This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at Chujado Island, a Jeju township and remote group of small islands some 50 kilometers north of Jeju.

Here’s the story.


[Slug CG] Chujado Island made up of 42 islands

Chujado Island is an archipelago of four inhabited islands and 38 other smaller islets totalling 7 square kilometers. It is home to about 1,900 residents of Chuja-myeon, Jeju City.

The predominant source of employment is in the fishing industry. There is an abundance of yellow corvina, hairtail and squid which thrive there. During the day, the haenyeo, or Jeju diving women, pluck urchin and octopus from the sea floor.

[Slug CG] Ferry to Chuja runs from Jeju Port 2x a day

The ferry to and from Jeju Port runs twice a day, so some pre-planning is required if you visit. Keep in mind that poor weather may lead to delays or cancelled sailings.

And while this may make Chujado Island relatively difficult to reach, it still has a great number of attractions. Fishing enthusiasts, hikers, bird watchers, and photographers all come looking for a unique getaway destination.

There are beautiful views of the mainland and, if the weather is good, Jejudo Island can sometimes be seen to the south. A 24-meter-tall lighthouse also dominates the island’s skyline and is a popular tourist attraction.

[Slug CG] Jeju Olle Trail 18-1 takes 8 to 9 hours to complete

Chujado got its own Jeju Olle Walking Trail ? No. 18-1 ? in June 2010. It is a challenging 17.7-km course with many elevation changes. Since it takes 8 to 9 hours to complete, if you do choose to walk 18-1 in its entirety, you may have to stay overnight.

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

There are some lodging facilities like small pensions on the island which overall can accommodate a few hundred visitors. There are also four campgrounds available if you’re an outdoorsy type.

All in all, a trip to Chujado Island should be on the bucket list of anyone wishing to see Jeju as it once was ? rustic, remote, and remarkable.

Todd Thacker KCTV