Happy New Year everyone! My first post of 2016. May the new year brings you health, love, happiness, and more exciting adventures to come.
Now kicking off the new year with my second post about Jeju-do in Korea. Jeju may look small on a map, but it’s definitely a big island with lots of tourist attractions as well as scenic attractions. One of a main tourist city/town, whichever you prefer to call, is Seogwipo. And you’d be surprise how much you can do here!
Making my way across the island from Jeju-si to Seogwipo, I made a quick stop (1 hour to be exact) at one of the hiking trails to Hallasan National Park.
According to the Korean Tourist Organization website, Hallasan, the mountain, is 1,950m in height and is the highest mountain in South Korea. Formed from volcanic activity, Hallasan Mountain is a dormant volcano made mostly of basalt. And today, there are six official trails that will allow tourists and hikers to see the spectacular view of this natural wonder.
Of the six hiking trails, I was told to go to the Seongpanak Hiking Trail, east side of Hallasan Mountain, as it’s the most convenient to get to Seogwipo thereafter. I never made it to the top and it was a foggy day, but I did get to take some pictures of the autumn leaves.
Not much of a hike as this is where I stopped and head back down. But it was definitely a nice morning exercise. If I do have a chance next time, I would check out the other trail: Eorimok Hiking Trail (northwest side of Hallasan Mountain), as it takes 30 minutes to hike up the mountain and another 30 to go down. Plus you will actually get to the very top! Not bad for a full 1 hour hike.
Jeongban WaterfallsAfter a refreshing hike, I find my way to the first attraction at Seogwipo-si, Jeongbang Waterfalls. There are a total of three waterfalls in Seogwipo-si: Jeongbang Waterfall, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall and Cheonjeyeon Waterfall. I decided to go to this one because this is the only waterfall in South Korea that flows right into the ocean. And the view was magnificant!
Starting from the top, is a set of steep stairs going down hill, where you can see the fall and the ocean with a funky looking tree in the way. Be prepare to walk back up though! It was an intense calves exercise for me.
At the bottom of the stairs, there is a path leading you to the falls, where you can go close up to the fall. Be ready for a splash of salt water!
Finally to the left of the falls, is the ocean, it’s worthwhile to enjoy the view under the shade and enjoy the ocean breeze.
If you are lucky, you might even bump into some Haenyeo, selling seafood by the side of the ocean. What a treat! The freshest catch of the day, right beside the ocean.
Alive Museum
Next stop, is a trip to the Alive Museum. Alive Museum is an extremely fun interactive museum where pictures comes to life! I had a great time here taking epic pictures! From being a mermaid, to falling down a building or even stealing from a dragon; all your imagination comes true!
For more information about Jeju’s Alive Museum, please click here
Teddy Bear Museum
After a delicious lunch filled with seafood, driving towards the east side of the island, I made my way to the Teddy Bear Museum and it was just as fun! At the front of the museum is a giant bear, obviously it’s so tall, that everyone is trying to take a picture of it.
The Teddy Bear Museum is then split of in sections. One was about the history of the world in the form of teddy bears.
Another that has art pieces depicted by teddy bears.
Then there’s some expensive bears, that cost a fortune. Like the Swarovski Bear and the LV Bear at a price tag of 10,960,000 won and 299,783,793 won respectively.
I also met the Queen and Einstein, bear version of course
But let’s not spoil it so you can see for yourself.
But let’s not spoil it so you can see for yourself.
Osulloc Tea Museum
Last but not least, I’ve spent the remaining afternoon here at Osulloc Tea Museum. There is a cafe where you can enjoy your food, and a huge green tea farm! It’s definitely a must go place when you are in Jeju Island.
It’s not just Osulloc Tea Museum that’s here, there’s a lot more. While I did spend a lot of time in the museum and the cafe, I spent about the equivalent time at the Innisfree Jeju House (http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SHP/SH_EN_7_2.jsp?cid=1965659)
Innisfree Jeju House is the flagship store in Jeju selling cosmetic products made from local specialites. Innisfree is one of my favourite Korean skincare product! More about Korean products will be found in another post, soon to come
While I was there, I was able to make DIY soap with natural materials found on Jeju. I picked out the volcanic minerals, but there were also a couple of others including green tea and tangerine. Go there and try it out yourself! It could also be a nice a nice souvenir!
Wrapping up the day
And what would be better than to end the night with a nice view by the beach. Quiet, peaceful and well, relaxing
GPS Coordinates to Jeju attractions in Seowipo
Before I close, here are some important information for all of you if you do decided to go to Jeju and see this place for yourself. Below are some coordinates of the attractions in Seowipo, I didn’t go to all of them, but here are some suggestions:
- Jeongbang Falls: 733 1530
- Alive Museum: 805 0888
- Teddy Bear Museum: 738 7600
- Osulloc Tea Museum: 794 5312
- Hello Kitty Land: 792 6114
- Museum of Sex and Health: 792 5700
- Chocolate Museum: 792 3121
- Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum Jeju: 738 3003
- Cheonjiyeong Waterfall: 733 1528
- Cheonjeyeon Waterfall: 738 1529
