Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be lost in a maze? Mazes have always seemed to be the stuff of minotaur myths. They were something I’d only seen on TV in period dramas and movies like Harry Potter or The Shining. Finally, on Jeju Island, here was my chance to see one.
Sometimes, Jeju can feel a bit random with the variety of theme parks they have. What’s great about this is that the ideas are well-executed and steeped with a kind of off-the-wall self-humor.
Coming from the Manjanggul Caves, about a 15 minute walk, was the Gimnyeong Maze Park. The maze wasn’t of epic proportion nor was it as difficult as I thought, though it’s imaginable that people can get lost in there for some time before they call out or phone their friends for help. There are observation decks which overlook the serpentine maze and a victory bell, which you can ring when you finally make it out.
Tourist phone a friend to direct him out of the maze.
For further information on Frederic Dustin, the Man behind the Maze, who funded this project, The Marmot’s Hole has an interesting story here.
Getting There:
Information below is taken from the KTO website:
From Jeju International Airport take bus No. 100 and get off at the Intercity Bus Terminal (제주시외버스터미널). Then take a bus for Manjanggul Cave (만장굴행) and get off at the parking lot by the cave entrance (만장굴 입구). The trip will normally take 50 minutes.
From Jeju International Airport take bus No. 38 and get off at hamdeok-ri (함덕리). Take a bus for the East Coast (Dongilju 동일주) or catch the Eup-myeon Circulation Bus (읍면순환 버스) and get off at the parking lot in front of the Manjanggul Cave (만장굴입구). Walk along the old road leading to the cave for 15minutes.
Admission:
3,300W adults
Hours:
8:30AM- 7:50 PM
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No way would I go through that. I would be too stressed out!
@Papa: Yes Dad, initially I felt a bit stressed I might not be able to find my way out. Thankfully, the maze wasn’t as big as the ones you see in the movies.
Never seen one before, but I’ve always wondered how I’d do!!
@Laura: someday you and Jose….
[...] As we all know, the Korean War devastated this country – including the gold mines – and it was through the efforts of a former American general, Richard S. Whitcomb, that a new gold mining company – the Korea Consolidated Mining Company (KCMC) was established in the late 1950s. Whitcomb hired a handful of Westerners to help build and supervise mining sites throughout Korea. Of this group of Westerners only one remains – Frederic Dustin, a name that is often associated with his most famous project – the maze on Jeju Island. [...]
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