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Lost in Jeju Island’s Gimnyeong Maze Park
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be lost in a maze?
Coming from the Manjanggul Caves was the Jeju Island Gimnyeong Maze Park. The man behind the maze is Frederic Dustin (read his story here). Mazes have always seemed to be the stuff of minotaur myths, eerie hauntings and feeling of human entrapment.. at least they are portrayed that way in the movies such as Harry Potter or The Shining. Finally on Jeju Island, here was my chance to experience one!
Jeju Island’s Quirky Parks
What I never suspected about Jeju Island is that they’d have a variety of Korean quirks in uniquely quirky themed parks, like sex-themed parks, teddy bear and haeneyo diver museums (there’s a long list)!
What’s great about these parks is that Korean ideas are well-executed; Koreans don’t hold anything back.
Jeju Island’s Gimnyeong Maze Park
What stood out were the high and neatly-trimmed bush walls. It felt impressive. The maze wasn’t of epic proportion nor was it as difficult as I thought, but it satiated the big kid in me, who had curiosity for experiencing what it felt like to be lost in a maze in real life.
Thankfully, the maze is not too large but it’s still imaginable that people can get lost in there for some time, before they call out or phone their friends for help. It’s not a place I’d let my child roam unsupervised. There are observation decks, which overlook the serpentine maze but obviously they don’t extend the full length of the maze itself. If a child wanders too far out of sight, you’d not be able to direct them out. There’s a victory bell, which you can ring when you finally make it out.
While I wouldn’t necessarily go for the maze alone, if you’re in the neighborhood, check it out. If you have a friend with you, you could always time each other to compete who completes the maze first. Good luck!
Above, a tourist phones a friend to direct him out of the maze.
Getting to Gimnyeong Maze Park
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 takes 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
Where to stay in Jeju Island
This is nearer to the Jeju Airport (north Jeju) and I stayed in Seogwipo (on the opposite end and southern tip of the island). Here are some guesthouses and pensions in Seongsan
Related Jeju Island Posts
Jeju Island Travel Survival Guide
Top Things to Do on Jeju Island
Teddy Bear Museum
Loveland Sex Park
Hiking Jeju Island’s Olle Trails
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[…] Gimnyeong Maze Park, Psyche World (it’s really about butterflies), Mini Mini Land, Stone Park, Pony and Alligator […]
[…] Its not a place Id let my child roam unsupervised.There are observation decks, which overlook the serpentine maze but obviously they dont extend the full length of the maze itself. If a child wanders too far out of sight, youd not be able to direct them out. Theres a victory bell, which you can ringwhen you finally make it out. While I wouldnt necessarily go for the maze alone, if youre in the neighborhood, check it out. If you have a friend with you, you could always time each other to compete who completes the maze first. Good luck! Above, a tourist phones a friend to direct him out of the maze. For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit https://grrrltraveler.com/countries/asia/korea/places-to-visit/jeju-island-cities-to-visit/jeju-maze/… […]
[…] For more information on Frederic Dustin, the Person behind the Maze, who financed this undertaking, The Marmots Hole comes with an intriguing tale here. Getting There: Information under is taken from the KTO website: From Jeju International Airport consider coach No. 100 and acquire down at the Intercity Bus Terminal (). Then take a coach for Manjanggul Cave () and acquire off in the parking lot from the cavern access (). 50 units will be generally taken by the getaway. for That original variation including any supplementary photos or video, visit https://grrrltraveler.com/countries/asia/korea/places-to-visit/jeju-island-cities-to-visit/jeju-maze/… […]
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[…] 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. […]
Never seen one before, but I’ve always wondered how I’d do!!
@Laura: someday you and Jose….
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.