◇ Graduate School of Information Science and Technology
◇ The University of Tokyo
Recently I had the opportunity to visit Jeju Island for a conference. Jeju has a long history and was formed by volcanic activity around 2 million years ago. In 2007, it was designated as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. At the center of the island stands Hallasan, the highest crest in South Korea, where you can enjoy the scenic views throughout all four seasons. Public transportation on the island is comprehensive, so you can visit the main attractions without needing to rent a car. Additionally, electric bicycle sharing services have also become prevalent, which makes tourism more eco-friendly. Jeju Island offers a blend of modern convenience and traditional life, making it an ideal getaway for you if you want to escape from the rush of daily life and spend your time leisurely.
However, it can be challenging to travel from Japan, because there are no direct flights from Narita or Haneda airports. For some reason, only Kansai International Airport offers a direct flight, so I am always struggling whether to take a connecting flight or the direct flight from Kansai.