Jeju Island

AMAZING TRIP!!! ñ
25 January, 2011
    Have you ever heard about Jeju Island? I’m sure that except Korean, those who love travelling or who love Korean dramas and K-pop may know about Jeju Island. Three years back, I’d no idea about Jeju island, but after I felt in love with Korean dramas, movies and TV shows, I found out that the island is one of the best and beautiful islands in South Korea.

     As described in several blogs, Jeju Island is known as the Island of the Gods which is the popular tourist destination. Jeju Island is the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds and as one of the best honeymoon destination in the world. Jeju Island offers so many choices of activities such as riding horse, hiking on Halla Mountain (한라산) which is South Korea’s highest peak, touring all locations from favorite Korean dramas, catching sunrises and sunsets all over the ocean, or just lying around on the sandy beaches. Because of its beautiful scenery, Jeju Island has been chosen as one of the New Seven Wonders in the world in 2011.

The West of Jeju

Click it out so see better

The East of Jeju

Click it out so see better

      So, I am lucky that I have been to Jeju for two times hehehehe... It was in January 2011, my personal trip with my boyfriend, and in March 2011 for attending Seogwipo Rape Flower International Walking Festival.

January 2011 

     I went there for spending my winter break with my boyfriend. It was my first time visiting Jeju Island, and it was just one of those trips where I got into it without planned, and not really know what to expect, and everything just worked out perfectly. My boyfriend made a surprise for me (I love him). He got me ticket, booked the hotel, and then called me the day before the trip, told me to pack my stuff. OMG, I was so excited. 

     Ever since there is a plan for traveling on my agenda, I always prepare things quickly just in a short time, and on time. I mean, I always get up earlier, or even can’t sleep at night before the day of the traveling because I can’t wait for the time and feel excited hehehehe. 
    Tuesday, 25 January, was the day of our trip. I went to Gimpo International Airport by subway. Luckily, I arrived at the airport without any problems, so did my boyfriend. I arrived there first, and waited for him around 15 minutes before he came. We then checked up and entered to the waiting room. Our trip was 2-night and 3-day. Our tour to Jeju Island is as following:

     Y Day one (Tuesday, January 25) 

     So, we arrived at Jeju International Airport at 12pm. It was a little windy, but was not as cold as in Seoul. We took a taxi and went to the Hotel. It didn't take that long getting to the hotel, because the hotel is close to the airport. Plus, he already booked a room online, so we went there, got the key and went to our room.

     After putting all of our stuffs in the room, we then went out for having lunch. The restaurant that we went to was next to the hotel. We had fresh Jeju black pig meat. It was delicious and the price wasn’t expensive. When we finished the lunch, he took me to the Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock) by taxi. He had been there before, so he knew good places for visiting even the way how to get to those beautiful places that already listed on our schedule. Yongduam Rock is near the airport and near to our hotel too.

@ Jeju City, Yongduam Rock

Yongduam Rock, Jeju City

     When I got out from the taxi, just three words came out from my mouth “WOW!!!” The view was so beautiful, and it was snowing a little, but not that cold as well. We started exploring that place, ate nearby odeng, ate Jeju orange and took a bunch of photos. After that, we went back to the hotel and took a shower. Well, we got dinner with my boyfriend’s friend, Mr. Lee, so we were waiting for him to pick us up to a restaurant named Victoria.

Dinner @ Victoria Restaurant

Dinner @ Victoria restaurant

Victoria restaurant

     Oh boy, that restaurant looks expensive. We had fresh seafood pasta. Whew, free dinner. WHAT A DAY! After our great dinner, we went back to the hotel, took a nap for two hours, and then continued our next plan. We took a taxi and headed to Love Land.

Love Land, Jeju City

     I was wandering about Love Land, so we made our way there. We paid 9000 won for admission fee per person and see what all the fuss was about. Oh My Lord! I was absolutely shocked that such a place could exist in this country (South Korea).

I was about to kick him because he touched the sculpture's butt

Ok, I don't get this. What the hell was the artist trying to say with this ??? 

