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5 Perfect Traditional Gifts and Souvenirs

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Jeju natives are proud of their culture and heritage, and you can see that in the art and foods that they produce. You can find beautiful and earthy cultural artifacts that have stood the test of time.

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    Gifting the culture and traditions of Jeju Island5 perfect traditional gifts and souvenirs

    Jeju natives are proud of their culture and heritage, and you can see that in the art and foods that they produce. You can find beautiful and earthy cultural artifacts that have stood the test of time. Some traditional items you can take back with you include the Jeju onggi (earthenware pottery), traditional snacks, rice cakes and rice wine. Whatever your preferences are, you are sure to find something to gift to friends and loved ones back home. And don’t forget to get something for yourself!

    1. Jeju Onggi (제주 옹기)

    Onggi is Korean earthenware that is used mostly as tableware and storage containers. Although the origin of the onggi is generally believed to be between 4000 and 5000 BCE, the oldest piece of earthenware was actually found in Jeju, and dates back to circa 10,000 BCE. Onggi is made from clay that is dug out from deep within the ground, then filtered and purified. It is then shaped and dried naturally, or hardened using a fire oven. Jeju onggi uses the rich Jeju clay that is dug up from the earth, and it is unique from any other onggi found on the mainland in Korea, in that the clay used for Jeju onggi is rich with volcanic ash. This causes Jeju onggi to have a glossy texture without being glazed.

    Where to find it:

    Jeju Doye-chon (제주 도예촌)
    Jeju Doye-chon is a remote and beautiful place where Jeju Onggi, or pottery, is created and sold. The owner of Doye-chon has made it his life’s work to research and create the highest quality of Jeju pottery possible and has dedicated his life to his art for over 40 years. He also gives informational sessions on the history of onggi and the process of its creation. However, there are no services in English. There are various types of beautiful earthenware pieces that are available for sale here. The prices start from around 10,000 won, and quickly increase to the hundred thousand won range. The onggi may be expensive, but they are all one-of-a-kind pieces that you cannot purchase with the click of a button, or even a phone call. Jeju onggi is truly a special gift for yourself or any of your loved ones.
    Address: Ambansumanong-ro 441 bungil 3, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju
    Phone: 011-698-9390

    2. Jeju Gamgyul Gwajul: “Tangerine Honey Cookies” 제주 감귤과즐 (전통한과)

    Jeju is widely known for its many delicious varieties of citrus fruits, and 85% of Jeju farmers grow some sort of citrus fruit. Amongst them, Jeju’s gamgyul, or tangerine, is of the most well-known and popular. Jeju’s culinary artists have continued to create many types of delicious foods, drinks, snacks and desserts using gamgyul. One such snack is the Gamgyul Gwajul, or translated as “tangerine honey cookie”. Gwajul is a type of deep-fried wheat-based snack that was traditionally used in ancestral rites and large festivities, but today, it has become one of the nation’s most beloved everyday snack. Gamgyul Gwajul is a flat piece of deep-fried gamgyul cookie, dipped in grain syrup and then covered in rice puffs. It is just slight sweet and crunchy, and makes a perfect snack.

    Where to find it:

    You can find Gamgyul Gwajul at most large supermarkets, as well as the traditional markets around the island.
    Some traditional markets you can try are:

    Jeju Traditional 5-day Market
    Jeju’s Traditional 5-day Market is only open about every 5 days, on days that have dates ending in the number 2 or number 7.
    Location: 26 Oiljangseo-gil, Jejusi, Jeju
    Open Days: Only open on days ending in 2 or 7 (for example, the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, etc.)
    Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    Parking: Free
    Website: market.jeju.kr/index.php (available in Korean only)

    Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market
    Unlike the Traditional 5-day markets, Jeju Dongmun Market is open every day.
    Location: 20, Gwandeok-ro, 14gil, Jejusi, Jeju
    Phone: 064-752-3001
    Hours: Varies by store / Closed on Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok (Harvest Day)
    Parking: Free
    Amenities: Restrooms, storage lockers, credit card accessibility, baby stroller rental

    Pyoseon Market
    Location: Pyoseon-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo
    Open on days ending in 2 or 7

    Seogwipo Hyangto 5-day Market
    Location: 150, Topyeongseo-ro 11beongil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju
    Phone: 064-763-0965
    Open Days: Only open on days ending in 4 or 9 (4, 9, 14, 19, 24, 29)

    Jeju Seomun Traditional Market
    Location: 135-9 Yongdam 1-dong, Jejusi, Jeju
    Phone: 064-758-8387
    Hours: 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. every day, varies by store

    Hallim Market
    Location: Daerim-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju
    Open on days that end in 4 or 9

    3. Omegi Tteok (오메기 떡)

    Omegi Tteok is a specialty rice cake that is unique to the island of Jeju. It is a favorite amongst locals, and has also become a go-to item for tourists to purchase as gifts. Omegi Tteok are round balls of glutinous millet dough that has been boiled then covered in bean powder or mashed red bean. Other ingredients are sometimes added for additional color and flavor. It has a wonderfully chewy texture and a gentle sweet flavor.

