Free Essay

Jeju Island

In:

Submitted By deanty
Words 1147
Pages 5
Feature Article (Tourism Spot)

Jeju Island

Jeju Island is the country's biggest island and one of South Korea's nine provinces.

The island is South Korea's most popular holiday island, attracting 10 million visitors in 2013, according to government statistics. More than 70% of visitors are domestic travelers, seeking out what has become known as the "Hawaii of South Korea." The island is well known for natural wonders, including waterfalls, white sand beaches and a dormant volcano -- South Korea's highest mountain -- at the center of the island.
In 2007, UNESCO inscribed "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes" onto its list of World Heritage Sites, highlighting Geomunoreum, "regarded as the finest lava tube system of caves anywhere, with its multicoloured carbonate roofs and floors, and dark-coloured lava walls." In 2011, Jeju Island was named one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
Jeju, land of Samda, is blessed with unique nature and dynamic traditional culture. It not only serves as a sacred place of 18,000 gods but also preserves of one-of-a kind language, proverbs and folktales. Jeju people are resilient islanders who have never caved in to the challenges of the sterile land and tough environment. Jeju's nature and culture is the driving force of Jeju down the road to international presence.
Jeju is also known as Samda island as it has abundant stone, wind and women. As a volcanic island surrounded by sea on all sides, Jeju is indeed rich in stone and wind. Stone everywhere and strong gusty wind all year around have lead Jeju islanders to create unique culture and life style.
A set of unusual icons that demonstrate the uniqueness of the island was born - "Haenyeo,” "Dolhareubang," "Galot," and "Bangsatap." When Jeju-do Island was a land of fishing villages, the local women were responsible for a large part of the family’s income. "Haenyeo” (해녀, female divers) often went diving to collect shellfish and edible seaweed, filling the quiet sea air with whistles as they announce their catch.
Every visitor to Jeju is sure to see a fair share of Dolhareubang (돌하르방, literally "old grandfather stone statues”). Sometimes serious-looking, sometimes almost comical, these statues dot the landscape and have become one of the most widely-recognized symbols of the island.
The word “Galot” (갈옷) refers to traditional Jeju clothing that is dyed with persimmon juice. Often associated with the area’s agricultural way of life, these orange-hued, lightweight pieces of clothing are a trademark of Jeju.
Another special sight are the Bangsatap (방사탑) piled all around the island: at houses, beaches, and even tourist attractions. These small, round towers made of many stones were thought to ward off evil, protect the village, and bring prosperity to the people. It is because of such deep-seated beliefs that one can still see Bangsatap near the entranceways of many buildings today.
In addition to having its own unique culture, Jeju is full of breathtaking sights and unusual attractions: World Heritage Sites (such as Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak) and sandy beaches alongside turquoise waters. Small mountains (known as Oreum (오름) in Jeju dialect) are found all across the island. There are said to be more than 365 oreums, more than one for each day of the year! The "Jeju Olle" paths offer a great opportunity to explore these unique landscapes, leading visitors among quiet places off the beaten path.
Among all of Jeju’s natural wonders, three sites have been recognized as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO in 2007: Hallasan Mountain, Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, and the Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System. Hallasan Mountain is perhaps Jeju’s most prominent geographical feature, rising up from the very center of the island. Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak has been recognized for its sedimentological characteristics and is one of the best places in the world to study Surtseyan-type volcanic eruptions. The third and final World Heritage Site is Geomun Oreum Lava Tube System, one of the most extensive series of lava tube caves in the world.
Hallasan (Halla Mountain) rises up proudly from the center of Jeju Island and is perhaps the island’s most memorable landmarks. Also called Mt. Yeongjusan, meaning "mountain high enough to pull the galaxy," Hallasan is widely known by scientists for its geological value. Designated as a national park in 1970, there are 368 mountains called Oreums (peaks) around Hallasan Mountain.
Hallasan is famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants that results from the varying temperatures along the mountainside. Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) have been identified; to explore the mountain's treasures, simply follow one of the well-developed mountain hiking trails.
Hallasan Mountain is relatively easy to hike. With hiking courses less than 10 km in length, it is possible to go to the peak and back in one day. However, the constantly changing weather brings a lot of wind, so make sure that you are well prepared before you start climbing.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well.
The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.
Geomumoreum, with an altitude of 456m, is located in Beonyeong-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si and refers to a small volcano (also called Oreum in Jeju dialect).
Geomunoreum was created by volcanic activities between 100,000 and 300,000 years ago. Lava flow from the crater went along the coastal slope to the Northeast and formed a unique geographical feature called Seonheulgot. The lave flow also formed Bengdwigul Cave on the left side, and Manjanggul Cave, Gimnyeonggul Cave, Yongcheondonggul Cave and Dangcheomuldonggul Cave on the right side. Each of these caves has its own unique features.
Upon entering Geomunoreum, visitors are met by a dense forest filled with Japan cedars. Further along, visitors will see a deciduous broad-leaved forest, shrubbery, and an evergreen broad-leaved forest. Not only featuring various types of forests, Geomunoreum is also a breeding place for resident birds such as Brown-Eared Bulbul, Korean bush warbler, Varied Tit, Streptopelia Orientalis, White-Backed Woodpecker and migratory birds such as Fairy Pitta and Tricolor Flycatcher.

