Is it true that tangerines embody Jeju Island’s history? For centuries, Jeju Island has cultivated tangerines. Today, we’re at a Jeju Tangerine Farm. This farm is more than just a place to pick fruit. It’s a journey through the island’s vibrant past and promising future.
Historical records show Jeju Island has a long history with the fruit. As far back as 1052 AD, people offered tangerines to the nation’s kings as gifts. These weren’t just any tangerines. They were carefully crossbred native varieties. This created higher-quality strains. The process never ends. It produces dozens of tangerine types.
Imagine stepping onto Jeju Island. The air is thick with the sweet scent of citrus. You see Korean women with bags full of tangerines. They are like gold to Korean locals. You know you must taste them.
At the Jeju Tangerine Farm, you can pick your own tangerines. October to February is the season. The locals sometimes find them for free. But as a tourist, paying a small fee is worth it. Some farms are open for only a few hours. Others stay open until sunset. The perfect farm awaits your discovery.
Some Jeju Tangerine Farms sit on cliffs. As you gain elevation, the view improves. The setting sun glitters on the distant ocean. The experience is beautiful and serene.
Picking tangerines here offers more than just a tasty snack. You’re allowed to eat five while picking. On a cold day, they taste like they came straight from the freezer. You can take home about 1 kilo. That’s about 10 tangerines.
Don’t rush. Walk around the orchard. Stay as long as you like. After picking, weigh your tangerines. You might even get tea and tangerine jam.
Jeju tangerines have a rich history of cultivation. They began en masse in Seogwipo. The Onju Gamgyul, a Satsuma mandarin, led the way. It spread across the island.
One Onju Gamgyul tree was a gift to Father Emile Joseph Taquet. He was thanked for sending a Jeju cherry tree to Japan. Only one of the 14 gifted trees survived. Sadly, it died in 2019. A 60-year-old tree now stands in its place.
To learn more, visit the Seogwipo Citrus Museum. It features exhibits and videos about Jeju tangerines. You’ll discover their history and cultivation methods. Outside stands Jeju Island’s oldest hagyul tree. Its fruit is sour and perfect for syrup.
Consider Choenamdan Tangerine Farm for many varieties. A monorail tour guides you through the fields. It stops to feed the pigs. You’ll hear stories from the farm guide. This farm harvests year-round. They grow Geukjosaeng, Hallabong, and Cheonggyeon tangerines. Summer brings greenhouse-grown tangerines. The farm also has blueberries and a mini-petting zoo.
The Jeju Tangerine Farm is a sensory delight. The fragrant groves please the nose. The sweet and sour fruit delights the taste buds. The golden tangerines are a feast for the eyes. It is a place where history, culture, and nature blend. As we leave, remember the tangy sweetness of Jeju’s golden treasure. These tangerines are more than fruit. They are the taste of Jeju’s history.