On this week’s Jeju: A to Z, we go in-depth about a type of stone statue which you can find nearly everywhere on the island ? the Dolhareubang (돌하르방), or stone grandfathers. As Todd Thacker now explains, these cultural icons have remarkable historical and modern significance.

When you first arrive on Jeju Island, almost immediately you’ll notice that you are being greeted by smiling and stern faces. But these aren’t human faces we’re talking about, they’re actually made of stone.

[Slug CG] Commonly placed at building entrances, roads, bridges

Pairs of Jeju’s venerable stone grandfathers, or dolhareubang maintain a constant, protective watch over the entire island. They have a stubby nose, a conical hat, and arms wrapped around their ample bellies.

They are placed on either side of building entrances, roads, and bridges. Their shapes and sizes range from under a meter in height to 1.8 meters tall, and are always cut from Jeju’s black basalt volcanic rock.

[Slug CG] In 1754, governor ordered statues be set around the island

It was a Jeju governor by the name of Kim Mong-gyu (김몽규) who in 1754 ordered that stone grandfathers be carved and distributed around the island.

[Slug CG] Protect communities, individuals against misfortune

They have long been believed to serve as guardians for the welfare and prosperity of the island’s individuals and communities. They also served as boundary markers and entry control signposts. A third function was shamanistic in nature.

[Slug CG] Recognized as a special symbol of Jeju

Now, these volcanic stone statues have become a well-recognized symbol of Jeju, its people, and culture. They have also been incorporated into the branding of Jeju agricultural and tourist products and services.

[Slug CG] Geumneung Stone Park, Hallim-eup
Jeju Stone Park, Jocheon-eup

If you would like to see a wide range of styles and eras of carved dolhareubang, then look no further than Geumneung Stone Park in the west of the island, and Jeju Stone Park in the east.

[Slug CG] Todd Thacker

Many hundreds of examples of these splendid symbols stand here protected ? and protecting ? Jeju Island.


Todd Thacker KCTV