Marado
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Mara-do is a tiny treeless island 11 km off the south coast of Jeju, in southernmost South Korea,[1][2] having an area of 0.3 km². It is home to about 90 people, and has long been known for its population being composed of strong women and docile men.[3] It's becoming a popular tourist destination, thanks to the many unusual rock formations, and is connected to the mainland by two regular ferries and numerous excursion boats.
Mara-do is within the administrative boundaries of Daejeong-eup in Namjeju County, and is included, along with Gapa-do, in Gapa-ri, and is South Korea's southernmost point.
Because of its subtropical marine habitat the island is a natural reserve. It was designated as National Monument no. 423 (천연기념물 제423호) on July 18, 2000.
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[edit] Overview
Marado was originally uninhabited. There are no historical records of villages on the island.
However, documents from Jeju county had a comment on Marado. In 1883 the first residents apparently came to live on Marado. One Mr. Kim originally living in Daejeong gol, a small village in Jeju, ran through his all fortune. His relatives proposed to let them move to Marado. Sim Hyun Taek, pastor of Jeju at that time, permitted them to do so, and Marado became inhabited for the first time. After independence, it was administered by Gafa ri, Daejeong eup of Jeju, and registered as an independent township(ri) called Marari.[4]
[edit] Coastline
Marado is an island with an exceptionally rocky coastline; sea caves are found on the island as well.
Due to tidal erosion, the east coast consists of extremely steep cliffs called Gue Jeong by residents. Their altitude extends to 39m and plants such as Korean cacti and ditch deeds are found here.
There are 4 docks on Marado, called Sal-rae duck, Jariduck, Jangsiduck and Sinjak-no, respectively. Fishery resources are largely abundant around whole year, especially in Jariduck.[5]
[edit] Present
There is an elementary school, police station, church and lighthouse on Marado. Forty households are registered here and about 700 tourists a day come to visit. For them, fifty accommodations have been provided.
[edit] Environment
Marado's coastal features and basalt rocks are the best for many fish, ear shells, turban shells and seaweeds.
[edit] Tourist Spots
[edit] Solar-power Plants
There are solar-power plants located on the northern coast of Marado, a scarce sight in South Korea. Combined capacity is about 30kW; the plants provide 27 households with electricity.[6]
[edit] Chocolate Museum
This small museum is one of the main landmarks in Marado, built as it is in a Renaissance-like style.
[edit] Janggun Rock
Janggun Rock means "General's Rock". Traditionally, the island's inhabitants consider this rock as a guardian. It is quite common for shore-dwellers to believe in nature and natural phenomena, and Janggun rock is sacred for Marado's residents.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ Introduction to Administrative Units. Korea Land Portal. Retrieved on 2007-03-18.
- ^ 韩国 (Chinese). Yunnan e-gorvernment (2005-04-26).
- ^ "A Tourist Boat Nudges Women Out of the Driver’s Seat", New York Times, July 17, 2006.
- ^ 제주특별자치도 관광정보 :: 볼거리 > 해수욕장
- ^ 대한민국 최남단 마라도 관광 | 유양해상 관광주식회사〃 Yuyang Marin Resort
- ^ 대한민국 최남단 마라도 관광 | 유양해상 관광주식회사〃 Yuyang Marin Resort
- ^ 대한민국 최남단 마라도 관광 | 유양해상 관광주식회사〃 Yuyang Marin Resort
[edit] See also
- Islands of South Korea
- List of Korea-related topics
- Birds of Marado Island
