JEJU, June 16 (Korea Bizwire) — As summer nears, Jeju Island is transformed by the vibrant hues of hydrangeas—arguably the island’s most iconic early-summer bloom.
Typically appearing in early June and peaking for about a month, these vivid blossoms drape coastal paths, forest trails, and historic landmarks across the island, offering locals and tourists alike a captivating seasonal spectacle.
Hydrangeas are known for their dynamic coloration, often shifting from white to blue to purple. Their color depends largely on soil pH—acidic soil produces blue flowers, while alkaline soil results in pinkish-red blooms.
Gardeners on Jeju even use soil additives to intentionally influence these tones, creating a patchwork of colors that pop against the island’s lush greenery.
Despite the onset of monsoon season, hydrangea viewing remains a cherished activity, with rainy-day strolls under umbrellas along flower-lined paths adding to the island’s romantic atmosphere.
Among Jeju’s top hydrangea spots is Jongdal-ri on the eastern coastal road, where the blossoms meet ocean views. Nearby, Honinji, just ten minutes by car from the famed Seongsan Ilchulbong, is especially popular.
Said to be the site of a legendary wedding between the founders of Tamna and princesses of Byeokrang, Honinji’s romantic setting is beautifully enhanced by bouquets of blooming hydrangeas.
In the south, Jeju Folk Village in Pyoseon, Seogwipo, offers a blend of traditional thatched-roof houses, waterfalls, and vivid floral paths. Western Jeju features the Anseong Hydrangea Road, stretching from the Andeok Township Office to the local fire station, and the Songaksan trail in Daejeong-eup, where a vast hillside of hydrangeas frames dramatic volcanic landscapes.
The Hangpaduri Hangmong Historic Site in Aewol-eup, where the Sambyeolcho resisted Mongol forces during the Goryeo Dynasty, also boasts expansive hydrangea fields interspersed with sunflowers—offering a rare explosion of color in one place.
Additional must-see destinations include Hueree Natural Park, home to hydrangea-themed walking trails and gardens; Hallim Park, one of Jeju’s premier botanical attractions; and the colorfully manicured hydrangea paths of Café Manor Blanc in Andeok.
As the island’s floral charm draws thousands, Jeju’s hydrangeas remain not just a symbol of seasonal change, but a vibrant reminder of the island’s delicate balance between nature, history, and artistry.
Image credit: Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
