Besides the designation of Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the natural beauty of the island has recently attracted a number of international recognitions as UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Geopark, and one of "new seven wonders of nature". Korean people have been aware for a long time of the island paradise, making it a top vacation and honeymoon destination. Jeju Island, the first and only Special Autonomous Province of South Korea, has developed a distinct culture, symbolized by the omnipresent basalt statues "dol hareubang". Unlike in most of Asia, families are matriarchal, and seafood gathering on Jeju island has been dominated by women - the iconic -and vanishing- "haenyo".
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