Travel Pangs! Random Takes!

Korean Tour : A Bear and a Fortress

2025-04-04T02:38:00.000-07:00

Read that one needs at least two days to explore Sokcho and the Seoraksan National Park. Seoraksan National Park is near Sokcho and if you have one day and an avid nature lover, you'd probably pick the later. The park is home to Korean musk deer, otters, Siberian flying squirrels, and even the Asian black bear. With tourists loitering the area, one would be lucky to catch a glimpse of them. Suffice perhaps for me to just see the bear in the form of a statue at the entrance. Taking a photo here probably is a must but one needs not waste too much time here. Besides, there is the Sinhung Temple and the Kwengumseng Fortress to look forward to. Hikers would probably hike to the fortress up in the mountain but tourists like us just take the cable car. There was a big crowd and of course, we had a long wait. Up in the mountain where the fortress was, one would see some man-made bricks, I think; not many of them but sure signs of people once hiding there during the hard times of war. Our guide did tell some stories on the fortress and the bear but I could not really catch what he was saying. I thought the fortress did not look so much like a fortress, more like a rubble; but up there, the sights were just breathtaking.

Korean Tour : A Temple in a Park

2025-02-04T03:49:00.000-08:00

Prior to visiting South Korea, had the notion that Mount Sorak National Park, Sinhung Temple and Kwengumseng Fortress are three different places in different locations. The truth is they could be considered as one entity. When visiting the park, one could be mesmerised by the trees especially in autumn when their leaves turned yellow, orange and red. Don't expect the park to be all trees though as you'd be confronted by a giant 48-foot bronze Buddha there called the Great Unification Buddha, so called because it was dedicated to the sentiments of Koreans who wished to see North Korea unites with South Korea. The statue cost $4.1 million and the money came mostly from donations from anonymous donors. The statue marked the location of the Sinhung Temple or perhaps more accurately called the Seoraksan Sinheungsa Temple.

Korea Tour : A Mountain in a Park

2024-12-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

Seoraksan is a mountain in South Korea. Otherwise called Mount Sorak, this mountain is the highest in the Taebaek mountain range in Gangwon Province . The mountain is located in the Seoraksan National Park near the city of Sokcho.

Have a peek at Seoraksan National Park:

Korea Tour : Day 5

2024-10-27T19:41:00.002-07:00

The Abalone Seafood Hotpot wasn't very good. The lady sitting opposite me complained that the squid was hard. Maybe, the soup was a bit bland too but I walloped up everything anyway. The hotel breakfast the next morning wasn't very memorable except perhaps some bread the hotel put up for decoration. The sun rose just when we were having breakfast, turning the sky a golden Red. Prosimising a great day ahead. Day 5, we were slated to visit Mt Sorak National Park, Sinhung temple, Kwengumseong Fortress and Peak Island.

Bread for your perusal!

Korea Tour : After a Ride

2024-10-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

When I checked our itinerary, it stated that we would take a domestic flight from Jeju Island to Gimpo. Then, we would travel to Chuncheon and Sokcho. Nami Island is in Chuncheon and Gapyeong Rail Park is in Gyeonggi; so, I supposed we would put up a night in Sokcho. It was already dark when we left Gapyeong Rail Park. We did not go back to our hotel immediately but stopped on the way to have a dinner of Abalone Seafood Hotpot in a restaurant said to be owned by an ex-Haenyeo. The restaurant compound was dark and probably It had closed for the day. There was no one except for staff members and they probably stayed back to serve us.

Here's Abalone Seafood Hotpot!

Korea Tour: An Autumn Ride

2024-10-03T23:21:00.000-07:00

In Gapyeong Rail Park, what do you do? Take a ride on a rail bike of course! I often hear of a bicycle built for two; but here in the park, it can also be built for four and the bike run on rails that take you through a little forest, across the Han River and to a little cosy spot where you can buy some drinks or snacks before being brought back to your starting point. It was evening when we started our ride. The guide reminded us to bring a jacket which we did. It was pretty cold during the ride and especially during the return trip when dusk had taken over. It was an enjoyable ride in autumn but I couldn't but hope to ride in spring when sakura flowers start to blossom.