Jeju’s phenomenal natural beauty, historical legacies, quirky museums, and array of water sports make it one of the best vacation spots in Korea

Similar Documents

Free Essay

Jeju Island Tourism

...Jeju Island Jeju Island is one of the leading tourist destinations located in southwest Korea. It is a volcanic island with an oval shape. History suggests Jeju used to be a volcanic island. However, it is currently a dormant volcano. Jeju measures 73km from east to west and 31km from south to north. Located at the center of Jeju island is Mt. Hallasan a dormant volcanic mountain. Some of the volcanic erupt are the source of beauty with the island being surrounded by beautiful ocean forming a coastal zone where travelers spend their time in the sunshine. Jeju is a rock volcanic island. Additionally, Jeju has beautiful waterfalls that travelers can visit on their stop in the island. . Unlike the other parts of Korea, Jeju experiences hot climate thus making it a perfect destination for visitors from within South Korea and outside. Visitors can find many holiday activities that keep their travel to Jeju unique. One can himself busy with rock climbing, bike riding, and skydiving while water lovers enjoy water sports activities in a sunny coastline. There are cultural festivals that the people of Jeju organization with the aim of celebrating the Korean culture. There are many attraction sites in Jeju. One can visit the teddy bear museum, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Sangumburi Crater, Yongduam Rock, Udo Maritime Park, Manjanggul Cave and Jungmun Resort. Many stakeholders of Jeju Island are individuals with an interest in the larger travel and tourism industry because the target market...

Words: 626 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Travel to Jeju Island

...Jansen-James English 122 24 September 2014 Travel to Jeju Island Many people enjoy traveling when they have a long break. Through traveling, which is an escape from their repeated daily boring life, people can have a fresh experience and get energy to stand their humdrum life, like we take a ten minutes break time after we study for one hour. I also love going on a trip. Of all the trips I had been on, my most memorable journey was to the Jeju Island with my family. Even though the island was a small area, such as millet, in the world, the family vacation showed me unforgettable beauty and gave me precious memory, such as landscape and coastline road. My unforgettable memory began as soon as I arrived at Jeju Island. I took an airplane to visit Jeju Island from Incheon airport. After about one and a half hour, I arrived at the island. The Jeju airport was not particularly different, but when my family went to out to reserve a rent car, we could not hide our surprised looks. As soon as we stood at the outside of the island, I could not forget the feeling of the cool wind, like a cold sprite in refrigerator, rushing through my whole body, the sunshine that caressed me, and the salted air smell which pleasantly irritate my nose. Also, after we got the rent car, driving on route gave me a strong impression, because there were tall trees like giant and straighten road like airplane runway. It made me recall Guam Island which is a famous tourist attraction in the United States...

Words: 633 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Minjaelee

...Koreans including me are very interested in art. 4) in the process, the environment has been seriously damaged so it is very dangerous to pollute the environment to increase food production. 5) in the process, science and technology has greatly improved. 6) in the process, the income gap between the rich and poor has widened. 7) in the process, people who have(=with) different religions, customs, and ways of life have come to Korea so it is necessary to understand other countries’ cultures. 8) in the process, people have come to value money (the) most so those who earn a lot of money are admired. Especially, these days Korean women like men who work for large companies and earn much money. Government The government of Jeju Island in Korea, which a variety...

Words: 582 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Can We Battle a Hurricane?

