THE REST OF THE DAYS… FIN

It has been 3 years and I did not update the posts for the remaining days of my trip. I can only remembered…., I was holidaying mood and relaxing lazy once I return back to Singapore, and the routine work just ain’t making the writing work.

Majority of my posts here are written on the day of the trip. Hence after my hike celebration, the rest of the trips is “physically occupied” from day to night. All I did was KO..meeting the ZZZ monster once return back to the hostels. Nevertheless, thinking back, this Korea solo vacation have gave me a new sense of independence and happiness that I will never exchange for anything.

I just want to share things that I did in summary for the remaining days. Hope it can help fellow travellers to consider as well.

Ok.. Time travel back to my memories.

One of the things I did for my aching muscles after Jeju Hike is attempt my first visit to the Jjimjilbang (Public Bath / Sanua). I did went to 2 different Jjimjilbang actually. The one in Korea, Seoul is much more, fun, pleasant and modern. For the Jeju Jjimjilbang… it’s like a neighborhood bath with senior citizens. hehe, imagine that 😀 

Got to note, to enter the female bathhouse, we have to be naked, yes bared naked with other ladies as well. A “culture” that I have never experience in Singapore. I do recalled the moment, the feelings of uncomfortable and embarrassment. but sincerely, after soaking into the hot tub… the rest is relaxation.

A must try at Jjimjilbang is the full body scrub down, exfoliation service. I never forget the Ah-Ma who did the “spa service” for me. Here she is, wearing leopard lingeries, with a bar of soap and a pair of scrubbing glove, perspiring away. The first couple of minutes of the scurb is painful loh and my skin turn red immediately. But bearing with it after a while, it was like massage and the dead skin just accumulates to …. something I do not believe, it existed from my body. LOL 😀 The end results is truly worth it, leaving my skin so soft and smooth. In summary, I will definately do it again if I travel to Korea again. 

   

Jjimjilbang recerational area and the trademark Towel Sheep Head as seen in the Korea dramas. PS: Dogs are not allowed. 

Another unforgettable event is the day before my flight home. Hike to Taebaeksan. It was a planned trip with one of the Korea hiking group, searched from meetup.com back in Singapore. Initial communication was quite breezy. When I arrive in Korea, following the directions and getting to the gathering place can be a little complicated especially in the wee morning when there’s hardly any humans to ask and language barrier can be a painful experience.

Nevertheless, the subway system in Seoul is superb. Similar to Singapore, just take note of the different exits and exchange between train lines. The walks between the train line can be quite a distance. Thank God. I did arrive on time and met up with the group. We boarded a chartered coach with full capacity of hikers enthusiastic coming from different countries.

It took us about a 2 hours drive. And weather was perfect when we arrive there !!! The season hikers of the group kept telling me I was lucky as seldom the weather is so beautiful. Indeed, I thought I was in heaven. Arriving the Exhilarating Peak… sights surrounding were Snowy white mountain, Clear blue sky, Bright shining sun and the Fluffy clouds were literally around us like a sea of marshmallows. The view is simply BREATHTAKING. God is Great… What I can’t experience at Jeju, Mount Hallasan, All is LOVE here at Mount Taebeaksan. Every moment filled with true happiness.

 

As we descend, the group have prepare black garbage bags, paper boards, anything with smooth surface and we were all like children sliding down on the slippery snow. The speed can be terrifying but awesome !!! Lastly they end the day with a late lunch barbecue (Yummy :*)  with Soju and in-bus Karaoke session on the return coach ride back to city. The experience with the local hiking group has been so truly Korean to me. Am impressive with their lively entertainment and drinking capability. hehe..  Most of all, the joy and friendship made through this trip. Miss you In Sun Eom !! 

Group Pic with All Smiles at the Peak !! 