29.10.23

Korea Tour: Leaving Nami Island

2024-09-18T19:51:00.000-07:00

It didn't seem like that we had spent a long time in Nami Island. There was a big crowd there and we had a long wait for the boat. Then, when we were on the other bank, we had to walk quite a distance to get to our bus. It was autumn. The air was crisp and the leaves of the trees by the roadside were green, yellow, orange and gold. There was a man selling some traditional cakes and our guide bought some as a treat. If you don't have legs that kill, that was a pleasant walk. Otherwise, you'd be glad to board the bus which had then taken us to the next attraction.

Here's Gapyeong Rail Park!

29.10.23

Korea Tour: Autumn in Nami Island

2024-09-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

Perhaps, it is interesting to know that Nami Island was formed as the result of the construction of a dam which caused the land around it to be inundated by the rising water of the North Han River. I suppose prior to 1944, there was no Nami Island. I read that cultural events, concerts as well as exhibitions are held there and one could stay overnight in a hotel there. While there, I did notice a building, the hotel perhaps; but we really did not have time to visit. It was autumn and the trees there were mesmerizing!

It's autumn in Nami Island!

29.10.23

Korea Tour: Something About Nami Island

2024-08-31T20:27:00.000-07:00

Fans of K-pop may know about Nami Island long before they visit Korea. Korean dramas are popular all over the world. The craze for them began in the early 1990s. In 2002, the Korean Drama starring Bae Yong-Joon Winter Sonata,caused a further interest in Korean dramas. Credited for the second Hallyu or Korean Wave where K-pop and K-dramas took the world by storm, this drama has some scenes shot in Nami Island.

Have you heard of Nami Island?

29.10.23

Korea Tour: Approaching Nami Island

2024-08-14T21:59:00.000-07:00

Lunch

...and off to Nami Island!

Nami Island in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province is also known as Namiseom. Maybe, seom is island in Korean. The island is said to be half-moon shaped but one probably have to see that from the air. That it is a river island is more obvious when one takes a ferry or a motorboat or a zipwire even. A first time visitor probably would be surprised to see people zipping away from a tower if not taken aback by the big crowd there. There seemed to be a massive jam as we near the island. Our bus seemed not even able to crawl. Our guide suggested that we got down from the bus and walked to a restaurant where we were scheduled to have lunch. So there, we were set trudging again. People with leg problems would have a hard time.

Here's a glimpse of what was in store!

29.10.23

Korea Trip : Going to Nami Island

2024-08-10T19:37:00.000-07:00

It was a long way to Nami Island. A car would take less than an hour, I read; but by bus, the journey would take more than two hours. Our journey seemed to me to be longer though. Our guide pepped up our journey by offering Korean sweets and snacks. He was rather enthusiastic about offering us the Korean mooncake which unfortunately wasn't very popular with us. They were cold and hard, a frozen version, I think; besides, being veey unappealing in terms of appearance. Was I glad then that I had still the buns which I bought at the airport on the day we stepped foot on Korea.

Do you think Nami Island is worth the long journey?

Korea Tour: Day 4

2024-08-01T17:58:00.000-07:00

Since we would be catching a plane from Jeju Island to Gimpo, we had a very early breakfast at our hotel, at about a quarter to six. Frankly, having breakfast so early in the morning wasn't my cup of tea but this is something one often encounters while traveling. It was Day 4 of our tour and we had a long journey to make. There were plans for us a trip to Nami Island and a Gapyeong Rail Bike.

Coming soon!

