We just heard a bit about Udo, and this week on Jeju: A to Z, Todd Thacker takes a brief look at another one of the islets that dot Jeju’s coastline. Chagwido Island is off the west coast.
Not only is this diminutive island well-known for its beautiful sunset views, it also holds a uniquely deep cultural significance -- both ancient and modern.
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Gosan-ri, Hangyeong-myeon
Chagwido Island is an eagle-shaped combination of four islets located about 2 kilometers off the west coast by Jagunae Harbor.
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Designated Nature Reserve No. 422 in 2000
Its escarpments are covered in long grass, and it boasts 13 species of trees and 62 other flora. Uninhabited, it was designated Nature Reserve No. 422 in the year 2000.
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Subtidal zone rich in marine life
Due to the warm waters of the Kuroshio Current, the island is surrounded by marine life. Chagwido’s subtidal zone holds a rich algal distribution of scientific importance. If you fish, it has three kinds of sea bream which are particularly sought after.
Chagwido’s cultural significance extend from the mythological to the cinematic.
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Mythological site of son mourning Jeju’s creator
First, the myth. Hallasan Mountain has a formation known as the 500 Generals… a jagged outcrop high up at Yeongsil. According one story, Seolmundae Harmang -- the creator of Jeju Island -- lived on the mountain with her 500 sons.
One day she fell into her soup pot, and was inadvertently consumed by all but one of her sons. The lone son blamed his siblings and departed to mourn his mother, eventually turning into what we call Chagwido.
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Director Kim Giyeong filmed here in 1977
In film, it is the main site of the 1977 film titled “I-eoh Island” by acclaimed 1970s director Kim Giyeong. Interestingly, it expressed the director’s deep concern for the environment.
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Todd Thacker
Whether you’re a photography, film, or mythology buff, a trip to view Chagwido Island from the coastline or the sea is sure to be a highlight of your time on Jeju.
Todd Thacker KCTV
