The Hwang Sa Byeong (황사평) Catholic cemetery and Catholic massacre of 1901 led by Lee Jae-Soo (이재수), Jeju, South Korea

April 8, 2009 by Jim Saunders · 3 Comments
Filed under: Jeju & Korean Culture, Things to Do

Catholic cemetery
Another dark chapter in the history of Korea’s tourist island
Story by Jim Saunders | Photo courtesy of Jeju Cybermuseum

Long known as a place for internal exile and persecution, the turn of the 19th century saw the flames of rebellion ignite once again on Jeju with Lee Jae Soo’s (이재수) uprising against an increasing number of Catholic missionaries and native converts spreading out across the island. The result: a massacre of some three hundred Catholics and the creation of Jeju’s first Catholic cemetery, which remains with us to this modern day.

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Jeju Starlight World, Park and Planetarium, Jeju, South Korea

March 22, 2009 by Jim Saunders · 4 Comments
Filed under: Things to Do

Telescope at Jeju Starlight
Fails to set the sky alight, but has potential
Story and photos by Jim Saunders

Jeju Starlight World, Park and Planetarium is a brand new attraction on the slopes of Hallasan, overlooking Jeju City. Three floors of space related matter (including a 4D theatre, a dome-shaped theatre and an array of high powered telescopes) make for a potentially thrilling experience. Unfortunately, some sheen is taken off a visit by poor planning and organization.

Tags: JEJU, southkorea, starlight world

Korea House Restaurant, Jungmun Resort, Jeju, South Korea

February 26, 2009 by Brian Miller · 2 Comments
Filed under: Places to Eat

Dine in dynastic splendor at this Jungmun restaurant
Story and photos by Brian Miller

Korea House is a replica of a Chosun Dynasty royal residence and now serves as one of the most atmospheric and charming Korean restaurants on the island. It’s located between the Shilla and Hyatt Hotels in Jungmun and is easily accessed by the Airport Limousine (you can get off at either Shilla or Hyatt, but the Airport Limo will often stop at the restaurant itself. Just keep an eye out for a large, wooden gate and colorful signboards advertising the “Rose of Sharon”).

Tags: , JEJU, jungmun, korea house, restaurant, SOUTH KOREA

Fire on the mountain, Jeju-do, South Korea

February 17, 2009 by Marcie Miller · 1 Comment
Filed under: Festivals and Event Ticketing, Jeju & Korean Culture, Visiting Jeju?

Jeju Fire Festival
Fire festival glory | Credit: Mike Laidman

Oreum is set ablaze in annual Jeju Fire Festival
Story by Marcie Miller | Photos by Brian Miller and Mike Laidman

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of a torch-wielding mob, mark your calendar for the 2010 Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival on Jeju, when an entire hillside is set ablaze.

The event is held during the first full moon of the Lunar New Year across Korea. The festival commemorates the practice of burning grassy fields to prepare them for the new growing season. This year’s 14th annual festival on Jeju was Feb. 13 and 14, with the climax hill torching the night of the 14th.

Tags: , fire festival, JEJU, southkorea