When the cold winter wind seeps deep into our hearts, we finally realize the value of tranquility. Taking a moment to pause in our busy lives, listening to our breath, and opening our hearts to the sounds of nature. From November 21 to December 7, Jeju Island invites travelers into the everyday life of winter Jeju, centering the journey around villages rather than tourist attractions during the '2025 Now, Jeju Travel - Winter Season'.
The reason this winter travel week is special is that the philosophy of meditation and mindfulness is woven throughout. With the eastern coastline encompassing Dongkarum (Gujo, Seongsan, Pyoseon, Namwon) and the villages around Seogwipo as the stage, experiential programs connecting the tranquility of nature and local culture will unfold.
Meditation Running to Awaken Body and Mind, Dopaming Trail Run
On November 29, the 'Dopaming Trail Run' held in Sehwa Village is not just a simple run. Combining Jeju's 'Do (道)' and Farming, it is a running project that harvests body, mind, and ingredients while running through Jimibong and Seongsan Ilchulbong.
With every step, the cold winter air deeply penetrates the lungs. As you run along the coastline, the sound of crashing waves repeats like a mantra of meditation. In this moment, running becomes meditation, and movement becomes tranquility. The philosophy of walking meditation has met the nature of Jeju, reborn as a new healing program.
Mindfulness with Nature, Mind Bongging
On December 7, 'Mind Bongging' in Pyoseon Village is a plogging (jogging while picking up litter) program focused on the environment and health. Plogging is an eco-friendly activity that combines jogging and picking up trash, incorporating elements of mindfulness meditation beyond just the exercise effect.
As we pick up each piece of litter from the ground, we become fully focused on the present moment. The repetitive actions of bending down, standing up, and walking resemble body-scan meditation. Walking while gazing at Jeju's winter sea, when we spot litter, we pause for a moment to pick it up carefully. This is akin to the practice of 'fully concentrating on one task' emphasized in Zen practice.
Into the Tranquility of Winter Jeju
The Jeju tourism authorities stated, "This winter season is a time for travelers to stay in villages and meet the true face of Jeju, hoping they enjoy rest and meaningful experiences through the tranquil nature and daily life."
Winter Jeju shows a completely different face from summer. Instead of being crowded with tourists, the villages are quiet. It is a season to listen to the sounds of the wind, waves, and one's own footsteps. This tranquility provides the optimal environment for meditation.
Deep Meditation at Jeju Wellness Tourist Sites
During the winter travel week, the Jeju Tourism Organization offers forest, tea, meditation, and experiential programs at five Jeju wellness-certified tourist sites in the Dongkarum and Alkarum areas at prices discounted from 30% to a maximum of 60%.
The cooking class for pot rice in Jeju Dongbaek Village, moments of meditation and tea at Chwida Resort, forest interpretation programs and foot baths at Mochewat Forest are special experiences available only during the travel week. In particular, tea meditation is a traditional Eastern practice where the entire process of brewing and drinking tea becomes a form of meditation.
Creating a Journey of the Heart with a Digital Stamp Tour
A 'Village Travel Stamp Tour' utilizing digital technology will also be conducted. Travelers can collect stamps by verifying QR codes at Jeju Airport and various village attractions, and those who visit two or more locations will receive a Jeju gift package through a lottery.
The process of collecting stamps while visiting each village carries the meaning of pilgrimage. The journey to the destination itself becomes a practice, which is the essence of a meditative journey.
Meditation Journey on Jeju City Tour Bus
Simply taking the free Jeju City Tour Bus and looking at the winter Jeju scenery from an open-top double-decker bus can be a form of meditation. Observing the scenery passing by outside the window without any judgment is closely related to the core principles of Vipassana meditation.
Finding My Own Meditation Method in Winter Jeju
The Jeju winter travel week is not just a trip to visit tourist attractions. It is a journey to discover one's own meditation methods throughout the villages.
In the Dopaming Trail Run, you can experience running meditation; in Mind Bongging, mindfulness meditation; and at wellness tourist sites, tea meditation and forest meditation. The time spent facing one's inner self in the tranquility of winter Jeju in each person's way is the greatest gift this winter travel week offers.
How to Participate and More Information
Detailed programs and regional day participation applications for Jeju winter travel week can be found on the Visit Jeju website (www.visitjeju.net). How about finding your own meditation in the tranquility of winter Jeju? Taking a moment away from the busy daily life, it is a time to rest the body and mind in the warm embrace of Jeju villages. There, we will finally discover the true meaning of rest.