...CAN WE BATTLE A HURRICANE? Late August and early September of 2004 will long be remembered in the annals of history. It was during this time that the tropical island nation of the Bahamas experienced, in less than a week, the awesome destructive force of Mother Nature. This destruction as the hands of hurricanes Francis and Jeanne, and every island in the chain had a taste of fury, although there were two, Abaco and Grand Bahama that could have been referred to as gluttons. The catastrophic damage left as these hurricane waltzed through the archipelago left many wondering whether we can really be prepared for natural disasters. We know full well that winter winds and seas relocate beaches, summer lightening storms can set fire to pine forest but no one really knows when the fury of a hurricane will land. We must, however, ensure that we are prepared as we cannot afford the 2004 estimate of $500 million every hurricane season. To counteract unexpected onslaughts we must: 1. Have adequate insurance coverage for our buildings and homes. 2. Ensure that elected officials upgrade and the Ministry of Works enforces building codes and 3. Create a viable preparation plan by a) Establishing organized volunteers b) Providing for the loss of work c) Creating rapid response directory d) Preventing shoddy construction e) Improving response time f) Establishing a government sponsored segregated fund No one knows when we may experience another angry hurricane...

Words: 263 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Utopian World Versus Real World

...D'Andre Mickens Mr. Gamwell E Block 7 April 2014 Imperfect Perfect World Some people believe that a utopian world may be better than a less perfect world, yet the imperfections of a utopian society realistically outweighs its ultimate goal of perfection. Perfection is defined as the condition, state, or quality of being free or as free as possible from all flaws or defects. When it comes down to it, a utopian society has many rules and regulations. Yet, if a so called perfect society is so perfect, then there should be no need for any rules or regulations. However, a Utopia's goal of perfection in itself is a contradiction, because of its goal of being "more perfect and less free" (Huxley 1). As a matter of fact a utopian society would be like a heaven on earth. At the same time there is not really a unified view of utopia. All views of utopia involves change which affects human systems and institutions. How can a society aim to be perfect when by definition freedom is needed in order to be perfect. In fact that's something people still find hard to understand and today's society. Have you ever ask yourself what is freedom,it's the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants without hindrance or restraint. Foremost this is something they didn't have at the time of the utopian society. Well by definition a utopia is a perfect world where everything is prefect and equal but you have no freedom to do what you want; Basically your life is scripted like a book. However...

Words: 443 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Hello

...------------------------------------------------- Lord of the Flies – Citation Exercise An example of how to find text evidence to support a variety of themes, ideas, topics, etc. Chapters 2-3 1) “Nobody knows where we are,” said Piggy. “Perhaps they knew where we was going to; and perhaps not. But they don´t know where we are ‘cos we never got there…… That´s what I was going to say,” he went on, “when you all, all….” He gazed at their intent faces. “The plane was shot down in flames. Nobody knows where we are. We may be here a long time.” (page 37) 2) Ralph waved the conch. “This is our island. It´s a good island. Until the grown-ups come to fetch us we’ll have fun.” (page 38) 3) “And another thing.” He lifted the shell on his knees and looked round at the sun-slashed faces. “There aren’t any grown-ups. We shall have to look after ourselves.” The meeting hummed and was silent. “And another thing. We can’t have everybody talking at once. We’ll have to have ‘hands up’ like at school.” (page 36) 4) Laughing, Ralph looked for confirmation round the ring of faces. The older boys agreed; but here and there among the little ones was the dubiety that required more than rational assurance. (pages 39-40) 5) Then, with the martyred expression of a parent who has to keep up with the senseless ebullience of the children, he picked up the conch, turned towards the forest, and began to pick his way over the tumbled scar. (page 42) 6) “A fat lot you tried,” said Jack contemptuously...

Words: 540 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Tuvalu

...Tuvalu - Sinking Tuvalu is a collection of nine small islands in the Pacific Ocean, 620 miles north of Fiji. The total land area of all of Tuvalu’s islands is 10.04 square miles. It has a population of about 10,000 people, 4,500 of which live on the capital island, Funafuti. Because the highest point of Tuvalu is under 5 meters, it is very sensitive to climate change, and there is one problem related to climate change that drastically affects Tuvalu: sea-level rising. In 1989, the United Nations stated that Tuvalu would completely disappear under the ocean in the twenty-first century. Over the years, there have been many clues that Tuvaluan's have picked up telling them that Tuvalu was in danger: Salt water has flooded the shores and killed coconut palms. Many more areas on the islands are flooding. Groundwater is becoming undrinkable due to salt water seepage. Some Tuvaluan residents have been forced to leave the country because of rising sea levels. Floods now occur every month, when they used to occur only twice a year. In 1997, a small island off the rim of Funafuti atoll completely disappeared under the ocean. And Because of salt water seeping into the soil, it is getting hard to grow crops. The nine islands of Tuvalu are facing hard times. The Tuvaluan's land is slowly disappearing into the ocean. They have diminishing water and are having trouble growing food. The problem is, there’s almost no way to help them. There have been treaties in the past...

