Kimnyoung Maze Park (Korean: 김녕 미로공원; Gimnyeong Mirogongwon) is a popular tourist attraction located in Jeju Island, South Korea. It is one of the island's prominent nature-themed parks, featuring a large, intricate hedge maze designed for recreational and puzzle-solving enjoyment. The park is renowned for its unique design, often incorporating symbols and motifs significant to Jeju Island.
Location
The park is situated in Gimnyeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, on the northeastern part of Jeju Island. Its location is relatively close to other natural attractions like Manjanggul Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage site, making it a common stop for visitors exploring the eastern side of the island.
Features and Design
The main feature of Kimnyoung Maze Park is its extensive maze constructed from dense hedging plants, primarily Leyland cypress trees. The design of the maze is notably intricate and often incorporates symbolic shapes when viewed from an elevated perspective. These shapes frequently include:
- Jeju Island: The overall shape of the maze can sometimes represent the island itself.
- Haenyeo: Figures of the iconic Jeju female divers.
- Dol Hareubang: The stone grandfather statues, traditional symbols of Jeju.
- Snakes or dragons: Relating to local legends or the nearby Gimnyeong Cave which is also known as "Snake Cave."
- Horses: Historically important animals on Jeju Island.
The maze features several pathways, some leading to dead ends, while others guide visitors to a central observation bridge or platform. From this vantage point, visitors can appreciate the full design of the maze and overlook the surrounding area. The park also includes various amenities such as rest areas, souvenir shops, and often, a small bell or chime at the maze's exit for visitors to ring upon successful completion.
History
Kimnyoung Maze Park is widely recognized as one of the first modern maze parks established in South Korea. It was designed by Bruce F. Kirk, an American professor and missionary who lived in Jeju for many years. Kirk reportedly conceived and began designing the maze in 1983, with the park opening to the public in the early 1990s. His vision was to create a recreational space that also reflected the cultural and natural heritage of Jeju Island. The park has since grown in popularity, becoming a staple in Jeju's tourism landscape.
Significance
The park serves as both a recreational facility and a cultural landmark. It offers an engaging activity for families and individuals, promoting problem-solving skills and a sense of accomplishment. Its integration of Jeju's unique symbols into its design also helps to educate visitors about the island's rich heritage in an interactive manner. As a well-established attraction, it contributes significantly to Jeju's tourism industry.