Folk omens for July 20. July: traditions and customs
Jeju Island is better known as Jeju (meaning "Island of Three Abundances") located within the Gulf of Korea in South Korea. Jeju is the smallest South Korean province and at the same time the largest island in the republic. Its area is as much as 1,846 sq. km, and the population is just under 532,000 people.
According to historical data, this volcanic island appeared 400 million years ago. The center of Jeju is the extinct Hallasan volcano, which is also considered the highest point in the Republic of Korea.
Hallasan is not the only volcano on Jeju, but you shouldn't worry about it, the last eruptions were recorded more than 1000 years ago. For his long history, Jeju in different time was part of Mongolia and Japan, and South Korea was fortunate enough to have the island two times.
Jeju's popularity among numerous tourists began relatively recently. Two hundred years ago, the main purpose of the island looked like this: all the political criminals of the republic referred specifically to Jeju, Korea forbade them even to set foot on the mainland. It is worth knowing that matriarchy reigns everywhere on the island, in contrast to South Korea, where Confucianism is famous.
A common situation on Jeju Island is considered to be a family in which the main earner is a woman, and the man is in charge of the household and raising children. Gathering seafood at great depths (most often about 20 meters) is considered a very honorable and profitable occupation for women. Moreover, this skill is passed down among local residents from generation to generation.
A distinctive feature of the islanders is considered to be an atypical dialect for Koreans and a peculiar appearance, and the dialect of local residents is often incomprehensible even to the indigenous people of Korea.
So why was Jeju Island called the "Island of Three Abundances"? First of all, stones are found in abundance here (due to their volcanic origin), secondly - the strongest gusts of wind walk along the slopes of extinct volcanoes and thirdly - these are courageous fearless women on whom the whole island rests. So it turns out, three abundances - wind, stones and women.
Nowadays Jeju, with its unique and amazing history, is considered the pearl of the Republic of Korea. UNESCO included Jeju on the list of protected world heritage sites, and according to the results of an international competition held in 2011, the island entered the top seven new natural wonders.
Today, holidays to Jeju are very popular among Asian residents: hundreds of thousands of tourists from Japan and China flock here every year. Among Koreans, the island is known as an excellent location for weddings and celebrations.
Numerous parks, luxury hotels and attractions (for example, the Love Land sculptural park) have been built here especially for newlyweds. Korean schoolchildren spend their holidays here. V last years rest in Jeju is becoming popular among foreign tourists, including Russians.
This is not surprising: the cleanest beaches, picturesque nature, mild climate, ancient history and well-developed infrastructure - isn't this why we rush to the best resorts in the world every year?
What to see on the island?
Stone figures of good-natured grandfathers called tolharubans are considered the hallmark of modern Jeju, see photo:
It is they who are most often depicted on souvenirs and postcards.
For several centuries, stone sculptures have been considered a talisman for local residents against evil spirits. There is not a single islander who does not have a three-meter idol at home. During the development of tourism, enterprising craftsmen and artisans figured out how to make miniature copies of tolkhorubans. Therefore, the question of what to bring from Jeju Island is simply irrelevant.
Picturesque waterfalls are among the outstanding natural attractions. An excursion to them includes a visit to the botanical garden and the bridge of seven nymphs. It is worth noting a mountain cave with a difficult-to-pronounce name, the Grotto of Sanbangules, in which there is a statue of Buddha.
Vacationers will be delighted with a varied entertainment program - an elephant show, a mesmerizing laser show, a visit to the orchid and chrysanthemum greenhouse, several museums and the Bonsai Park. A trip to an ostrich farm will be very interesting for both adults and children.
Particular attention should be paid to another Jeju business card. Those who have visited the island will immediately answer that these are tangerines, and they will be absolutely right. Mandarins grow here everywhere, starting from the courtyards of residents and ending with endless numerous plantations. For those who don't know, tangerines are considered the main export commodity of this South Korean province.