Words: 292 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Not a Paper

...This is the story about a girl who lives within a collection of tiny islands. Each island has a god-speaking leader that sends one child from every household on a boat to one of the uninhabited islands. They do this in the hopes that they will come back as warriors. But the children are told that they will be sent to the afterlife to greet their ancestors and live in harmony with them. The girl is set on a raft, and the raft lands on an island several miles away from original. There she encounters a large ape like creature that she follows around and starts to like. They eventually become friends and she spends 15 years of her life with him, eventually leaving the island on the same raft. As she turns back, she sees that the creature turned to stone once she left. And she looks forward towards her new future off the island. A old important man of a prominent royal family dies, and secrets from his past are recovered bit by bit. As both sides of his family prepare for the funeral, there’s a big debate over how he should be buried based on his conflicting religious views. What if different types of hatred or prejudice were characterized as monsters? And depending on how big and evil the hatred was made the monster uglier, scarier, smarter and harder to destroy. What if there was a group of people dealing with different forms or hatred and prejudice that had to fight these monsters for the sake of their people or community. The process of them being defeated and learning more...

Words: 477 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Hawaiian Monk Seals Research Paper

...Currently, Neomonachus Schauinslandi, commonly known as Hawaiian monk seals are the only pinnipeds living within proximity of the United States (Lowry et al., 2011). They are the only seals that are native to the Hawaiian Islands. Their only close relatives are Caribbean monk seals, which are extinct today, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal (Lowry et al, 2011). With the Polynesian settlement, the society within the island grew, causing a change in the natural ecosystems that marine mammal, like Hawaiian monk seals, survive and thrive peacefully in. However, it later changed to fit societal needs and standards once humans discovered the Island. The Hawaiian monk seal population is declining at a rate of about four percent per year (Watson et al., 2011)....

Words: 1725 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Abortion Rights In Aldous Huxley's Brave New World

...Throughout history, the technological world has continued to evolve and grow to new heights. Sometimes, these technological advancements are controversial and present a multitude of issues that make call into question its benefits. Aldous Huxley’s novel, Brave New World, features the birth of babies in artificial wombs as an alternative to natural pregnancies. Huxley describes new problems arising such as Although this controversial device could be available in the far future, it is currently only being researched as a way to treat and care for premature babies who would not survive outside of the womb. With these new technologies, it is possible to have positive impacts on the health of unborn babies without encountering negative effects such as lack of pregnancies, equality differences, and abortion rights. First of all, the artificial womb would not be used as a pregnancy alternative and would not effect the way a normal pregnancy goes. It is a dystopian fear that the artificial womb will replace natural pregnancies and babies will be grown instead of being born, but this fear is “all pure fantasy” (Flake). The ectogenesis discussed in Brave New World is not going to become a reality because this device is being created with the goal of treating premature infants “who are already receiving intensive care in NICUs across the country” (Talpos). Artificial wombs are only around to help these children who are in critical condition. Furthermore, the artificial womb presents potentially...

Words: 946 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Soma Christianity Without Tears Analysis

...Manufactured Grins Smiles exist in the World State because of the excessive drug use to deal with emotions. The “Controller” behind the World State commands that “soma” is there “to give [you] a holiday from the facts” (290). Comparing soma to a holiday makes it a trip away from a stressful situation; the truth. Likewise, Lenina whined for soma when she was overwhelmed by the “horrid” savage world (245). Her request is full of desperation and need. This is an obsessive act for soma, which demonstrates the dependency society has on it. It trends through the people as it is insisted to “have some soma” at any sign of conflict (29). This recurring coping method doesn’t teach the people how to deal with their feelings. True happiness is in the ignorance of society, and soma provides that ignorance with fake endorphins. Truth is shielded from people so they do not realize the imperfections of life. Everyone must be joyous so the facade that disguises control won’t break. The seeming-pristine prescriptions for soma are obnoxious as well; for example, “half a gramme for a half-holiday, a gramme for a week-end, two grammes for a trip to the gorgeous East, three for a dark eternity on the moon” (46). The parallel structure of the dosages of soma increasing provides more extravagant fantasies. Civilized citizens feel it to be normal to take stimulants to transport to another world. The imitation life is repulsive to John the Savage. His mother was taken by the comforting drug, and he...

