Jeju Seoul Tourist Hotel

Jeju Do Tolharubang or Stone Grandfather Guardians

by Hmmmm

Jeju Island; a place of myths and legends, is an island, so rich in the beauty of natural scenery and exotic in culture, that it keeps attracting tourists both from home and abroad. Among the things representing traditional culture in the island is the "Tolharubang" or Stone Grandfather Guardian; stone images of man with a humourous smile on his face.

The Tolharubang or Stone Grandfather, which has become a symbol of the island, stands at the entrance of a traditional village or a house, serving as the guardian deity driving away evil spirits. Tolharubang looks a little different from one another, but all of them appear majestic, with their portionately big eyes bulging out, their lips neatly closed, a cap on, and their hands resting on their stomachs.

It is unknown when the stone images began to be made. Sadly, today they are regarded by most visitors as a curiosity, but in days days gone by they were regarded a powerful fertility god.

One little bit of superstition for you. If you rub the nose of a tolharubang, you will have a son. Perhaps is why Jeju is famous for honeymooners, thet all want to rub the head of these dwarflike stony phaluses...

OMG did I say that... :oP

Jeju-do island - "little Hawaii" in Korea

by sunnywong

The island is Korea's most popular tourist resort as well as its most favored honeymoon destination. Known as "little Hawaii" for its volcanic landscape, picturesque subtropical scenery, sandy beaches, waterfalls and hiking trails, it is one of the world's top 10 tourist attractions.

Its principal mountain is the 1,950-meter-high Mt. Hallasan, an extinct volcano with a large crater. Lava flows from this volcano, last active in 1007, have resulted in many tunnels, pillars and other unusual features formed of the quick-cooled basalt. Tourist sites include the Jeju Folkcraft and Natural History Museum, Jungmun Resort, Cheonjiyeon Falls and Jeju Fantasy Gardens, with several representative gardens from around the world.

Further Links:
Korea National Tourism Orgzniation Official Website