Mongolia and Jeju Island are two vastly different places with distinct cultures and geographies, yet they share an intriguing historical and genetic connection. Recent studies have revealed that there is a significant genetic similarity between the people of Mongolia and Jeju Island, despite being geographically separated by thousands of miles.

Jeju Island, located off the southern coast of South Korea apart from Mongolia 2427 kilometers. However, the historical connection between the two regions is also intriguing. The current Mongolia was known as the Mongol Empire approximately in the 13th Century. The Mongol Empire was the largest empire the world has ever known. Moreover, it is believed that the Mongols stretched as far as to Jeju Island to establish several autonomous commands in Korea that remained outside the control of the Goryeo court. Part of Jeju Island was converted to a grazing area for the Mongol cavalry stationed there but soon Jeju was returned to formal Goryeo control in 1294.

Archaeological and anthropological data revealed that the relatively moderate frequency of “haplogroup” (Genetic population group of people who share a common ancestor) in Koreans (~15%) can be seen as genetic evidence for probable interaction with Mongolian populations. In addition to many other studies, analyses demonstrated the same result- genetic evidence of the origin of Koreans is from the central Asian Mongolians. Further, the Koreans are more closely related to the Japanese and quite distant from the Chinese.

During the stay of Mongol cavalry on Jeju island in 1276 AD, 160 horses were introduced to the Jeju island by the Mongolian Yuan dynasty. According to scientific reports posted on nature.com, article 16672 (2019), a group of scientists did a restricted fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of mtDNA as well as a comparative transcriptome analysis. The final results suggested that Jeju horses are closer to the Mongolian “Jarglant” breed horses by 96.23 percent. However, it has been stated that the theories need to be researched further for more clarity in the future.

While there is still much to be learned about the historical and cultural connections between Mongolia and Jeju Island, the current researches conducted so far has shed light on the complex and fascinating interactions between different populations throughout history. It is a reminder that despite our differences, we are all connected in some way, and that our shared history can help us to better understand ourselves and each other.