2 Best Sights in Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

This sandy stretch of beach in the sprawling Jungmun Tourist Complex stretches from Cheonjiyeon Waterfall to the stunning basalt cliffs of Daepo Jusangjeolli. More than one million people visit the beach a year, so it can be something of a sea of parasols in summer; however, it also gets relatively high waves, making it a favorite of Korea's surfer community. Typhoon swells are common in summer. Even if you're not a beach person, the nearby Jungmun Tourist Complex is full of things to see, including the impressive Yeomiji Botanical Garden. Amenities: food and drink; toilets; lifeguards; showers. Best for: swimming; surfing.

The Jungmun Tourist Complex was created in 1978 as a way to promote tourism to Jeju. Apparently, it worked. Today, the sprawling complex includes 10 major hotels, an international convention center, several museums, a golf course, a marine park, beaches, waterfalls, and more. Some travelers go to Jungmun and never leave. One place particularly worth visiting within the complex is the Yeomiji Botanical Garden. The indoor garden alone is home to 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants, while the outdoor gardens feature sections in a variety of national styles. It also has an observation tower with views of Hallasan and Jeju's offshore islands.