Us inside the Love Land 

I think they are the cutest one. The simplest of all the sculptures 

     Basically, it is a museum for adults, especially couples and it was educational but vulgar. GOD, Korean really have unique things for attracting the visitors. Anyway, when we finished exploring that land, we took a taxi and went back to the hotel, because we already got really tired.

     Y Day two (Wednesday, January 26) 

@ Jusangjeolli Seaside Cliff 

     We woke up at 9am, had a leisure breakfast, and then prepared to explore the Seogwipo city. Firstly, we went to the Jusangjeolli Seaside Cliff (주상절리) by bus. We got off at the Convection Hall, and took a walk to the cliff. It was beautiful.

Jusangjeolli Seaside Cliff

Us @ Jusangjeolli Seaside Cliff

Us @ Jusangjeolli Park

     Among the many scenic beauties and natural wonders, the Jusangjeolli Cliffs is one of the most mesmerizing. And, yes Jusangjeolli is freaking gorgeous. But, it's not free to enter the location. We had to buy a ticket which cost us 2000 won per person. 
       Secondly, we went to African Museum which is located across the street of Jusangjeolli. I was wondering when I first saw the building of the museum, because the building’s exterior is modeled on the largest mud brick building in the world “The Great Mosque of Djenne” in Mali. We went inside, bought two tickets.

African Museum

Korean TV drama: Playful Kiss (장난스러운 키스) scene @ African Museum

    When we got inside, my eyes immediately fixed to the big wooden statue of Crocodile. Crocodile is the symbol of my country (East Timor), so since I saw it, I suddenly missed my country and my family. However, I was a little scary of it even though it’s just wooden statue.

The Wooden Statue of Crocodile on the first floor,
and it is the symbol of my Country East Timor

Me inside the building with the plush dogs, on the third floor "souvenir shop"

Us outside the building

Again, us outside the building

     By the way, the breadth of the collection in the museum is quite impressive, representing art from many different parts of Africa. On the first floor of the museum is for artistic and photographic exhibitions, while the second floor is devoted to the museum’s collections. On the second floor there were exhibitions of photos that showed various people in their traditional dresses and ceremonial costumes. The third floor is devoted to the souvenir shop, which filled with expensive things, and other things such as plush dogs, Mexican related items, and so on. 

     After one hour and a half exploring the museum, we then went to Teddy Bear Museum by a taxi, and had burger for lunch there. It looks boring when you see the outside of the museum, but it doesn't look boring inside.

Cute teddy bear couple

Teddy Bear couple in Korean traditional wedding dress

If you have watched GOONG "Princess Hours",  

one of the popular Korean dramas. I bet you must know this ;)

@ the park of Teddy Bear Museum

@ Teddy Bear Museum Park

     The next destination was Chocolate Land. Chocolate land has chocolates from all regions of the world. And my favorite part was sampling the chocolates that were available. It worth the admission of 2000 won. Chocolate smells good and yummy. 

The front view of the Chocolate Land & Museum

Large teddy bear and me inside the Chocolate Land building

     Our last destination was Yeomiji Botanical Garden. We went there after the Chocolate Land adventures. The weather suddenly became very windy. I swear it got me shivering down out spine.

Me inside the house of Yeomiji Botanical Garden

My BF @ Yeomiji Botanical Garden

My BF @ Yeomiji Botanical Garden

      In Yeomiji Garden, there are several green houses with different themes, such as flower garden, cactus and succulents garden, tropical fruits garden, jungle garden, and aquatic plant garden. After completed all the plans, we then went back to the hotel. We were lucky that we grabbed a taxi which only cost us 10.000 won back to the hotel. It took us forever, almost one hour as I remember. When we got the hotel, we went to a restaurant had samgyopsal for our last dinner in Jeju. 

     Y Day three (Thursday, January 27) 

Ok, the last day of my trip in Jeju Island

Before we left, I dig beg my BF to take me to this place 

for getting a photo of me riding horse

   Today day is the day where we must say goodbye to Jeju. Before chucking to the airport, I decided to having a photo me riding a horse. So, he told me to go to the airport for checking up first. After checked up, we went to the place nearby airport and rode a horse. I was happy, finally I rode a horse and he took me 2 photos. I really wanted to ride with him but he was reluctant, so I rode alone. 

