I can't believed that I've headed back to South Korea for the year end. I've been wanting to go back Korea for no apparent reason and I finally got the chance when my friend, Sopi wanted to tag along for a winter trip. So again, I've became a travel guide.
We were hoping for snow and I want some activities such as skiing/snowboarding and hiking. Hence, we concluded South Korea would be the destination. We got a cheap flight by Malaysia Airlines and will be staying at Seoul Backpackers again. Since we have 8 days, Sopi requested for another city. After much research, flight to Jeju with Air Busan was cheap and finalised Jeju as our go-to city.
As I mentioned way back on my 2012 Jeju Blog, getting around in Jeju is most convenient by car or taxi rental. Since I have someone this time, it was logical to rent a car instead. I managed to book a Hyundai Avante via KT Kumho at about $175 for 3 days inclusive of insurance and navigation. The cars are generally in good condition and fuel efficient. I received the car full and only need to return as such which I top-up only half tank at about $50. That's a half tank for a complete 3 days with hundreds of kilometres mileage.
The car rental also includes a complimentary GPS unit. The best way to input the destination is by keying in the telephone number of the establishment of the destination. Keying in the destination by name might lead somewhere else because of similar names.
The advantage of renting a car was that I can stop anywhere I wish. My last taxi ride brought me to amazing roads and views which were great for a photo stop. I managed to it this time, stopping at an empty road for photo shoots and windmill photos. I could even stop by the roadside to fool around with snow. Many of the Hallasan drives went through snowy bending roads which were fun.
Another great experience of renting the car was basically driving on the left side. That was totally a different yet familiar experience.
Accommodations in Jeju is relatively cheap. I got a good deal with Jeju Four Seasons at about $240 for 3 nights. It's located in Jeju-si so food are convenient however most attractions are quite far off. With the car however, anywhere is possible. The hotel also consist of parking for rental cars.
With the convenience of travelling by car, I did more attractions. The first attraction was Jeju Loveland which was nearby the hotel. Once we checked in and washed up after a whole day of travelling, we headed to Jeju Loveland during dusk. Somehow, it would be better to be visited during the day but there wasn't anything exciting. It was mostly erotic statues.
Day 2 was more attractions. We started early in the morning for sunrise at Seongsang Ilchubong. I still enjoyed this place especially the climb and beauty. Since it's a cloudy forecast, the sunrise was covered. Sopi was quite disappointed until I brought him down to the Women Divers Cove. Again, I was super excited because I decided to venture further in the cove. I got to take amazing photos of myself and the surrounding beauty.
Once we're satisfied and after breakfast, we headed to Jeju Kimnyong Mazeland. We took an estimated 22 minutes to complete. The Mazeland is also home to many cats which Sopi was excited about. While resting, one of the many cats jumped on my lap and snuggled in my coat. Carpet would so be jealous but she's snobby anyways.
Just a short drive up the same road is Manjanggul Lava Tube. I've a lot of hiking up activities that we could use a hike down. Apparently, there wasn't much in this attraction. Just set yourself to walk for 2KM to the end for some rock formations.
While driving to the next destination at Seogwipo, we drove along Hallasan until we've drove upon snowy roads. Sopi really wanted to stop but there wasn't any clearing for stopping until we reached a long row of parked cars. We did the same and noticed that it was one of the many Hallasan trails. Since we managed to parked, we were like kids playing in the snow. I got to throw many snowball this time, unlike the time I tried with the dirty snow in Beijing.
We continued our drive to Seogwipo for the waterfalls. I've only brought Sopi to Jeongbang and Cheonjeyeon since I've been to Cheonjiyeon. Among the 3 waterfalls, I preferred Jeongbang the best as the waterfall streamed into the sea and its the fullest stream that I've seen of the 3.
Since it was very close to sunset, we set to our destination to Songaksan at the west of Jeju. Again the forecast was cloudy and we didn't really managed to view a perfect sunset. After a quick bite since I've became to tired from all the long driving and climbing, we returned back to the hotel.
Day 3 was set solely for a hike up Hallasan. I've planned to track along Gwaneumsa trail which is 9KM long and one of the only 2 trails that leads to the peak. However, we came in slightly unprepared. Once we reached the 3.2KM marked, Sopi was struck with fear as he was unable to climb a snow covered stairs. Even with some persuasion, he decided to give up. We could climb up if we had spiked shoes. At that point I was very disappointed that we can't continue on but to back tracked. I mentally told myself that I'm with someone and safety of each other is most important. I had to keep telling myself that so that I would forgive the situation.
Luckily there are alternate routes and one of them even allows us to drive up. Once we were out of Gwaneumsa Trail, we've bought the spike attachments and drove to Yeongsil Trail. However, the road to Yeongsil entrance was heavily covered in snow that we had to park 3KM away and make our way by foot. Again, Sopi had another anxiety attack. He had a hard time breathing after we passed roughly 1KM away. Judging by the cloud movement, we were high above sea level. He decided to return to the car and wait for me to complete the trail.
I continued on, with spiked shoes for easier movement and reached the trail entrance. By then, I only had 3minutes before they refuse entry at 12pm. I would continue on but knowing I'm not travelling alone, I decided to return back to my travelling companion. At least I got up 1.28KM above sea-level point of Hallasan.
