Asia - Korea: Jeju Island Arranged Tour

I'm planning to attend a conference in Seoul this May and will go with my wife. The conference runs Sun-Thurs. There's lots of time during the meeting to tour Seoul itself. Following the conference, there is an optional tour to Jeju (Cheju) Island, Shilla Hotel (also staying at the Shilla in Seoul). We would like to stay in Korea for a few days after the meeting, and a trip to Jeju seems like a good idea. However, the itinerary seems rather intimidating (we're not much for "guided tours"):

(Day 1)
Tour Desk - Gimpo Domestic Airport - Jeju International Airport - Hallim Park and Hyeopjae Cave - Mt. Sanbangsan - Hotel
(Day 2)
Cheonjeyeon Waterfall - JCC - Jusangjeolli - Jeju Folk Village - Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak/Seopjikoji-Yakcheonsa Temple- Hotel
(Day 3)
Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum - Mokseokwon - Yongdu'am - Back to Seoul

We've never been to Korea and have absolutely no language skills (but I do have a good sense of direction). I've asked a few Korean colleagues about what to do for the Fri-Sun, whether Jeju was a good place, whether there is anything else that should be seen or done instead, etc. Interestingly, the replies I've gotten have basically been that I should go along with what is planned. That the Korean culture is to be very attentive to guests in the country and that any arrangements that are made for us will be excellent and that not to go along shouldn't be considered (out of respect for the hosts?). One colleague wouldn't even suggest any alternative plans.

Any thoughts? Is the above itinerery insanely busy or is it reasonable?

I stayed at the Jeju Shilla for two nights in September. It's a very strange property in a tourist development near Jungmun beach. We went to most of the touristy places on your itinerary--nothing was too exciting, and some things were quite disappointing. After seeing the first day's "sights," you may decide to opt out of the program and go to the beach instead for the second day. I wouldn't recommend going to Jeju if you have other alternatives, such as going to Busan on your own.

Flying to Jeju from Gimpo is pretty painless.

Make sure your wife takes a trip to the DMZ while in Seoul.

Enjoy your trip!

I have been to Cheju Island several times - I work in Korea. I would skip the guided tour and rent a car and drive around the Island at your own pace picking what you want to see. Everything depends on what you like to do but i like the outdoors. There are quite a few natural scenic things to see and do - climbing Mt. Halla (very moderate climb), seeing several waterfalls, in May the native flora will be in full bloom and that is very worthwhile. (to me). If you would like to pursue this backchannel, I would be happy to send you some photo's. I have stayed at the Shilla, Lotte and the Hyatt - which I prefer because it is directly on the Ocean. Golf is terrific on Cheju - have played a number of courses there. As I say, feel free to follow up if you like.

An alternative to Cheju is to drive to the NorthEastern sector of S. Korea to YongPyeung and Mt. Sorak if you like mountains and scenic beauty.

bb

Just to add a couple of notes: other things I have done on Cheju (Jeju) is deep sea fishing and taking your catch to a seaside restaurant where the cook will prepare your fish. Several unusual native fish like Okdom are considered delicacies. Also as you drive along the South Coast there are a few spots where you can watch the female divers - pearls, shellfish etc. ancient tradition at work.

Cery close to the main hotel area is a Pheasant ranch - they raise birds for hunting and to stock their all-pheasant restaurant which is excellent. You can horseback ride, hunt on the property if this appeals to you.

bb

http://www.lifeinkorea.com/index.cfm?Language=English
http://www.chejuinfo.net/index_e.html
http://www.gluckman.com/ChejuWed.html
http://1stopkorea.com/index.htm?cheju-island.htm~mainframe

I would skip the guided tour and rent a car and drive around the Island at your own pace picking what you want to see.

Renting a car is a great idea. Bring an international driver's licence, though. I've never encountered car rental agents more obsessed with seeing your intl DL.

I've done a weekend on Jeju with Korean friends, one of whom is a native of the Island. Actually, the whirlwind sightseeing they arranged was very similar to the OP plus excessive drinking and singing sessions in noraebangs and nightclubs. It's a Korean way of doing things, fast and furious. ;)

I would like to add a tour to Gyeongju as another alternative option to Jeju.

Wow, thanks for all of the responses! I will enquire as to whether our proposed whirlwind tour includes excessive drinking and singing (hard to imagine with this group). Ideas are forming.