Hello again!
The first leg of our 9D8N trip is Jeju-do where we spent 4D4N (we only arrived at night on the island). I've covered our arrival at the island as well as the check-in to our hostel for the trip in this post.
Jeju-do Day 1 Itinerary (13/10/2014) - 9am to 7.00pm
1) Saeseom Park
2) Cheonjiyeon Waterfall
3) Jusangeolli
4) Seafood hotpot lunch outside Glass Castle Museum
5) O'Sulloc Green Tea Museum and Innisfree
6) Mysterious Road
Jeju island is divided into two main areas - Jeju-shi (or Jeju city) and Seogwipo-shi (Seogwipo city). Jeju city is at the top part of the island, nearest to the airport and whereas Seogwipo is more like the bottom part of the island nearest to the World Cup stadium and most of the attractions in the island. The distance in terms of travelling time between both areas is at least 40 minutes drive depending on where you stay and where you want to get to. Best advice given by other travellers to this island is to split and allocate a few nights in each area so as to save time and travelling expenses.
On this occasion, we chose to stay at Jeju city just because it is nearest to the city and it has enough amenities in terms of shopping, food and hospital to cater to our needs. Best part about staying at Jeju city is that the famous Black Pork Alley is only walking distance from our hostel.
The hostel, Hostel HK Jeju 1 serves complimentary basic breakfast such as coffee, tea, toast and eggs between 8am to 10am. Due to limited number of seats, it is not advisable to seat and chat after your meal.
At the reception and lounge area of the hostel. We were exceptionally pleased to know that this hostel is being managed by Malaysians!
The island at a glance.
So, first day (or rather, day two) at Jeju island. We hired a driver/guide, Mr. Yang (or in Chinese, 梁先生) for two days. He is a Korean from Seoul who has came to stay in Jeju island to accompany his aged old mother for an indefinite period of time. He has a family in Seoul which he visits a couple of times in a year. He drove a KIA mpv and his vehicle is equipped with GPS and most importantly, an Olleh wifi egg! Olleh is one of the many telco companies in South Korea and to be mobilised with WIFI while on the road is a plus point!
It was a rainy day, unfortunately! Our excursion's itinerary had to be altered slightly.
Mr. Yang came to pick us up at Hostel HK Jeju 1 (old Jeju-shi) at 9am. His rates is KRW260,000.00 per day for 8 pax (all inclusive save and except for entrance fees to attractions and meals). So, for two days, we paid him KRW520,000.00 and we only gave him the money at the end of his service. We arranged for Mr. Yang's services prior to our trip via email and he could type/reply in Chinese. In person, he speaks very fluently in Mandarin as he stayed in Taiwan and China before for almost 20 years. So, communication wasn't a major problem between us and he helped us a lot with the food ordering in restaurants, too.
Mr. Yang (on the left). He is not only a good and thoughtful driver/guide, he takes good photographs too. Very helpful and kind as well.
The first stop of our guided itinerary in Jeju island is Saeseom Park which is at Seogwipo area. There is a bridge which connects to Saeseom islet known as Saeyeon bridge. There are no entrance fees to this park.
Due to rain, we didn't spend a long time here. The wind was pretty strong and the sea was rough. So, after about an hour or so, we proceeded to our next destination, Cheonjiyeon waterfall, which is just around the corner of Saeseom Park. It was so near that it took us by a surprise. There are three waterfalls on Jeju island and we picked this one because it was most convenient.
Mr. Yang headed first to the ticketing office. Entrance fees is KRW2,000 for adults above 25 years old. So, if you are between age 17 to 24, you only pay KRW1,000 (youth ticket price). For more information on the ticket price, google "Cheonjiyeon waterfall entrance fees".
There are plenty of stalls before the ticketing office, so you can grab some souvenirs/street food before or after your visit to the waterfall.
Dol hareubang is everywhere around the vicinity of the waterfall. Rubbing on different areas of the stone grandpa means differently too. Rubbing the head for wisdom, the nose for fertility, shoulder for good health and its tummy for good wealth.
Next stop, Jusangeolli. It has more rock formations and Jeju island's base is the remnants of past volcanic activities. Hence, there weren't many smooth surfaces or beaches in Jeju island but a lot of cliffs and volcanic rocks.
It almost lunch time after the visit to the cliffs. We then proceeded to the Glass Castle museum for lunch. There is a rather popular restaurant just outside of the Glass Castle museum serving seafood hotpot. When we arrived at the car park of the museum, we changed our mind in visiting the museum because the entrance fees per person is KRW9,000.00. It is a lot considering you are only looking at glass and all things related to glass.
According to Mr. Yang, privately owned/managed attractions have higher entrance fees than government/public owned ones. So, if you are paying more than KRW2000 to visit a place, then you are visiting a private property.
Since we have decided not to visit the glass museum, we went to O'Sulloc Green Tea museum and Innisfree. Both were just next to each other and they are surrounded by green tea farms!
