The largest island, Jeju Island, is home to Hallasan, an extinct volcano that is the highest point in South Korea at 6,400 feet—just a bit taller than Mount Washington in New Hampshire! I plan to visit Jeju during my summer break and hike this volcano.
Jeju Island has a fascinating connection with its marine life. Diving for shellfish like sea urchins has become a significant part of the island's culture. The divers, known as Haenyeo, are all women who spend about seven hours a day harvesting sea life underwater, holding their breath for up to a minute during each dive. This tradition not only helps these women support themselves but also promotes environmental sustainability. Sustainability means using resources in a way that keeps them available for future generations. Unlike fishing with nets, which can accidentally catch unwanted fish (called bycatch), the precise diving and hand-picking of food by the Haenyeo reduce this concern. This method supports the sustainability of marine life because it ensures that only what is needed is taken. If you're interested, you can watch a video to learn more about these incredible women!
https://youtu.be/lk7DQLMKBTE?si=16jvELnh1fMqleh8
South Korea's eastern region is much more mountainous than the western part of the country. Because of this, rivers flow from east to west, moving from high to low terrain. As a result, western South Korea has many plains that are ideal for farming. The primary crop grown in South Korea is rice, accounting for 90% of the grain production.
