South Korea: Seongeup Folk Village

After we landed in Jeju, our tour guide Jeson briefed us about this peaceful island where rocks, wind and women are many whereas beggars, thieves and gates are few.

When we saw the traditional residential houses in Seongeup Folk Village, I could finally figure out how good is the safety in this southern region. Three sticks of wood literally constituted their gates--According to the number of sticks lifted onto the ground, a visitor will know who are living inside or whether the host is around.

Standing in the middle of the village were the several-hundred-year-old zelkova trees and nettle trees standing. These were also part of the natural monuments.

We had another special guide in this living folk village who gave us an interesting presentation on the unique culture of Jeju. She introduced herself as a Christian retired teacher who worked as a volunteer in this living folk village. When she asked if any of us was a Christian, I waved my hands. She was very glad and said, "Hallelujah!"

She led us to a pig barn built with stones. Under the tree was an attached open air men's toilet which supplied human waste to feed the well-known black-haired pigs. If it was raining, the man would be holding an umbrella while squatting under the tree. Leaves served as their toilet papers. I found it very practical and wished our Malaysian men were as environmental-friendly as these Jeju folks...

Later, when I happily savoured the black pork in the restaurant next to the folk village, I completely forgot about the pig barn and the human toilet. Hallelujah!