Jindo > Holidays

Jindo is an island off the southwest coast of Korea. With a total area of 374.98㎢, it is the third largest island in Korea. In 1984, it was connected to the mainland with the Jindo Bridge.

Jindo is known for its rich folk culture. It is home to the Unrimsanbang studio where the Southern school of Korean traditional painting originated. Unrimsanbang was the home and studio of master painter Heo Ryeon(1809-1892) from 1856 till his death in late Joseon. His mentor and legendary calligrapher Kim Jeong-hui (1786-1856) touted him as his most talented pupil. His legacy in landscape painting is still alive on Jindo. At Unrimsanbang, his descendants have been carrying on his painting legacy for five generations. Besides painting, Jindo’s folk songs are also popular. Many folk songs, including Jindo Arirang, have been passed down, showing the Jindo people’s musical talent.

In addition, Jindo’s beautiful natural scenery demands a visit. Jindo presents a spectacular phenomenon of sea parting, known as “Korea’s Moses Miracle.” Around February and March in the lunar calendar, a 2.8㎞-long sandbar appears in the middle of the ocean between Hoedong-ri in Gogun-myeon and Modo-ri in Uisin-myeon. Many people from Korea and abroad visit Jindo to experience this mysterious natural phenomenon and the coinciding Jindo Sea-Parting Festival. Also, the Sebang Nakjo Observatory on Jindo offers one of the most beautiful sunsets of Korea’s southern coast and a panoramic view of the Dadohae archipelago.