Korea Tour: Tapdong Experience

2024-07-20T18:07:00.000-07:00

Tap-dong Street was our last stop in our Jeju tour. The street was said to be a place where one can enjoy night-time shopping and recreational activities. Then of course, we were not there for shopping and during the short time we were there, we merely took a stroll on the streets. There were vendors selling Korean snacks, I think; but didn't notice restaurants or pubs there; wasn't paying attention, I suppose. After this, we had our dinner somewhere, not in Tap-dong Street and we would leave the island the next day to exploe other parts of Korea.

Korea Trip : Tap-dong First Impression

2024-07-06T18:37:00.000-07:00

At the Boutique:

Tap-dong Street is conveniently located at the heart of downtown Jeju. We just have to trudged there from the boutique just like we did Gwandeokjeong. Tap-dong, being the largest shopping district in Jeju Island where. shops may stay open until 4 am; one would expect it to be bustling. Then, we were there just as evening was setting in; so, I suppose the crowd hadn't come in. My first impression was the street was clean, attractive too where the big shops were. Back alleys may not be so; but we didn't venture there.

Tapdong

Korea Tour: Off to a Shopping Street.

2024-06-09T17:49:00.000-07:00

Gwandeokjeong, I figure wasn't really a big place. Concerts probably were held there occasionally; some people were meddling with musical instruments; and there seemed to be a crowd and policemen were seen at the entrance. Our photoshoot having ended, we trudged back to the boutique to return our traditional costumes. Then it was off to Tapdong Shopping Street in downtown Jeju.

Tapdong Street :

Korea Tour : Photoshoot in Gwandeokjeong

2024-06-04T00:21:00.000-07:00

Gwandeokjeong may be an old building with painted girders and murals but we had hardly the opportunity to scrutinise them. Just before we visited the place, we were all huddled into a boutique run by a pretty Korean woman. There, we got to pick traditional Korean costumes and dressed up as Koreans. All dressed up, we trudged together like school children to Gwandeokjeong which was just a short distant away, less than a 5 minute walk. In Gwandeokjeong, we spent the time taking photos of ourselves. You can say we had a photoshoot!

A photoshoot in Gwandeokjeong:

Korea Tour : An Old Building in Jeju Island

2024-05-22T18:35:00.000-07:00

Black pork or normal pork, I really couldn't tell the difference both in terms of look and taste. Never mind that though, we were off to Gwandeokjeong, a historical landmark in Jeju Island. Gwandeokjeong was built by a general, Shin Suk-Cheong in the 15th century. Then, it was used as a training place for soldiers. As one of the oldest building in Jeju Island, tourists flock to it. The building supposedly is supported by intricately painted girders and is adorned with murals. A signboard there is even said to feature the handwriting of Prince Anpyeong from the Joseon era.

Check out Gwandeokjeong!

Korea Tour : Performance During Lunch

2024-05-18T18:07:00.000-07:00

The houses in Seongeup Folk Village, I read were made of clay; not every single one I suppose cause some probably were made of wood. Since the village dates back to the fifteenth century, visiting it is like stepping back in time. A popular 2003 Korean period drama Jewel in the Palace was shot here. A fading poster of the drama was there but the performance by our guide during dinner was more interesting.

Korea Tour : Lunch in Seongeup Folk Village

2024-05-11T18:21:00.000-07:00

Seongeup Folk Village supposedly is at the foot of Halla Mountain but the little town seemed like on a flat land, far from any mountain. It definitely caters for tourists. There were exhibits in some houses that suggests that some of the famed Haenyeo women divers lived here. Some of the villages openly welcome us and I believed, one could at a small fee, get them to guide us round the village. There were restaurants serving Jeju Black, the Korean breed of domestic black pig; not a surprise really since the pigs originate from here, Jeju Island.

Have lunch of black pig with us!

