Many moons ago, the island of Jindo was plagued by savage tigers. Fearing the animal, villagers sought refuge on a small island off Jindo. During this escape Grandma Ppong was left behind. Wishing most diligently to be reunited with her family, she prayed to the gods. They answered her prayers and the sea parted enough so she could cross and be with her family again leaving the terror of the tigers and Jindo behind.
Every year for 38 years, Jindo has celebrated this magical crossing during the month of April when the tide is at its historic lowest. Being a newbie and experiencing for myself, I’m here to offer you some tips to make your sea parting experience even more magical. You can easily book a tour to the Magical Jindo Sea Parting Festival here.
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1. Book a tour
While I’m not a fan of hoards of people being packed into a small island (like Thailand), this is the most stress free way. You don’t have to worry about transport, food or booking accommodation. You can easily book a Magical Jindo Sea Parting Festival Tour here.
2. Pack accordingly
Take heed to my words from someone who’s been there. You’ll thank me later.
- Light jacket
- Sweater
- Gym leggings, jean pants, shorts, underwear
- towel
- camera, selfie stick, waterproof phone case
- flip flops, gym shoes, socks
- toiletries
- phone charger
- sunglasses
- wet wipes and hand sanitzer(for cleaning your hands and freshening up)
3. Buy the festival boots
Our tour guide told us to bring rain boots and rain boots I brought. This was not a good idea.
Mistake number one: Mine only came up to about mid calf and the water was above my knees in some places. As hard as I tried not to get my clothes wet, my efforts were in vain. My pants and socks were soaked.
How to win instead: For the great price of 7,000 won you can own a pair of these stylish galoshes. The festival rain boots go up your thighs and you can string them into your belt loops for added support. They’ll keep you pretty dry if you walk along the path instead.
4. Be mindful of your torch and those of others
Keep your torch up and away at all times. Try to watch where you put your torch because you could accidentally burn someone. If your torch goes out while at sea don’t be a litter bug and dump it. Carry it back and respect the environment and all festival goers who might trip on your idiocy.
5. Dress Accordingly
This coincides with mistake number one. I had to walk around uncomfortably because I wasn’t dressed properly. Even though it’s cold at 6 am, and I was wearing warm clothes, you should wear shorts and flip flops. Once the sun starts rising, it gets warmer so you don’t have to worry about freezing. You’ll be moving so the sea won’t feel so cold against your legs. Bring a warm light jacket, wear a sweater under, shorts and flip flops. If the boots don’t keep the water out, you can hate yourself less for only having to use a towel to wipe yourself off after.
6. Haul Ass
I’m not even kidding when I say this. The morning sea parting to the island is a tough one and a very narrow path. Stray from the path and you may find yourself waist deep in water. It’s also really hard to see because the water becomes murky with all the people kicking up the sand. If you want to make it to the island, stay as close to the path as possible but walk as quickly as you can. I’m not talking a brisk walk. I’m talking about borderline running. If you don’t make it to the island by the time the sirens go off, turn around. The tide comes in deep and quick. It’s not a fun situation and if you’re a bad swimmer, I would suggest you move quickly. If you don’t make it, you’ll get picked up by boats and brought back to shore.
Now you can be just like Grandma Ppong and make your own magical journey across the sea as stress free as possible following these tips. Have fun and enjoy your magical sea parting by booking a hassle free tour here. Hopefully these tips will help you get the most of your trip!
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20 Comments on Six Tips to Survive the Jindo Sea Parting Festival
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Wow. that’s a serious packing list I never would’ve thought of. And I’m digging those boots lol
Oh yeah! I’m definitely digging those bright yellow galoshes myself. Hahaha. 😉
a great post Gina. loved every bit of it. Thanks for writing
Woah that sounds like one-of-a-kind experience. So amazing.
Tips from experiences and misadventures are the best because they are practical and relate-able. Thanks for sharing.
It was definitely a unique experience and Korea offers so many unique things to do that I can’t possibly make it to all of them at once (although I wish I could). Thanks for reading about my misadventures!
Wow, such an interesting backstory, but I was a bit unclear on what actually happens during the festival. Your top photo is really beautiful with the long line of people all holding the torch. Korea seems like such a fascinating place. I’d love to visit soon!
Good point. During the festival, festival goers literally walk across the ocean (because the tide is low in the month of April) and recreate Grandma Ppong’s escape from the tigers to a smaller island off the island of Jindo. You should definitely come to Korea if you have a chance! It’s an awesome experience!
What an interesting experience, how many people go and do this? It looks like a lot in your photos! What do you do when you make it to the island?
Katie
http://whatskatiedoing.blogspot.co.uk/
There are probably are thousands of people at this festival. I couldn’t count because there are so many! Once you get to the island, you have two choices. You can stay and wait to be picked up by boats or haul ass back to the main island and hope the tide doesn’t get you. lol
What a lovely back story to the festival! I love reading and hearing the folklore of other countries and cultures 😊
http://itsatravelfullife.com
I love folklore as well. Humans are naturally drawn to stories. We were born to listen, make and enjoy them. 😀
This is absolutely incredible! I have never heard of this in being in Korea. It would be amazing to be part of that. Had to laugh about your rain boots !! On the West Coast of France there is a place where you can drive across a causeway during low tide to an island, and then you have to make sure you can get back before high tide or else you will have to spend 12 hours on the island (not much to do there. You couldn’t walk it though as it is too far. The ability to walk this would be something I would love to do. Nothing like a bit of adrenaline to get you back to dry land !!
Trust me, I’m still laughing about my rain boots as well. No one should ever bring them. Hahaha. Just fork over the money for the festival ones and your life will be so much more simple. That place in France you described sounds so amazing! I would like to see and do that for myself! Where exactly is it? I guess if you get stuck on the island, the best you can do is play games or sleep!
Great tips. In 2 years, I have not been to this festival – but I have always heard great things 🙂
Korea has a lot of fun activities and festivals!
Thanks for the tips 🙂
Before you leave, make sure you don’t miss this festival! It’s so awesome and such a great experience. Also, now you know how not to fail! Hahaha.
Interesting read. I’ve never heard of this festival before, but I love the idea of carrying a torch and walking through the sea to an island. I’d love to hear more about it.
This festival is so awesome. There’s nothing more epic than getting down with nature and carrying a torch across the sea.
The sea parting festival sounds intriguing and thanks for those tips, i think they would make a lot of difference to first timers there, thanks for sharing.
I hope first timers can make an effortless crossing!
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