CARTOON Connection : Our host town

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Our host island: Jeju

Jeju, Nature's paradise in the north pacific

Jeju surrounded by sea on all sides, is categorized as a volcanic island in subtropical zone. Jeju displays a mild oceanic climate throughout the year with the smallest annual temperature range in the country. The temperature for the hottest summer months averages no more than 34.7℃ and no less than -1.5℃ for winter.

The island is 73km wide and 41km long with a total area of 1,848. Jeju is the largest island in South Korea.

Jeju’s natural environment has been preserved as best as possible. The fantastically shaped rocks decorating the seashores, the hundreds of Oreums (secondary volcanos) and the rarest species of flora around the Baekrok-dam lake are all treasures waiting to be discovered by visitors.

Mt. Halla, the center of Jeju

Mt. Halla rises in the center of Jeju to 1950m above sea level. The rest of the island slopes down from its summit and is covered with dark gray volcanic rocks and volcanic ash soil.

Mt. Halla, formed through volcanic eruptions, is a shield-shaped volcano. During the eruptions, lava, because of its low density, flew down slowly, forming the gentle east and west slopes while the south and north ones remained steep.

As Mt. Halla was formed through more than 100 volcanic eruptions and elevations of the earth rather than weathering and erosion, it is still in its infancy, keeping its original topographical formations. These topographical features and oceanic weather have created such magnificent scenes as Oriental Screen Rocks, 500 General Rocks in Yeongsil, Grown Rock, Triangle Peak, Fairies' Fall, Tamna Valley, and Jusangjeolli, hexagonal formations of molten rocks. These topographical features create a unique landscape that cannot be found in any other place on mainland Korea.

An island with 368 secondary volcanos (oreums)

Oreum refers to a tiny volcanic zone that contains a volcanic cone. It is a typical Jeju dialect that indicates an independent volcanic zone, made of ejecta or a parasite volcano.

More than 100 eruptions formed these secondary volcanos which include Witsae Oreum, Sara Oreum, Red Earth Oreum, Dol Oreum making Mt. Halla very exotic.

These 368 Oreums are dispersed everywhere on Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, with Mt. Halla as their center. The comparatively small place has the most Oreums in the world. Oreum refers to a tiny volcanic zone that contains a volcanic cone. It is a typical Jeju dialect that indicates an independent volcanic zone, made of ejecta or a parasite volcano.

Three abundance of the island: rocks, wind, and women

"Three abundance" is a famous term in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. It implies three things which are abundant: Seokda (rocks), Pungda (wind), and Yeoda (women). That's why they call Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Samdado: the island of three abundance.

Seokda has originated from the Mt. Halla volcanic activity of the past. People had to cultivate the land through a long process of clearing away the numerous rocks covering the lands and then form the inlets for irrigation, then construct the walls for protection against wind.

Seokda, tells of the harsh surroundings of Jeju. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is located in the path of typhoons, so the islanders had to fight against the sea. The effect of Pungda and Seokda shows in Jeju life styles. Two examples are the thatched roof of Jeju which is tied up with straw rope, and the fields surrounded by stone walls.

Yeoda originated from the fact that most men of Jeju were lost at sea, which made women larger in number. Also, women had to come out to the fields with men due to the Jeju's living environment being harsh. Yeoda is a comment on population statistics, but moreover it is a metaphor for women in Jeju working diligently. The famous women-divers who fight against wild waves to catch fish are the very symbol of Jeju.

For more practical information about Jeju please click here.