Jeju Peace Museum, Jeju, South Korea

February 27, 2008 by Jim Saunders · 3 Comments
Filed under: Art Galleries & Museums, Things to See

Under thirty-five years of Japanese rule, ended in August 1945, Jeju did not escape unscathed from conflict and occupation. Right across the island, physical remnants of the conflict that almost reached its shores remain.

On its western side is Gamma Oreum with clear, unobstructed views of the coastline and Halla-san. Built into its base are darkened, claustrophobic tunnels that sprawl away for kilometres underground. From this location Japanese forces would direct any defence against a foreign invasion armada.

However, an invasion never came and no defence was ever made.

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Scuba diving with Big Blue 33, Jeju, South Korea

February 27, 2008 by Danielle Mader · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Outdoor Activities, Things to Do

Pre-dive jitters were setting in as this intrepid reporter stepped off the bus in Seogwipo, but one look at Ralf Deutsch, the owner/operator of Big Blue33, quickly quelled those fears. Ralf’s calming, open manner instils trust – we would be safe under the water with this man. Ralf has run Big Blue33 (so named because Jeju lies on the 33rd parallel) for the past seven seasons; deciding after his contract as German professor at Jeju National University finished, to stay here. So he opened the dive shop.

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Jeju mandarin oranges, Jeju, South Korea

February 27, 2008 by Jim Saunders · 3 Comments
Filed under: Jeju & Korean Culture

I first came to Korea in April of 2007 to stay with friends at their organic Mandarin orange farm near Seogwipo. At that time the trees were lush and green with leaves and held just a hint of the buds that were to become white flowers. I discovered that the Mandarin orange, often called a tangerine, is the favorite gift during the Lunar New Year in Korea to usher in prosperity and good fortune.

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Miru Namoo Gallery Cafe, Jeju, South Korea

February 24, 2008 by Chris Evans · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Bars & Clubs, Coffee Shops

Winter weather on Jeju provides enough impetus to seek out warm and welcoming retreats. The day of our interview was one of those days. Known by a few foreign residents and locals alike, the Miru Namoo Gallery Café is a cosy space providing a mix of contemporary and traditional ambience and a place in which the founder, Kim Jo Sook, actually lived. Our welcome was one of genuine pleasure as Lee Kwan Hee smiled and guided us in.

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Jeju Magic World, Jeju, South Korea

February 17, 2008 by Sara Stillman · Leave a Comment
Filed under: Things to See

Attending a Chinese acrobatic circus may not be the first thing that springs to mind when considering tourist activities on Jeju, but it is not to be missed. The brilliant Magic World show includes acrobatics, a stunt motorcycle ring, and even kangaroo boxing! Between excited bites of popcorn, I was thrilled by the colourful costumes, sensational music, and the incredible skill and choreography of these performers.

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Jeju Jeongwol Dawboreum fire festival, Jeju, South Korea

February 17, 2008 by Joanna Burgess · 4 Comments
Filed under: Festivals and Event Ticketing, Things to Do, Things to See

One of Korea’s most unique festivals is a must see
Story by Joanna Burgess | Photo by Jim Saunders
Up in smoke
An Oreum on fire | Credit: Jim Saunders

In the infamous words of Beavis— “fire, fire, fire!” This quote engulfs the primary theme of the Annual Jeongwol Daeboreum Fire Festival. Beginning in 1997, this year marks the 13th year of the festival, with each year becoming bigger and brighter. While fire, fun, and festivities are the main attraction of the Fire Festival, it is important to understand why this festival came to be in the first place.

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