The island is volcanic, and nearly everything is made of porous basalt. That includes these ubiquitous statues, called tolharubang ("grandfather figures"). They were originally placed near the gates of walled cities on the island, probably as totems or guard dieties. They're believed to have been carved in the mid-1700s.

In recent years they've been redistributed to various sites around Cheju. There are 45 of them in all on the island, and they could now be considered the island's symbol or mascot.

The one on the left, hogging Margaret's umbrella, is located in Cheju city. Behind him is is the island's oldest wooden structure, Kwandok-Jong, built in 1448 and restored in 1970. It was originally used for military training.

The tolharubang on the right is located on the grounds of the folklore museum in Cheju City.