     We also got bunch of sweet Jeju oranges and some chocolates before went back home. Felt sad that we couldn't explore many others places, but I believe we will go back once we get a chance.

     Overall it was amazing trip. We went back home safe and sound, and we parted at Dangsan station. I really enjoyed the trip. I hope I could go there next time, or if I got a Job in Korea, I really want to live in Jeju.

Places that we have been visited are in the links bellow. Check it out:

1). Yongduam Rock
 http://visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264184

2). Love Land 
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1056683
3). Jusangjeolli Seaside Cliff
 http://visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264179

4). Teddy Bear Museum
 http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=313294

5). Yeomiji Botanical Garden
 http://asiaenglish.visitkorea.or.kr/ena/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=313172

Merry Christmas 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS     

Yes, I keep listening to the Christmas songs, because I wanna get Christmas feeling. It looks beautiful everywhere, Christmas songs, the beautifully decorated shopping mall, with the big Christmas trees and the toys, with the lights, OMG~! It’s Christmas!!! 

But, those Christmas things can only be seen in crowded places such as Myeongdong, Gwanghwamun square, Sinchon, etc. 

Seriously, I feel so happy. Christmas time is always a magical time of the year for me. I always have different things to do on Christmas, and spend Christmas with different peoples in different place too. Well, just a week left, then this year is gonna end. Hope for the new things, set new goals for the coming year, plus I am gonna be old (This is sad L). 

Christmas this year was my favorite one, because it was SNOWING!!! I mean, the weather wouldn't cold whenever it is snowing, that's why I like it. Not so windy like the last year. So, I could go out and stayed outside for the whole night LOL :D.

Merry Christmas!!!

White Christmas @ Namsam Tower 

On Saturday December 24^th, I woke up late at 3pm. Yeah, no wonder I always get up late when I am on vacation time J. I took the shower and prepared myself went out with my boyfriend. We spent our Christmas around Incheon. Actually, he had a test on Monday 26 December, but he stole his time to spend Christmas with me. Aw, he is so sweet. Anyway, the weather was cold, but not that cold hehehe, and there, in Incheon, before 24 December, it was snowing more than in Seoul. On the way to Incheon I could not see the rest of snowing, but when I arrived at Juan station, I could see everywhere was covering with snow. 

He and I went to a simple restaurant near Inha University and had dinner there. Even though the restaurant is simple, but the menus at the restaurant are OK. The food that I ordered was delicious and it wasn't expensive. I had pork barbecue and my boyfriend had chicken tongkase (I don't understand why he likes tongkase?). 

When dinner was finished, finally, we then went to a shopping center for shopping. But, just after 15 minutes I started to feel hungry, so I persuaded my boyfriend to got me hot odeng soup. I swear the odeng that I had was the best odeng that I have tried in my life in Korea. 

That time, I could not hear any Christmas song. I don't understand why they didn't play any Christmas song even in the shopping center in that place. So crispy and weird!!! GOD, it just made me wanna go back home and spent my favorite holiday there. However, I was with my boyfriend so I felt a little OK spending Christmas with him.  

수제햄부대 대박 맛있었당^^

On the next day, Sunday December 25^th we had 수제햄부대 for lunch. Well, this is my favorite Korean food after Samgyopsal and Kalmaegi. WHEW 넘 맛있었당^^!!! By the way, my boyfriend had to go to the reading room, preparing for the test tomorrow, so we parted in Juan Station.

I had a wonderful Christmas and had the pleasure spend time with my boyfriend. I hope you guys out there had wonderful Christmas too.   

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!!!

My Personal Achievement

In this world, most people work hard to achieve their dreams. That's why they study hard to get a high academic degree in school, or even compete with others to achieve what they want in their career life. However, some people give up easily when they fail something in their first trial. I am kind of person who never gives up easily when I cope with something difficult in my life, because I know that failure gives me a good lesson to move forward. I have achieved several things since I graduated from Saint Joseph High School: getting a scholarship, improving Korean language skill, and getting acquainted with Korean culture. 

