I just got back to Suwon, South Korea from a trip to Jeju Island. It is a small Island off the southern coast of South Korea. I found Jeju to be a beautiful place, even though it rained most of the time I spent there. To the Koreans, Jeju Island is a great place to honeymoon. There are many attractions such as the Teddy Bear museum, lava caves, mysterious road, the black sand beaches, and beautiful Buddhist Temples.

Jeju is known for “three things” and “three non-things”. It is said that Jeju has many rocks, women and wind. Jeju was formed by volcanic eruptions, so when the farmers till the land, all they get are rocks.


These lava rocks are sticky in a way. They can be stacked to form small fire or water barriers or in a formation. It is interesting to note that they will stick together through the rain and wind. Many of the houses and city walls are made of these rocks. They are also used for the graves. At a funeral, the guests bring one or two rocks for the family. The family then stacks a wall around the grave in a rectangle shape to protect it. A tall wall symbolizes an important person because many people came to the funeral.

The rocks there also are used to create many statues. The Island is filled with these types of statues with both hands on the belly. If the left hand is on top, the statue signifies a warrior and offers protection. If the right hand is on top, it signifies a scholar and brings light to the area.

The idea that there are many women on Jeju Island is a misconception due to the role of women on this Island versus the mainland. Jeju is relatively poor compared to the mainland, so women in families need to also work. This gives the women more economic freedom and more say at home. It is less that there are more women and more that they have more visibility. This situation gave rise to the famous women divers. Here is where women first dove to collect sea foods. Today women still dive though the age of women divers had increased to span 40-70+years.

The generalization that there is a lot of wind on the Island is easy to explain. It simply is very windy most of the year.

That’s a lot to be famous for, but also there are the “three non-things” which include: no thieves, no beggars, and no gates. These all come from the fact that Jeju Island creates a very small community feeling. There are only two cities on the Island, and the people are very familiar with each other. The thought of stealing likely never crosses their minds because they know their neighbor so well, and the rest of the community does too. So everyone would know. This is the reason for not having gates. Until recently, houses and shops on the Island were constructed without doors as well. Beggars don’t exist because everyone takes care of each other on the Island.

The people of Jeju Island enjoy beautiful scenery and are very close knit. I would recommend checking out this area, even just online.