There are so many museums on Jeju that I had to break up my museum guide into two parts. So today, I am going to continue with the second installment of my guide with numbers six through ten on my list of favorite Jeju Museums. To see my top five Jeju Museums, check out my last blog entitled: Jeju Island: The Land of Museums! Without further ado, here is number six on the list....
The Chocolate Museum
Voted as one of the "Top 10 Chocolate Museums in the World" and being the only chocolate museum in Asia, this place is definitely worth a visit. Much of the museum has to do with the production and significance of the delectable treat throughout cultures and histories of the world, but there is a nice gift shop at the end where you can get ahold of some samples. (By the way, just for a touch of Korean weirdness, the museum has its own Christmas Room....you figure that one out).
Hallim Park
To call this attraction a museum is a stretch, but to be honest, it is hard to label Hallim Park. It is part museum, part zoo, and part park all located in one of the most beautiful spots on the island, right across the street from some of the most beautiful beaches on the island. Hallim Park has a replica of a traditional Jeju village, plant and animal exhibits, gardens, and even two lava tubes that you can explore. Hallim Park should be higher on the list for English teachers in Korea, but to be fair, it is much more than just a museum.
Teddy Bear Museum
This museum showcases hundreds of teddy bears from all over the world. They even have such exhibits as the smallest teddy bear in the world or you can find replicas of famous artworks with teddy bears (think the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper). This place is quite a trip! Another highlight of this museum is the beautiful outdoor park behind the museum with incredible views of the ocean and beach.
Jeju National Museum
Located in the heart of downtown Jeju City, the Jeju National Museum offers an indepth history of the island. Full of artifacts from Jeju's long history, this musuem explains the unique culture, people, and dialect.
Jeju Folk Village Museum
Different villages have been contructed to replicate life in the 1800s on Jeju Island. There are a total of 117 buildings separated into a Fishing Village, Mountain Village, Hill-Country Village, and a Shaminism Village. Set on over 40 acres, it is best to visit this museum on a nice day as lots of outdoors walking is involved.
So there's my museum guide! Just so you know, my guide only included ten museums, but there are many more on the island of Jeju. It truly is the land of museums! If I missed a favorite museum of yours or you want to change my list, leave a comment!
Adam Montgomery is a 25-year old teacher at the Chungdahm Branch on Jeju. He has been teaching in Korea for over a year. When he is not teaching, he enjoys exploring the wonders of Jeju and Korea.
