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.

An Hye-Kyeung (left) translates the words of her father, An Heung-Chean | Credit: Jim Saunders
Mountain climber, artist An Heung-Chean’s passion is on display at a new Jeju-si gallery
Story by Marcie Miller | Photos by Jim Saunders
An Heung-Chean has painted, drawn and sketched the love of his life thousands of times. He has captured her with the morning dawn creeping across her face; with the golden rays of evening caressing her slopes, with clouds spilling over her face like a shy bride’s veil. And always, to him she is beautiful.
She is …

Chonja-am temple is worth the trek
Story and photos by Marcie Miller

The Yeongshil hermitage rests in the late afternoon light | Credit: Marcie Miller
Looking for a truly unique Buddhist temple experience? Then take a hike. Really. Chonja-am temple is located 1,200 meters above sea level, at the foot of Pollae oreum, and is accessed by foot only from the Yeongsil trail lower parking lot.
After about a 20 minute leisurely uphill stroll through the open forest, the temple suddenly pops out of the trees, an imposing structure built and decorated in the …