Jeju is an island off the southwestern coast of Korea. It's often referred to as the 'Hawaii of Korea' and it is easy to see why. It contains Korea's tallest mountain, Halla, volcanoes, caves, and a plethora of beaches. I chose to spend my one week vacation here in July. It was the hottest week of the summer, and I spent most of the trip drenched in sweat...but it was still pretty awesome. I spent the first part of the trip in the southern part of the island near Seogwipo and the latter part in the north near Jeju City. I traveled to Jeju alone, but I wasn't alone for long. I met many other travelers.
Seogwipo Area Waterfalls
We had a bit of trouble finding the Olle trail, a series of trails that follow the coast (for the most part) all the way around the island, but we located it eventually. It led us to the first and smallest waterfall. The waterfall fell into the sea and was small enough that you could shower below it.
Can you see the ajumma? She is wearing full rain gear under the waterfall and letting the water message her back.
We hiked along the Olle trail and were treated to gorgeous views of the coastline.
The trail led us to Jeonhbang Waterfall, which was bigger and also dropped directly into the ocean. The wind was blowing and when you stood within 10 feet you were refreshed with a cool mist from the waterfall.
Along the hike we came upon a small garden blossoming with beautiful flowers.
We wound up taking a taxi to the Cheonjiyeon waterfall as we were getting burned no matter how much sun block we put on. To get to this waterfall you had to walk over a bridge(grr!) and below there were fish that are bigger than my torso!
We ended the day at Jungman beach where we got in trouble for not swimming in the roped in area. A lot of Koreans can't swim so the designated swimming area was sworming with tubes and vairous floatables. We didn't stay long as they were charging 20,000 won for beach chairs and 10,000 for umbrellas.
That night our hostel host came to the porch where we were all hanging out and said 'cold swimming, beer, let's go'. So without knowing exactly what we were getting into we all changed into our swimsuits, piled into the host's van, stopped at the 'supermarket' (aka 7/11), stocked up on beer, and went to the sea. It was a really cool swimming spot. There was a small ice-cold fresh water swimming hole that flowed into the ocean. Even when we were swimming in the ocean, we cold still feel cold fresh water drafts. Before we left, we were told to wash up in the fresh water pool because it was too late to shower when we got back. Another girl and I were the only ones who were able to stay in the fresh water for more than a few seconds. I found the cold water to be refreshing and it did amazing things for my throbbing injured foot.
Manjanggul and Gimyeong Maze
The next day my new buddies and I headed out to the east side of the island to see Manjanggul which is apparently the world's longest system of lava tube caves. They're 13.4 km long but it only took about 40 minutes to walk through them. The caves are dimly lit and cool, providing a much welcomed break from the hot humidity outside. You can't tell but we are standing in front of a 7m lava pillar.
Nearby is Gimyeong maze, a hedge maze created and owned by an American expat. Getting lost in the maze was SOO much fun. It made me feel like I was in the Triwizard Tournament from the Goblet of Fire--- and what's more? The people I was with knew and appreciated the reference! We did, or course, eventually find our way out and rang the bell to signify our success.
My first real Irish coffee, made by a real Irishman. There is a scientic process to creating the perfect Irish coffee, so I learned. First, heat a glass coffee mug. Then add one spoonful of brown sugar, add a shot of coffee and dissolve the sugar, add a shot of Jameson, then pour more coffee until it's 3/4 full. Shake whipping cream vigourously. Pour the cream over a spoon so it sits on top of the coffee. Ta-dah, you now have the perfect Irish coffee. And I must say it was delicious--and I don't even like whiskey.
Saesom Galbi
I had an epic fail of a day in which I tried my darndest to go parasailing, but to no avail. I even got lost on the way back from my unsuccessful outing just to rub it in. Nonetheless, the evening proved to be a treat. We all went out to the famous black pork restaurant that night to eat and it was amazing. The server brings the meat and you cook it yourself on the grill at the table (pretty common in Korea). When it's finished you add all the yummy side dishes and/or sauces, wrap it in lettuce, and devour it. We also played some soju drinking games that I'd never played before...and I lost almost every round.
Loveland
Korea is not the place you'd expect to find an erotic theme park, but lo and behold Loveland. There are over 100 different sculptures in the park and diaramas in the exhibits. It was certainly an entertaining way to spend the afternoon. It's a bit strange to be surrounded by ajummas and ajashis while taking goofy pictures with these statues.
Dragon Rock and Dino Land
2012 is the year of the black dragon and so why not go see the black dragon rock? The black dragon symbolizes hope and bravery. It's good luck to make a wish.
Because it was raining, we decided to go to the dinosaur museum...however, the museum was outside.
Hookah and Brewery
We dried off at Bagdad Cafe where we ate delicious Indian food, drank chai tea, and shared a hookah.
We finished the night at Boris Brewery where we drank authentic German beer and played mafia. Mafia is a great card game in which you must figure out who the mafia is before you die.
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbonmg also known as Sunrise Peak is an extinct volcano on the eastern most part of Jeju. The hour and half bus ride followed the coast and was quite beautiful. Seongsan itself is a quaint little town almost completely surrounded by water.
The sun was blaring down so it took me awhile to cimb the stairs to the summit, especially with my injured foot. When I reached the top, I was rewarded with a remarkable view of the sea, one of the town, one of the crater, and another of the small black sand beach next to it.
Afterwards, I walked down to the black sand beach and happened to catch the demonstration of the Haenyeo. The Haeynyeo are Korean ajummas who free dive. They put on wetsuits and goggles, but don't use oxygen tanks. They can dive up to 20 meters and hold their breath for 2 minutes. They catch any sea creatures they can and bring back a lot of seaweed. I ate this freshly caught sea urchin (I think) for lunch. It was very salty and a bit chewy.
The first stop in Vietnam was Ho Chi Minh otherwise known as Saigon. The city was a sensory overload of colors, vendors, and above all else-- motorbikes. Children as young as four came up to me to try and sell me bracelets and there was a tour company on every corner advertising the lowest rates. Despite all the action, Ho Chi Minh had a surprisingly relaxing effect on me---this could have just been the result of finally being on vacation (the last 2 weeks in Korea were VERY busy) or perhaps the gorgeous weather. Weather that persisted the entire trip even though it was the 'rainy season'.
