SHORE EXCURSIONS
Jejudo A / 5 hours
Tour Highlights
- Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum
- Samseonghyeol Shrine
- Dongmunsijang Market
Jeju (- - -) 12km
Upon calling at Jeju, your tour guide greets you at the cruise terminal and takes you on a city tour of Jeju, the most famous of the 3,300 islands of Korea. Towering over the island is Korea's highest peak, Mt. Halla, an extinct volcano topped by a huge crater. Jejudo was once a place of exile for those who fell out of favor with the Korean court, but it has today become the most popular tourist destination.
Visit Gwandeokjeong, the oldest building in Jeju which was previously the site of government offices in the period of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Check out two Dolharubang figures serving as fertility and protective totems only found on Jeju. Both statues have protruding eyes, bulbous nose, tightly closed lips and a phallic symbol head under the brimmed hat. Both arms are bent at the elbow, hands resting above and below a rotund stomach. Many couples and visitors as well come here, each standing to either side, to have their pictures taken with their hands on its nose. A group of buildings in the neighborhood is a restored Mokgwana, which has been the hub of local administration.
Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum is an excellent facility providing a fascinating insight into the tenacious and independent lifestyle of Jeju islanders, the natural history of geological features and marine organisms, including plants, animals and minerals native to Jeju Island. Outdoor exhibition is highlighted by millstones, grave guards, tombstones and various stone tools used for daily living.
A short walk from the museum is Samseonghyeol literally three clan hole, a very symbolic spot to the islanders. According to legend, it was here that three demigods emerged from the holes in the ground to become the founding fathers of Tamna and its people. The descendants continue to uphold the traditions and still perform ritual ceremony twice a year on the 10th of April and October. Even more amazing aspect is that moisture from rain and snow do not penetrate the holes and the surrounding old trees face them at an angle as if they are worshiping three founders.
Tour also includes colorful Dongmunsijang, one of the most happening places of the city. It is a mix of a covered and an open-air bazaar that offers an unsurpassed chance to really mingle with the local scene and to get a glimpse into the Jejudoian life. After your exploration some of city highlights, return to the ship in time for departure.
