This week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker highlights two of the island’s mid-mountain areas that have pampas grass habitats ? an iconic image of autumn. In this case, Sangumburi (산굼부리) to the east and the St. Isidore Ranch to the west.
[Slug CG] St. Isidore Ranch, Geumak-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju City

St. Isidore Ranch, in the mid-mountain range of Geumak Village, Hallim-eup, is a working farm with peaceful, pastoral scenery and an interesting backstory.

At this time of year, visitors take in the sweeping vistas and pose with the pampas grass which grows wild here, swaying in the cool autumn wind. It’s a beautiful backdrop for all sorts of photo ops.

[Slug CG] First established by a Catholic priest in the 1950s

This was Jeju Island’s first such livestock ranch. It was established in the mid-1950s by an Irish Catholic priest who dedicated his life to helping local residents help themselves. They raised pigs, sheep, and cattle to provide food and income during the difficult mid- to late- 20th century.

Thankfully, we can all now benefit from its success. If you have the chance to visit, be sure to try the Isidore organic ice cream, too.

[Slug CG] Sangumburi Crater, Bijarim-ro, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City

On the other side of the island at Gujwa-eup is a remarkably symmetrical volcanic crater called Sangumburi.

All around it are sweeping, light-brown fields of pampas grass, which grow several meters tall.

[Slug CG] Pampas grass at Sangumburi appears in Jeju-related films, TV, art

Images of this grass appear in all sorts of artistic works related to Jeju, from films, TV dramas, and paintings by famous artists like Jeju-born painter Byun Shi-ji and nature photographer Kim Young-gap.

[Slug CG] Breathtaking vistas from crater rim

From atop Sangumburi on a clear day, you can enjoy views of the ocean to the north, Seongsan Sunrise Peak to the east, and of course the breathtaking profile of Hallasan Mountain to the west ? all framed with pampas grass.

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

So, while these two spots are by no means the only places to appreciate Jeju Island’s golden pampas panoramas, they are most certainly highlights. We hope you have the opportunity to capture your own iconic images of Korea’s autumn season.

Todd Thacker KCTV