This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at a famous pond in Aewol-eup that is home to a plethora of lotus flowers. In this 12,000 square meter reservoir, these aquatic perennials grow in both abundance and beauty.



[Report]

One thing to keep in mind when visiting Jeju Island is just how its volcanic origins influence all sorts of aspects of life here.
The black basalt rock, for instance, is quite porous, and so there is very little by way of free standing water like lakes or rivers. Instead, the rain just percolates through to the underground aquifer, to become pure mineral water.

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Yeonhwamot, Haga-ri, Aewol-eup

And so when the rainy season hits in the summer, and especially in August, there are a just a select few areas on the island where aquatic perennials like the lotus flower thrive.

One such place is Yeonhwamot (연화못) Lotus Pond at Haga-ri in Aewol-eup, Jeju City. It’s a beautiful 12,000 square meter pond boasting white and light pink lotus flowers that have massive blossoms and even larger, pillowy leaves.

From the wooden deck positioned over part of the pond, it’s possible to sit among these delicate flowers and simply take in their peaceful state of being. The quiet rural area of Haga-ri is certainly a great place to do this.

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Todd Thacker

Scientists have found that the lotus plant, in certain optimal conditions, can live to be a thousand years, even after a prolonged absence of water and light. These characteristics and its longevity might be something we can all contemplate and admire!

Todd Thacker, KCTV