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Soak up the scenery at Seongsan Ilchulbong, especially if it’s your first time heading over to South Korea’s Jeju Island. It’s even more exciting if you enjoy hiking. Well, here’s what you should know before visiting the tourist spot.

Also known as Sunrise Peak, the tourist spot was designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007. In 2010, it earned the status of a Global Geopark. Meanwhile, the South Korean government gave it natural monument status in July 2000.

It is a hydromagnetic volcano with a well-preserved tuff cone and different internal structures along a sea cliff. There are 200 types of vegetation including vine and angelica. Wild animals can also be found here. Geography experts would appreciate this place best.

What stood out to me was the Jeju Hanyeo Performance, a combination of diving and singing. Increasingly, these divers, who suffer from joint pains and neuro-related issues due to their day-to-day, are going to be no more. The UNESCO recognised the Jeju Hanyeo culture for its significance in driving South Korea’s economy besides being a crucial part of the country’s culture. This is why there’s the Jeju Hanyeo Museum, which is a good starting point before you head over to Seongsan Ilchulbong (on your remaining days on Jeju Island, depending on your itinerary). There are two performances each day. You may watch the video, in which the woman is singing about her hardship as a woman diver, of the performance. Please note that the video was taken by an amateur.

A few things to note:-

Seongsan Ilchulbong is closed the first Monday of every month.

There are entrance tickets, especially if you wish to go up to the peak.