By the time we were done with the green tea museum, it's already half an hour past the intended hours of our driver's services. The journey back to Jeju city takes about 40 minutes and our driver didn't charge us further for the extra time. We then stopped by at Mysterious Road on our way back to Jeju-shi.
We went to E-Mart (equivalent to Tesco/Carrefour/Walmart) just opposite of our hostel for some grocery and food shopping for our dinner. That was when, I found my Pirate Roulette. A purchase that was inspired by Running Man at KRW9600.
Autumn at Jeju island is different than in Seoul. It is warmer and much more windy. It hard rains during autumn but today due to a typhoon heading for Japan, the rain came with it as well and poured on Jeju island. Otherwise, it is usually dry in autumn in Jeju island.
Early to bed for yet another day of guided sightseeing with Mr. Yang at 9am.
The car park beside Saeyeon bridge
Saeyeon bridge
Saeseom islet
Due to rain, we didn't spend a long time here. The wind was pretty strong and the sea was rough. So, after about an hour or so, we proceeded to our next destination, Cheonjiyeon waterfall, which is just around the corner of Saeseom Park. It was so near that it took us by a surprise. There are three waterfalls on Jeju island and we picked this one because it was most convenient.
There are plenty of stalls before the ticketing office, so you can grab some souvenirs/street food before or after your visit to the waterfall.
We bought these from 7-Eleven. Tteokbokki (rice cake) snacks is a must (for us that is).
You will be greeted by these yinyang ducks just after the ticketing office.
Cross the bridge and walk north towards the waterfall
Gorgeous postcard views along the way
Cheonjiyeon waterfall is one of the new seven wonders of the world.
You will use the stepping stone bridge to cross the river on your way back to the ticketing office after the visit to the waterfall.
Almost there when you saw this.
Cheonjiyeon waterfall's viewing platform
Cheonjiyeon waterfall
Next stop, Jusangeolli. It has more rock formations and Jeju island's base is the remnants of past volcanic activities. Hence, there weren't many smooth surfaces or beaches in Jeju island but a lot of cliffs and volcanic rocks.
Snack / fruit shops between the car park and the ticketing office
It is KRW2000 to visit the place
You can also sample some fresh seafood or catch of the day here from this haenyeo (sea woman diver).
Pictures meant a thousand words and difficult for me to describe. Mother Nature is really great!
Gamgyul or clementines/tangerines is a local produce. Another type of citrus fruit that is only available in Jeju island is hallabong, an orange with a protruding belly button on top.
It almost lunch time after the visit to the cliffs. We then proceeded to the Glass Castle museum for lunch. There is a rather popular restaurant just outside of the Glass Castle museum serving seafood hotpot. When we arrived at the car park of the museum, we changed our mind in visiting the museum because the entrance fees per person is KRW9,000.00. It is a lot considering you are only looking at glass and all things related to glass.
According to Mr. Yang, privately owned/managed attractions have higher entrance fees than government/public owned ones. So, if you are paying more than KRW2000 to visit a place, then you are visiting a private property.
We paid KRW108,000 for 8 pax, including rice and refillable banchan (side dishes).
The restaurant's name.
Since we have decided not to visit the glass museum, we went to O'Sulloc Green Tea museum and Innisfree. Both were just next to each other and they are surrounded by green tea farms!
Seriously, Koreans are very proud of their Larvae. Haha..
Upon entering the museum, you will be graced by a tall and wide display of used paper cups.
One of the must do at the museum is sampling green tea food and beverages at their cafe.
How green tea are harvested from the farm to the factory
At the museum's shop, you can also purchase a lot of green tea products from tea to chocolates to shampoo and skincare.
The queue for the drinks and desserts
Orange soy latte (with dried orange slice on top), soy green tea latte and King O'Fredo
The green tea roll cake is really nice! Too bad, the black sesame roll cake had sold out.
If you really love the raw taste of green tea, then you will also like the ice cream.
There are plenty of them around the island but none on sight during our visit.
The best brand for natural ingredients for skincare and beauty.
Green with envy.
By the time we were done with the green tea museum, it's already half an hour past the intended hours of our driver's services. The journey back to Jeju city takes about 40 minutes and our driver didn't charge us further for the extra time. We then stopped by at Mysterious Road on our way back to Jeju-shi.
It is only 100 metres
The bus went uphill on neutral gear. Technically, the bus was supposed to go downhill instead right?
The blue signboard is the starting point of the Mysterious Road.
Have to be careful when standing by the road. Ongoing traffic is expected. After all, it is a busy road.
We went to E-Mart (equivalent to Tesco/Carrefour/Walmart) just opposite of our hostel for some grocery and food shopping for our dinner. That was when, I found my Pirate Roulette. A purchase that was inspired by Running Man at KRW9600.
Autumn at Jeju island is different than in Seoul. It is warmer and much more windy. It hard rains during autumn but today due to a typhoon heading for Japan, the rain came with it as well and poured on Jeju island. Otherwise, it is usually dry in autumn in Jeju island.
Early to bed for yet another day of guided sightseeing with Mr. Yang at 9am.
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