First of all, I got a scholarship from Korean government. When I was in elementary school, I dreamed of traveling abroad and wanted to see the modern world which was portrayed in movies and books. After several years, finally I graduated from high school. At that time my teacher made my dream come true. He recommended me to take a test for Korean scholarship. Finally, I passed the test. I considered this one as my greatest achievement in my life, and I am thankful to my teacher for his support.

Secondly, I improved Korean language skill. After I came to Korea, I had a lot of work to do. Adapting to a new place and circumstance is not that easy as I thought before, especially when we learned that country's language for the first time. Everything seemed new to me. I learned Korean language for 6 months, and I think that was not enough time for me to be fluent in Korean language. However, I was quite happy because after 6 months of intensive Korean course I was able to communicate with Korean people, even though just in simple worlds. I did work hard on it though.

Lastly, I got acquainted with Korean culture. Korean culture is very different from my country's culture, from simple courtesy to how to treat each other. As I mentioned above, it is hard to adapt to another country's culture. Sometimes we do not understand the local people because of the difference culture that we have. However, there are things that I did to adapt well to his new circumstances, I need to learn their native language, meet new people and places. The very first difference that I noticed was the ways people great other people, and their food which taste different from food in our home country.

It always happens that when you have achieved your goal for the first time, you want to try another dream that you have. However, some things are impossible, but the only way you find out is do your best. I think it is important to dream and hope for the best. It is extremely important to try to make those dreams come true. We shouldn't be afraid to try because of failure. Failure is a part of life and unfortunately it is also a way to learn and understand who you are. One's said that if you never fail in your life, it means that you never try. Therefore, try first before you recognize that you will fail, because with that experiences there will be less failure in the next trial.

My Low-Tech Life Style

As the unveiling of the devices every time these days, people become more attracted to these products. They never mind whether these are expensive or not because of the flawless advertisement through TV and other medias. People become influenced and finally they want to have those things. We all recognized that high-tech devices progress rapidly and make people's lives more convenient. However, some people still stick to their low-tech lifestyle. I also prefer to live a low-tech life because of some reasons.

The first reason is the newest devices are always expensive. A company always gains more profits from their first launch of their new product because they know that their new product will be accessible by more people, for instance IPod, Smartphone, Ipad, etc. I know that these devices are not the primary necessity for me. I prefer to use what I have before and not to buy the newest devices. My mom used to tell me to spend money for something that I really need. Once, when I was a high school student, I persuaded my mom to get me a digital camera. However, she said to me, "If you use that camera until everlasting, then I will get you one". That time I realized that I can use my phone for taking pictures instead spending money just for getting a digital camera.

The second reason is that I am the one who can only spend money for something that I really need, or for my basic need. For me, having the latest and greatest, the coolest and hottest, the most bells, whistles and flashing lights are never that important. In many ways replaced hours we would have spent with others. Today, as in fact many teenagers sit in front of their computer screen and contact others by via Facebook, Twitter, Hi5, and whatever the next big new thing in social media will be. There is almost no time to just hang out with friends. I would rather pick up the phone and talk, or actually hang out with friends. It seems like computer screen and LCD occupies a big space in these days.

The third reason is I am happy with my present devices: a cellphone and a laptop. I do not need to get brand new things. Imagine I have my laptop and I buy again the new brand one. Where will I put the other? How inconvenient it is to have two laptops with the new brand and the old brand! I do not want to replace my cell phone with the newest one, when I know that my cellphone is still working as usual, unless it is no longer to use.

Because of these three reasons above, I prefer to live my low-tech life, no matter how many jokes my friend crack and how shocked people are when I tell them that I don't have an mp4 or mp3. I'm sure I'll eventually own all these tecthy stuffs someday when the things I have now become dinosaurs as they will. That may appear to put me behind the curve, but it is okay. I know what's hot and new, but I simply choose not to have it.

