▲ A hot air balloon in the Jeju sky

There is nothing quite like looking down at the natural landscape of Jeju Island from the sky.

The "dream ride" is no longer just a dream after Oreum Balloons, a hot air balloon operator, began the service earlier this month for the first time in Korea, following approval from the Jeju Regional Office of Aviation (JROA).

The balloon lifts off with passengers at Songdang-ri at sunrise. The journey offers gorgeous views of Jeju from 2,000 feet above the ground for about one hour.

After arriving at its destination, one of the 10 selected spots, the passengers and pilot uncork a bottle of champagne to enjoy the repose and take photos together.

Kim Jong-kook, the vice president of the Korea Balloon Association and a veteran pilot, is the company's CEO. He has been piloting balloons for 30 years in 30 different countries.

"The landscape of Jeju is more beautiful than that of many other famous spots I have flown over," he said. "I want to make this experience one of the most interesting and successful services for tourists in Korea."

The cost for the ride is 396,000 won ($350), and group purchases (more than three people) can receive a 10 percent discount. The company offers the service only once a day, which requires reservations.

Kim came up with the business idea in 2015 and received funding of 25 million won ($22,000) from the Korea Tourism Organization. But the JROA rejected its operations three times because of safety issues before it finally gave the green light.

The JROA expressed concerns over wind generators and transmission towers in the areas where the balloon would fly. After changing its flying courses, he was given the opportunity to make a test flight, which was successful.

Jeju Governor Won Hee-ryong welcomed the approval, too. On his Facebook page on April 24, he said he expects more innovative business ideas like this for Jeju.

Kim also plans to foster hot air balloon pilots while operating his business. He said he ultimately wants to establish an academy for aspiring pilots.