The imposing keep of Yakcheon Temple looms over Jeju’s southern coastline, attended to by a cluster of palm and orange trees as it looks commandingly to the sea. It’s said to have been built over a mystical, medicinal stream, from which the name “Yak” (medicine) “Ch’eon” (stream) “sa” (temple) is derived. Local authorities built it on a massive scale, perhaps as much to draw throngs of tourists as hordes of worshippers. At 37,000 p’yong, (122,100 sq meters) Yakcheonsa is the second largest temple complex on the island. Its enormous size …

The beaches of Jeju Island, South Korea
Story by Henry Gerlits | Lead photo: Jungmun Beach
Are you new to the island, looking forward to dodging the monsoon weather and heading to the beaches this summer? Not sure which beach to check out? Here’s some information that might help get you started.
1. Samyang Beach – Located to the immediate east of Jeju City, this beach is accessible by city bus and is famous for its black sand. The black sand is known for its dermatological properties, and “there …