Gujwa (Gujwa-eup) is a picturesque administrative district in the east of Jeju Island, whose history is inextricably linked with the ancient kingdom of Tamna and the unique lifestyle of the islanders. Although it took shape as a modern unit later, settlements have existed on this land for millennia.
Foundation and First Mentions
The territory of present-day Gujwa was historically part of the eastern lands governed from the island's administrative center. The district's name translates to "Old Left" (relative to the central Mount Hallasan and the magistrate's residence), reflecting the traditional orientation system on the island.
Ancient Roots: Archaeological data indicates that coastal zones were inhabited as early as prehistoric times. People chose these locations because of access to fresh water emerging from lava tubes and abundant marine resources.
Unification of Villages: Gujwa was formed as a union of several ancient villages (such as Gimnyeong, Sehwa, and Hado), each with its own centuries-old history and traditions.
Key Factors of Establishment
The region's development was dictated by the harsh but beautiful natural conditions of the volcanic island.
Geography and Geology: The porous volcanic soil made rice cultivation practically impossible. This forced residents to adapt and develop dry-field farming, growing barley, millet, and in later times, the famous Jeju carrots.
Trade and Exchange: Gujwa's coastal villages served as important points for local maritime exchange, linking the eastern part of the island with other regions.
Defense System: During the Joseon Dynasty, beacon towers and fortress walls (jin) were erected along the coast to monitor the sea and protect fishing settlements.
Early Cultural and Economic Features
Isolation and the specific nature of labor formed a unique cultural code for the residents of Gujwa.
The Haenyeo Phenomenon: This district has historically been one of the centers of haenyeo culture — the women divers. It was here, in villages like Hado-ri, that the traditions of harvesting seafood without scuba gear were passed down through generations, forming matriarchal traits in the economy of local families.
Spiritual Life: A life full of risks at sea contributed to the preservation of shamanistic beliefs. In Gujwa, local guardian deities are still honored, and rituals (gut) were performed to ensure the safety of fishermen and divers.
Timeline
Key Milestones in the History of Gujwa
The history of this district is a journey from small fishing settlements to a center of global natural heritage and haenyeo culture.
1416 — During the Joseon Dynasty, the territory became part of the Jeju-mok administrative district during a reorganization of the island's governance.
1914 — The administrative unit Gujwa-myeon (township) was officially formed as a result of the merger of several villages.
1946 — The district became part of the newly formed Jeju-do Province, which gained a status independent of the mainland province of Jeollanam-do.
1962 — Manjanggul Cave, one of the district's main attractions, was declared a natural monument of national importance.
1980 — The administrative status was elevated from a township (myeon) to a town (eup), and the district received its modern name, Gujwa-eup.
2006 — The Haenyeo Museum opened in Hado-ri village, designed to preserve the unique culture of Jeju's women divers.
2007 — The lava tube system in the Gujwa district was included in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List as part of the "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes" site.
2010 — Key geological sites in the district received certification as part of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
2016 — The culture of Jeju Haenyeo, with the Gujwa coast as its historical center, was inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Milestones
Development Stages and Key Transformations
Gujwa's modern identity was shaped by its unique natural resources and strategic government initiatives. Below are the major milestones that defined the district's economic and cultural landscape.
Establishment of an Agrarian Brand (Mid-20th Century) Introduction of large-scale carrot cultivation on mineral-rich volcanic soils.
Significance: Gujwa became South Korea's leading carrot producer (supplying a significant share of the national market). This created a stable economic base for the local population, independent of fishing.
Elevation of Administrative Status (1980) Transformation from a township (myeon) to a town (eup).
Significance: Recognition of the district's population growth and economic importance. This allowed for infrastructure improvements, the construction of new roads, and administrative buildings, strengthening the connection with Jeju City.
Museification of Haenyeo Culture (2006) Opening of the Haenyeo Museum in Hado-ri village.
Significance: A transition from the simple existence of the craft to its preservation and promotion. Gujwa officially established its status as the cultural center of women divers, attracting ethnographic tourism.
Global Recognition of Natural Landmarks (2007) Inclusion of lava tubes (Manjanggul, Gimnyeonggul, etc.) in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Significance: A radical change in tourist flow. The area transformed from a local attraction into a magnet for international tourists, stimulating the development of the service sector.
Launch of the Smart Grid Testbed (2009) Gujwa was selected as the site for a national project testing intelligent electrical grids.
Significance: A technological leap. The introduction of renewable energy sources (wind farms) and infrastructure for electric vehicles made the district a flagship for the "Carbon Free Island" concept.
