This is a path on the sea that can only be done twice a year: Jindo’s miracle opens a path between the waters

Every year, along the south-western coast of the South Koreasomething extraordinary happens. An event that, for its unpredictable regularity and its mystical aura, has been renamed as Jindo’s miracle. It is not a prestigious game, nor a popular legend, but of a real natural phenomenon: the sea that opens, leaving room for a land path that connects the main island of Jindo to the islet of way for about 2.8 kilometers. An ephemeral bridge, about 3 km long and between 10 and 40 meters widewhich lasts just over an hour and which has transformed a tide phenomenon into a spiritual, folkloristic and deeply identity appointment.

A path between the waters

We are in the County of Jindoin the province of Jeolla southern, a secluded and suggestive corner of South Korea. The island of Jindo is the third for the size of the country, famous for the jagged coasts, the wavy landscapes, the forests of pine reds and, of course, to be the original home of the dog Jindo, an autochthonous race recognized for its unwavering loyalty.

Every year, between March and June, coinciding with the most intense tides, The ocean retires temporarily, discovering a strip of land just over forty meters wide. For about an hour, visitors can cross that sandy corridor that emerges from the sea as if by magic. What makes the event truly memorable is not only the optical effect of the earth that divides the waters – biblical reminiscence that many have compared to the episode of Moses in the Red Sea – but the atmosphere that you breathe in those moments: a mixture of devotion, party and mystery.

A legend that crosses the centuries

Like any self -respecting miracle, even that of Jindo has its roots in one popular legendhanded down from generation to generation. It is said that, in an unspoken time, the inhabitants of the island of Jindo were forced to escape on the island of way to escape the attack of wild tigers. Only an elderly woman, called Bbyongremained behind, separated from his loved ones. Desperate, he prayed to the god of the sea so that he could reunite with his family. Moved to compassion, the sea opened and allowed her to walk until in a way, before closing herself behind her.

Nonna Bbyong statue

Today, the Statue of grandmother Bbyong It stands on the beach of Gagye, with her arms pulled towards the horizon. It is the symbol of hope and faith, but also the symbolic fulcrum around which the Jindo Sea Parting Festivalthe party that celebrates this event every year with traditional dances, concerts, parades in typical clothes and mass crossings along the path.

Between science and myth

The “miracle” actually has a very specific scientific explanation. It is A tide phenomenon, caused by the interaction between the gravitational forces of the moon and the sun and the particular geographical configuration of the area. Jindo is located in an area where tides can reach remarkable excursions, and the presence of a natural dry between the two islands contributes to the temporary emergence of the path.

Just the intersection between rational explanation and mythical suggestion makes the miracle of Jindo so fascinating: Science explains how, but it is the myth that tells why. And in this precarious balance between tides and mysteries, South Korea has been able to preserve a collective rite that speaks to the heart of the observer.

The Sea Festival that opens

During the Jindo Sea Parting Festival, the small coastal village comes alive with thousands of visitors, international tourists, school groups and curious people who rush from every corner of the world to attend the event. The celebrations begin with Ceremonies in honor of the ancestorscontinue with Pungmu showsl (traditional popular music), Theatrical representations and food stands Where you can taste local specialties, such as dried fish, algae and dishes based on purple rice.

Jindo Festival

When the tides lower and the path begins to emerge, we are witnessing A real secular procession: feet boots, colored flags in hand, everyone walks towards the islet of way, between selfies, songs and cries of wonder. Some limit themselves to collecting shells and small molluscs left by the waters, others abandon themselves to recollection, almost kidnapped by the energy of the place.

A heritage to be protected

Although the phenomenon of tides is as ancient as the world, the impact of climate change and the raising of sea level ask questions about the future of Jindo’s miracle. Experts warn that The balance between tides, currents and seabed could alter in the next decadesand make it increasingly rare – or even impossible – the occurrence of the phenomenon as we know it today.

Precisely for this, Local authorities are working to protect not only the event itself, but all the naturalistic and cultural context that surrounds it. The idea is to nominate Jindo’s miracle with immaterial cultural heritage, not only for its folkloric value, but because it represents A unique way of living and telling the deep bond between human being and nature.