Walking the breath of Jeju: landscapes of old times encountered on the Gamsugul Batdamgil
Every time we set foot on Jeju, we encounter the stories the island has nurtured over a long time. In particular, the stone wall paths crisscrossing green fields as deep as the blue sea are themselves a living history and a work of art of Jeju. Amidst the countless landscapes you’ve passed by, perhaps you are looking for a special path that will awaken some forgotten sensation.
The Gamsugul Batdamgil, which we will introduce today, is exactly such a place. Located in the quiet village of Jungdong, Pyeongdae-ri, this path welcomes visitors with a rugged and honest beauty rather than ostentation. As you walk, feeling the wind and time imbued in each stone, you will experience your complex mind naturally emptying.
Jeju’s Wisdom Whispered by Stone Walls: Hidden Stories of Batdam
Jeju, born from volcanic activity, is an island where stones are ubiquitous. To cultivate the barren land, farmers didn’t just discard the stones cleared from their fields; they meticulously stacked them up, creating the Batdam, which is a symbol of Jeju and the essence of its rural culture. These stone walls are not just simple boundaries, but a legacy imbued with the wisdom and perseverance of the islanders’ lives. Walking the Gamsugul Batdamgil is like walking along the traces of that wisdom.
Why are Batdam impervious to strong typhoons?
- Harmony with Nature: The stones are stacked loosely but interlocked, making them sturdy, and wind passes flexibly through the gaps, preventing them from easily collapsing in typhoons.
- Crop Protection: They serve as a strong shield, protecting delicate crops from fierce winds.
- Prevention of Livestock Intrusion: They also function as fences to prevent livestock from entering and protecting valuable crops.
Gamsugul Umul: An Oasis on the Batdamgil with Sweet-flowing Water
There’s a special story behind the name ‘Gamsugul’ attached to the Gamsugul Batdamgil. There used to be an ever-flowing spring well along this path, and the water was so sweet and good that it was named ‘Gamsu (甘水)’, meaning ‘sweet water’. For farmers toiling under the hot sun, it must have been an invaluable life-sustaining water and a small oasis for a brief rest.
Jeju’s 8 Great Batdamgil, What’s Their Special Meaning?
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Jeju Island designates and manages several Batdamgil to preserve and promote local culture and environment. The Gamsugul Batdamgil is also part of these efforts, serving as an important cultural experience space where you can feel Jeju’s nature and history with all five senses, beyond just a walking path.
- Nanmi Batdamgil: A Batdamgil with unique terrain and history.
- Jinbille Batdamgil: A path where you can enjoy the untouched beauty of nature.
- Mulme Batdamgil: A landscape where Jeju’s waterways and Batdam harmonize.
- Eomeongabang Batdamgil: A charming path imbued with the lives of mothers and fathers.
Create Your Own Gamsugul Batdamgil Journey: Visiting Tips
The Gamsugul Batdamgil, which starts from the Pyeongdae-ri Jungdong Village Hall, can be comfortably walked by anyone due to its relatively gentle slopes and beautiful scenery. However, here are a few tips for a more special and meaningful experience.
- Walk Slowly: Touch each Batdam, listen to the sound of the wind and birds. It’s more important to fully experience Jeju’s time than to walk briskly.
- Nature-Friendly Attire: Since there are many dirt paths, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and prepare a hat or parasol to block the sun.
- Explore Seasonal Charms: In spring, green sprouts emerge; in summer, it’s full of freshness; in autumn, golden fields appear; and in winter, you can feel a quiet charm.
- Record with Photos: The quiet stone wall paths, green fields, and distant sea views are enough to capture your life’s best shots.
Charms of Eastern Jeju, Exploration Courses Around Pyeongdae-ri
Pyeongdae-ri, where the Gamsugul Batdamgil is located, is a gem-like village in eastern Jeju. After a walk along the Batdamgil, how about enjoying the diverse charms of the surroundings? Create more memories in Pyeongdae-ri, where artistic sensibility and natural beauty coexist.
| Recommended Places | Features |
|---|---|
| Sehwa Haebyeon | Emerald-colored sea, fine sandy beach, and numerous charming cafes |
| Bijarim | Healing full of phytoncides while walking through the thousand-year-old nutmeg forest path |
| Dongbaekdongsan | Unique Gotjawal forest designated as a Ramsar wetland, Jeju’s hidden treasure |
| Woljeong-ri Haebyeon | One of Jeju’s representative beautiful beaches, full of photo spots |
How to Get to Gamsugul Batdamgil
The Gamsugul Batdamgil, full of quiet beauty, starts from the Pyeongdae-ri Jungdong Maeulhoegwan. Refer to the map below for a convenient visit.
The Lingering Aftertaste of Walking Jeju’s Time, Memories of Gamsugul Batdamgil
Walking the Gamsugul Batdamgil is more than just taking in the scenery; it’s an experience of the lives and sorrows of Jeju people and a deep communion with nature. Like the rugged yet profound stone walls, memories made here will also firmly remain in your heart for a long time. We hope you will rediscover the peace and comfort you temporarily forgot amidst the exhaustion of daily life, on this path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Where is Gamsugul Batdamgil located?
It is located in Jungdong, Pyeongdae-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do. Starting from the Pyeongdae-ri Jungdong Maeulhoegwan is common.
Q2. Is the Batdamgil an easy path to walk?
Yes, it consists of paths with relatively gentle slopes, so anyone of all ages can comfortably enjoy a walk. However, as it includes dirt paths, comfortable shoes are recommended.
Q3. Can Gamsugul Umul still be seen today?
Yes, as you walk along the Gamsugul Batdamgil, you can find traces of the ‘Gamsugul Umul’. It is an important place to glimpse the living spaces of old Jeju people.
Q4. When is the best time to visit?
It holds different charms throughout all four seasons. You can visit according to the atmosphere you desire, such as the green sprouts of spring, the freshness of summer, the golden hues of autumn, or the quiet charm of winter.
Q5. Are there other attractions around the Batdamgil?
Around Pyeongdae-ri, there are many beautiful natural landscapes such as Sehwa Haebyeon, Bijarim, Dongbaekdongsan, and Woljeong-ri Haebyeon, as well as charming cafes and prop shops, making it great for exploring together.
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