The climate on the island is quite mild monsoon, and therefore monsoon rains are not uncommon for Jeju. In order not to spoil your long-awaited vacation, it is worth considering that Jeju will meet guests with prolonged torrential rains in June and July.
Autumn is great for swimming and for long walks, at this time it rains, but they are most often short-term. The high season is during the winter months. What is not a reason to spend New Years holidays in a heavenly place? In winter, the minimum amount of precipitation falls, but the prices for vacations also increase sharply during these months.
Do not worry about the weather, as a rule, there are no cold days here. And given the fact that the main source of income on the island is tourism, the main recreation program is not only a lazy pastime on the beach.
Here you can study interesting story, visit exciting excursions, try local cuisine in excellent restaurants, spend time in cozy eateries, engage in active sports - surfing, windsurfing, spearfishing and fishing, diving, hang gliding and rock climbing.
How to get to Jeju province?
Direct flight, for example, from Moscow should get to Seoul. The flight will take about two hours. You can choose an exotic way: from many Russian cities you can get to Seoul by ferry. And already from Seoul, there are several possibilities:
- with the help of Aeroflot services (flight time is about 35 minutes, but with comfort);
- by taxi (travel time is about 10-15 minutes, for a moderate fee);
- by bus, routes No. 100, 200, 500 (it will be a little longer, but much cheaper);
- using the transfer service from the booked hotel (most often the service is free).
In the water area of the Korean Peninsula, there are more than three and a half thousand diverse islands belonging to South Korea.
The small islands of South Korea are mostly uninhabited and are located along the southern and western coasts of the peninsula. They arose as a result of violent volcanic activity that took place at the "dawn of time". For the most part, these island-rocks are occasionally covered with moss. Some of them are separated from the peninsula by one or two kilometers of water (in some cases even less). Fishing villages are located on the more or less livable islands. In the straits formed by the islands, there is a wide variety of fish and all kinds of shellfish, which allows fishing from any boat. The main direction of tourism here is fishing and mountain tourism. The largest islands in South Korea are Jeju (2000 km²), Ganghwando (302 km²) and Ulleungdo (73 km²).
It is not possible to count the exact number of islands in South Korea, since the straits between some of them are either drained or filled up in order to expand habitable territories. The government helps people living in the island area. There, at the expense of the budget, electricity, sewerage and water are supplied, schools for children are being built. A striking example is the island of South Korea - Hondo, in two fishing villages of which, in total, about seven hundred people live. Nevertheless, until the sixth grade, children go to a local school, and there are all communications there.
The visiting card of South Korea's tourism is the Jeju Island, which is a pearl in the necklace of islands. It is both the smallest province and the largest island. This is a kind of Mecca for marriage tourism. The island is filled with attractions: many museums, often with unexpected themes, bright shows for tourists, attract many visitors every year.
Jeju Island in South Korea (the prefix "do" in Korean means both an island and a province at the same time) is an interesting matriarchy. While women on the mainland of South Korea fight for their rights under absolute patriarchy, in Jeju women rule everything. They are actually earners and heads of families. Until recently, the diving profession was the main one for the inhabitants of the Jeju coast. The ability to dive without scuba gear to a depth of twenty meters has been passed down from generation to generation from mother to daughter. Jeju now has a thriving business of growing tangerines of all varieties, which is safer and more profitable.
There are kilometers of highways on the island, but it is better to use not local buses, but to rent a car (which is quite affordable). Despite the bus service (announcement of stops in several languages, indication of the time of movement between stations on special monitors, air conditioning and comfortable seats), the level of qualifications of the drivers leaves much to be desired.
From the history of the "distant piece of land"
The emergence of Jeju Island, with a total area of 1845 sq. km, is associated with the eruption of a powerful ancient volcano that occurred 400 million years ago, so it consists mainly of basalt and lava. Its almost regular oval shape also testifies to its volcanic origin: the coastline is basically straight, there are no large bays here, not to mention the bays. The landscape of Jeju is predominantly mountainous, with steepness and steepness in places. There are also gentle areas, on the beaches of which - both sandy and pebble - tourists are happy to relax. There are many volcanic lakes. But there are few rivers: they are small and do not differ in abundance.
