Following the nation's industrialization period of the 1960s, Jeju horses became impractical to use with the distribution of new agricultural machinery and developments in means of transportation.

In response, the Government of the Republic of Korea designated the Jeju horse as Natural Monument No.

347 in 1986, as a way to preserve and manage approximately 150 of the remaining Jeju horses as state-designated cultural properties.

The Jeju horse is a small to medium-sized breed with a large head and a thick neck.

They were traditionally used as farm and draft horses because of their remarkable stamina and endurance, while current breeds are utilized for racing and riding.

The Jeju horse exhibits a range of colors, which determine the names of the types, along with the characteristics of each body part.

A historical document of the Goryeo dynasty, recorded in 1073 A.D. (the 27th year of King Moonjong's reign), states that an excellent steed was presented to the king from Jeju, which indicates Jeju has a long history of breeding horses.

To confirm the pedigree, an accreditation certificate is issued after identifying the relationship between the parent horses and the foal using paternity tests recommended by the International Society of Animal Genetics.