Fire on the mountain, Jeju-do, South Korea

February 17, 2009 by Marcie Miller · 1 Comment
Filed under: Festivals and Event Ticketing, Jeju & Korean Culture, Visiting Jeju?

Jeju Fire Festival
Fire festival glory | Credit: Mike Laidman

Oreum is set ablaze in annual Jeju Fire Festival
Story by Marcie Miller | Photos by Brian Miller and Mike Laidman

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a torch-wielding mob, mark your calendar for the 2010 Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival on Jeju, when an entire hillside is set ablaze.

The event is held during the first full moon of the Lunar New Year across Korea. The festival commemorates the practice of burning grassy fields to prepare them for the new growing season. This year’s 14th annual festival on Jeju was Feb. 13 and 14, with the climax hill torching the night of the 14th.

Tags: , fire festival, JEJU, southkorea

Roomine pension, Jeju, South Korea

September 22, 2008 by Katarina Kuruc · 1 Comment
Filed under: Things to Do, Visiting Jeju?

HE SAID: For all you men looking for a way to both dazzle and inspire the women in your life, I have a secret that is nothing short of extraordinary: ROOMINE. In a place as hotel saturated as Jeju, there are pensions, and then there are PENSIONS. Recently I had the opportunity of discovering the latter and want to spread the word about our positive experience there. On the northwest side of the island near shell beach off the coastal road is a particularly unique looking building. It stands apart from all those in the area because the architecture is not reminiscent of the typical Jeju style. Roomine is anything but traditional. With an open concept design, sleek modern look and vibrant decorative styling, the place screams “retro-cool California”.

Tags: , Jeju: Travel, Places to Stay

The beaches of Jeju island, Jeju, South Korea

July 12, 2008 by Henry Gerlits · 4 Comments
Filed under: Outdoor Activities, Things to See, Visiting Jeju?

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 are even trenches so that you can be buried in the sand - it’s great for your skin,” commented English instructor and Jeju resident Anj Schroeder. Anj added that Samyang is best visited in the peaceful early hours of the morning.

Tags:

Gecko’s bar and restaurant, Jeju, South Korea

May 25, 2008 by Brian Miller · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Bars & Clubs, Visiting Jeju?

When Gecko’s opened late last year, it was a revelation. It was like being lost in the desert and God pouring manna down from heaven. It was one of the first (another being LaVie) restaurant on the island to offer a menu of genuine Western food in a great, home-style atmosphere. For years, other establishments on Jeju had offered what they claimed was Western or Italian food, but never seemed to get it right. When friends told me about a new place on the island with actual American and European food and drinks, I was skeptical.