An extinct volcano topped by a large crater, the mountain has more than 360 parasitic cones. The features of its isolated location and romantic tropical setting have made the island a favorite retreat for honeymooners and tourists. Cheju Island, also known as the Fantasy Island, is only an hour's flight south from Seoul. There are also direct flights from Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.
Volcanic rocks are visible everywhere.
One example of the island's long-standing symbols is the image of Tolharubang or stone grandfathers which are black lava statues of a kindly old man. These stone statues were once believed to be ancient village guardian deities. Women divers or hanyo, the number of whom is slowly decreasing, still dive to make a living by collecting seaweed and shellfish. The wind is strong enough to be compared with that of Wellington, New Zealand, or of Chicago, the United States. The Island has a subtropical marine climate.