▲ Photo courtesy Eco Land

If you ever ask Jeju children for the island’s modes of transport you might be surprised to hear train among the answers.

This is thanks entirely to Eco Land, a theme park for kids built in prime gotjawal forest on the slopes of Mt. Hallasan. Its main attraction is its 18th century Baldwin steam train, specially manufactured in the UK.

The park is situated amid the stunning scenery of Jeju’s volcanic forest, in Gyorae-ri, Jocheon-eup. Around 45 minutes from the city, the air is fresher and the mood lighter.

There are plenty of forests around to enjoy, but the attraction of Eco Land is that kids can jump abroad a train which ‘choo choos’ through the forest allowing passengers to enjoy a variety of plants, animals and insects as it dissects the woodlands.

Kids really have no shortage of things to keep them occupied so leave an absolute minimum of an an hour for the whole circuit, and much more if you want to enjoy your time.

The train departs from Main Station every 8 minutes or so and alights at four stops: Eco Bridge Station, Lake Side Station, Picnic Garden Station and Lavendar, Green Tea and Rose Garden Station.

The highlights at Lake Side include the huge Dutch-style windmill which is likely to be overshadowed (for the kids) by the “bumper boats” (bumper-car-like mini hovercraft). For an additional fee of 7,000 to 9,000 won kids can battle it out while parents relax on the nearby Cafe-over-Water.

▲ Photo courtesy Eco Land

Picnic Garden sounds like it might be a chance to wind down, but the Eco Trail with 2km of walking paths includes topiary-making (additional charge), barefoot scoria walks, gotjawal forest walk and healing (reservation required), eco-theraphy and Shetland ponies.

As if there wasn’t enough for them to do already, over the tracks from the Eco Trail is Kids Town with a Grass Plaza and New Kids Town with more play areas and playhouses.

Eco Land is great for kids, but there are also picnic spots and cafes for the adults to unwind in while the kids are frolicking in the woods, or learning about the local environment.

Eco Land
1278-169, Beonyeong-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
064-802-8000 / ecolandjeju.co.kr
Adults 12,000 won / Teens (ages 13-18) 10,000 won / Children (ages 3-12) 8,000 won
*Group discounts available.

Train times
Summer: First/last train: 8:30am / 6pm
Winter: First/last train: 8:40am / 5pm

Getting there
Get the #730 bus along the 1118 / Namjo-ro between Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal <-> Seogwipo Intercity Bus Terminal.

Things to do nearby

Jeju Mini Mini Land
606, Bijarim-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
064-782-7720 / minilandjeju@hanmail.net

116 famous sights from 50 different countries at 1/15 or 1/30 of their original size. See the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and more

Kimnyoung Maze Park

122, Manjanggul-gil, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si
064-782-9266 / jejumaze.com / facebook.com/jejumaze
8:30am to 6pm (March-June) / Open late in summer

With a map it takes 5 minutes, but without some people have got lost for up to an hour among the Leyland Cypress trees! Look out for the friendly cats, too.

Adults 3,300 won / Youths, Seniors 2,200 won / Children 1,100 won / Discounts for locals and the disabled

Hamdeok Seoubong Beach
Johamhaean-ro, Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup,
Jeju Beach season: July and August (later opening, events and facilities)

There are three seperate beaches, a large open park and Seowoobong Peak, plus loads of coffee shops and guesthouses. In high season it comes alive with festivals and sports.

Cafe Venezia
380-3 Jungsangandong-ro, Jocheon-eup / 070-8900-8987
Massive portions of Jeju black pork ※donkaseu§ that kids will love. Special Jeju teas (blueberry, mulberry, citrus) also available.

Fun tip
Jeju's east is famed for its strong women and this is where some of the most active haenyeo remain. Drive along the coast to see the women in action.