Around 100 kilometres off South Korea's southern coast and lapped by the waves of the East China Sea is Jeju Island, an extraordinary holiday paradise situated on a volcanic island with temples, waterfalls, tea plantations and several leisure facilities. In the middle of the north coast is Jeju-Si, the island's capital city. The first thing that catches the eye is Yongdam Rock, which is situated on the city's western periphery. It is an unusual lava formation that resembles a dragon's head. The National Museum features the island's history and culture including the clothing of the first settlers and the boats that first brought them to the island. The nearby fishing village of Haenyed boasts a special attraction, the island's famous female divers. For generations, these courageous women have dived to a depth of 20 metres for shells and seaweed without any breathing apparatus and go for two minutes without breathing. On the western heights of the south coast is the Songaksan Crater, an extinct volcano whose slopes are covered with green vegetation. The steep coast and rocky bay indicate that powerful eruptions once took place there and perhaps the volcano's benign appearance may only be a momentary lapse in the geological history of the island. Jeju Island is a remarkable place and well worth a visit!
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