The Koreans call it “Honeymoon Island”, yet the idyllic, paradise-like escape is dominated by South Korea’s highest mountain, a massive extinct volcano in the very centre of the island.
At present, anyone wishing to fly from Nanjing to Jeju Island needs to change planes in Shanghai, Beijing or Dalian in China, or Seoul or Busan in South Korea, making the journey some 6-plus hours long.
That all changes on 1 May, 2019, with the launch of direct flights from Nanjing Lukou International Airport to Jeju International Airport on the 1,800 sq. km. island that lies off South Korea’s southern tip.
Announced via a post on Weibo by Wing of Jinling on Friday, The Nanjinger today confirmed the news with Nanjing-based DT Travel, who also used their expertise and industry influence to ascertain further details.
Shanghai-based Juneyao Air shall initially fly twice a day between Nanjing and Jeju, on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. It is expected to increase the frequency to three daily flights (two departing between 7 and 8 am and the other in the evening) in the summer months. The flight is 2 hours and 45 minutes in duration.
In addition to fabulous beaches and Korean BBQ that anywhere in China cannot hold a candle to, Jeju is largely covered with basalt and lava, making the gigantic Gotjawal Forest a pristine ecological habit that has remained largely uncultivated until recent years. The forest occupies an impressive 12 percent of the island’s land area.
Further good news comes in the form of Jeju Island being visa-free for citizens of 180 countries, making the trip from Nanjing a perfect long-weekend break.
Juneyao Air operates a fleet of Airbus 320 and 321 aircraft, to which it recently added its first purchases from Boeing, in the form of the 787 Dreamliner, which is more suitable for long-haul routes. Nanjingers therefore will be flying to Jeju Island on an Airbus 320 with the flight number HO1609.
