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

The Glass Castle, Jeju, South Korea

January 26, 2009 by Jim Saunders · 3 Comments
Filed under: Art Galleries & Museums, Things to Do

Glass village diorama
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.

Tags: , castle, glass, JEJU, SOUTH KOREA

Kim Man Su Exhibition, Jeju, South Korea

December 6, 2008 by Jim Saunders · 1 Comment
Filed under: Art Galleries & Museums

Jose Diaz with Kim Man Su

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 people of Korea—war, oppression, pain, literature, poetry, and art.

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