Jeju Island

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Jeju Island for a few days.  I left on Friday after work from Gimpo airport.  I took a bus to Gangnam and then took the express train (line 9, brown) straight to the airport.  It was so easy I almost felt guilty.  

When I arrived at the airport in Jeju, Helen, my co-teacher, and her family picked me up.  They graciously allowed me to stay with them for the duration of my trip.  They had recently moved into a larger space next door but paid a little extra so that Helen and I could have a comfortable place to stay while we were on vacation.  

The family's apartment on left and where Helen and I stayed on the right. 

On Saturday we all went to Udu Island.  To go to Udo we drove from the apartment for about an hour, then we drove onto the ferry in our car.  The ferry ride was really short.  They could have made a bridge that distance if they really wanted to.  Then we went all around the small island of Udo. 

First we took a small hike to see a spectacular view of the island. 

<--- Udo Island

 After lunch (which was delicious!) we spent the rest of the day relaxing on the beach.  And by beach I actually mean a shaded little hangout area.  I went into the water for a little bit but it was cloudy, muddy, and filled with seaweed. It was pretty gross.  Instead, I just stared out at the sea.  Ok, ok, I admit: I just slept a lot.  

By sunset we were back on Jeju and went on another small walk to an area that a famous drama was filmed.  (By now I am convinced that every square inch of Korea has been used for a drama location).  It was really pretty in general but the most amazing part was seeing the ocean sparkle with light from the moon.  Sadly, it doesn't quite capture on film. 

 

On Sunday we went to Helen's sister's workplace because it's on the foot of Halla Mountain, a volcano almost 2,000 meters high, making it the tallest mountain in South Korea.  I geeked out over the eco roof they had.  

 <--- green rooftop! 

Hello volcano. 

Deer living on the business compound. 

We went to a park/beach with some crystal blue turquoise water.

Sarah and Helen

Following that we went to the Manjanggul caves which are some of the longest lava tubes in the world and the Kimnyoung Maze Park which was entertaining.  It's like those corn mazes only made of bushes instead of corn.  There was once a famous LG commercial filmed here. 

Monday was another beach day.  But first we stopped at got some famous Jeju bread. 

Red bean buns

The two ladies who make them

Staring out at the beautiful blue

Sunset in Jeju-do

It was a good vacation and Jeju surpassed my expectations.  Everyone says it's great and like the Hawaii of Korea and I honestly didn't believe them.  Asah!  It was!  The only downside to the trip was that I was sick with a nasty cough the entire time (and I still am sick today as I write this).  

Only 10 days left here in Korea!  Pretty hard to believe, huh!?