Cheju Province
(2000 pop. 543,000). Cheju Island is the largest island in and a province of South Korea, located about 140 kilometers south of Mokp'o in the East China Sea (Namhae, or South Sea, in Korean). The product of Mount Halla, the tallest mountain in South Korea at 1,950 meters, the rugged island is composed of unique volcanic rock formations and maintains a subtropical climate. Originally known as the isolated island kingdom of T'amna, it first came under the control of the Koryo kingdom (918–1392) in 938 and was later conquered by the Mongols and used to raise cattle and horses during the fourteenth century. The island was governed as part of Cholla province from the thirteenth to the twentieth centuries. In 1925, it fell under Japanese colonial rule. Finally, after the withdrawal of Japanese forces from Korea, it was declared a province in 1946.
The people of Cheju have developed a distinct dialect and lifestyle, focused on two major cities: Cheju on the north side of the island and Sogwip'o on the south. Agriculture, fishing, and tourism are the main industries. Besides ancient guardians made from volcanic rocks called "stone grandfathers" (tol harubang), Cheju is famous for its subtropical fruits, such as tangerines, pineapples, and bananas. Successful demonstrations by the islanders have kept modern industrial factories from being built, which has contributed to the preservation of many beautiful beaches.
Further Reading
Austin, Audrey. (1989) "Cheju-do: Korea's Island of Rocks, Wind, and Women." Korean Culture 10, 4 (Winter): 34–40.
Marcou, David. (1996) "Korea's Island Paradise: The Sites and Culture of Cheju Island." Korean Culture 17, 2 (Summer): 30–36.
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