Jeju Stone Park

I might have overlooked Jeju Stone Park if it hadn’t been situated next to a main highway because it seemed like a tourist hub. On the day I entered, not even one of the seven areas designated for parking was full. And the park that I thought might not be interesting kept me intrigued at every turn.

Phallic rocks, Jeju Stone Park

Jeju Stone Museum was only for the zealous volcano enthusiasts because it contained a multitude of different types of volcanic rocks and basement displays on volcanic activity. Likewise, the Obaek Jang-goon Gallery had artistic examples of petrified rocks and tree roots.

Children’s tombstones, Jeju Stone Park

I could have omitted these buildings because they held nothing like what lay in the open around the park. Phallic symbols were worshipped by childless families who believed they held reproductive power. Next was a tomb of Ahn Yon Shik. The statue standing with a hat was a teacher and the kneeling statues, children to ensure that everyone understood the tomb contained a teacher.

Jeju earthenware pottery, Jeju Stone Park

Jeju earthernware pottery stood upturned in rows. The pots were unglazed and the larger pots used for making rice wine. Unfortunately, due to lack of demand, this difficult craft had become a dying tradition. And this wasn’t all that the park contained, as my next post will expose.