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The grounds of the gaekju inn owned by Kim Mandeok are recreated in Geonip-dong, Jeju-si City.
Jejudo Island used to be called “Samdado Island,” meaning an island with three things in abundance: wind, water and women. Among the many women of the island, one of the most famous is Kim Mandeok (김만덕, 金萬德, 1739-1812).
Kim was a merchant as well as a medical practitioner who was also a servant. She devoted all of her fortune to saving island residents during a famine. Despite her low social rank as a female entertainer, she didn't give up. Instead, she collected all the wealth she could by running a gaekju, or an inn where merchants or visitors to the island would stay. She became so famous for her inn and her fortune that it was unable to buy a local delicacy without doing business with her.
When a severe drought hit Jeju in 1794, Kim spent all her fortune to share crops with her neighbors. During Joseon times (1392-1910), droughts were such a threat that there was even a saying that went, “It's hard to relieve a drought, even if you're king.” Nonetheless, Kim was able to save the day, even though she was female and from a lower social rank. The king, Jeongjo (1752-1800), learned about her good deeds and awarded her an official court position as Uinyeo Bansu (의녀반수, 醫女班首), the head of the female medical practitioner servants. The king also allowed her to travel to Geumgangsan Mountain, one of her lifetime wishes.
Though more than 200 years have passed, projects to commemorate her deeds and spirit continue. Her gaekju inn has been rebuilt, alongside a commemoration hall. The gaekju itself covers 390 square meters in Geonip-dong, the site of the historical inn, according to researchers. The newly built gaekju is composed of eight straw-roofed houses, including four exhibition halls, an inn and a jumak or tavern.
Visitors to the gaekju facilities can taste some of the local delicacies of the island, including bingtteok, a cake made from buckwheat powder and radish, momguk, a soup made from pork stock, kimchi and buckwheat powder, and gosorisul, an alcoholic beverage made from millet. Starting this April, they will be able to see a traditional Joseon market featuring merchants at the gaekju, enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, such as traditional blacksmith work, and enjoy a flea market where they will be able to buy handicrafts and artworks.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Geonip Maeul Cooperative Association, Yonhap News
arete@korea.kr
Kim was a merchant as well as a medical practitioner who was also a servant. She devoted all of her fortune to saving island residents during a famine. Despite her low social rank as a female entertainer, she didn't give up. Instead, she collected all the wealth she could by running a gaekju, or an inn where merchants or visitors to the island would stay. She became so famous for her inn and her fortune that it was unable to buy a local delicacy without doing business with her.
When a severe drought hit Jeju in 1794, Kim spent all her fortune to share crops with her neighbors. During Joseon times (1392-1910), droughts were such a threat that there was even a saying that went, “It's hard to relieve a drought, even if you're king.” Nonetheless, Kim was able to save the day, even though she was female and from a lower social rank. The king, Jeongjo (1752-1800), learned about her good deeds and awarded her an official court position as Uinyeo Bansu (의녀반수, 醫女班首), the head of the female medical practitioner servants. The king also allowed her to travel to Geumgangsan Mountain, one of her lifetime wishes.
Though more than 200 years have passed, projects to commemorate her deeds and spirit continue. Her gaekju inn has been rebuilt, alongside a commemoration hall. The gaekju itself covers 390 square meters in Geonip-dong, the site of the historical inn, according to researchers. The newly built gaekju is composed of eight straw-roofed houses, including four exhibition halls, an inn and a jumak or tavern.
Visitors to the gaekju facilities can taste some of the local delicacies of the island, including bingtteok, a cake made from buckwheat powder and radish, momguk, a soup made from pork stock, kimchi and buckwheat powder, and gosorisul, an alcoholic beverage made from millet. Starting this April, they will be able to see a traditional Joseon market featuring merchants at the gaekju, enjoy hands-on cultural experiences, such as traditional blacksmith work, and enjoy a flea market where they will be able to buy handicrafts and artworks.
By Yoon Sojung
Korea.net Staff Writer
Photo: Geonip Maeul Cooperative Association, Yonhap News
arete@korea.kr
Kim Mandeok (김만덕, 金萬德, 1739-1812) was a merchant and a medical practitioner. She's known for her good deeds and for saving the people of Jejudo during a severe drought.
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