#131 Memories of Jeju-do

[스티븐스 대사]

In early September, I welcomed Jeju-do Governor Woo Keun-min to Habib House.  He wanted to present me an honorary Jeju-do citizenship before I leave Korea.  I treasure my association with Jeju-do, and I am pleased to be an honorary citizen!

Jeju Governor Woo Keun-min presented me with an honorary Jeju citizenship!

I first visited Jeju-do back in the 1970s when I was in the Peace Corps.  I liked it so much that before I left Korea for good in 1977, I went back to Jeju-do for ten days of reflection and relaxation before returning to the United States, where I was headed for Washington and what I hoped would be the start of my diplomatic career.

So thirty-four years ago to the month, in September 1977, I travelled to Jeju-do and took a bus and then walked to a farmhouse near Seogwipo; I guess it was a “minbak” before people called them that.  I rented a room there for about 10 days, and enjoyed the meals prepared by the woman of the house every day.  In the mornings I walked down through the ripening rice fields to the deserted beaches; there were no big hotels on that side of the island then and few tourists after the summer season.  I also hiked to the summit of Halla-san, an all-day journey.  I showed the Governor a photo I took back then and we both reminisced about how things were, and talked about how Jeju-do has developed and diversified its economy while maintaining its special character and scenic beauty through the decades .   

This was the view I enjoyed walking to the beach from the farmhouse I stayed in near Seogwipo, Jeju Island, in September 1977.

I’ve written in this blog (http://cafe.daum.net/usembassy/I2bb/123) about some of my more recent trips to Jeju-do during the past three years.  I appreciate the warm hospitality I have received from Jeju citizens over many years, and I am grateful to be an honorary citizen!  I look forward to returning.