SOUTH KOREA
9 April 2015 - 18 April 2015
Highlights:
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Busan
We flew Cathay Airway from Singapore to Busan, with a short transit in Hongkong. We arrived early morning, and took our rented car at car rented company, KT Kumho Rent-A-Car. Rented two Kia G5 gasoline from 10-13Apr for 182,000 won each (inclusive of English GPS). The drive from Gimhae International Airport to our hotel Crown Harbour took about 30 mins. After checking in, we drove to the mountain area for cherry blossom viewing and had lunch in one of the restaurants around there (mostly local workers during lunch time). Thereafter, we drove back to Busan city, and visited BIFF Square for shopping. For dinner, we drove to Jagaichi Market. BIFF Square was created with the opening of the first Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in 1996. Busan’s major movie theaters are clustered in this district, contributing to the city’s profile as a center of the film industry. A wide array of film-related sculptures is installed along the approximately 500 metered-long street and hand prints of famous movie celebrities can also be seen embossed on the ground. Visitors can have fun trying to locate the hand prints of their favorite actors, actresses, or directors. Jagalchi Market is one of Korea’s foremost seafood markets, where visitors can vividly soak up the fishing village atmosphere in the urban center. The origins of the market’s name, Jagalchi, are diverse, but the most plausible story is that the market used to take place on gravel (jagal in Korean) and that many of the fish sold here at that time ended with the letter “chi,” such as myeolchi (anchovy) and galchi (cutlassfish). Accommodation: Crown Harbour Hotel |
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Busan
Our first stop today was Gamcheon Culture Village, which is considered Santorini of the east. We spend 1-2 hours walking around before having our lunch here. Next stop was Pusan National University's Street of Youth, a shopping belt, and we ended the day walking at Haeundae Moontan Road. The picturesque Gamcheon Culture Village has earned many nicknames with a few popular ones being Korea’s Santorini” and “Lego Village.” Originally a poor hillside neighborhood, the village was named its current name in 2009, when local residents and artists in the Busan region began refurbishing the entire village into an art village. Rows and rows of small houses closely huddled together along the hillsides and the ones that are empty have been turned into unique areas to provide cultural and art experiences. Busan's popular university town, also known as budaeap by locals, is located right in front of Pusan National University. This place is always bustling with a large floating population of college students; hence the nickname “Street of Youth” often being used to describe this area. The streets are lined with shops where you can experience the hip and trendy culture of young crowds. While the main street features many designer brands, independent and non-branded stores are also popular and commonly found in the smaller alleys. If all the shopping has you feeling hungry, grab a quick bite of delicious street food including Busan's famous eomuk (fish cake) and tteok-bokki (stir-fried rice cake). The Moontan Road is one of Busan lovers’ favorite dating places because of its romantic atmosphere created by the moon-shaped street lamps that illuminate the surrounding woods. It’s a 30-minute walk connecting Dalmaji-gil Road, Dalmaji Garden Trail, Dalmaji Oeulmadang and Kudeokpo. Accommodation: Crown Harbour Hotel |
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Busan
- Gwangandaegyo Bridge - Haeundae Beach - Haedong Yonnungsa Temple - BBQ dinner at Cheongsapo - Dessert at Cafe PaRan, Cheongsapogil Haeundae Beach is the first destination that comes to mind when they think of Busan. In fact, it is probably the most widely known beach in the country. High-rise buildings surround this popular vacation spot in downtown Busan and a string of famous hotels stand along the coastline. The most vibrant season of the year at Haeundae is none other than summer! Haedong Yonnungsa Temple, which looks as if it were rising out of the deep blue ocean, continues to attract visitors because of the legend that says that one of your wishes will come true, if you pray for them sincerely enough at this temple. Images of the signs of the Chinese zodiac and sexagenarian cycle are enshrined here. A tower wishing for traffic safety has also been installed at this temple. Cheongsapo also known as Mipo Raw Fish Street, where you’ll find abundant quality fresh fish and a spectacular view of the sea. They have a couple of hipster cafés facing directly towards the ocean and charming restaurants that prepares mouth-watering seafood dishes. Accommodation: Crown Harbour Hotel |
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Busan
- Breakfast near Gukje Market - Igidae Park - Lunch near seafood wholesale centre. Subyeongongwon 2 Gil - Set off for Jeju Island Gukje Market is the filming location of the Korean film “Ode to My Father,” which was a big hit in 2014. The film garnered more than 14 million viewers and the market subsequently became a major tourist attraction of Busan. The history of Gukje Market dates back to 1945. This time-honored market was opened following Korea’s liberation from colonial rule and goods that were used during wartime were being sold here. Its maze-like alleys are packed with a diverse variety of stores selling clothing, general merchandise, kitchenware, and etc, adding more fun of exploring every nook and corner of the market place. Igidae Park is known as the location where two gisaengs (female entertainers) sacrificed their lives by casting themselves into the ocean along with the invading Japanese general during the Imjin War. The park is the best place to enjoy coastal trekking, with a lush forest to your back and the vast ocean unfolding before your eyes. The park has two hiking courses, going from Eoulmadang to Dongsangmal and Eoulmadang to Oryukdo. The first course is perfect for a light walk, but most people prefer the second course from Eoulmadang to Oryukdo for the breathtaking views along the way. Other attractions of the park include Chimabawi Rock, Nongbawi Rock (Buddha rock), and one of the filming location of the movie “Tidal Wave (Haeundae) (2009).” |
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Jeju Island