    Where to find it:

    You can find Omegi Tteok at most major supermarkets, tourist shops and traditional markets around the island.
    Some traditional markets you can try are:

    Jeju Traditional 5-day Market
    Jeju’s Traditional 5-day Market is only open about every 5 days, on days that have dates ending in the number 2 or number 7.
    Location: 26 Oiljangseo-gil, Jejusi, Jeju
    Open Days: Only open on days ending in 2 or 7 (for example, the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, etc.)
    Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    Parking: Free
    Website: market.jeju.kr/index.php (available in Korean only)

    Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market
    Unlike the Traditional 5-day markets, Jeju Dongmun Market is open every day.
    Location: 20, Gwandeok-ro, 14gil, Jejusi, Jeju
    Phone: 064-752-3001
    Hours: Varies by store / Closed on Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day), Chuseok (Harvest Day)
    Parking: Free
    Amenities: Restrooms, storage lockers, credit card accessibility, baby stroller rental

    4. Traditional Jeju Rice Wine, Makgeolli (전통막걸리)

    Makgeolli is a Korean rice wine that is very slightly sweet in flavor, and milky white in color. It is traditionally made from rice, and sometimes is flavored with other ingredients. Some types of makgeolli that are favorites on the island are the hallabong makgeolli (a citrus fruit), and the Udo peanut makgeolli, which uses the famous peanuts from Jeju’s Udo Island.

    Where to find it:

    You can find traditional Jeju makgeolli at most major supermarkets, tourist shops and traditional markets around the island.
    Some traditional markets you can try are:

    Seogwipo’s Olle Market
    Seogwipo’s daily Olle Market is the largest traditional market in Seogwipo. Located at 22 Jungjeong-ro, 73 Bungil, Seogwipo, Jeju, the Olle Market is open year round, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Credit cards are accepted and pets are allowed. Restrooms are located on the premises. For further information, dial 82-64-762-2925.

    Jeju Traditional 5-day Market
    Jeju’s Traditional 5-day Market is only open about every 5 days, on days that have dates ending in the number 2 or number 7.
    Location: 26 Oiljangseo-gil, Jejusi, Jeju
    Open Days: Only open on days ending in 2 or 7 (for example, the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, etc.)
    Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    Parking: Free
    Website: market.jeju.kr/index.php (available in Korean only)

    5. Dol Hareubang (돌하르방)

    The dol hareubang, or translated as “stone grandfather”, has become a common symbol of Jeju Island, as the grandfatherly statue is only found on Jeju Island. Originally carved out of basalt, or volcanic rock, the statue is in the form of a grandfather holding his stomach with both hands, usually one on top of the other. Also wearing a hat, the dol hareubang has become synonymous with Jeju Island. Dol hareubang statues and figurines are usually a dark gray color, but you can sometimes find them in a dark shade of reddish brown or marroon. These have been made with a different type of igneous rock called scoria, and they also make a unique collector’s item. You can find mini dol hareubang figurines, as well as chocolates, keychains and other items in the form of this figure at most major supermarkets, tourist shops and traditional markets around Jeju Island.

    Where to find it:

    Seogwipo’s Olle Market
    Seogwipo’s daily Olle Market is the largest traditional market in Seogwipo. Located at 22 Jungjeong-ro, 73 Bungil, Seogwipo, Jeju, the Olle Market is open year round, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Credit cards are accepted and pets are allowed. Restrooms are located on the premises. For further information, dial 82-64-762-2925.

    Jeju Traditional 5-day Market
    Jeju’s Traditional 5-day Market is only open about every 5 days, on days that have dates ending in the number 2 or number 7.
    Location: 26 Oiljangseo-gil, Jejusi, Jeju
    Open Days: Only open on days ending in 2 or 7 (for example, the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, etc.)
    Hours: 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. / Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
    Parking: Free
    Website: market.jeju.kr/index.php (available in Korean only)

Notice
※ The above information was written on 2017-10-12. Please confirm the information prior to your trip.
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