Hwaseong Guest House : UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Hwaseong Fortress(Suwon City Gyeong Gi- Province Republic of Korea)

Parting Sea, Sunset Lure Visitors to Jebu Island

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Surrounded by sea, Korea has many small and large islands. Among them, Jebudo (Jebu Island), located far off the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, is the most famous and touristy.

But other small islands hold their own charm as well. And for those who don't like the hustle and bustle of touristy places, Jebudo is highly recommended.

Jebudo is a tiny island on the west coast whose entire -- 0.98 square kilometers -- area can be covered in less than 10 minutes by car.

But don't let the size mislead you. There are many things so special about the island.

One of the island's most fascinating features would have to be the sea between the mainland and the island, which opens up twice a day everyday like the famous parting of the Red Sea by Moses in the Bible. When the parting occurs, an expansive 500-meter wide mudflat reveals itself (Times vary). And tourists and fisherman inundate the tidal flat for pleasure and profit, respectively. Today a paved road connects the island and the mainland.

Visitors can dig up clams and start mud fights or just walk on the muddy plains. But be aware! Walking on the mudflat in bare feet is dangerous as sharp sea shells are embedded in the slit. You can purchase long plastic boots for 1,000 won or about one dollar.

If the mud is too much, you can simply walk along the beach. There are also many restaurants along the beach where clams can be enjoyed at semi-outdoor restaurants where plastic sheets are the only thing acting as a roof. You can also eat bajirak or short-necked clams with noodles.

The beach is very different from the ones found on the East Coast. Especially early in the morning or on cloudy days, the beach at high tide has a foggy aura that makes onlookers gasp.

Also, the sunset is definitely not to be missed. When the sun sinks below the horizon and dust deepens, you would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful sunset scene on the peninsula.

Another attraction is maebawi, a cluster of three rock formations looking like a falcon. Hawks rest there.

Since Jebudo is getting more popular, new accommodations have begun to pop up. Places fill up on the weekends, so call ahead to reserve a room.

Now popular with local and international visitors, Jebudo offers something for everyone. Whether you enjoy strolling along the seashore, clam digging, fishing, or bathing in reputedly medicinal mud, a visit to the area is a perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of modern life while reconnecting with nature.

How to get

Location : Jebu-li, Seoshin-myeon, Hwaseong-si
Inquiry : +82-31-357-2505, 5064
Parting of the sea (time) : refer to jebumose.invil.org
Transportation :
(Public) From Suwon Station, take No. 999 (arrives in 10-min. intervals), No. 400-1 (10-min. interval) or from Geumjeong Station, take No. 330 (15-min. interval)-Seoshin (last stop)-town bus or taxi to Jebudo.
(Driving) Seoul-West Coast Highway-Bibong IC-Namyang (National Highway No. 306)-Mado-Songsan, Sagang (Road No. 309)-Jebudo.