Hallim Park

A top Jeju attraction created by planting palm trees on what was once a barren sandy field — this is Hallim Park.

It began in 1971 when founder Song Bong-gyu sowed palm tree seeds across roughly 330,000 square meters of wasteland and raised the seedlings by hand. Half a century later, it has grown into one of Jeju's premier attractions, facing the scenery of Hyeopjae and Geumneung beaches and Biyangdo Island.

Towering palm groves and dense pine forest create a tropical atmosphere in every season, and the park brings together nine themed areas in one place — including the Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, arranged around bonsai and stone, and Jaeam Folk Village, which recreates traditional Jeju life. What sets it apart from other parks is that its grounds also include lava caves like Ssangyonggul, letting visitors experience both a tropical garden and Jeju's distinctive volcanic terrain in one visit.

Honestly, though, given its scale, covering all nine themed areas can take over two hours, so it's worth allowing plenty of time for your visit.

It's well known both in Korea and abroad, having hosted notable visitors including former Chinese President Jiang Zemin and former Japanese Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. Hours vary by season (09:00-17:00/17:30 from February to October, 09:00-16:30 from November to January), and parking is free.