Lastly the memory to complete the title of this blog “Running-Ros in Korea” as inspired from Running man. I manage to get a ticket and watch a LEESSANG concert. Yeah, got to see Gary.. haha. Gary do resembles someone I once fall in love dearly. Those squeaky eyes.. LOL ;P

Anyway, getting to the venue was the worst local travelling experience throughout the trip. As the concert was held at the grounds of a university. I need to transfer by bus to the destination after alighting from the subway. The “youngsters” around was not very helpful, probably the English language barrier, everyone was walking fast away from me when I say “excuse me”. haha… 😀 

Thankful with my follow-the-crowd instincts, Praise the Lord, I manage to find the venue in time. I was in awe when arriving the concert grounds. Lots of delicious tempting food tents and street vendors selling all kinds of concert stuff, especially colorful lights sticks. (Why Singapore concert not like this vibrant? They should consider having pasar malam at Kallang indoor stadium, LOL :D)

Along the way, lucky star shine upon me. I came across and met 2 Singaporean ladies. We met at the ticketing area while queuing up and taking selfies. We had a short chat about our passion for running man (hehe :D) and soon after headed off to our seating area. I recalled the whole concert experience, it was so happening and enjoyable. Although I do not understand the korean language. I did know the meaning of some of the songs through my earlier Leessang research on Youtube. Literally, I was on my feet almost the whole time, dancing along, cheering, and swinging the light stick along with everyone. haha. A day as a fan girl. :p

Once the concert ended, I met up with the Singapore ladies with the arranged location as agreed earlier. And with their angel guidance, I managed to get the right bus and headed to the subway for my return back to the hostel. What an awesome and blessed night in Korea.

Link for my youtube video taken at the concert singing Santa Clause is coming to town.

That’s all for the end of my memorable Korea Solo trip. The rest of the time spent were shopping at Myeongdong, Lotte mart. Lots of facial products and bags, and love the fashion there. And oh yes, if you are staying in the hostel, ask the whoever at the reception and do a local order for the Jajangmyeon and Mandu. Their delivery sure is amazing fast and the food is so so good. (Drooling..) And when I have finish up, put the plates in the plastic bag and leave it outside the door. The delivery motorbike uncle will somehow come by to collect it.

Another thing I did is a one day Jisan ski tour with ‘learn to ski lesson’. Thank  you Lord for the wonderful time on that lovely blessed lucky day. As the sky starts to snow, what a view of floating snowflakes, sitting down at the cafe with a sip of hot chocolate and a bite of warm corn dog. And continued with the fearful adrenline rush of uncontrollable ski slide down the slope. haha 😀 Life is Great.

Falling is part of life. Important, is getting back up and living to the fullest knowing the Love of GOD is always there with me. 

~ FIN

 

Publish from Draft ~ Day 7 – Exploring Seogwipo – Teddy Bear Museum

After a good day meal last night, snooze off into the bed once return to the hostel. Today I planned to explore the other end of Jeju, Seogwipo. Check with the super nice reception lady from HK hostel for information in getting there. Walk a distance to the bus stop and took a bus ride to airport for around 10-15mins. From airport, I took the airport limousine bus (no. 600) direct to Seogwipo. Can’t remember the price. The ride is around 45mins-1hrs.

Arrive at Seogwipo with perfect weather unlike the snow storm I met at Mount Hallasan. Blue Sky, light cold breeze, bright warmy sun!!! So I have pre-plan on my destinations at Seogwipo. First stop, Teddy Bear Museum. Ticket per adult is KRW 8,000 (SGD $8.80). The place has 3 levels (if I am no wrong). Place was interesting as they design the bears to related to our human world. You see characters “bearlike” eg, Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Tarzan and Jane. And also the long history of teddy bear evolution. Even branded bears like LV and Swaroski teddy bear with a whooping price tag on display.

Guess who I met at that time the craziest in Korea. “Oppa Gangnam Style!!!” Yes, they created a Teddybear Style which my first glimpse let out a big laugh. I also met the biggest teddy bear I’ve seen in my life, probably standing tall at 3meters. To end the tour in the museum, I went to watch a Elvis Teddybear show at level 2. Me not really an Elvis fan, but the music makes you wanna dance with the bears.

  

After exiting and got some “expensive” souvenirs (Get from Dongmun market will be cheaper), I saw Joong Ki. Ex running man member!!! On Lotz Burger Poster. haha.. So decide to takeaway my brunch at the lotz burger joint and head out to the teddy bear park and enjoy the weather and sun. PS: Not a really good idea, cos the wind chill is just overwhelm.

So fully wrapped up in my coat filled with hot packs and snacking away on the fries and burgers, what a peaceful relaxing life. Took a quick walk around the deserted cold park, the place is indeed very beautiful and indeed a paradise for kids.

Most of the attractions in Seogwipo are within walking distance for one another. So I decided to go and check out their Botanical Garden Yeomji soon after, which has 3 waterfalls. Something we don’t have in Singapore.

