Koje-do Things to Do

In 1969, Lee, Chang Ho and his wife moved onto the island and began raising pigs. The pigs didn't do well. They elected to not raise elephants because they already had problems disposing of the swine manure. They decided to raise something less messy and so the little island of 0ido was transformed into a flower garden. There are flowers and trees from all over the world, very nicely divided into types. I was only able to save a few photos this time because when I switched memory cards, something died. The day's shooting was lost except for a few photos.

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During the conflict there were nearly 400,000 South Korean soldiers killed and another 100,000 captured by the north. There were 700,000 North Korean soldiers killed and 50,000 captured. Most of the North Korean soldiers captured were interned on Goje Island west and south of Masan. During that period there were no roads, bridges, or ferries to the Island, so escape was nearly impossible. Because the Southern attitude towards the northern soldiers was that of a brother who had simply been led astray. Treatment was strict, but humane. Many Koreans, including my wife, had relatives in the north and one older cousin who was visiting there was drafted into the North's army, captured and spent more than two years as a prisoner. There are still many thousands of people who remember the war and the pain it brought, be respectful of this monument and the feelings of people who visit. There will not be much parking and the lines are long. The camp has been restored, sidewalks added for convenience, and exhibitions of the different weaponry used can be found. The kalbi restaurant just across the street is well worth the price. They used a special kochu (pepper paste) with the essence of pineapple grown on the island to lend the barbeque a pleasing taste.

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While I am not a gifted ornithologist, I do appreciate birds.

The marine parks, coastal waters and moderate temperatures of Geoje make it an idea place for many birds. If you walk along the coast lines or take any of the ferries into the water, keep you eyes open to the skies and the rocks for their nests.

Geoje has a large industrial economy tied to the shipyards. However, a large population of the island still make their living through agriculture and fishing.

The little towns that dot the coast line have some wonderful fish markets worth a visit.

Many of the stalls sell sun-dried fish of various types and dried squid. Honestly speaking, the squid is quite a nice snack just to eat as you go

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The 3.5km section from Yeocha Pebble Beach in Nambu-myeon to Myeongsa Beach is the best. The view of Dadaedo(island) shrouded in sea mist and the views of sunrise and sunset enchant and charm the visitors. Natural beauties are well preserved along the road and many people frequent this road. Famous for their clean water and natural beauty, Yeocha Pebble Beach and Myeongsa Beach are favored summer vacation spots.

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A P.O.W. camp was completed on a site of about 10 million m2 around Gohyeon, Suwol, and Yangjeong areas on November 27, 1950. Up to 173,000 prisoners of war including 150,000 North Korean soldiers, 20,000 Chinese soldiers, and 3,000 women soldiers and militias were encamped. With the signing of truce on July 27, 1953, the camp was closed. A park was constructed to recreate the everyday life of prisoners of war based on the material and record of the time. The diorama hall that vividly portrays the camp at the time is a must see.

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Haegeumgang consisting of two islands belongs to Hallyeo National Marine Park. It was designated as Scenic Beauty No. 2 in 1971. It is also called Galdo because its shape resembles arrowroots. But the name Haegeumgang is used more often. It is 116m high above sea level and about 0.1¢¢ç¢¢ç¢¯¢¥ wide. An inscription of Seobulgwacha, which means Seo Bul visited here to search eternal youth herbs for Emperor Shi of Chin Dynasty of China, is left in the island. As this island has abundant herbs, it is also called Yakchoseom meaning herb island.
The best scenic beauties include Sipjadonggul(cross shaped cave), which reveals itself during the low tide, Sajabawi(lion shaped rock), and Ilwonbong for its fantastic sceneries of sunrise and moonrise.

There are many mountains at the Kojo-Do island. From some you have a great view onto the surroundings.

Many locals use to excercise in the morning by just running up a mountain.

Most visitors leaves ribbons or other personal items at the top of the mountain. Piles of stones is another form of "Killroy was here".