Paradise for Scuba Diving

1493. This is the following year after the American continent was first introduced to Europe through “the sea route to India” developed by Columbus. Pope Alexander VI (1442-1503) devised a preliminary scheme to prevent a territorial dispute between the two Catholic countries, Spain and Portugal, over the new world which was soon to be discovered. After bringing a globe and drawing a line from north to south like the one that divides the east and west, he proclaimed: “Acting on behalf of God’s authority, I entrust the East to Portugal and the West to Spain.”

That line divided the South America into east and west, and this is the reason as to why only Brazil in South America speaks Portuguese. Needless to say, the western part of Brazil, that is, all the islands in Oceania, came under Spanish rule. Palau, which is composed of approximately 300 big and small islands in the western part of the Caroline Islands, is located at the center of the triangle formed by Manila, Guam, and Papua New Guinea and also became part of the Spanish territory according to this royal order without even knowing why.

History of Palau—

It was in 1885 when Spain actually came to rule Palau. Afterwards, in 1899 the country was sold to Germany. The island was passed over to Japan (1919) according to the Treaty of Versailles after Germany lost the First World War, and came under the sovereignty of the U.S. according to the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands of the United Nations after Japan lost the Second World War.

In 1994, it became independent while in the midst of establishing the “Compact of Free Association” that allowed the U.S. military occupation of the island and entrusting its right of national defense to the U.S. for 50 years on conditions of supporting $500 million over the next 15 years. With a population of 20,000, Palau is the country with the lowest population among the approximately 230 countries of the UN.

An Old Relationship between Korea and Palau—

Palau, the small island in the North Pacific, seems as if it does not have any relation to us. However, after rummaging it does not seem to be the case. A harsh fate continued for half a century across the Pacific. It is the link of fate for numerous Koreans who were forcefully drafted to this island in the South Sea group of islands during the time of the Second World War.

The traces are distinct even to this day. The “Aigo Bridge,” which connects the islands built by the drafted Koreans, is the evidence. It is easy to guess the distress of that time when considering the fact that the bridge received its name from Koreans crying “Aigo” in their lodgings every night. And they took nude photographs with the theme of “military sexual slave” at that place…. It only seems likely that the Korean actress should be terribly criticized over the matter.

Is it because of this fate? There are more Koreans than expected living on this island. There are as many as 80 residents. There are on-the-spot workers from Daewoo Construction who are responsible for building roads for the construction of a new water supply. There are two Korean restaurants, and an enterprise called Hanpa Group that owns a construction company and a large supermarket.

Examining Palau—

Among the approximately 300 islands, only eight of them are occupied by residents. Ninety percent of the entire population is flocked together near the capital, Koror, where there is an international airport. The entire extension of the road in Palau stretches 61km and 36km for paved roads. Even in the most bustling center of Koror, there are only two traffic lanes each way on paved roads. The Supreme Court, the National Assembly building, and government buildings (Department of Official Documents, Department of Treasury, etc.) are all located near this road. The Korean restaurant is in front of the National Assembly building. The president’s office resembles a township office, but there are no guards.

The simple appearance of Palau reminds us of a solitary village. However, the tourist system is well operated in an American way. It is a skill learned under the U.S. reign during the last half century. Maintenance, management, and operation (island entry and exit, managing and controlling ships, allowing fishing and diving, etc) of Rock Island, a well-known tourist site, exactly follows the American standard. Accordingly, the level of conservation of nature and the security of tourists are extremely high. The official language is English, and they use the American dollar for currency.

Paradise for Honeymoons and Scuba Diving—

Around 75,000 foreign tourists visit Palau each year. They are from Guam, Japan, Manila, and Taiwan where there are flights into and out of Palau (regular and irregular flight schedules). Many Japanese and Americans (U.S. soldiers stationed in Guam or Americans passing through the Philippines) enjoy scuba diving. Blue-corner, Blue-hall, and New Drop are world famous points for deep-sea diving.

In terms of a Korean flight, Asiana Airlines have started to fly twice a week starting on May 9 (Wednesday, Saturday 9:20 p.m. departing from Incheon International Airport). Until June, private jets from Hana Tour will fly to Palau temporarily.

Travel Information—

Palau—Location: 7 degrees 30 minutes north latitude, 133 degrees 30 minutes east longitude △Time difference= none △Climate= Tropical maritime + Monsoon. Average Yearly Temperature 27 degrees, Humidity 82 percent △Customs Check= Thorough checking of allowable (one bottle of liquor, 1 volume of cigarette) △Airport User Fee= $20 △Lodging=Palau Pacific Resort (palau.palaupacific.com) is the most luxurious. Exclusive beach available. Chain Hotel (5 locations) of West Plaza (www.wphpalau.com), Kokor Hotel, Eye View Hotel △Tip= Not obligatory like the U.S.

▽Homepage (English) △Government Sponsored Tourist Country= www.visit-palau.com △Travel Information for Micronesia= www.destmic.com/palau.html △Lonely Planet= www.lonelyplanet.com/destinations/pacific/palau △PBS= www.pbs.org/edens/palau

▽Private Jet Package for Palau △ Convenient package using Asiana airlines direct flight. △Two types including 4 nights 5 days (Departing Wednesday 990,000 won∼1,290,000 won) or △5 nights 6 days (Departing Saturday 1,090,000 won∼1,490,000 won). For the Honeymoon Package (5 nights 6 days for 1,490,000 won ~ 1,690,000 won) a complimentary sleeping accommodation ticket (3 days) will be provided. Contact Hana Tour for reservation and inquires (www.hanatour.co.kr) 1577-1212

Seung-Ha Cho summer@donga.com