History:
Jeju Island's history dates back thousands of years, when the island was known as Tamna Island. Legend says that three demi-gods rose from the northern foot of Jeju Island's Mount Halla, and discovered a box on the beach. Upon opening it, they discovered a jade box that was shaped like a bird's egg with a lion watching over it. The jade box contained a calf, a foal, and some seeds. The lion said to the demi-gods: "I am the lion of Byeoknang in the East Sea. Our King has three daughters but he could not find husbands for them, even though they are of marriageable age. When he saw you three legendary founders, he commanded me to bring his daughters to you." Afterwards, the three demi-gods prepared themselves for marriage by performing a celebratory ritual in Heaven: they showered in the Honinji pond and then married the princesses. Eventually, by farming the five grains in the jade box and by raising the cattle and foal, these demi-gods were able to found the Tamna State.
Places to Visit:
Cheonjiyeon Pokpo:
The magnificent 22-m high waterfall is a hidden gem. It can be reached after a 10 minute walk through a verdant yet steep gorge. When I visited and first heard of the waterfall, my first impressions were not so good. After a day packed full of sightseeing, walking through a mosquito infested trail to see yet another waterfall did not sound so appealing. However, upon arriving at the waterfall, I was left speechless. The waterfall cascaded out of a beautifully chiseled rock face, and the loud sound of the water rushing down had a surprisingly calming effect. Due to safety reasons, I wasn't allowed to wade in the water, however it still was a sight worth seeing. If you go at night, the waterfall will be beautifully lit, thus creating a somewhat mystic, otherworldly aura.
Jeongbang Pokpo:
Yet another waterfall, the Jeongbang Pokpo differs from the Cheonjiyeon Pokpo in that it is the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the sea. This was undoubtedly one of my favorite places to visit in Jejudo, mainly because it was a great place for cool respite. Since it flows into the sea, you can wade around in the cool waters. Sitting on a rock while dunking my feet in, it truly was a relaxing, calming place to rest after a day full of walking.
Seongeup Folk Village:
The folk village itself was something extremely culturally packed, and it's a location that I think is definitely worth visiting. Traditional houses with thatched roofs and stone walls are scattered all around the place. There are even traditional games that you could try playing, such as "tu-ho", which is a game that requires you to throw sticks into an ornate canister. I spent almost an hour trying to beat my older sister, and finally, after much concentration and skill (or my sister let me win so we could get out or the scorching heat), I won. There are also traditional Korean swings in the folk village, and other interesting activities that will appeal to the masses. This folk village is packed full of interesting games and resembles a traditional neighborhood in Jeju island.
Hallasan:
Hallasan is the largest mountain in Korea, and is a UNESCO world heritage site. There's a hiking trail that you have to go up to, so I would advise wearing comfortable shoes and a jacket (it gets really windy). Although a hike may sound tiring, the view that you get is breathtaking and definitely worth the effort.
Trick art museum:
Although this isn't something that truly showcases the rich culture and history of Jeju island, the Trick Art Museum is a great stop to visit if you like a good laugh or if you're looking for a cool photo op. The different pieces of optical illusion art allow you to take hilarious pictures that can really surprise not only you but your friends as well. There are both 2D and 3D pieces of art that you can pose with.
Food:
Like with any other island, Jeju has an abundance of fresh seafood. The majority of specialty dishes in Jeju Island are seafood dishes, but they can be served in several different ways (grilled, raw, marinated, stewed). An interesting fact to note is that a lot of the seafood is caught by haenyeo (해녀). Haenyeo are women sea divers that populate the island, and dive up to 20 meters to harvest seaweed and shellfish. Clad in their black diving suits and diving goggles, they are nicknamed the "mermaids of Jeju island".
Here are a few of my personal favorite specialty dishes available on Jeju Island:
Godeunguh (Mackerel)
This type of fish is my longtime favorite. Although mackerel can be found in most frozen food sections of supermarkets, the ones found in Jeju Island are mostly fresh off the boat. There's an unbelievable amount of flavor and texture, with an unforgettable aroma that permeates the whole restaurant. Most mackerel fish sold in Jeju Island are caught and served within 24 hours. This specific dish is one that I recommend you try at least once before leaving the island.
Galchi (Hairtail fish)
Hairtail fish is a major export of Jeju island, and with good reason. They can be found in most traditional restaurants around the island, and can be served grilled, raw, marinated in radishes or stewed.
Hwe Guksu
Hwe Guksu is a noodle dish accompanied by raw fish. It's great to eat in the sweltering summer months and provides a cool respite. It's slightly spicy, but definitely bearable.
Heuk dweji samgyeopsal
For those who are not fans of seafood, I would recommend going to one of the many restaurants in Jeju Island devoted to selling "samgyeopsal". Heuk dweji samgyeopsal is a black pig pork belly dish that is succulent and juicy, and a staple in Korean diets.
Hallabong
Jeju Island's famous tangerines are a must have. Although this succulent fruit is only available during the wintertime, they can still be found for sale during the summer months. They're sweet yet tangy at the same time, a juxtaposition which I'm sure no one disagrees with. There's a myriad of products available on the island made using Hallabong, like chocolate, ice cream and smoothies.
Dining customs:
-During the meal, never stick your utensil into the dish. As with other Asian traditions, doing so resembles incense sticks during ancestral memorial services. Instead, rest your utensil on top of the dish and lay the chopsticks or spoon on the table when you are done.
-The eldest at the table should eat first. Once the eldest person at the table starts eating, everyone else can begin to eat.
-Unlike Western dining, people typically eat while sitting on a mat. While they have their own bowls of rice, other dishes and side dishes are shared amongst the table.
Key phrases:
Although a majority of the Korean population can speak some basic English, I would advise learning a few key phrases to fully immerse yourself into the culture. Try these phrases out on the locals and you're bound to be showered with compliments.
Hello- 안녕하세요 annyeong hasaeyo
Thank you- 감사합니다 gamsa habnida
Bye- 안녕히가세요 annyeong hee gasaeyo
Sorry-죄송합니다 jue song hab ni da
Excuse me- 실례 합니다 shil leh hab ni da
