Jeju Island

Can you feel the wind whispering secrets as it sweeps across fields of bright yellow flowers. It tickles your face and carries the salty scent of the sea. All around my edges, powerful waves crash against my shores, which are made of dark, hardened rock. This rock was once fire, flowing from the great sleeping mountain that rests at my very center. I have seen centuries pass, felt the sun and the rain, and held the stories of many people in my heart. I am Jeju Island, South Korea's treasured island.

My life began a very long time ago, around 2 million years in the past, in a burst of fire and steam from the bottom of the ocean. The mountain at my heart, Hallasan, is a volcano. Again and again, it erupted, sending rivers of hot lava flowing into the sea. Each time, the lava cooled and hardened, making me a little bigger, a little taller, until I rose above the waves. These fiery births created amazing features, like the long, dark lava tubes of Manjanggul Cave, a tunnel where molten rock once flowed. Many thousands of years ago, the first people arrived. They built homes and villages, and eventually they formed the Tamna Kingdom. For over a thousand years, they were their own independent nation, with brave sailors who traded with lands far across the sea. It was not until the year 1105 CE that my kingdom officially became a part of the greater Korean land.

As centuries passed, the people who lived here created a culture as unique as my landscape. From my strong volcanic rock, they carved large, friendly-looking statues with round eyes and gentle smiles. These are the Dol Hareubang, or 'stone grandfathers'. They were first made in the 18th century to stand as guardians at the entrances to villages, protecting the people from harm. But my people’s connection to nature is strongest with the sea. Here live the haenyeo, the amazing women of the sea. For hundreds of years, these female divers have shown incredible strength and bravery. Without any breathing tanks, they dive deep into the chilly waters to gather abalone, octopus, and seaweed. This tradition is passed from mother to daughter. The haenyeo are a powerful symbol of community and the deep respect my people have for the ocean that surrounds me.

My long history has not always been happy. There have been times of great hardship, but one memory is especially painful. It was a time of confusion across the world, and here on my shores, a terrible misunderstanding began on April 3rd, 1948. This event brought a deep sorrow that lasted for many years and touched every family. It was a scar on my heart. But from that great sadness, my people learned a powerful lesson about the importance of getting along and living in harmony. This is why today I am known as the 'Island of Peace.' I am a reminder that even after the most difficult times, understanding and kindness can help everyone heal.

Now, my story is shared with the entire world. I felt a great sense of pride when I was named a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site on June 27th, 2007. This meant that people everywhere agreed my volcanic landscapes and lava tubes were a treasure for all of humanity. Then, in 2010, I was named a Global Geopark, celebrating my unique geology. The honors continued when, on November 11th, 2011, people from all over voted for me to become one of the New7Wonders of Nature. Today, I welcome visitors to walk my forest trails, explore my caves, and meet my wonderful people. I hope that everyone who comes here can feel the peaceful spirit that I now share with the world, a spirit born of fire, wind, and a promise to always value peace.