Haegeum-gang, the mysterious island in the middle of the ocean
Chosun.com Media Report Team
Late Chinese emperor Qin Shi Huang of 221 B.C. was the first emperor to unite China. He ordered his subjects to find a medicinal herb that can make him immortal. Three thousand servants boarded on 60 ships for this voyage, and they first arrived in what is now known as Haegeum-gang in the South Sea.
The subjects were confident that the island would have that one-and-only plant because the cliffs and rocks of Haegeum-gang seemed full of mystique. Millenniums later, the island has become one of the most popular tourists attractions of Korea.
<Photo 1 - Haegeum-gang, the South Sea's beautiful rock island>
Let's first learn how Haegeum-gang earned its name. Islands in Korea are usually called, "do," but Haegeum-gang seemed too valuable to be called such an mediocre name. So the island was named after Korea's most beautiful mountain, Mt. Geumgang. Haegeum-gang means "Mt. Geumgang in the middle of the ocean."
Tourists usually ride a cruise ship to visit Haegeum-gang. Not only can you look around Haegeum-gang this way, but also take an up-close look at the numerous rock-islands. There are six docks in total where you can get on board.
<Photo 2 - See Haegeum-gang up close on a cruise ship.>
It only takes about five minutes for the cruise ship to reach Haegeum-gang, where you are greeted by rocks of various shapes: a lion, candle and skeleton. The captain provides lively stories as you pass by, so keep your ears opened!
Haegeum-gang might have looked like a single rock island, but in fact, it's two islands lying side-by-side.
<Photo 3 - The cruise ship passes through Haegeum-gang rocks.>
The cruise ship provides tourists with exotic scenes, even sometimes passing through rugged cliffs in the middle of the ocean. The 116m-high rocks are nearly vertical, which feature adds a dose of dizziness to your adventure.
After passing through islands, the cruise ship lastly heads to the "cross cave," known as the highlight of the ride. The ship is steered through a rock, then halts in between. When you look up from the ship, you will see the sky cross-shaped. The mystique vibe gets you overwhelmed throughout the entire day.
<Photo 4 - At Ujaebong Observatory, enjoy a clear view of Haegeum-gang without having to ride a boat.>
At Ujaebong Observatory, you don't have to ride a cruise ship to capture a scene of Haegeum-gang. The venue is well-known to vividly show the stunning island.
The South Sea is spread like a panorama up at Ujaebong Observatory. On the left side, Haegeum-gang lies full of grandeur; on the right, islands of all sizes are scattered in the sea. There's even a photo zone to take a souvenir photo.
Visitors must walk 1 km to reach the observatory. Nowadays during winter time, the path is filled with black pines and velvet camellias.
※ Relevant information
▶ Haegeum-gang
Address: Gyeongsangnam-do Geoje-si Nambu-myeon Galgot-ri
Phone: 055-639-3399
▶ Ujaebong Peak
Address: Gyeongsangnam-do Geoje-si Nambu-myeon Galgot-ri 85-1
▶ Geoje cultural tour information
Phone: 055-639-3000
Homepage: http://tour.geoje.go.kr
English homepage: http://english.geoje.go.kr
Gyeongsangnam-do official Facebook(English ver.)
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