Korea Tour : Off to a Folk Village

2024-05-07T00:25:00.000-07:00

The oranges in the farm in Jeju Island looked like the oranges back home, not the ones with humps, the famed Hallabong oranges ofJeju Island. They were not sweet; no wonder they let tourists messed with them. It did not matter then that we could just take two oranges each. The interaction with other fellow travelers was more furfilling just like the buying of Jeju Island chocolates. Then it was off to Seongeup Folk Village, a protected folk village with cultural relics from over a wide period of time from 1410 to 1914.

Have a peak at Seongeup Folk Village!

Korea Tour: Picking Oranges in Jeju Island.

2024-05-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Leaving Seongsan Ilchulbong, in the bus; our guide said he knew of a lady who owned an orange farm. Jeju Island is famous for citrus fruit. Some stalls in Seongsan Ilchulbong were selling orange juice. Autumn is the season for oranges; and our guide said we would go to the farm to hand pick some oranges.

So, here we go!

Korea Tour : At the Foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong

2024-04-24T17:37:00.000-07:00

Since it was our first trip to Seongsan Ilchulbong and an organised one at that; where every minute mattered, it should not be a surprise then that upon reaching Seongsan Ilchulbong, we had quickly made our way up to its peak. Except for some boulder-like structures at its foot, everything else seemed blurred out of sight; at least not until later when we came down from climbing Seongsan Ilchulbong. There was a wide expanse of treeless land which looked like a big meadow where little plants with pretty purple flowers that reminds of asters, grew. There seemed to be a street in the distant but you don't have to go there for there are many stalls nearby where you could buy souvenirs or snacks. Our bus was parked in a big parking lot there and nearby was a Buddhist temple...

Korea Tour : Coming Down Seongsan Ilchulbong Ag!

2024-04-20T17:42:00.000-07:00

Going up Seongsan Ilchulbong usually takes about 20 minutes, coming down too; but the whole journey of going up and down would probably be longer than the total 40 minutes. Some parts may prove a bit steep and one could get tired and needed a break. Besides, the view at some points are rather nice to look at and one may get distracted by the wild plants or the rock formation too. At the peak, even in the small area,you'd want to loiter around, enjoying the breeze and the view. When going down, the rugged coastline would beckon for your attention and in the distance where you could see a man-made structure, a restaurant I suppose; you would hope to see haenyeo popping up their heads from the sea. Haenyeo, literally sea women in Korean; are Jeju Island's famed female divers who dive without oxygen tanks to harvest mollusks, seaweed, and other sea life from the ocean. They are a dying breed and a signage I came across on my way down, stated the haenyeo were scheduled to perform at two pm.

Coming down Seongsan Ilchulbong...

Korea Tour : Jeju's Top Scenic Destination

2024-04-13T18:25:00.000-07:00

Seongsan Ilchulbong is said to be a top scenic destination in Jeju Island, attracting millions of visitors each year. People climb to the top for the breathtaking view of the ocean, Udo Island, Hallasan Mountain, and the volcanic landscape of the east. Nature lovers would be thrilled to know that it is home to not just a variety of wild animals but also to 200 types of vegetation such as silvergrass and giant angelica. The place is protected and has been recognised as a Natural Monument. It is also in the UNESCO World Natural Heritage List.

Have a peek at the peak of Seongsan Ilchulbong!

Korea Tour : Going up Seongsan Ilchulbong

2024-04-08T18:27:00.000-07:00

Seongsan Ilchulbong in Jeju Island is often called Sunrise Peak. People go there to watch sunrise, I suppose; but for us, we went there long after the sun had risen. Pictures in brochures often show aerial view of Seongsan Ilchulbong, an interesting sight of a tuff cone upon a shallow seabed; something we could not really see when we were there at the foot. The tuff cone was formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions thousand of years ago. Climbing the 182 meters was easy as there were well-built stairs with railings. According to our guide, the stairs could be slippery on a wet day but touch wood; the weather was perfect when we visited. The sky was clear and now that the sun had risen, we could enjoy the view on our way up.

Here's the foot of Seongsan Ilchulbong:

28.10.23