Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is proud of its special gifts.
They are rooted in the special geographical environment of being an island, and its unique folk culture colored by the old Tamna Empire.

With Mt. Halla rising in the middle of the island, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is covered with strangely shaped rocks, swamps, parasitic volcanoes, craters, caves, grasslands, woods and valleys abundant with animals and plants. The lovely scenery enhances the beauty of the surrounding shallow waters. Shoreline features include strangely shaped rocks, waterfalls, and sands. Mountain and sea make Jeju a natural for tourism.

The rich local culture includes historical relics, native industry and folklore - from Samseonghyeol to the Tamna Empire to traditions that continue today. Our Individual spiritual culture is also of interest to tourists.


Samda : Three abundance ( rocks, wind, women )
"Three abundance" is a famous term in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. It implies three things which are abundant in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province. They are Seokda (rocks), Pungda (wind), and Yeoda (women). Thats why they call Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Samdado: the island of three abundance. Seokda is originated from the Mt. Halla volcanic activity of the past. People had to cultivate the land through a long process of clearing away the numerous rocks covering the lands and then form the inlets for irrigation, then construct the walls for protection against wind.  

Seokda, tells of the harsh surroundings of Jeju. Jeju Special Self-Governing Province is located in the path of typhoons, so the islanders had to fight against the sea. The effect of Pungda and Seokda shows in Jeju life styles. Two examples are the thatched roof of Jeju which is tied up with straw rope, and the fields surrounded by stone walls.

Yeoda originated from the fact that most men of Jeju were lost at sea, which made women larger in number. Also, women had to come out to the fields with men due to the Jejus living environment being harsh. Yeoda is a comment on population statistics, but moreover it is a metaphor for women in Jeju working diligently. The famous women-divers who fight against wild waves to catch fish are the very symbol of Jeju.  

Sammu : Three non-existence ( thief, gate, baggar )
Sammu is the term meaning theres no thief, gate or beggar in Jeju. From the old days, Islanders have made "diligence, thrift, interdependence" their virtue in order to pioneer rough and harsh surroundings. So they didnt steal or beg, which led to the condition of having no use for the gate. Also, all the houses were the descendants of Tamna or of scholars who were banished due to their great will to keep their principles. Therefore they all valued their honor highly. They also knew everything about each other, which prohibited them from doing anything bad or dishonorable.  

As you see, they valued independence, self-reliance, and honor. So islanders were leading diligent, thrifty, and interdependent lives. They didnt need gates. They only needed to leave the long log on the entrance of the house to let the others know that the owner is out. This log is "Jeongnang".  


Samryeo : Three beauties, Sambo ( Three treasures )
- nature, folklore, native industries
- crop of special use, marine products, tourism
- generosity, beautiful nature, special industrial structure

This term was given after 1960 when Jeju started to get world attention for its beautiful tour sites. It embodies the attraction of Jeju. Samryeo and Sambo imply the beautiful nature, folklore, and native industries of Jeju, or three resources : edible crops, marine products, and tourism. Or generosity, beautiful nature, and special industrial structure.

The beautiful nature of Jeju is already famous inside and outside the country. Royal azalea blossoms of spring, shady nooks of summer, maples of fall, snow scopes of winter on Mt. Halla and the variance of sea surrounding the island, all attract tourists.

Meanwhile, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province has a very special folklore circle which is quite different from the mainlands. It is because food, clothing, shelter, faith, and customs are unique and peculiar due to its special geographical environment. In addition, being an isolated island, oral traditions such as proverbs, myths, legends, and folk songs are plenty.

The local industries of Jeju are unique and various. Cultivation of tangerines, pineapples, rapes etc., fisheries based on the abundant water resources, and pasturage have all formed the unique industrial structure. It is well known that Jeju has produced many special products such as abalones, tangerines , mushrooms and ponies, Besides these, Jeju is proud of the generosity of its islanders, who pioneered the harsh environment. These virtues of the Tamna spirit have nationalized into the "Saemaeul (New Community) movement". The faith they had between neighbors and the great generosity toward the guest however poor they wese themselves were, are pervious Jeju traditions. We believe hospitality is the very best tourist attraction.