`Jeju-do, Honeymoon Delights for Couples

Due to SARS, having originated in Guangdong Province of China and the Iraq War, international tourism has seen a significant drop. Jeju-do though is enjoying unexpected demand partly due to newlywed vacations. General tourists are generally able to postpone departure dates but honeymooners have to keep to a tighter schedule. Since the primary destination of honeymoons previously was the Southeast Asia, newlyweds were most affected by the SARS outbreak.

When alternate destinations like Canada, a popular place for North American honeymooners, and Japan, were found to have SARS victims, Korean newlyweds are beginning to think of Jeju-do again as the place to relax and enjoy their first weeks of married life. The best hotel rooms on Jeju such as the Lotte, Shilla and Hyatt Hotels are fully booked until the beginning of June. It`s the same for rental car services.

Honeymoons follow a general pattern on Jeju Island, consisting of lodging at a first class hotel or various unique lodging along with the usage of rental cars. If buying a `hotel + rental car` package, the time and money saved can be spent on other activities. Since a car give honeymooners more freedom, it makes for a more unique and memorable vacation. Jeju Island is host to many fun and exciting activities such as paragliding, power-boating, horseback riding, fishing, biking, trekking, sunset cruises and more.

* Leisure/Sports Activities

Driving

During a trip to Jeju, the five coastal areas and two mountain regions are a must for driver-explorer types. These driving courses with romantic vistas cannot be experienced at any other place in the world, making it even more exciting in a sports car.

Among these, highlights include Seongsanpo to Sehwa on the coast and Jeolmul Natural Recreational Forest in the mountains. On the Seongsanpo to Sehwa course, Rabbit Island is a must see for its natural deposits of crinum, which can be walked over at low tide. Jeolmul Natural Recreational Forest with its exotic fauna and enormous cedar trees contains a wonderful walking course to get a feel for nature.

Enjoying the Sea

Fishing is the most preferred leisure activity on Jeju Island. Boats can easily be rented for the day for deep water fish or just for experimental fishing trips near the coast. Fishing boats depart from Aewol Hanrim, Ihopogu, Jagunepogu, Seongsan Harbor, and Seogui Harbor at various times.

Paragliding on the seashore of Seoguipo can also be a part of a memorable trip. There are also cruises off Seoguipo beach. Power boating can be enjoyed as if flying on the surface of the sea, passing rocks formations standing 30 meters out the water. The adventurous can even take to the skies behind a power-boat and see Jisaetgye from above. At the end of the day, the scenery of Chilshipri Beach at Seoguipo is always enjoyable at sunset on various cruises along the coast.

Trekking and Hiking

`Oreum` is one of main features of Jeju Island. The volcano is climbable with most people able to do it in half a day. Outwardly it looks like an ordinary hill with no special features, however, when you see the volcanic crater at the top of the mountain you know you made the right decision to come to Jeju. Even though these small mountains are everywhere on the island, Ahboo Oreum (Songdang-ri) in Gujwoa-eup, Buk Jeju-gun, and Youngnuni Oreum (Jongdal-ri) are especially famous for their beautiful sightseeing. Biking is also fun on Jeju. Many people have a wonderful time when they get out of their cars and take the easy way for an hour or two along the coast. There are a number of bike rental places throughout the island.

Scheduling and recommendable tourist course

You can enjoy your trip and even save money and time if you set up your schedule in advance using information from the internet. You can find useful information at www.djj.co.kr, the homepage of Daejangjung travel agency, the best agency for Jeju honeymoon trips. Here the helpful staff will help you choose from restaurants and tourist courses offering discounts. You can also refer the `money book` (http://jjmb.co.kr) which offers free discount coupons for your trip. For reference, KRW 500-3,000, or up to 10% discounts are offered to customers who rent a car.

● Tourist Guidelines

You can find horse-riding areas , fishing tool stores, Oreum classified by category and other places of interest by searching sightseeing resort information at the `Cyber Jeju` site operated by Jeju provincial office (http://cyber.jeju.go.kr/default.asp). There are animations there as well.

Honeymoon Package

Daejangjeong Travel Agency (www.djj.co.kr) = New EF Sonata (auto, LPG), Breakfast (three times), Airport pickup to lodging, Tourist insurance, and tourist guidebook for Jeju-do are included.

Special lodging for three nights = KRW 320,000 (Olive house) ∼ KRW 220,000 (Haeoreum Resort)

`Special hotel + Special lodging` for three nights = KRW 450,000. Jeju Lotte Hotel (one night) and Waves Village (two nights). 02-3481-4242

Budget Rent-a-Car (www.budget.co.kr) = Tuscani (72 hours) car rental, lodging, airline tickets, and wine set included.

Special lodging for two nights = Gunseong seashore resort. KRW 410,000 on weekdays, KRW 430,000 on weekends

Weekend hotel for three nights = Crown Plaza Hotel (breakfast included). KRW 585,000 (fruit basket). 080-470-1000

summer@donga.com