Choosing Cheju a Simple Procedure

Cheju province, both an island and province, is one of the best-known tourist attractions in Korea and a popular place for honeymooners. Its warmth and exotic scenery lead some people to call Cheju a Korean version of Hawaii.

Finding inexpensive yet comfortable accommodations in such a popular place is not always easy, especially around this time of year when many young couples get married. There are, however, some recently opened lodgings with excellent facilities on the island, available for affordable prices.

Haeohrum Resort

Haeohrum Resort, located in Sewha-ri, a village in the north of Cheju, is a complex of luxurious wooden houses. The resort surrounded by a large pine grove has beautiful gardens decorated with stylish vases and colorful flowers. The resort is located near to tourist attractions such as Hamdeok beach and Bijarim, a huge forest of Japanese nutmeg trees (bija in Korean), hundreds of years old. The houses are divided into three types depending on the size. None of the houses, however, includes a kitchen. Instead, guests can dine at the resort's cafe and restaurant. The resort has enough accommodations for 30 families. The houses are priced between 80,000 won (about $60) and 120,000 won per night.

For more information visit the Web site at www.horlove.co.kr or call 064-784-4114.

Camellia Hill

Camellia Hill in Seoguipo city offers great views of Beomseom Island just off the coast. The entrance is elegantly surrounded by tall palm trees, and the bungalows give the resort an Indonesian look. The resort takes reservations for only three families per week. Each bungalow includes a bedroom, a bathroom, a living room and a kitchen. The rooms are decorated with beautiful paintings collected by the owner, and all the kitchens are equipped with tableware and cooking utensils. There are also a computer and a karaoke machine for singing in every unit. It costs 130,000 won per night.

For more information visit the Web site at www.camelliahill.com or call 064-739-3900.

Blue Hill House

Blue Hill House is located near the Jungmun complex, a well-developed tourist town in Cheju. The guesthouse has rooms that vary in size, including some big ones for group travelers. Most of the rooms include a kitchen and some offer nice views of Jungmun beach. The rooms are priced between 50,000 and 140,000 won per night.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.bluehill.pe.kr or call 064-738-4569.

White House

White House is recommended for couples who want to spend some quiet time alone. The European-style house located on the secluded seaside of Gangjeong-dong in Seoguipo city has marvelous views of the sea and Mount Halla. The sea looks even better at night when there are many fishing boats emitting bright lights. On clear days, it is possible to see some islands that are located far away such as Marado and Gapado. There is also a traditional black-stone fence, commonly found on Cheju, most suitable for romantic walks. The rooms are priced between 70,000 won and 150,000 won per night.

For more information, visit the Web site at www.whitehouse.sooasung.com or call 064-739-3591.

Bomulseom

Bomulseom, located about a 10-minute walk from Seongsan Port, offers apartment-style rooms. There is a sea-water swimming pool and a convenience store housed on the first floor of the building. Ferries to Udo, a beautiful island on the far east of Cheju, are available at Seongsan Port every 30 minutes. A room at Bomulseom costs 80,000 won per night.

For more information, call 064-784-0039.

Log Village

Log Village in Pyoseon-ri, a village in the south of Cheju, is a complex of five authentic log cabins. Surrounding the complex is a large tangerine farm where guests can stroll leisurely. There are many tourist attractions a short drive away, such as Jeju Folk Village, Pyoseon beach and a horseback riding ranch. It costs between 50,000 won and 100,000 won to stay a night at the cabins.

For more information, visit the Web site at members.tripod.lycos.co.kr/logvillage or call 064-787-4033.

by Kim Sae-joon