The traditional salt pond in (구엄리 애월읍) Gueom-ri, Aewol-eup was restored in 2009.
It is the nation’s only natural salt pond created on rocks.
However, it has not been properly maintained and the signs of neglect are beginning to show.
Todd Thacker reports.

[slug] Gueom-ri, Aewol, Jeju-si

This is the coast at (구엄) Gueom Village in Aewol-eup, Jeju City.
Low mud walls divide the surface of the flat volcanic rocks.

[slug] Nation’s only rock salt pond; in use for 400 years

This is a restored salt pond that dates back some 400 years. Sea water was evaporated and crystallized salt collected here since the 16th century.

Tourists visit the site to observe firsthand a natural salt pond. They frame their photos with it as a backdrop.
However, sections of the site are in disarray.

[slug] Mud walls damaged by waves, left neglected

Ocean waves have washed over the mud walls for years. It’s hard to tell where the borders lie.
The rock salt pond was restored in 2009 as a part of a project to create hands-on programs with a focus on fishing villages.
However, the damage to these mud walls spoils the experience.
Visitors are left disappointed.

INTERVIEW
Yi Eui-seong, An Mi-ri / Visitors from Seoul
We took photos further on from where the mud walls are intact. The salt pond there is broken and ugly.
<인터뷰 : 이의성 안미리 / 서울특별시 관악구>
"저기 뒷쪽에 예쁘게 잘 (복원된) 곳에서 찍었어요. (이쪽 염전은) 다 부서져 있어가지고 별로 예쁘지가 않아서 사진 찍고 싶다는 생각이 안 들어요."

[slug] Hands-on programs at rock salt pond inactive since last year

Due to its damaged state, a hands-on salt making program at the site has been inactive since last year.
As to who should fix the facility, the local fishing community and the local government are shifting responsibility to one another.

[slug] Community and government shift responsibility


INTERVIEW
Heo Yong / Visitor from Daegu
It’s ugly and untidy. The authorities should take care of this cultural asset.
<인터뷰 : 허 용 / 대구광역시>
"우리가 봐도 좀 난잡하고 어지러운데. 제주시나 관련 부서에서 세심한 관리가 필요한 것 같네요."

[Reporter] Todd Thacker
[Camera] Jwa Sang-eun

Given the natural beauty and cultural importance of this place, it is crucial that local authorities take charge and restore this unique Jeju site.

Todd Thacker, KCTV