Naksan Beach

TIME TO HIT THE BEACH  

Gangwon-do Naksan Beach

It was on 25 July 2010, on Saturday noon, we left hotel in Sokcho and headed to Naksan as the continuation of our summer trip to Ganwong-do. Naksan is a small city close to Sokcho and it takes about 15 minutes to get there. We took bus no.9 as we were informed by tourist information center.

Gangwon-do Naksan Beach

Otw to the beach 

On the way to the Beach 

During our journey, my boyfriend intended to chat with the bus driver by asking him how long it takes to get to Naksan, even though we were informed that it will take 15 to 20 minutes. I wondered whether he wanted to get the bus driver's attention or he wanted to practice his Korean. Because in Korea when you speak Korean to native people they will praise you like, "Wow your Korean is really good", and it makes you want to talk more. However, I asked him to stop, he said he didn't expect for people to praise him like that. He just wanted to get more information from them.

During our way to Naksan I could notice that everywhere were green hills when I looked at the right side and blue sea when I looked at the left side. After about 20 minutes then we arrived in Naksan, we immediately went to a hotel to make reservation, and as we were allowed to stay in. We went to the bedroom and took a rest for several minutes before went to Naksan beach. At 2 pm we went to the beach, but before that we already packed our belongings that we were going to use for swimming such as beach ball, sunglasses, beach pants, towel, and our camera.

On our way to the beach we had some photos. As we arrived at the beach it was crowded, and we rented a beach umbrella and a yellow Swim Ring. We swam for several hours and then had sun bath, and played with the sand just for fun. At 4 pm, we felt tired we backed to our hotel. All the energy had gone during 2 hours swimming, we then decided to have a rest for a couple of hours before going out to have our great dinner. 

Heart shape

We woke up at glance at our clock it showed 8:30 pm we then took shower and went out breathing the fresh air of Naksan. As we walk we could hear the sound of music, we approached the music and it was close to a simple restaurant. We ordered our favorite menu and they served the fresh pork that I ever enjoy since my arrival in Korea. I ate all the food that they served excluded some dishes because till now I am not get accustomed to some dishes. As we all full we went to play some games and finally I won the games, so I got two fireworks, a pink little heart and other stuffs. We went to the beach shot the fireworks that I got and then stroll on the beach side for two hours. After that we backed to our hotel and had a rest.

Sokcho Beach

THE BEST  SUMMER  VACATION EVER 
24 July, 2010

I first decided going to Busan (Haeundae Beach), because it's famous beach in South Korea. But I went there last summer with my boyfriend. Then my boyfriend tried seeking some nice place in South Korea to explore. The, he asked me whether I wanna go to Gangwon-do or not. Of course I said yes for that. I never say NO for this kind of plan specially travel. I was So excited.

Otw to Gangwondo

The weather was super cool and clear

Saturday morning, we took a bus from Seoul to Sokcho in Express Bus Terminal. It took four hours to get there. It's far but I was happy, I didn't feel tired because my boyfriend was sitting next to me ....

After arrived in Sokcho terminal, with a suitcase, we went to Hotel. Then we went out getting something that we need for Beach outing. In order to have "Beach feel", we decided to buy beach pants, towel and a ball.

My stuffs that I had with me during my trip

When we reach the beach, we were completely stunned by the crowd. There was full of big umbrellas. Sooooo.... crowded from Young to Old!!!! Uhhh…Too exticed!!! Can't wait to jump into the sea. 

The little girl is so cute in her bikini

People were enjoying their day

The funny thing is that, the weather is too HOT but the water is to COLD like ice water. Unlike in East Timor, the sea water is warm throughout the year. Also, the coarse sand was a bit hard on the feet, so we brought a pair of sand shoes or sandals.

He was trying hard to get the doll for me ㅋㅋㅋ

After dinner (We had chicken), we chucking again to the beach. The view was so damn amazing. Lots of people displayed fireworks, so wonderful at night.

Night at Gangwon-do Sokcho beach 
Playing a game around the beach and stuff
I really had a lot of FUN there

For you guys who want to visit that place, click out the link below for getting more information:

http://visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264130