Jeju Island Private Taxi Tour : UNESCO Day Tour

Jeju Island, often dubbed the "Hawaii of South Korea," is a true geological wonder. Visitors can now embark on a private taxi tour to explore the island’s UNESCO-recognized marvels, from the captivating Manjanggul Cave to the picturesque Woljeongri Beach. Along the way, they’ll witness the mesmerizing performances of the renowned haenyeo – the island’s legendary female free divers – and learn about their unique culture at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum. This comprehensive day tour promises an immersive experience, leaving travelers with a deeper appreciation for the resilient spirit that has shaped this remarkable island destination.

Key Points

• Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Manjanggul Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes, to understand Jeju’s volcanic origins.
• Visit Sangumburi Crater and witness the dramatic geological features that showcase Jeju’s volcanic past.
• Discover the unique culture and way of life of the female free divers, the ‘haenyeo’, at the Jeju Haenyeo Museum.
• Enjoy the breathtaking vistas of the picturesque Seopjikoji peninsula, known for its dramatic coastline and black sand.
• Customize the tour with hotel pickup and drop-off, English-speaking driver, and admission fees included, with additional options for cruise port pickup and extended tour time.

Overview of Jeju Island

Jeju Island, often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of South Korea,’ is renowned for its lush resorts, captivating volcanic landscapes, and intricate lava tube system.

This picturesque island off the southern coast of the Korean peninsula boasts a unique geological heritage, attracting visitors from around the world.

The island’s volcanic origins have created a diverse terrain, including towering peaks, serene beaches, and a vast network of underground caves.

Jeju’s natural wonders, combined with its temperate climate and rich cultural heritage, make it a popular destination for travelers seeking an exceptional blend of natural beauty and culture.

This private tour offers an opportunity to explore Jeju’s geological marvels and uncover its fascinating history.

Included Services and Charges

The private Jeju Island day tour includes a range of services to provide a comprehensive experience for visitors.

It offers hotel pickup and drop-off within Jeju City’s downtown area, ensuring a convenient start and end to the tour. An English-speaking driver guides participants throughout the day, and admission fees to the various attractions are covered, typically costing $8-$18 per person.

Plus, the driver’s lunch is included, priced at 10,000 KRW.

However, there are additional charges for pickup/drop-off outside of Jeju City downtown, ranging from 40,000-120,000 KRW, and a $30-$100 surcharge for cruise port pickup.

Extra tour time can also be added at a rate of 15,000-35,000 KRW per 30 minutes.

Geological Wonders of Jeju

This private tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through Jeju Island’s remarkable geological wonders, showcasing the island’s volcanic landscapes and unique natural formations.

Manjanggul Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring an impressive lava tube system.

Woljeongri Beach, with its dramatic coastline and black sand, offers a glimpse into the island’s volcanic origins.

Seopjikoji, a picturesque peninsula, showcases Jeju’s breathtaking vistas.

The Sangumburi Crater provides an up-close look at the island’s volcanic past.

These geological marvels not only captivate the senses but also invite visitors to delve deeper into the dynamic and awe-inspiring forces that have shaped Jeju Island over time.

Cultural Attractions on Jeju

Beyond Jeju’s geological wonders, this private tour also showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to enjoy the traditions and customs that define the local way of life.

One of the highlights is the chance to witness a performance by the island’s famous female free divers, known as ‘haenyeo.’ These skilled divers, primarily women, have a long history of harvesting seafood using traditional methods.

The tour also includes a visit to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, which provides an in-depth look at the haenyeo’s unique culture and way of life.

Through these cultural experiences, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the vibrant and resilient spirit that has shaped Jeju Island over the centuries.

Manjanggul Cave Exploration

Exploring the Manjanggul Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers visitors a unique glimpse into Jeju Island’s remarkable volcanic landscape.

This lava tube, one of the world’s longest at over 7 miles, showcases the island’s dynamic geological history, with its towering basalt columns, intricate lava formations, and impressive size captivating all who venture within.

The cave’s well-preserved features provide a fascinating educational experience, allowing visitors to:

• Witness the incredible power of volcanic eruptions that shaped this natural wonder.
• Gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique ecosystem and biodiversity.
• Understand the significance of protecting such geological marvels for future generations.

Picturesque Woljeongri Beach

After exploring the geological marvels of Manjanggul Cave, the tour next takes visitors to the picturesque Woljeongri Beach, a stunning natural wonder on Jeju Island. This pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise waters provides a serene respite from the island’s volcanic landscapes, offering a perfect opportunity to take in the natural beauty of the region.

Feature	Description
Location	On the northeastern coast of Jeju Island
Beach Type	Wide, sandy beach with shallow, clear waters
Scenery	Stunning views of the ocean, volcanic cliffs, and Hallasan Mountain
Activities	Swimming, sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying the tranquil atmosphere
Accessibility	Easy access via the tour’s included transportation

Seopjikoji and Sangumburi Crater

From Woljeongri Beach, the tour then takes visitors to the stunning natural formations of Seopjikoji and the remarkable Sangumburi Crater, providing a captivating contrast to the serene coastline.

At Seopjikoji, guests can marvel at the unique rock formations sculpted by the elements.

The Sangumburi Crater offers a glimpse into Jeju’s volcanic past. This extinct volcano features:

• A vast, circular depression measuring over 100 meters in diameter
• Lush, verdant vegetation that has reclaimed the crater floor
• Panoramic views of the surrounding landscape from the crater’s rim

These geological wonders showcase Jeju Island’s diverse and captivating natural beauty, leaving a lasting impression on all who visit.

Haenyeo Diving Demonstration

The highlight of the tour is the opportunity to witness a captivating performance by the renowned Jeju Haenyeo, the island’s legendary female free divers.

These expert divers, who can hold their breath for up to two minutes, showcase their impressive underwater prowess as they skillfully gather seafood from the ocean floor. Visitors will be mesmerized as they watch the Haenyeo in action, marveling at their agility, strength, and deep connection to the sea.

This unique cultural experience offers a rare glimpse into the traditions and way of life of these remarkable women, who’ve played a vital role in Jeju’s fishing industry for centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Private Tour?

The private tour is for individual travelers or small groups only, as the transportation is a private taxi. The maximum group size is not explicitly stated in the provided information.

Are Child Rates Available for the Tour?

Yes, child rates are available for the tour. The tour operator offers discounted rates for children, though the specific pricing may vary. Travelers should confirm the child rates when booking the tour.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Stops?

Yes, the tour can be customized to include additional stops. The private nature of the tour allows for flexibility in the itinerary, and guests can work with the tour provider to add more sights.

Is Gratuity for the Driver Expected or Included?

Gratuity for the driver is not included in the tour price and is generally expected for good service. The amount is at the discretion of the customer, typically ranging from 10-20% of the total cost.

What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation policy typically allows for a full refund if canceled 24-48 hours prior to the tour. Closer to the tour date, a partial refund or transfer to another date may be possible, depending on the tour provider’s policy.

Recap

The private taxi tour of Jeju Island offers an immersive experience, showcasing the island’s diverse natural wonders and rich cultural heritage.

From the UNESCO-recognized Manjanggul Cave to the captivating haenyeo diving demonstrations, visitors can explore Jeju’s unique geological features and gain a deeper appreciation for the island’s resilient spirit.

This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded introduction to the marvels that have earned Jeju its reputation as the ‘Hawaii of South Korea.’