The famous Korean island Jeju, known for it's volcanic volcanoes held a fire festival each March, but critics have managed to get the event cancelled in the name of a "Climate Crisis". We talk more about this infamous festival and what to expect in the future!
So what is Jeju's fire festival?
Since the 1990's, the Korean island of Jeju has welcomed visitors both domestically and internationally to the island each March to celebrate the start of spring, by setting fire to the slops of one of its famous active volcanoes.
Let's check out this clip from a previous festival!
Why did the fire festival come about?
Reinterpreting the cattle farming traditions of the small Korean island of Jeju in a modern sense, the festivals routes came from an ancient tradition called Bangae. Bangae is a traditional method of burning down fields during the time between later winter and early spring, as it renews the grass and gets rid of vermin before cattle graze the rich pastures of the active volcanic landscape.
So what are the environmental impacts?
One one hand, burning down fields, although it can lower the risk of natural wildfires, it does result in a worse air quality, and this has been the center of the debate. Some residents say that some small level of environmental damage should be allowed in order to preserve the tradition, and attract visitors to the island since tourist numbers post covid have decreased, however others have suggested that as Jeju island has many UNESCO heritage sites, it is better to avoid any damage to the island, and remember the tradition in other ways.
Will the fire festival be held in 2025?
For the past three years, since the end of COVID-19 the event has been on hold due to safety and environmental concerns, and whether or not it will return in March 2025, has been a hot topic among locals and local governments, and has not yet been decided.
Let us know if you have ever attended Jeju's fire festival in the comments below, and tag us in your photos!
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