Words: 1784 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

How Does Lenina Change In Brave New World

...Soma reduces one’s mind’s ability to have sad or angry thoughts, in turn making everyone happy. One of the most essential aspects of a socially stable environment is ensuring that everyone feels satisfied, something that soma succeeds in accomplishing. Furthermore, happiness will prevent discontent with the governmental system, which in essence will keep the World State safe from uprisings by the citizens. Lenina, one of the main characters in Huxley’s Brave New World, relies heavily on soma to maintain her jubilancy. Huxley aids in Lenina’s character development through her display of considerable discomfort on her journey through the Savage Reservation with Bernard, another main character. As she watches the savages perform a sort of ritual,...

Words: 395 - Pages: 2

Premium Essay

Managing Tourism and the Environment

...“Islands are fragile” (O’Riodan, 2009). The delicate and sensitive entities of islands need to be managed by the stakeholders in a sustainable way in order to maintain the natural and cultural environment. Sustainable tourism is defined as “tourism that is economically viable but does not destroy the resources on which the future of tourism will depend, notably the physical environment, and the social fabric of the host community.” (Brent, R., 2003). Islands suffer from special problems such as their limited carrying capacity, their lack of product diversity, their history, their peripheral and isolated nature, as well as having large endemism in regard to species. These problems can have diverse and wide ranging effects on stakeholders’ abilities to set up sustainable tourism projects. Space or carrying capacity is a major constraint on the creation of sustainable tourism projects. There is, as Bramwell (2004) suggests, an absolute restricted resource base which should act as a restrictive band on development and prevent sprawling unsustainable development. Developers and tour operators are at loggerheads with environmental agencies over this, as they are seeking quick short term profits with disregard for the future of the islands. This is shown in Bali, Indonesia on ‘Rama Beach’ the sea is littered with dead fish, oil and litter from the Rama beach hotel (personal obvs., 2010). This detracts from the selling points of an island resort (sun, sea and sand). Butler’s (1980)...

Words: 2043 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Unformal Letter

...your visit to Langkawi Island. Rosni Alias No.3,Jalan Sutera, Taman Cempaka, 43600 Bandar Baru Bangi, Selangor. 12 March 2012. Dear Zarina,         How's life? I hope you are in the best of health. How's my beloved Uncle Johari? I miss him too.The reason I write this letter is to tell you about my expedition to Langkawi. Guess what? We just came back from Langkawi . I went there with 25 of my classmates and my class teacher. Mr, Zaid had kindlly accompanied us for the 3 day-trip. You should have joined us. It was such an awesome experience!         Well, on the first day, we arrived at Langkawi in morning after a short flight. Then, we were taken to Langkawi Geopark, a UNESCO World Heriatage Site where we could see magnificent rock formations. We were taught the history of the place and some fossils of fish could also be sighted. This is a wonderful opportunity to understand geogical aspect of the island at the Geopark.         After visiting Geopark, we were taken to Pulau Dayang Bunting which about an hour boat ride. I forgot to mention that the boat ride itself was so exciting and adventurous. Upon arrival at the island, we were greeted by monkeys and soon, we saw a breathtakinng lake, with its gree clear water. Not forgetting the fish spa where thousands of catfish nibble at your feet when you lower feet into the water. Again, this is a new experience for me. Other than that, we could really enjoy the beautiful scenery of the island.         The next day...

Words: 453 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Pacific Island Social Issues

...of Samoa) over ten years. Over fifty percent of this financial aid goes to programs and policies that focus of empowering women and young girls in the Indo-Pacific region. The reason why the Australian government is providing financial aid to these undeveloped pacific islands is because the Australian government believes that when a there is equal rights and opportunities for both men and women that this enables development to progress. They also believe that because there is equal opportunities and rights for both men and women that economically its an advantage for a country to provide the means for this type of environment to upraise because in the long term the economy would grow at a rapid pace then it would if only men were to have these opportunities. It was also mentioned that there would be less corruption when there is equal rights and opportunities among men and women. I think that this program will contribute to the movement of empowering and establishing native islanders in leadership positions within their own islands. In class we have emphasized of importance for Pacific Islanders to reclaim their identify and not only that but regain control of what’s rightfully their culture and island. This is a very important topic when we were addressing decolonization. Gender equality and empowerment of...

Words: 481 - Pages: 2