Pre-dive jitters were setting in as this intrepid reporter stepped off the bus in Seogwipo, but one look at Ralf Deutsch, the owner/operator of Big Blue33, quickly quelled those fears. Ralf’s calming, open manner instils trust – we would be safe under the water with this man. Ralf has run Big Blue33 (so named because Jeju lies on the 33rd parallel) for the past seven seasons; deciding after his contract as German professor at Jeju National University finished, to stay here. So he opened the dive shop.
Why …

Rumour has it that there are some beautiful things under the waters of ocean surrounding this rock of an island, but believing is in the seeing. There are two options for viewing these underwater wonders: scuba gear or submarine. The latter is more practical and easy with two submarines operating on the South side. The Seogwipo submarine is located at the very end of the point in Seogwipo harbour (past Cheonjiyeon falls), and shares a building with a boat tour place so enter the left side …

Rock climbing and climbing walls on Jeju
Story and photos by Danielle Mader
Looking for a challenge? Seeking vertical adventure? Then come cram your feet into some tiny little shoes that make your toes feel like they are being squished into your heels, cinch yourself into a “Cadillac” of a harness (which still is a collection of straps that pull your underwear into nether regions) and tie yourself onto a really long rope. After your straps and knots have been checked over by the expert that is belaying you …

Just a short walk or bike ride away from downtown Shin Jeju, there is a little bit of hidden paradise. If you enjoy walking, looking at flowers and trees and maybe even breaking into a sweat, Halla Arboretum is the place for you.
Jeju Do city planners had the foresight to set aside a sizeable tract of land (15 hectares) between Gwangji and Namjosun Oreums for an educational park. All 909 species of trees and flowers are well-labelled with their Latin, English and Korean names. This means that …