There are many natural wonders to explore in Jeju, but few are as distinctive as Seongsan Ilchulbong (성산일출봉), also known as Sunrise Peak. Rising dramatically from the eastern coastline, this UNESCO-listed volcanic landmark is one of the island’s most recognisable sights. And while many visitors come here for the sunrise, I discovered that there is much more to enjoy beyond the famous view.

We bought tickets for the summit trail, although the lower coastal walking area is free for everyone. The climb to the top was surprisingly manageable. There are steps all the way up, but there is no need to rush. Plenty of opportunities to pause, catch your breath and admire the scenery along the way.

And what scenery it was!

As we gained elevation, the landscape gradually opened up. Faraway wind turbines stood against the horizon, waves rolled towards the shoreline below, and a distant town sat quietly along the coast. The higher we climbed, the more expansive the view became. The only thing that demanded our attention was the wind, which could be remarkably strong up there!

At the summit, we were greeted by an unexpected sight. Instead of a sharp volcanic peak, there was a relatively flat, bowl-shaped depression, now covered in lush green grass. This is the volcanic crater, formed by ancient eruptions beneath the sea. What was once the mouth of an active volcano has long since become a peaceful meadow.

Clouds drifted overhead, their movements casting fleeting shadows across the green landscape. The changing light gave the meadow a beautiful, almost dreamlike quality.

It was also November, a popular time for school excursions in Korea. Groups of noisy schoolchildren had gathered at the summit, bringing a lively energy to the otherwise peaceful setting. Watching them was almost as entertaining as the scenery itself.

The teenagers were busy being teenagers. Some were playfully imitating MMA fighters, others showing off their fashion sense, while a few were practising dance moves to impress their friends. Everyone seemed eager to express a little individuality and make their presence felt.

It brought back memories of my own younger days. Perhaps this is one of those universal stages of growing up, when we begin shaping and defining our sense of self. Likes, dislikes, admiration, insecurities and, quite often, a fair share of ignorance all play their part. We experiment with different identities, trying to figure out who we are and how we want others to see us.

Watching them made me smile. We have all been there, haven’t we?

After spending some time at the summit, we made our way down and continued towards the coastal section of the mountain. This was another experience altogether.

The coastline reveals fascinating geological formations, remnants of ancient volcanic activity. As molten lava cooled and solidified, it created an irregular landscape of rocky outcrops, hollows and little depressions along the shore.

Some of these small natural basins were filled with seawater left behind by the tides. Looking closely, I noticed tiny marine creatures trapped in these little pools, temporarily separated from the vast ocean when the tide receded. They would have to wait for the next high tide to reconnect with the open sea.

There was something rather fascinating about these miniature ecosystems. Each little pool was a world of its own, quietly sustaining life until the ocean returned.

While wandering along the shore, I chanced upon an abalone shell and a small, disc-shaped stone-like object with a beautiful spiral pattern. It looked rather unusual, and I decided to keep it as a little souvenir of the day.

Curiosity got the better of me when I returned, and after some research, I discovered that it was likely the operculum of a turban snail, commonly known as Shiva’s Eye. It is the hard, spiral-shaped structure that acts like a little door, sealing the opening of the snail’s shell for protection.

What a delightful little discovery! Something that might easily have been overlooked by another visitor became one of my favourite souvenirs from Seongsan Ilchulbong.

Looking back, this visit offered much more than a climb to a scenic viewpoint. There was the grandeur of the volcanic landscape, the expansive coastal views, the amusing glimpse into the world of Korean teenagers, the fascinating tidal pools and, finally, a little natural treasure waiting to be discovered along the shore.

Jeju has no shortage of beautiful natural attractions, but Seongsan Ilchulbong is a place worth setting aside a good portion of your day for. Don’t just climb to the summit and leave. Take time to explore the coastal trail as well. You never know what little wonders you might find along the way.

Sometimes, the best souvenirs are not bought from a gift shop. They are the little discoveries that nature leaves behind for us.

May all be well and happy.