"A distant piece of land" - this is how the name Jeju is translated from the Korean. Or simply “Dalniy Island”. On the geographical maps, produced in Europe in the Middle Ages, it was signed by "Kvelpart". The first human settlements appeared here about 30 thousand years ago. The migration, apparently, took place from the south of the mainland in the direction of Japan, and some part of the people decided to settle here. From about the 6th century A.D. e. on the territory of Jeju, a state of its own appeared, called Thamna. It retained its independence until the expansion of one of the three Korean state formations - Silla. When the latter ceased to exist in 938, the Kingdom of Koryo began to rule over the island, granting it autonomous rights.
The Korean Peninsula, including Jeju, was annexed to Japan in 1910. The new occupation authorities changed the name of the latter to Saishu. After liberation and until 1946, the island was part of the Jeolla region, and later itself became a separate province with broad rights. Today its capital is the city of Jeju, the largest on the island (area 255.5 sq. Km, population of about 260 thousand people). It is located in its northern part and is a major tourist center, which - just think about it! - about 4 million tourists come every year. Basically, they are citizens of China, Japan and South Korea itself. The gambling industry is widely represented in the city, not to mention the developed entertainment infrastructure in general.
Jeju nature, climate and beaches
Jeju is rightfully called the pearl of Korea and Korean Hawaii. And all thanks to the peculiarities of the local nature. And also the island of three abundances, which mean stones, wind and ... women. There are the first ones here most of all, because it consists entirely of stone. Resourceful people have long chosen this strong natural material, making fences around houses, gravestones and even coastal traps from it. The fourth abundance of the region can be called tangerines. They grow here everywhere and give generous harvests. Anyone, including tourists, can take part in picking fruits from trees on small plantations. There are also tea plantations. The islanders also grow wild orchids. They even grow on stones and clay pots.
Due to the lack of industrial enterprises, the island is considered one of the most environmentally friendly regions in Asia. Closer to the south, the typically maritime climate becomes subtropical monsoon. Precipitation falls evenly throughout the year. In the summer season, the air can sometimes warm up to + 30 ° -33 °. The temperature of the surface layers of the sea rises to + 25 °, not dropping below + 24 ° until October. During the season, which is June-October, Jeju beaches are not empty. Their total length is 256 km. There are all the possibilities for a healthy and fulfilling rest here. Tourists go diving, parasailing and windsurfing, kayaking and jet skis, go on sea voyages to small islands.
Video: Jeju Island from above
Some of the island's attractions
Tolkharubans. These amusing stone figures depicting good-natured Korean oldies are Jeju's trademarks. They love to be depicted on postcards and souvenirs, so the question of what to bring home as a souvenir is usually not a question for tourists. But for local residents, tolkharubans are a real talisman. It is hardly possible to find here a house in which there would not be such a three-meter giant - a guard from evil spirits.
Love Land (Jeju Loveland). Famous park of erotic sculptures, main topic which is sexuality in many forms. In the open air, there are 140 statues that depict not only people, but also dogs loved by local residents in a variety of erotic poses. The theme of the park is something out of the ordinary not only for Jeju, but for the whole country, given the national humility of Koreans. But tourists like it!
Folklore village Songyp. It is a natural ethnographic reserve where the indigenous people cherish their identity, sacredly respect the customs and traditions of their ancestors. In the Middle Ages, the village was the capital. But not the whole island, but one of its counties. People come here for recipes for traditional medicine and ready-made medicines. Songyup sells local handicrafts that tourists readily buy.
