Jindo Island, Hidden Paradise in South Korea

In the past, Jindo Island had many names and served as a refuge for rebel forces during the Mongol invasion. Jindo Island was turned into a political exile because it was far from the center of power. Therefore, this island became the center of the rebellion over the government on Korean Peninsula. Its abundant natural wealth has sometimes distracted attention from the island's function as a political exile.

Since Goryeo Dynasty, Jindo Island was used as an exile for people who are usually called rebels. One of the rebels who was exiled to this island was Yi Ja-Gyeom because of his father's rebellion against King Injong reign. Its function as a place of exile also still valid to Joseon Dynasty.

A Dog-Friendly Island

[Jindo Dog / Sources: koreaherald.com, koreabizwire.com]

Another uniqueness of Jindo Island is the Jindo dog. Jindo Dog is the most loved dog in Korea. The animal has even been designated as a national treasure since 1936 and was protected during the war. That's why the government and local residents are really trying to maintain the purity of the Jindo dog breed. For example, everytime a non-Jindo dog comes to this island they must be sterile from disease. There are many reasons why Jindo dog is an idol among dog lovers. First, this dog is known to be very loyal to its owner. Second, the Jindo dog is a very reliable bloodhound. On this island, the Jindo Dog Researches and Testing Center was also built to maintain the purity and preservation of Jindo Dog.

Jindo Sea-Parting Festival

[Jindo Sea-Parting Festival / Source: klook.com, trazy.com, bandtadventures.wordpress.com, Pinterest (https://bit.ly/3lvhrYE)]

The Jindo Sea-Parting Festival is commonly known as the Moses Miracle. It is a natural phenomenon when the seawater between Jindo Island and Modo Island is split into two, leaving a 2.8 KM long stretch of 40 M with a width. This event is similar to the story of Prophet Musa found in the Scripture. This split sea phenomenon became famous worldwide when in 1975, Pierre Landy, the former French ambassador to South Korea, called it the "Korean version of Moses Miracle" in a French newspaper when comparing it to the parting of the Red Sea in the Bible.

Uniquely, this sandy path only occurred in one hour for four consecutive days. So that many people do not want to miss witnessing this rare event and flocking along this magical sandy trajectory. After the tide returns, there are usually performances of traditional dances and music, fireworks, and laser shows which provide entertainment for visitors. The festival is called Sindo Sea Lane.

The legend of The Bbyong and Tiger on Jindo Island

[The Bbyong and Tiger Statue in Jindo Island / Source: unbelievable-facts.com]