TARGET 100224

"The Moses Miracle"
The Parting of the Sea



Crossing the sea

Jindo Island, in South Korea, is host to one of the world’s most amazing natural phenomenons, called "The Moses Miracle". Two times a year, during a low tide, a land path 2.8 kilometers (1.7 miles) long and 40 meters (131 feet) wide is revealed, uniting the islands of Jindo and Modo for a period of one hour.

It wasn't the Koreans who named it "The Moses Miracle", of course. In the 1800's, a French ambassador visited the site and wrote about it in the French newspapers, calling it by the name, "The Moses Miracle".

Festival activities

Festival activities

For the Koreans, it is simply a twice-a-year phenomenon which, of course, requires a festival. The Festival events include Jindo folksongs, the special Korean dance named Ganggangsullae (pronounced, "Gahng gahng Soo Lay"), a fireworks display, these days a laser beam show, performance by shamanists, and a traditional musical extravaganza along with a drum performance.

Walking across the sea

Walking across the water

For most people, though, the main activity is to walk across the parted waters and try to get back before hour is up.

Walking on water

If you time it right, you can walk on water.

Wading back

But if you start late or go too slowly... you wade back.

Digging clams

The more entreprenureal locals use the opportunity to dig clams which they will either eat or sell to tourists at the festivals.

The photographer

Guess which one of the people in this picture took the picture at the top of the page.

FEEDBACK MAP

Feedback map

To learn more about the Jindo Island crossing, take a look at the following web sites:

Korea Anyone Blogspot
Impact Lab web site
Drifting Focus web site (pictures page 1)
((Many thanks to Drifting focus for the best pictures here.))
Hotel Club Travel site for some excellent videos
The "Please Take me To.." web site
Isabelle's Travel Guide web site