Jeju Island, the triple wonder of nature

Could this not-so-small volcanic island be considered the top wonder of nature of our time? In recent years Jeju has been collecting awards and nominations at the highest level.

If Jerusalem is the three times holy city, our island is the UNESCO's only triple-crown winner: World Natural Heritage + Global Geopark + Biosphere Reserve.

Also, in 2011, Jeju was voted no less than one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, side by side with the Amazon or Iguazu Falls.

The so-called Island of the Gods (like the fabulous Bali) seems to have their blessing to become a world-class destination. So before massive tourism invades the new pride of South Korea, let's find out what treasures lie ahead in this promising place:

The landscape has hundreds of craters like this one scattered everywhere.

They are called 'oreum', reminiscent of a cookie. Abu Oreum, with its unique ring of trees, is one of these secondary volcanic cones that tore through the surface of the island while it was forming.
Image by Korea.net

Hallasan stands at the heart of the island, the main volcano ruling what must have been a kingdom from hell.
Image by Vansero

Imagine all the veins and conducts that fed the monster spewing lava from the summit - or even better, walk inside these terrific spaces that were cleared out once everything calmed down.
Image by Korea.net

The Manjanggul lava tube, with a name like something out of an Icelandic volcano, can be visited in its first section.

These are some of the most extensive and well-preserved known cave systems from this origin that we know of.
Image by Korea.net

Yongcheon Cave contains an impressive underground lake, but it's not as accessible to the public as most of this vast network of lava tubes.
Image by Korea.net

This cone-shaped island is Biyangdo, another mouth on this tentacular underground structure.
Image by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

Opposite to Biyangdo lie shallow and crystal clear beaches around Hallim.
Image by Brian Miller

On the side of the island where the sun rises, Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of Jeju's most distinctive views.
Image by Korea.net

A narrow strip of land (and now an artificial bridge) connects the bowl-like crater with the rest of the island.
Image by Korea.net

A popular side trip consists of taking a ferry to visit the beautiful scenery of Udo Island.
Image by Brian Miller

Beomseom Islet features impressive columnar basalt rocks in front of the southern scenic Yongmeori coast.
Image by Alex Brown

The Korean version of the famous Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland: the Jusangjeolli cliffs.
Image by Paul Lawley-Jones

The snow-topped 6,398 feet (1,950 m) of Hallasan peak can be seen all around the island.
Image by Korea.net

All the seasons have a captivating look in Jeju, from the frozen forests in winter to the spectacular cherry blossom in spring.
Image by Korea.net

Mt. Sanbang in the southern coast, surrounded by legends and Buddhist temples.
Image by Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

The Dragon's Head Rock Yongduam, near Jeju city, offers a representative postcard of the island.
Image by Brian Miller

But there's nothing more iconic in Jeju than the stone statues that you'll find all over the island, the grandfather's Dol Hareubang.
Image by Korea.net

A place where phallic-like statues can be found everywhere, this was surely fertile ground for the creation of a sex-themed park-like Loveland.
Image by Mr. Laser

Jeju Loveland is an erotic outdoor park of suggestive sculptures. You might want to leave the children in the playground outside ;]
Image by Mr. Laser

More than a place of natural wonders, you can also find a large variety of festivals and attractions on the island, such as the odd Teddy Bear Museum.
Image by Thomas Park

We haven’t even mentioned the rich folk and cultural heritage of this matriarchal society. Next time!
P.s.: Thanks to Michelle for your inspiring comments :]
Image by Brian Miller