Amanda LimIf you were captivated by the lush scenery of the popular Korean drama When Life Gives You Tangerines, you’ll be excited to learn about the 2025 Jeju World Heritage Festival. Established to celebrate and promote Jeju Island’s unique natural and cultural heritage, the festival honours the island’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Running from 4 to 22 July 2025, the festival aims to raise awareness about the island’s landscapes and rare ecosystems, while offering visitors an exclusive chance to experience areas that are usually off-limits. Here’s what’s new and special about Jeju 2025.
Also read: Jeju Island Spring Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Unlocking Jeju’s best-kept secrets
Image credit: chrisinthai via Canva Pro
Jeju is already famous for its stunning volcanic landscapes, green forests, and unique lava formations. But regular visitors have had limited access to some of its most special natural sites. This July, the 2025 World Heritage Festival will change that, giving travellers a chance to visit two amazing places that have been closed to the public until now.
Baengnoksaem: Korea’s highest natural spring
Nestled just below the summit crater of Hallasan, South Korea’s highest mountain and an iconic symbol of Jeju, lies Baengnoksaem, the country’s highest natural spring at 1,660 metres above sea level. Fed directly by the waters of Hallasan’s crater lake, Baengnokdam, this pristine spring has been a closely guarded secret, accessible only to researchers.
For the very first time, Baengnoksaem will open its gates to the public during the festival. Visitors will be able to admire the crystal-clear waters and the breathtaking surroundings that few have ever witnessed. This opportunity offers an intimate glimpse into Jeju’s volcanic ecosystem at an elevation rarely explored by tourists.
Journey through the world’s longest lava tube system
Jeju’s fiery volcanic history is vividly preserved in its extensive network of lava tubes. Among these, the Kimnyeonggul and Bengdwigul lava tubes stand out. They were discovered separately but later found to be interconnected parts of the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System. Stretching approximately 14 kilometres, this makes it the longest lava tube system in the world.
These caves formed from ancient volcanic flows offer visitors a rare, otherworldly experience. During the festival, these two significant lava tubes will be open to the public, allowing an immersive journey through Jeju’s subterranean volcanic past.
Also read: Nature Detour: 9 Stunning Natural Attractions to Visit in South Korea
Planning your visit
The 2025 World Heritage Festival is not just a celebration, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore parts of Jeju previously hidden from view. The festival’s special programmes highlight the island’s natural and cultural heritage, but these newly accessible sites are undoubtedly the highlight.
This exclusive access requires advance reservations, with bookings having opened on 2 June 2025 at 10 AM KST. Tickets are priced at 10,000 KRW, a small price to pay for an unforgettable experience that few others will get to enjoy.
To secure your place at these exclusive tours, be sure to visit the official 2025 World Heritage Festival website as soon as possible. Given the limited availability and unique nature of the sites, spaces are expected to fill quickly.
Visiting Jeju in 2025
Apart from the festival, Jeju offers a rich tapestry of other attractions trending in 2025: from the serene orange orchards featured in When Life Gives You Tangerines to scenic coastal trails, to traditional villages and delicious local cuisine. But the chance to explore Baengnoksaem and the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System is what truly sets this summer apart.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a hidden world beneath the earth or drinking in the purest waters at Korea’s highest spring, don’t miss Jeju’s 2025 World Heritage Festival. It’s a rare window into nature’s best-kept secrets, and it’s only open for a limited time.