Tourist Urbanization of the Coast (2010s) A boom in the construction of cafes, guesthouses, and art spaces along the beaches, especially in the Woljeong-ri area.
Significance: Gentrification of former fishing villages. The coastline turned into a trendy youth destination known for its "Instagrammable" views, significantly lowering the average age of the resort's visitors.
Architecture
Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning
The architectural landscape of Gujwa differs significantly from mainland cities. Here, you won't find Gothic or Baroque styles; the area's development was dictated by a harsh climate, volcanic relief, and, in recent decades, a rapid boom in tourism. The urban fabric is a blend of traditional settlements and modern design solutions.
Traditional Architecture (Joseon Era – Early 20th Century)
Gujwa's historical buildings are an example of vernacular architecture perfectly adapted to strong winds and a lack of timber.
Style: Ecological primitivism and functionalism.
Characteristic Features:
Use of black basalt (volcanic stone) to build walls without mortar.
Low straw roofs secured with a net of ropes to protect against typhoons.
Winding, narrow streets (olle) that diminish the force of the wind.
Iconic Elements:Batdam stone walls (field boundaries) and coastal defensive structures preserved in Hado-ri village (Byeolbangjin Fortress).
Industrialization and Modernization (Mid to Late 20th Century)
During this period, the area's appearance changed under the influence of the Saemaul (New Village) movement and the development of fishing infrastructure. Traditional materials gave way to concrete and slate.
Style: Utilitarian modernism.
Characteristic Features:
Replacement of straw roofs with bright slate (orange, blue), creating a recognizable color code for the villages.
Construction of concrete piers, lighthouses, and warehouses for storing harvests (especially carrots) and seafood.
Modern Stage (21st Century – Present)
With the growth of tourism, Gujwa has become a testing ground for architectural experiments that combine respect for nature with modern trends. The coastline has transformed into a zone of recreational urbanization.
Style: Eco-minimalism, loft, "Newtro" (new retro).
Key Trends:
Revitalization: Old stone fishermen's houses are not demolished but repurposed into coffee shops and boutique hotels, preserving the basalt walls while adding panoramic glazing.
Concrete Brutalism: Construction of modern buildings from raw concrete, which visually harmonizes with the gray volcanic rocks (especially noticeable near Woljeong-ri Beach).
Landscape Architecture: Integration of wind turbines into the scenery, creating a futuristic techno-natural landscape.
Iconic Landmark:Haenyeo Museum — an example of modern public architecture, whose building's fluid lines and materials reference the island's sea and land.
Notable People
Notable People of Gujwa
Despite its modest size and rural status, Gujwa has been the birthplace of people with incredibly strong characters. The history of this region is inextricably linked with the names of those who fought for islanders' rights, advanced science, or celebrated Jeju's culture on the world stage.
Kim Man-deok (1739–1812) Role: Merchant, Philanthropist Although she spent most of her life in the island's center, this legendary woman was born in Dongbok-ri village, part of Gujwa. Kim Man-deok went down in history as a successful businesswoman who donated her entire fortune to buy rice and save the people of Jeju from a terrible famine. She is revered as a symbol of mercy and business acumen.
Bu Chun-hwa (1908–1995) Role: Haenyeo Movement Leader, Public Figure A native of Hado-ri village. She became one of the key figures in organizing the famous haenyeo movement in the 1930s. Bu Chun-hwa led the divers' protests against unfair economic exploitation, demonstrating exceptional courage and leadership qualities. Today, her name is immortalized in the Haenyeo Museum in Gujwa.
Oh Myung (born 1940) Role: Scientist, Statesman Born in Pyeongdae-ri village. Oh Myung is often called the "godfather" of South Korean information technology. Serving as Minister of Communications and Science, he played a decisive role in the country's technological transformation, laying the foundations for Korea to become a global IT leader.
Kim Ok-ryeon (1907–2005) Role: Activist, Representative of Haenyeo Culture A comrade of Bu Chun-hwa and also a native of these parts. She was one of the organizers of the movement to protect the rights of women divers. Her life is an example of the resilience of Gujwa's residents. The story of her activism occupies a central place in the region's historical heritage.
Boo Seung-kwan (born 1998) Role: Singer, member of the K-pop group SEVENTEEN A popular modern performer whose surname (Boo) is historically associated with Jeju Island. Seung-kwan is proud of his Gujwa origins, often uses the local dialect in broadcasts, and actively promotes the culture of his homeland among youth audiences worldwide.