Record Heat Wave in South Korea Drive Many to Cheju Island

In Seoul, a record heat wave has made life unbearable for many city dwellers. Fortunately, Korea's subtropical resort island of Cheju has emerged as one of the hottest destinations for vacationers from South Korea and East Asia. With the beginning of South Korea's vacation season, more than 35,000 people were estimated to have visited Cheju last weekend.

Located off the southwest coast of Korea, the island is often referred to as paradise and the "Hawaii of East Asia."

Cheju Island, a popular South Korean tourist spot, has gaining global recognition as a resort area and conference center.

Contributing to the popularity of a vacation on Cheju is the introduction of the five-day workweek system. In fact the island expects mainland workers and their families to spend more time and money on leisure and sports activities, with Cheju a top destination.

According to the Cheju officials, 4.9 million people from South Korea and abroad visited the resort island last year. They expect up to 5.1 million visitors this year. This year's heat wave can't but help drive even more Koreans to Cheju.