Jeju Island

Lore & Background

The Jeju people are indigenous to the island, and it has been populated by modern humans since the early Neolithic period. The Jeju language is considered critically endangered by UNESCO. It is also one of the regions of Korea where Shamanism is most intact. Historically, the island has been called by many different names including Doi, Dongyeongju, Juho, Tammora, Seomna, Tangna, Tamna, Quelpart, Quelparte or Quelpaert Island, Junweonhado, Taekseungnido, Samdado, Sammudo, and Cheju (spelling until 7 July 2000). Before the Japanese annexation in 1910, the island was usually known as Quelpart to Europeans; during the occupation it was known by the Japanese name Saishū. The first European explorers to sight the island, the Portuguese, called it Ilha de Ladrones (Island of Thieves, modern Portuguese Ladrões).

Reader's Guide

Jeju is a volcanic island, dominated by Hallasan: a volcano 1,947 metres (6,388 ft) high and the highest mountain in South Korea. The island measures approximately 73 kilometres (45 mi) across, east to west, and 31 kilometres (19 mi) from north to south. The island also has around 360 oreum: small extinct volcanoes or parasitic cones. The island formed by volcanic eruptions approximately two million years ago, during the Pleistocene epoch. The island consists chiefly of basalt and lava. An area covering about 12% (224 square kilometres or 86 square miles) of Jeju Island is called gotjawal, a local term for forests. This area remained uncultivated until the 21st century, as its base of 'a'a lava made it difficult to develop for agriculture. Because this forest remained pristine for so long, it has a unique ecology. The forest is the main source of groundwater and thus the main water source for the half million people of the island, because rainwater penetrates directly into the aquifer through the cracks of the 'a'a lava under the forest. Numerous plants and animals have scientific epithets which describe them as 'coming from' or being found on Jeju-do, including those with names like quelpartensis, jejuensis, and chejuensis.

Did You Know?

• The island was formed by the eruption of a submarine volcano approximately 2 million years ago.
• The Jeju language is considered critically endangered by UNESCO.
• The island has around 360 oreum: small extinct volcanoes or parasitic cones.
• Gotjawal forest covers about 12% (224 square kilometres) of Jeju Island and is the main source of groundwater for the half million residents.
• In January 2016, a cold wave forced the cancellation of 1,200 flights on Jeju Island, stranding approximately 90,300 passengers.