Car rented company KT Kumho Rent-A-Car; rented two Kia G5 gasoline from 13-17Apr for 208,000 won each. First stop was to the famous pork ramen shop, Jame Guksu, in Guksu Geori (Noodle Street) for lunch. The place was packed with people and long queue when we arrived. After lunch, we drove to Yongduam, Dragon Head Rock. Thereafter, we had black chicken, abalone and seafood porridge for dinner on our way to our accommodation in South Jeju. Situated to the north of Jeju City, Yongduam was created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years. However, there are plenty of other stories of how it came to be. One legend has it that a dragon stealing precious jade from Mt. Halla was shot down by an arrow from the mountain deity. When he fell down on Yongduam, his body immediately sank into the ocean and his head rapidly froze looking at the sky. Another legend has it that a white horse, who dreamed of being a dragon and ascending to the sky, came to be caught by a soldier and froze into the rock. Accommodation: Sunny Day Jeju |
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Jeju Island
- Columnar Joints (Jusangjeollidae) at Jungmum-Daepo Coast - Seogwipo Five-Day Market - Jeongbang Waterfall - Abalone soup and beef shabu shabu dinner at Seogwipo Jusangjeolli are stone pillars piled up along the coast and is a designated cultural monument of Jeju Island. Jusangjeolli Cliff was formed when the lava from Hallasan Mountain erupted into the sea of Jungmun. They are rock pillars shaped like cubes or hexagons of various sizes and almost seem as if stone masons had carved them out. The administration of the district named them 'Jisatgae Rocks' from their old name 'Jisatgae'. The 20m cliff makes it a popular spot for high tide and sea angling. The waves of the high tide crashing into the side of the cliff provide a breathtaking view of the ocean surrounding the pillars. The Seogwipo Rural Five-Day Market is close to many famous tourist attractions like Jeongbang Waterfall and Oedolgae. The market is the best place in Seogwipo City to hunt down traditional seasonal fares while also being able to witness its interesting livestock sales area. Open: 4th, 9th, 14th, 19th, 24th, 29th of each month. Products available: Agricultural, fisheries, livestock products, clothes, and general merchandise. Jeongbang Falls is among the top three waterfalls of Jeju-do and is the only waterfall in Asia to fall directly into the ocean. Next to the waterfall is an inscription reading “Seobulgwacha,” referring to Seobul passing by this place. Seobul was a servant of the Emperor of the Chinese Qin Dynasty (BC 259~210) who was ordered by the Emperor to find a substance that would make him immortal. Seogwipo is also said to have gotten its name from this story, meaning "Seobul Headed Back West." On the cliff high above the sea stands an old evergreen tree, leaning out as if ready to fall into the ocean. Accommodation: Sunny Day Jeju |
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Jeju Island
- Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak - Mt Seopjikoji - Manjanggul Lava Cave - Woljeongri Beach Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold. Seopjikoji is located at the end of the eastern shore of Jeju Island. "Seopji" is the old name for the area, and "Koji" is Jeju dialect meaning a sudden bump on land. On Koji hill which is wide and flat, there stands a stone Bongsudae called “Hyeopjayeondae” with a 4m height and 9m length and width that has retained its original form. Seopjikoji was the filming site of "Gingko Bed," "The Uprising," "One Thousand and One Nights" and other Korean TV dramas. Manjanggul Cave is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to tourists. The inside of the tunnel sustains a temperature of 11~21℃, creating a comfortable atmosphere. There are rare animals such as bats living in the tunnel, which makes this tunnel valuable for researchers as well. The stone pillars and stalactites are widely spread and the tunnels shows off the cave’s topographical features. "Stone Turtle" is especially eye-catching because it is shaped like Jeju-do Island. Woljeongri Beach is known for its scenery, tranquil white sand and beautiful emerald ocean. Near the beach, a stretch of cozy and beautiful cafes aligned the streets. In addition, a drive along the beach will be great to appreciate the exotic landscapes of Jeju-do island. Accommodation: Sunny Day Jeju |
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Jeju Island > Seoul
- Cheonjeyeon Falls - Innisfree Jeju House - Coastal Drive - Mt Hailasan - BBQ dinner at apartment hosted by the owner Cheonjeyeon Falls, named "The Pond of God," consists of 3 sections. Around the falls, a variety of plant life thrives, such as the rare ‘solimnan’ reeds. To the east, there is a cave where cold water pours from the ceiling to create the first waterfall. The water gathers into a pool and from there, falls two more times, creating the second and third waterfalls, which then flow into the sea. In Cheonjeyeon Valley, visitors can see Seonimgyo Bridge (arch bridge with 7 nymphs carved on the side) and the octagonal Cheonjeru Pavilion. Seonimgyo Bridge is also called Chilseonyeogyo, meaning "seven nymphs bridge," and it connects Cheonjeyeon Falls with Jungmum Tourist Complex. On the surface of Cheonjeru Pavilion, there is a painting that tells Cheonjeyeon’s legend of the seven nymphs and the mountain god. In May of every even-numbered year, the Chilseonyeo Festival is held here. Opened in April 2013, Innisfree Jeju House is a flagship store selling cosmetic products and organic desserts made from local specialties. The store is located right next to O'sulloc Green Tea Museum, which is another flagship store operated by Innisfree Co. Visitors can make DIY soap with natural materials found on Jeju Island. Hallasan Mountain rises up proudly from the center of Jeju Island and is perhaps the island’s most memorable landmarks. Also called Mt. Yeongjusan, meaning "mountain high enough to pull the galaxy," Hallasan Mountain is widely known by scientists for its geological value. Designated as a national park in 1970, there are 368 parasitic volcanoes called Oreums (peaks) around the main mountain. Hallasan Mountain is famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants that results from the varying temperatures along the mountainside. Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) have been identified; to explore the mountain's treasures, simply follow one of the well-developed mountain hiking trails. |
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Seoul
- Shopping in Hongik University Area - Gwangjang Market for dinner |
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Seoul
- Namdaemun Market - Myeong Dong |
TRIP PHOTOS - SOUTH KOREA