Chances are your first guess wasn't the domestic from Seoul to Jeju, the capital of Jejudo island in South Korea. Last year saw over 11 million people make the trip between the two cities — the next busiest air route, Tokyo to Sapporo, didn't even come close with just under eight million passengers.
South Korean domestic flights from Seoul to Jeju are so popular that you can board one every 15 minutes. According to Google, there are around 200 flights that make the journey in either direction every day.
So — why? What's drawing absurd numbers of Koreans to this mysterious island? First of all, it's not just Koreans that can't resist the lure of Jejudo — in 2014, Chinese travel giant Ctrip announced that Jeju was behind the spike in Chinese tourists visiting the Republic of Korea.
The Chinese, in particular, are flocking to the island because of its visa-free entry requirements and abundance of casinos (which are banned in China).
Most of the tourism, however, is domestic. Jeju is often touted as the "Hawaii of South Korea," and honeymooners and holidaymakers come here by the bucket/plane load to bask in Jeju's natural beauty.
According to locals, though, Jeju has a dark side.
In 1948, an uprising led by communist sympathisers was violently repressed by the Korean government and US military. 30,000 islanders died and many more were subject to atrocities due to the uprising. Today, many people arrive under the umbrella of "dark tourism" — to experience the harrowing history of the island via places like the 4.3 Peace Park memorial.
These stunning images provide a glimpse into the allure of Jeju, a destination that attracts millions of visitors every year for a variety of reasons:
One of the world's most frequented air routes connects Seoul to Jeju, the capital of Jejudo Island in South Korea. With a flight time just under an hour, travelers can easily access this captivating island, purchasing tickets for approximately £120 per way. Before your flight, take some time to explore Seoul. This vibrant city offers a wide range of accommodations to fit any travel style and budget. To find the best hotels in Seoul, consider your preferences for location, amenities, and price. Enjoy your stay before setting off for the enchanting beauty of Jeju.
Jejudo, as described on the Republic of Korea's official Flickr page, is a unique self-governing province that occupies the entirety of South Korea's largest island. This special status grants Jejudo a degree of autonomy, allowing visitors from almost any country to enjoy a temporary visa-free stay.
Notably, Jeju earned the prestigious distinction of being named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in 2011, further highlighting its enchanting landscapes and natural wonders.
The outstanding feature that defines Jejudo island is its majestic Hallasan volcano, standing tall at a height of 1,950 meters, making it the highest peak in South Korea.
A captivating sight awaits atop Hallasan, where the magnificent crater lake, known as 'Baengnokdam' or 'white deer lake,' can be found. According to legend, this enchanting lake was once visited by divine wizards who frolicked with the graceful white deer that came to drink from its waters.
With its volcanic origins, Jejudo island's core is adorned with winding lava tubes, remnants of ancient lava flows. Visitors can now explore these fascinating geological formations on guided excursions.
Jejudo is also renowned as the home of the Haenyo mermaids, a group of brave freedivers who risk their lives to gather oysters and other sea creatures from the depths of up to 65 meters without any diving equipment. These remarkable 'sea women' possess the extraordinary ability to hold their breath for up to two minutes.
Adding to its uniqueness, Jejudo island houses an unconventional theme park called 'Love Land.' This intriguing park educates and entertains visitors with its sex education films and showcases a collection of 140 sculptures creatively depicting human figures engaging in various sexual positions.