In the past, people referred Jarasum Island as “Chinese Island” because of a few Chinese farmers who started farming in the area in the aftermath of Korea’s liberation. This island that had no official name became “Jarasum Island” based on an opinion that its mountain resembling “jara”, or a terrapin, and there is a village named “Jaramogi”. 

It was difficult for people to find any charm in this island and, in contrast to Nami Island where many people visit to see filming sites of famous dramas, Jarasum Island had been neglected as a tourist spot for a long time.

People started to visit Jarasum Island eventually in 2004 after the International Jazz Festival. The harmony of Jazz and the sound of nature attracted many to the island. As they took strolls along the water, enjoy the scenery of wild flowers and a forest and utilize the sports facilities, people began to take notice of the beauty of Jarasum Island.

Today, Jarasum Island is a must-visit spot for those who enjoy music, freedom and camping. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, <Jarasum International Jazz Festival> has become one of the leading festivals in Korea. In reflection of success of the jazz festival, a variety of products, including jazz wine, jazz makgeolli and jazz lunch box, has been created.

Normally, Jarasum Island is filled with campers. From auto camping site where tents can be set up and caravans that allow people without camping equipment to be campers to a number of convenience facilities like a grass field, stroll path, roller skating and biking route, community kitchen and laundromat, everything you need to fully enjoy camping is here.

In these days, “zip wire”, which is the 12th of its kind installed in the world and boasts the greatest length in Asia, gains popularity. Installed on an 80m-high main tower, “zip wire” is a leisure facility that allows you to fly forward by hanging on a cable without the use of any electric power and to arrive at Jarasum Island while enjoying the beautiful view of Bukhangang River.

Jarasum Island is where jazz, leisure, and camping, all of which make our lives more abundant and colorful, can be found. While waiting for my next visit to Jarasum Island for this fall’s jazz festival, I want to shout, No Music No Life.

Written and photos by Kim Sun-joo

TIP.

At the water house in Jarasum theme park, activities such canoeing, kayaking, AMOR boat, dragon boat, and electric boat can be enjoyed.