We drove down to World Cup Stadium for lunch and grocery shopping and drove back to the hotel.
After 2 failed attempts up Hallasan, I had this urge to return back to Jeju to complete what I failed (similar to Mt Inari of Kyoto). Somehow I see myself returning back to South Korea again just to conquer Hallasan. I don't really care of the other attractions.
Honestly, I didn't expected not to get bored of Jeju since this was my second trip there. I experienced new things and a failed challenge will urge me to return. Till then, enjoy the Jeju gallery and coming up, the Seoul portion of the trip.
We were hoping for snow and I want some activities such as skiing/snowboarding and hiking. Hence, we concluded South Korea would be the destination. We got a cheap flight by Malaysia Airlines and will be staying at Seoul Backpackers again. Since we have 8 days, Sopi requested for another city. After much research, flight to Jeju with Air Busan was cheap and finalised Jeju as our go-to city.
As I mentioned way back on my 2012 Jeju Blog, getting around in Jeju is most convenient by car or taxi rental. Since I have someone this time, it was logical to rent a car instead. I managed to book a Hyundai Avante via KT Kumho at about $175 for 3 days inclusive of insurance and navigation. The cars are generally in good condition and fuel efficient. I received the car full and only need to return as such which I top-up only half tank at about $50. That's a half tank for a complete 3 days with hundreds of kilometres mileage.
The car rental also includes a complimentary GPS unit. The best way to input the destination is by keying in the telephone number of the establishment of the destination. Keying in the destination by name might lead somewhere else because of similar names.
The advantage of renting a car was that I can stop anywhere I wish. My last taxi ride brought me to amazing roads and views which were great for a photo stop. I managed to it this time, stopping at an empty road for photo shoots and windmill photos. I could even stop by the roadside to fool around with snow. Many of the Hallasan drives went through snowy bending roads which were fun.Another great experience of renting the car was basically driving on the left side. That was totally a different yet familiar experience.
Accommodations in Jeju is relatively cheap. I got a good deal with Jeju Four Seasons at about $240 for 3 nights. It's located in Jeju-si so food are convenient however most attractions are quite far off. With the car however, anywhere is possible. The hotel also consist of parking for rental cars.
With the convenience of travelling by car, I did more attractions. The first attraction was Jeju Loveland which was nearby the hotel. Once we checked in and washed up after a whole day of travelling, we headed to Jeju Loveland during dusk. Somehow, it would be better to be visited during the day but there wasn't anything exciting. It was mostly erotic statues.Day 2 was more attractions. We started early in the morning for sunrise at Seongsang Ilchubong. I still enjoyed this place especially the climb and beauty. Since it's a cloudy forecast, the sunrise was covered. Sopi was quite disappointed until I brought him down to the Women Divers Cove. Again, I was super excited because I decided to venture further in the cove. I got to take amazing photos of myself and the surrounding beauty.
Just a short drive up the same road is Manjanggul Lava Tube. I've a lot of hiking up activities that we could use a hike down. Apparently, there wasn't much in this attraction. Just set yourself to walk for 2KM to the end for some rock formations.While driving to the next destination at Seogwipo, we drove along Hallasan until we've drove upon snowy roads. Sopi really wanted to stop but there wasn't any clearing for stopping until we reached a long row of parked cars. We did the same and noticed that it was one of the many Hallasan trails. Since we managed to parked, we were like kids playing in the snow. I got to throw many snowball this time, unlike the time I tried with the dirty snow in Beijing.
We continued our drive to Seogwipo for the waterfalls. I've only brought Sopi to Jeongbang and Cheonjeyeon since I've been to Cheonjiyeon. Among the 3 waterfalls, I preferred Jeongbang the best as the waterfall streamed into the sea and its the fullest stream that I've seen of the 3.
Since it was very close to sunset, we set to our destination to Songaksan at the west of Jeju. Again the forecast was cloudy and we didn't really managed to view a perfect sunset. After a quick bite since I've became to tired from all the long driving and climbing, we returned back to the hotel.
Luckily there are alternate routes and one of them even allows us to drive up. Once we were out of Gwaneumsa Trail, we've bought the spike attachments and drove to Yeongsil Trail. However, the road to Yeongsil entrance was heavily covered in snow that we had to park 3KM away and make our way by foot. Again, Sopi had another anxiety attack. He had a hard time breathing after we passed roughly 1KM away. Judging by the cloud movement, we were high above sea level. He decided to return to the car and wait for me to complete the trail.
I continued on, with spiked shoes for easier movement and reached the trail entrance. By then, I only had 3minutes before they refuse entry at 12pm. I would continue on but knowing I'm not travelling alone, I decided to return back to my travelling companion. At least I got up 1.28KM above sea-level point of Hallasan.We drove down to World Cup Stadium for lunch and grocery shopping and drove back to the hotel.
After 2 failed attempts up Hallasan, I had this urge to return back to Jeju to complete what I failed (similar to Mt Inari of Kyoto). Somehow I see myself returning back to South Korea again just to conquer Hallasan. I don't really care of the other attractions.
Honestly, I didn't expected not to get bored of Jeju since this was my second trip there. I experienced new things and a failed challenge will urge me to return. Till then, enjoy the Jeju gallery and coming up, the Seoul portion of the trip.