Hareubang Grandfather Statues Jeju Island

Hareubang Grandfather Statues

Hareubang known as "Grandfather Statues" can be seen all over Jeju Island in South Korea.

Hareubang Grandfather Statues

These odd-looking statues are carved from the porous basalt volcanic rock of Jeju and are found outside homes, on bridges and now in the foyers of hotels and in front of restaurants and shops.

The statues are carved from the local volcanic rock

Though the origins and symbolism of the Hareubang statues is obscure it is thought they are guardian gods of homes and may also have a phallic (hence fertility) symbolism. The mushroom shape of the carvings may also be associated with an ancient magic mushroom cult practiced by shamans on Jeju Island.

Grandfather and son

Hareubang of various sizes can be purchased in souvenir stores throughout Jeju as garden ornaments, phone straps, or keyrings. Bukchon Dol Hareubang Park on Jeju has a collection of 48 Dol Hareubang and information on these curious carvings.

© Korea Guide

Seoul By Night

Seoul Illuminated

As well as the Banpo Bridge many areas of Seoul are now lit at night and have colored water displays.

Korea images © Daniel Allen

Seoul Puns

Seoul Puns

The fact that the word "Seoul" has the same pronunciation as the English words "soul" and "sole" is a punner's and headline writer's dream.

In English "soul" can mean spirit or individual, sole is the bottom of your shoe, a type of fish or can have the meaning of only as in 'the one and only'. Then there is the soul music genre.

Here's a list of our favorite Seoul puns - add yours in the comments section below.

Soul Seoul - spirit, individual

Seoul Brother(s), Seoul Sister(s), Heart and Seoul, Lonely Seoul, Wandering Seoul, Lost Seoul, Seoul Food, Seoul Searching, All Seoul's Day, Rest His/Her Seoul, Seoul Mate, Set My Seoul On Fire, Seoul To Seoul, Seoul Eater, Seoul Dust, Seoul Kitchen, Body and Seoul, Heart and Seoul

Sole Seoul - as in instrinsic, one and only

Seoul Trader, Seoul Survivor, Seoul Application, Seoul Purpose

Soul Seoul - the music and, of course, Northern Seoul

Seoul Classics, 1960s Seoul, Black Seoul, Seoul Man, Soul Lyrics, Seoul Train, Seoul Asylum, Seoul Singers, Seoul Hits, Seoul Music, Seoul Kitchen

Sole Seoul - as in the shoe

Rubber Seoul, Leather Seoul, Double Seoul

Or how about Dover Seoul, Seould Out?

© Korea Guide