Tayu Land hunting park. A real paradise for hunters! It is located in the vicinity of Hallasan Mountain, on the slopes of which there are many animals. Hunting here is carried out mainly for game birds (in particular, for pheasants). Both snares and firearms are used, including traps. You don't need a license, but you have to pay “for pleasure”. The dachshund depends on the weapon used and, of course, the type of hunting.
Hallim Subtropical Park. Once there was a lifeless rocky wasteland, but now it is a real oasis with various samples of local flora. The park is divided into several themed gardens, including tropical and aquatic. There are several volcanic caves. The attention of visitors is invariably attracted by unusual cacti: the juice of their purple and green fruits turns out to be drinkable.
Yomichji Botanical Garden. It has an area of over 112 thousand square meters. km, where unique samples of plants growing in the tropics and subtropics are collected, only about 2 thousand rare species. They are scattered in open and closed areas. Some gardens - Flower, Jungle, Cactus Garden, Lily Pond, Nature Garden and others - are designed in the national style, that is, they reflect the peculiarities of the flora. different countries: Italy, France, Japan and Korea itself.
Green Tea Museum. It was created to study the history of this popular and healthy drink, which is loved not only in Asia, but in all corners of the planet. The secrets of its correct preparation will be revealed to visitors here, as well as they will be told about the use of tea leaves in cooking. After all, few people know that Koreans add them to baked goods and desserts. And tea leaves are also used in cosmetology and perfumery.
Folklore Museum and natural history Jeju. It is a real cultural center, which for convenience is divided into several thematic exhibitions. Two of them reflect the folklore heritage of the island and the whole of Korea, the third belongs to natural science, and the fourth is completely located in the open air. Of particular interest are the exhibits found during archaeological excavations.
Jeju waterfalls. Chongjeyeon waterfall is located near the Chungmun district, right in the park, from where (namely from the bridge of 7 nymphs) opens great view on the sea. Chongbang is considered the most picturesque: even a staircase leads to it. In its vicinity, in good weather, there are always many female divers: they get seafood. Not far from the port of Seogwinpo, Chongjiyon "throws" its waters, under which there is a deep 12-meter pool.
How to get to Jeju Island?
First you need to get to the capital of the Republic of Korea - Seoul. There are direct flights from Moscow operated by Aeroflot and Korean Air, the travel time is approximately two hours. Upon arrival in the city, you can take the Seoul-Jeju-Seoul flight (flight time 35 minutes). Other tourists prefer to get to the island by ferry that runs regularly from the mainland. Visitors can enjoy luxurious five-star hotels and inexpensive local guesthouses. Among tourists, a popular shuttle service is usually offered by hotels (most often it is free).
Jeju is the largest island in South Korea. Due to its mild tropical climate, the flora of this place is very different from the main part of the country. As you exit the airport, you will be greeted by the resort's many palm trees. Jeju was created by a volcanic eruption many millions of years ago. It consists of lava and basalt. Therefore, it is an Object World heritage and is protected by UNESCO.
In general, the island is famous for its first-class beaches, breathtaking nature, clean air, regularity of life. But you will not be bored here thanks to the many attractions, parks and entertainment. Koreans love to spend their honeymoon on this romantic island. It is very easy to get to it - half an hour by plane from Seoul, and you are already here. One of the pluses is there are still not many tourists here... So while you can, hurry up and enjoy all the benefits of Jeju!
Sculpture Park "Love Land"
A very unusual and informative park, which houses about 140 sculptures depicting various sexual positions. The park is very popular with honeymooners and couples visiting the island.
The sculptural compositions themselves were created by students of Seoul University. The park is small, you can get around in an hour. But there will be plenty of impressions from the visit! Jeju has a fair number of sex education establishments.
The highest mountain ( 1950 m.) in the country is located on the island of Jeju. Hallasan is an extinct volcano, in the crater of which Lake Pennoctam is located. And on the mountain itself, the oldest Buddhist island temple, Kvanymsa, was built. The area itself, around the mountain, has been declared a national park. Hallasan is a natural monument of Korea.
