Jeju: South Korea's premier island geotourism destination

Koreans have been attracted to mountains, rivers, hot springs and coastlines for spiritual rejuvenation and the provision of material needs for hundreds of generations (Huh et al, 2008) .With a population of about 48.5 million people (OECD, 2009), natural places to relax, recreate and emotionally revive are becoming ever more important to Koreans. Today, one of the most highly sought after holiday destinations in the country is Jeju Island, located off the southernmost tip of the Republic of Korea (Figure 11.1). Jeju holds a very special place in the minds of most Koreans as an idyllic island paradise famous for its natural features, favourable climate, citrus fruit, woman divers, and its cultural and historical sites. In addition to its well known natural attractions, tourists can shop, visit museums, botanical gardens, aquariums and bonsai parks or enjoy a variety of recreational activities including water sports, golf courses and festivals (Khan and Su, 2003) - all on and around a shield volcano. This chapter describes the volcanic origins of Jeju Island and its principal geotourism attractions - Mt Hallasan, Seongsan Ilchulbong tuff cone, Sangumburi crater, Sanbangsan lava dome, Yongmeori coast, and Manjang Cave (belonging to the Geomunoreum lava tube system). It then introduces the reader to tourism on the island and reflects on the current status and future of geotourism to Jeju Island.