of the submarine offer a glimpse into the mysterious world of the ocean. The submarine travels through the island of Munseom, which also has great spots for diving. If you want to literally be at one with the blue sea, try scuba diving at Seongsan Sunrise Peak. South Korea’s first UNESCO Natural World Heritage site is a treasure trove of deep sea adventures. Imagine the thrill of coming face to face with a huge octopus, or seeing schools of glittering fish swim by!

Near the Sunrise Peak is the Hado Beach, which offers kayaking, snorkeling and paddle boarding. Book a transparent two-person kayak and enjoy the clear blue water of the Hado Sea, in just each other’s presence.

A Decadent Spa Experience

It is a truth universally acknowledged (or if it isn’t, about time it should be) that a spa treatment is the true essence of luxury. And Jeju is one of the best, most luxurious spa destinations in the world. The volcanic clay abundant on the island is the base of many spa and cosmetic therapies, and will leave you wanting for more.

Sanbangsan Hot Springs

Jeju is home to many hot springs, the most natural and most decadent spa experience you can have. The hot water rich in minerals soothes your muscles and takes you pretty close to nirvana. Try the Sanbangsan Mountain Carbonate Hot Springs or the Jeju Aragonite Hot Springs for a decadent few hours.

Your spa experience will be incomplete without Jeju’s most exclusive local therapy at the Spa Ara. This spa is part of the Haevichi Resort and offers luxurious massages with aromatic oils. These massages are believed to get rid of toxins from the body and improve posture. There’s an outdoor hinoki bath where you can indulge in a relaxing massage with the sound of the waves lulling you into a state of deep calmness.

Spa Ara (Credit: Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju)

Or try the only L’Occitane spa in Jeju. This French company deals in premium cosmetics and is internationally renowned. At the L’Occitane spa, expect traditional massage techniques which will soothe and relax you.

Jeju is also known for its water and oxygen massage therapies. To bring back a little bit of the relaxing feel to your everyday life, you can shop for authentic beauty products made from Jeju volcanic clay.

Beach Bums
Jeju Island has some of the most beautiful beaches on earth. If your idea of honeymoon paradise is spending as much time as possible at the beach, you can’t go wrong with Jeju. From Jungmun Beach to Emerald Bay, Woljeongri, Hamdeok, Shinyang and Gwakji, the beaches are blissful. 

 

Woljeongri Beach

Arguably the best of the lot is Hyeopjae Beach. At low tide, the white sands seem to stretch to infinity. You can also try your luck at surfing at the Jungmun Saekdal Beach. Situated at the foot of a giant cliff, the Jungmun Beach is ideal for honeymooners as it is secluded. Or indulge in an open air bath built from volcanic stone, at the Gwakji Beach. Catch the sunrise surrounded by the clear waters of the Pyoseon Haevichi Beach.

The whole island is rimmed by a circular coast road, so the beaches are easily accessible.

The Culture Nerds

South Korea boasts of a unique culture, and if you are curious to discover a new way of life with your partner by your side, Jeju Island will not disappoint. Take a peek into local life by visiting the Jeju five day market. Held every fifth day, this market is a cornucopia of fresh produce, seafood and souvenirs. It is one of biggest traditional markets in Korea and a fun way to soak up local flavour. Lee Jung-Seop’s Art Street is perfect for the art loving couple. The street is named after Lee Jung-Seop, an artistic genius of the country. It has art galleries and art markets, where you can pick up beautiful pieces of art.

Haenyeo in action in the waters of Jeju

See the badass sea-women of Jeju in action, as they dive into the ocean for food like abalone, octopus and seaweed. Known as the haenyo, these women’s average age is 65 (yes, you read that right) and they dive nearly 20 metres into the sea with no breathing apparatus.

Experience centre at O’sulloc Tea Museum (Credit: O’sulloc Tea Museum)

If you, like Koreans, take your tea seriously, visit the O’sulloc Tea Museum. Shaped like a green tea cup, this museum is a tea-lover’s dream come true. In between visiting the various galleries, you can relax beside the indoor lotus pond. Believe us, it is even more peaceful than it sounds! For a taste of modern Korean culture, drop by at the Jewon Crossroads. Located in New Jeju City, this is the hub of the island’s vibrant nightlife. Fill your ears and your heart with K-Pop, and your tummy with delicious food from the posh restaurants dotting the street.

The Foodie Couple

Planning your honeymoon entirely around food is perfectly acceptable, because Korean food is an exciting burst of rich flavours. Jeju Island offers some of the best nuggets of Korean cuisine, bound to titillate your tastebuds. The island’s black pigs make excellent barbecued pork. There’s such an array of fresh seafood that you will be spoilt for choice. For an authentic taste of Jeju, try their seaweed and sea urchin soup.

 

Left: Bibim Guksu; Right: Bingsu

That Jeju takes it food seriously is testified by a whole street named after one of the most popular dishes in the world-- noodles. Try the Bibim Guksu (spicy noodles) or Gogi Guksu (noodles with meat) and gift yourselves a taste of heaven. Or try Bingsu (ice flakes) that Korea is famous for. The ice flakes are filled with Korean rice cakes and fruits, and taste delicious. 

The Dongmun market is another must visit. Held every day, this market has a wide variety of fresh seafood like octopus and mackerel. Jeju is famous for mandarins and the Dongmun market has many varieties of the juicy fruit. Sweet rice cakes are also sold in many avatars, to satisfy your sweet tooth. 

There are many premium restaurants and trendy cafes around the island, offering great food and unique ambience.

Loveland
No matter what kind of couple you are, a honeymoon in Jeju Island is incomplete without a visit to Loveland. 

 

Love Land, Jeju

 

An outdoor sculpture park devoted solely to sex, a visit to Loveland will add spice to your honeymoon. The park is dotted with oversized sculptures of men and women enjoying various forms of erotic coupling. Even the restrooms have an erotic twist that you must visit Loveland to find out!

You’ve had the wedding of your dreams. You deserve a honeymoon that is even better. Come to Jeju Island, and discover the true meaning of luxury!

For further information, suggestions and any kind of help, contact the Korea Tourism Organization at their New Delhi office at india@knto.or.kr