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.

The seeds of the massacre, however, were first sown in 1886 with an agreement between Korea and France which legally opened the country to their Catholic missionaries who had previously been unable to practice freely without persecution. Two churches were established on Jeju but local government officials continued an unwelcoming stance which was reciprocated with an increasing lack of trust from the Catholic community.

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.

It’s like Loveland, minus the explicit statues | Credit: Jim Saunders
New tourist attraction goes with a glass theme
Story and photos by Jim Saunders
Upon entering one of Jeju’s newest tourist attractions, the Glass Castle, the striking similarities with Loveland will soon become readily apparent. It’s as if the business model that sustains Loveland has been picked up and plonked down again somewhere else on the island. Only this time the sexually explicit sculptures have been exchanged for tasteful works of art made from glass.
The Glass Castle contains six themed areas with …

A new exhibition celebrating Kim’s work begins on Jeju
Story and photo by Jose Diaz
Kim Man Su is considered a Korean artist and a bohemian.
During one of my multiple trips to Seoul, I had the opportunity to meet the artist and establish a good friendship with him. Kim is usually found travelling between Seoul and Jeju.
The artist’s work has been influenced by many different factors. His own life and spiritual beliefs, as well as by historical events that have marked the …