Jindo Island, Hidden Paradise in South Korea

 

Have you ever heard Jindo Island in South Korea? Perhaps the popularity of this island has not been discussed as much as Jeju Island or Nami Island for tourists. But there is nothing wrong if you travel to South Korea later including Jindo Island in your travel list.

About Jindo Island, actually this island is very fertile, hence the people live with various livelihoods, starting from farming, livestock to fishermen. Jindo Island is 1 of 14 provinces in South Korea and connected to the mainland by twin bridges which were the longest and narrowest bridges in the world at the time of construction. Jindo Island is the third largest Island in South Korea and separated from the mainland by Myeongnyang Strait. Along with other small islands, including Modo Island, it forming an area known as Jindo District.

 Jindo Island is located among 230 islands in the southwest of the Korean Peninsula and belongs to South Jeolla Province. This island has fertile soil so it is widely used for agriculture. Meanwhile, the sea around the island is full of fish and wildlife. The trip to Jindo Island from Seoul only takes about 6 hours. Despite being the third largest island in Korea, Jindo Island is almost like a virgin island. The atmosphere is still very quiet. We will not find many crowds on this island except at certain times.

[Jindo Island Location (marked by green circle) / Source: Naver blog (https://bit.ly/38Z74aB)] 

 For ease access to Jindo Island, a twin bridge was built that connects the island to the land. The first bridge was opened on 18 October 1984. Because the first bridge was only 11.7 meters wide, the local government built the second bridge in 2005 with a width of 12.5 meters.

[Jindo Island Twin-Bridge / Source: tripadvisor.co.kr]

Therefore, what makes Jindo Island unique among other islands in Korea? Here are some interesting facts about Jindo Island that you shouldn't miss!

In The Past, Jindo Island Was An Exile Area for Captives

[Jindo Island / Source: arnablog.com, tripandtravelblog.com]

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]

The phenomenon of the split sea on the island of Jindo is also inseparable from the legend of the local community. According to the story, in the past tigers were abundant on Jindo Island, and they started attacking local villages. A woman named Bbyong was accidentally abandoned when her family fled. He prayed daily to Yongwang, the God of the ocean until one night he came to her dream and told him that a rainbow would appear in the sea to cross. When she went out to sea the next day, the road was split and revealed a rainbow road and his family crossed the sea to meet him.

So that, apart from being a celebration of the local event, this festival is also held to commemorate Bbyong whose statue is on Jindo beach. Some people also make an annual pilgrimage to Modo Island and pay homage to their family statue there. Ganggangsuwollae (traditional Korean dance), manga (burial song), ssitkim-gut (ritual for the dead), deul norae (traditional farmer song), Jindo dog show, fireworks and various other events are held. Visitors also dig for shellfish, crab, abalone, seaweed and other seafood which they can cook to order at one of tented restaurants along the beach.

A Stunning View Until Many Parks On Jindo Island

[View from Jindo Beach and Garden in Jindo Park / Source: youarequeerhere.com, dreamstime.com, @Coolmon2009 Twitter (https://bit.ly/3r89dqM)]

One of the nicest corners in Jindo Island is the beach. Many tourists like this beach because it is still quiet and has a beautiful panorama. Summer is the best time to visit this Jindo beach.

Apart from its lush nature, Jindo Island has many parks such as Dadohe National Marine Park, historical relics and ancient sites. The tourists who come to Jindo usually really like the various traditional shows that are held in several places. One of the most popular events for tourists is when the area connecting Jindo Island and Modo Island - which is usually closed - is opened at the same time as the coastal waters recede. This event is usually held during summer or winter. Hundreds of thousands of tourists are confirmed to attend and participate in various local festivals while mingling with local residents.

References:

1. Unbelievable facts
2. IDN Times
3. Suwon Jakarta