Fascinating Sunrise Island of Jeju
by Shawn Lee

JEJU is an island shrouded in mystery, culture and tradition. It is also the largest island in South Korea and I like to share with you some photos and attractions which I took there during my Christmas trip last December.

The Teddy Bear Museum on Jeju island is the only one in Korea and the biggest in the world, boasting a wide collection of teddy bears of various countries, times and themes.

Seongeub Folk Village is the place to witness old style living with traditional houses made of stone with thatched roofs, barnyards and sometimes even the local pig can be seen. You also have the opportunity to sample and buy some of the local products such as traditional medicine, honey and even horse bone powder.

 

Here alongside the ocean, located 200m west of Yongyeon, you'll find a rock formation in the shape of a dragon's head, which looks like a dragon attempting to fly into the sky. Legend has it that a white horse wishing to fly as a dragon was caught by a commander and the horse turned into a rock on this spot. Another legend claims that an emissary of the Dragon King went to Mt. Hawlla in search for the elixir of life, and he was struck by an arrow released by the angry mountain god and fell into the sea. It then turned into a rock formation with its body submerged but its head floated up to the surface of the sea.

Jeju is indeed a fascinating place not to be missed on your next trip to Korea!