Last week, I visited a unique if not eerie rock formation by the sea called Jusangjeolli in Gyeongju. Basically, it is a strange looking group of rocks that has formed on some parts of shorelines in Korea. Although a lot of people, including Koreans ourselves, think that this strange group of rocks is only seen in Jeju Island, the biggest island in Korea. However, these formations are not only seen on the island but various other parts of Korea such as Gyeongju and Pohang.

It is actually a geographical formation unique to Korea, just like animals and plants. It is told that they are formed as the lava from volcano hardens as it reaches the sea. Unlike other places in the world such as the Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii where the lava hardens in a very flat shape, the lava was hardened vertically in some cases, and this resulted in the formation of these strange shaped rocks.

Yet the special thing about the rocks that I saw last week was that they were actually leaning while having the same form that could be found in other parts of Korea. Due to this special shape, the rocks are currently in the process of being designated as a protected site by locals. I could see about eight or so different group of rocks each with its own shape. They also had their own names such as the ?Fan?.

I could also see a ritual going on near the rocks, and soon learned that the ritual was for a good year?s catch by the local fishermen. It clearly shows how the rocks paid a role in the local society. I hope that the rocks get designated as protected sites as soon as possible.

Picture Descriptions

1. The normal shapes of Jusangjeolli, which is standing like popsicles.

2. The special Jusangjeolli found at Gyeongju which is leaning sideways.

3. A ritual going on in the distance. It clearly shows the importance of the rocks in the local society

4. A layer of sand seen in the area

5. A signboard explaining the rock formations

6. An overview

the wind was too strong for to take a picture of myself