Divers "Henyo"
Professional diver - "woman of the sea". A living tourist attraction of Jeju. In our time, this profession is dying out. Young people leave to work on the mainland. Therefore, fishing for seafood in the sea, you can meet only an elderly woman or a very old grandmother.
Henyo dive to a depth of three to five meters, without special equipment, using only a wetsuit and holding their breath. The government of the country is trying to preserve the culture of "haenyo", even opened a special school in which even tourists can learn this craft. Training is free and lasts 4 months.
Tolkharuban - stone grandfather
Jeju symbol. You can find them absolutely all over the island, in any corner of it. These "grandfathers" are considered to be the protectors of the local population. According to one legend, they guarded the island from pirates while the men were at sea. Another legend says that Tolkharuban makes wishes come true. To do this, he needs to rub his nose. But if you rub your stomach, it will come to life. But it is also a statue of fertility. So if you rub his nose, then you have a boy. If the ear, then the girl.
Journey to the waterfalls
Waterfalls of amazing beauty are scattered throughout Jeju Island. The only waterfall in Asia that flows into the sea is. It can be reached by a long staircase, and on the way admire the extraordinary beauty of the scenery and the nearby haenyo diving nearby.
Near Seogwipo City, you can see the Chongjien Falls. A bridge of volcanic stones was built across the river into which it flows. Along it, the groom must carry the bride on his back.
A waterfall carries its waters under the Seven Nymphs Bridge, which is located on the territory of the Chungmun complex.
A shallow, natural cave, five meters high. Located on Mount Sanbansan, exactly halfway to the top. A statue of Buddha was installed in the grotto itself. And from the cave you can see Marado Island and a rock in the shape of a dragon's head.
An interesting pastime that will appeal to all citrus lovers. With its subtropical climate, Jeju is an ideal place to grow tangerines. On special farms, you can collect and try them with your own hands. It is not for nothing that the island is called "tangerine paradise".
There is a traditional village at the foot of the mountain. Here you can get acquainted with the traditions, way of life, life of the people of ancient Korea. A thousand-year-old tree grows near the entrance. In the village itself there are huts, schools, temples, government buildings with a thatched roof, the ruins of a fortress, and ancient graves. You will also have the opportunity to see ancient rituals, take part in games, and taste the local cuisine.
Hallim Park is a botanical garden. In addition to plants, some species of birds and animals live here. In addition, a rock garden, a bonsai garden, and a water garden were laid out in the park. There are also several small volcanic caves. As a bonus, in the park you can taste freshly made juice from the fruits of the cactus grown here.
Jeju is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore it by hiking. For example, on secondary craters scattered around the island. Or go hiking along the coast. Water lovers can go kayaking on the sea surface or go down to the bottom with a dive tour: explore corals, marine flora and fauna. You can also admire the nature, mountains, sea, cycling along the island, rollerblading or horseback riding.
Jeju museums
If you like to wander through museums and galleries, then the museums of Jeju Island will definitely please you with their uniqueness and originality. Parents with children will love museums such as the Teddy Bear Museum and Mini World. Lovers of history and culture should visit the "Museum of History and Folklore", the village museum "Songup" and the "Museum of Divers Khenyo". Well, lovers of everything unusual should definitely go to the "Museum of Sex". And, of course, it is worth setting aside time for a visit to the teacup museum dedicated to green tea.
What else is worth visiting?
You will definitely like ostrich farm where you can ride this amazing bird. Exploration of the many clean and beautiful beaches is an obligatory part of the program.
Gourmets should visit this unique attraction. On certain days, on one of beautiful places the island, the food truck stops. Find it and enjoy a sandwich, Italian pasta, or traditional soup while admiring the local scenery.
If you have time, be sure to visit the Chrysanthemum and Orchid Greenhouse, Mok Sok Won Garden, Bonsai Park, Emigi Botanical Garden, Yonduam Park, elephant show.
