Volcanic Island Jeju
Jeju, land of Samda, is blessed with unique nature and dynamic traditional culture. It not only serves as a sacred place of 18,000 gods but also preserves of one-of-a kind language, proverbs and folktales. Jeju people are resilient islanders who have never caved in to the challenges of the sterile land and tough environment. Jeju's nature and culture is the driving force of Jeju down the road to international presence.
As a volcano island, Jeju was formed through more than 100 lava activities from Pilocene epoch, end of the 3rd period of Cenozoic era to Pleistoene epoch, the 4th Cenozoic era. Five volcano eruptions added distinctive features to Jeju island. In addition to Mt.Halla and oreum, Jeju has well-developed valleys and caves. Bizarre rock, sea cliff and pillar-shaped joint along the whinstone coast cliff combined with strong wave offer(s) spectacular scene.
Different climate zones across the central mountain Mt.Halla means a variety type of plants from Temperate to Frigid Zone plant. As Jeju meets sea on all sides and is made of whinstone, it is place of biodiversity where a wide range of species of plant, insect, and fish inhabit.
Volcanic ash soil stretches from Mt.Halla to coast village. The rough sea with high wave is where Jeju people make a living. While fighting wind in the sea and struggling with volcanic ash soil, Jeju islanders have created distinctive culture.
Jeju is also known as Samda island as it has abundant stone, wind and women. As a volcanic island surrounded by sea on all sides, Jeju is indeed rich in stone and wind. Stone everywhere and strong gusty wind all year around have lead Jeju islanders to create unique culture and life style.
