Anyone who has been to Jeju Island would noticed these large mushroom-like statues. They are absolutely everywhere and hard to miss. These 'dol hareubang' also known as the 'grandfather statues' are considered to be gods offering both protection and fertility and are often placed at entryways. Dol means "stone" while hareubang being a Jeju dialect of 'grandfather'.
They are made out of volcanic rock as Jeju is a volcanic island, and most of the rocks there are porous basalt or rocks made from limestone. Some of their distinctive features such as mushroom-shaped hats and large, bulging eyes are attention grabbers.
Our tour guide told us that many couples would touch or rub the nose of the statues and they would be blessed with a son. Such superstitious beliefs are still widespread even today. I guess these 'grandfathers' must have gotten used to tourists rubbing on them.
Here is another view of 'grandfather' sitting in silence as we passed by. Amazing how nature take its course.
Replicas of these statues are widely available here and I thought that this pair of miniature fridge magnets were the most fitting souvenir to bring home.
Our World
