Where has the past two months gone? Now looking back I've been insanely busy with vacation, school, field trips/Sports Day, English speech contest, Chuseok, catching up on Castle (finally on season 5), hosting backpackers and of course trying to maintain as much of a social life as possible. We're well into fall and I'm just now writing about my fabulous solo trip to South Korea's most beautiful island, Jeju-do. I've lived in Korea for 2 1/2 years and I finally made my way south to the largest Korean island. Because I had a small traveling budget, but still very much wanted beach time and just a vacation away from the usual Korea, Jeju was the perfect place! After living here for so long I'm no stranger to Koreans going on and on about how things are great for your health and also how "Jeju is the most beautiful place in Korea." I can only try so many fermented vegetables or ginseng food items before I start wondering...is this really good for your health? But after vacationing in Jeju for the first time I totally agree; Jeju is the most beautiful place in Korea.Beaches
While on Jeju I was able to relax on two different beaches. The first beach (my favorite) is located on the northeast part of the island and is only a short bike ride away from the hostel I stayed at. A secluded beach full of beautiful white sand, clear blue water and Korean men and women sporting their natural free form hair style - dreadlocks. Yes dreadlocks! They were also selling tie dye clothing. It was amazing! The second beach, Jungmun, is about a twenty minute bus ride away from Seogwipo City and well worth the trip. There were definitely more people than the previous beach, but because it's larger there's only a short walk before you find a spot alone away from the masses of people.
Ilchulbong & U-do
When researching places to visit Ilchulbong (also known as Sunrise Peak) and U-do was at the top of my list. I heard amazing things about the two places and wanted to see it for myself. Ilchulbong doesn't take long to climb at all, but because it was insanely humid and hot the day I went I took it slow. As for U-do I was really looking forward to renting ATV's and exploring, but because I don't have an international license I was unable to. However, they do have cheap bus tours available to see the main sites on the island. That was ok, but by the second stop I was over being crammed on a bus. Overall Ichulbong and Udo was good and I'm glad I went, but if I had to do it again I would book accommodation closer to Ilchulbong. For some reason I planned to visit Sunrise Peak and U-do when I was staying in Seogwipo City, which is an hour and twenty minute bus ride to the peak. By the time I made it to U-do I was tired, sweaty, hot and I'll be honest...irritated with everything. And because of this irritation I didn't go to a beach which was originally the plan. However, I was able to eat peanut ice cream. So that was a plus!
Manjunggal Caves & Haenyeo Museum
The Manjunggal Caves weren't amazing, but still a nice break from the sun and humidity. I wasn't originally planning to visit a cave, but it was near my hostel and I thought, why not? Like I said, a great break from the sun and humidity. As for the Haenyeo Museum...I loved it! Unexpectedly, this by far was one of my favorite museums! Observing Korean culture and how women are treated in this country, in my experience, has not always been positive. Women do so much and are rarely recognized let alone appreciated. Haenyeo Museum was the first time I've ever seen women recognized for their contributions to this country. It was nice. And hopefully a step forward.
If you go on Thursdays you can actually see the women dive around 3:30 (possibly 4 pm). I made the mistake of thinking they dive in the water outside the museum, but they don't. They actually dive about a twenty minute bus ride away and by the time I realized this it was too late. So plan accordingly. I was able to see a small presentation a few of the women put on at the museum.
If you go on Thursdays you can actually see the women dive around 3:30 (possibly 4 pm). I made the mistake of thinking they dive in the water outside the museum, but they don't. They actually dive about a twenty minute bus ride away and by the time I realized this it was too late. So plan accordingly. I was able to see a small presentation a few of the women put on at the museum.
Jeju City
written 8/13/2013
It's the first night in Jeju City and it's been ok. Jeju itself is good, but the city has been boring. It's a pretty small city. This morning at breakfast I met two people who after some convincing are going to Loveland with me. They've already been, but they're going again which is awesome because now I don't have to go by myself. I'm actually waiting for them now at Dunkin' Donuts. Just had my favorite choco honey dipped donut. Delicious! The hostel I'm staying at is really really nice with super friendly staff. The main guy is awesome, but for some reason can't remember his name now.
Today I spent the day at the Jeju National Museum. It was extremely easy to find and FREE! I like free. While there a very nice woman told me about the Folklore and National History Museum and how I could eat Jeju noodles. I was hungry and had nothing else planned so I went. Across from the museum was the noodle restaurant so I first had lunch. I ate 고기국수 which literally means pork (meat) noodles. It was a little bland, but pretty nice. This restaurant also had the spiciest kimchi I've ever eaten! Holy hot! After the Folklore Museum I stumbled upon Samsunghyeol, a shrine of the three founders of Tamna.
It's the first night in Jeju City and it's been ok. Jeju itself is good, but the city has been boring. It's a pretty small city. This morning at breakfast I met two people who after some convincing are going to Loveland with me. They've already been, but they're going again which is awesome because now I don't have to go by myself. I'm actually waiting for them now at Dunkin' Donuts. Just had my favorite choco honey dipped donut. Delicious! The hostel I'm staying at is really really nice with super friendly staff. The main guy is awesome, but for some reason can't remember his name now.
Today I spent the day at the Jeju National Museum. It was extremely easy to find and FREE! I like free. While there a very nice woman told me about the Folklore and National History Museum and how I could eat Jeju noodles. I was hungry and had nothing else planned so I went. Across from the museum was the noodle restaurant so I first had lunch. I ate 고기국수 which literally means pork (meat) noodles. It was a little bland, but pretty nice. This restaurant also had the spiciest kimchi I've ever eaten! Holy hot! After the Folklore Museum I stumbled upon Samsunghyeol, a shrine of the three founders of Tamna.
Jeongbang Waterfall & Exploring near hostel
If visiting Seogwipo City, Jeongbang Waterfall is a must see! A very quick and easy walk for such a beautiful well worth it view.
Exploring near Hae Oh Reum Hostel.
If visiting Seogwipo City, Jeongbang Waterfall is a must see! A very quick and easy walk for such a beautiful well worth it view.
Exploring near Hae Oh Reum Hostel.
Museums Museums Museums
Since I was traveling alone and could only tolerate so much sun before it simply became unhealthy to be in the sun for so long, I had the opportunity to visit an embarrassing amount of museums. Not only does Jeju-do have gorgeous beaches and various outdoor attractions, but they're also known for wacky museums. First stop, Ripley's Believe It or Not. I actually really enjoyed this museum! Looking back on the photos, I'm wondering if being alone for so long started to take it's toll. I was having too much fun taking photos posing by myself with the wax figures.
After wondering through Ripley's I made my way across the street to visit the Teddy Bear Museum. All I have to say is, it was interesting. After that I wondered down the street to find Chocolate Land. I wouldn't go back. There's really nothing to see and actually a waste of my 3,000 won.
Overall I had a lot of fun. It was my first time traveling alone and I now realize I can do it. It's really not as bad as it sounds. I will always pick traveling to a new place by myself over not traveling at all. If I could go back I would definitely explore more less known beaches and beach towns.
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