We woke up early, prepared and excited for our journey to Jeju Island. Known as the “Island of the Gods” or the Hawaii of Korea, Jeju Island boasts a wealth of captivating attractions. Its volcanic landscapes feature iconic sites like Hallasan, the highest mountain in South Korea, and Seongsan Ilchulbong, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
With its pristine beaches, lush forests, stunning coastlines, rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse ecosystems, Jeju Island offers a tropical paradise that appeals to travelers from around the world.
With a flight scheduled for 9:30 am, we quickly grabbed breakfast at the hotel, which started serving at 7 am. Despite our slight eagerness, the buffet staff kindly informed us that it was still a bit early, so we patiently waited for a few minutes. As the clock struck 7 am, all the waitresses and kitchen staff emerged, bowing respectfully and signaling the start of breakfast. It was a charming ritual that added cultural authenticity to our dining experience. The breakfast showcased typical Korean dishes, including rice, soup, sausages, and vegetables—a true reflection of the local cuisine. As an enthusiast of Asian food and Asian breakfasts, I found it to be a perfect start to our day.
After breakfast, we decided to skip the metro and head to the taxi stand. Along the path, we walked past beautiful cherry blossom trees, adding an enchanting touch to our morning. The taxi took us to the domestic airport, where we were surprised by the large number of flights departing for Jeju simultaneously. These were not just small flights; they were like intercontinental flights, complete with spacious business class sections. What surprised me further was the efficiency of the boarding process, which started just 10 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time, yet everything managed to operate effectively and on time. Therefore, arriving early at Jeju’s domestic airport is unnecessary. Unlike other airports with long and tedious waiting times, here the process is incredibly fast, and there isn’t much to do beyond the necessary check-in and security procedures. Our flight with Korean Air was comfortable, and the service provided was satisfactory. The duration of the flight was only one hour, which made the journey convenient and efficient.
Upon arrival in Jeju, we immediately felt the tropical ambiance, as if we had entered a different Korea altogether. Though the temperature wasn’t scorching hot, it was still above 20 degrees Celsius. Exiting the airport, we set out in search of our hotel’s shuttle bus, which provided complimentary service. Finding the designated area proved to be a bit challenging initially, as there were no signs indicating the location of Area B as instructed. We initially assumed it was the buses right outside, but after realizing our mistake, we sought assistance. Despite initial hesitations, we approached a helpful individual who knew exactly where to direct us. As it turned out, Area B was situated on the other side of the expansive airport parking lot, where the large buses were parked. We boarded our designated bus without any issues—a sleek, elegant black bus adorned with the Lotte Hotels logo. With only three other passengers onboard, it felt like a private and luxurious journey. The bus itself was impressive, with exceptionally comfortable wide seats, resembling sofa chairs. They could be reclined fully, and additional amenities such as footrests, wooden shutters, and charging ports enhanced the overall comfort. Our route took us through Jeju City and picturesque countryside, adorned with an abundance of cherry blossom trees and lush greenery—an unexpected sight that challenged our preconceived notions of South Korea.
Finally, we arrived at the Lotte Jeju Hotel, situated in the southern part of Jeju Island. This hotel is a massive paradise-like resort, part of the prestigious Lotte Hotels chain known for its commitment to luxury accommodations and exceptional service. The Lotte Jeju Hotel truly lived up to its reputation, offering a magnificent property with an abundance of amenities and facilities. Stepping into the lobby, we were greeted by a stunning sight. T It was a mesmerizing sight that showcased a different facet of Korea—one that resembled a tropical paradise, filled with both beauty and luxury.
In the next post, I will share more about our amazing experiences at the hotel and in the surrounding area. I’ll talk about the beautiful views of the sea and beach that we enjoyed, as well as the fantastic pool where we spent a lot of time swimming and relaxing in the sun. I’ll also tell you about the great amenities at the hotel, like the comfortable rooms and the delicious food we had, as well as the many interesting things to see and do nearby that made our stay even more memorable!
Anyah Mroz 