Along the way, I pass by Sound Island Museum, Chocolate Land and arrive botanical garden Yeomji. Their bridge construction is beautiful. Walked to the biggest waterfall only to realize, there is no water fall. Due to the winter weather, the water freezes. hence it’s more of a water streaming. Haha.. Life is full of surprises. :p

The Sunim bridge – Jeju Island in Korea – UNESCO World Natural Heritage

Mission Celebration Dinner – Korean Barbecue

Yes, first mountain hiking mission accomplished. What better way to celebrate with a scrumptious dinner. Jeju is famous for their black pig. So headed out to the black pork street and just patronize the first store I found attractive with the signboard and not overly crowded. I was seated immediately and handed a English language menu. With my hunger striking tummy and  the BBQ aroma enticing in the restaurant, without reading the full description, I saw the word black pig and straight away I ordered. I am a person who loves fatty meat, especially having korean barbecue. Instead when the meat arrive, I realised that I ordered the loin meat…… 😦

Overall the eating experience was great. Their servings for side dishes, appetizers are also overwhelmed. I was in shock seeing the table slowly filled with food for ONE person. They just keep serving the side dishes tray by tray until I have to hold and ask them to take back some of them. There is no way I can finish everything alone.

Having to experience first time eating korean BBQ in korea, I am impressed with their service. They have specific person who will help you cook, flip, and cut the meat, unlike Singapore when we BBQ, we help ourselves. Making one feel so “royal”.  One of the best dish I had was the spicy seafood soup which taste really good for winter weather. As for the black pig loin meat, it was good, “tough” and muscular. I prefer fatty meat still but too bad my stomach is unable to go through 2nd servings. My total bill cost around KRW 17,000 (SGD$19.00) include a bottle of beer. It was indeed satisfied.

PS: Do check out my Day 7 of Korean BBQ. A different restaurant just down the road which I find the food and everything there even much better.

Looking at it, make me craving again for Korean BBQ!!!

Day 6 : Climbing Mount Hallasan

The watch, iphone, imac alarm all rings at 5.15am. Yes, it’s been long time since I got to wake up this early so I need all 3 alarms to snooze me. Today I am going to embark on my FIRST-SOLO-REAL-MOUNTAIN-HIKING-ATTEMPT-TO THE PEAK. Haha, why I mentioned real. Cos in Singapore the highest we have is Bukit Timah Hill. (If you want to know how high is it, Google)

Anyway, reading up lots of fellow bloggers about their experience climbing Mt. Hallasan sort of preparing myself mentality for the hike. Physically I am not sure if I’m ready but I gotta start somewhere for the first time to know my threshold.

The night before, I have well-prep my newly brought crampons, trekking stick, snack-Kimbap, 3 bottle of energy water, winter gloves into my lightweight vaude backpack. (PS: Forget about packing your DSLR for first-time mountaineer) At around 5.45am, I left the hostel. It’s totally deserted  and quite dark on the street except for the lamppost lights. Luckily after 10mins in panic mode, I manage to flag down a cab. My destination – Jeju Bus Terminal.

It took around 5-10mins to reach Jeju Bus Terminal. Can’t remember the cab fare but 5-10mins ride should be around KRW3,000 – 4,000 (SGD$3.50 – $4.50). Arrive Jeju Bus Terminal at around 6.10am. Went straight to the counter and tell the lady, Seongpanak, Mount Hallasan. Paid KRW1,500 (SGD$1.75) and ran to platform 6 just in time for the 6.15am bus. The bus left on time and I chose the seat nearer to the door (Jeju bus only have single entrance and exit point). Next moment, I started to panic again, cos how would I know when to alight. Looking out the window in darkness, I turned and saw a lady asking her how long it takes to Seongpanak. She told me 30mins, which is the similar as HK Jeju staff has mentioned. I am delighted when I start hearing english announcement on the bus for each stop. Once again, I perked my ears like previously to Geumsunsa temple and listen to each announcement.

Finally I heard Seongpanak station aloud. Thanks God!!! The lady whom I ask also gave me a signal it’s the next stop. Really thank you to Jeju Bus PA system and the nice lady for making my bus journey a pleasant one.

Disembarked from the cosy warm bus, it’s a different world outside. The place is almost pitch black. Lights can be seen from the stand-alone rest station packed with enthusiasts hikers preparing their hiking equipments. Strong chill wind was blowing hard. Sand like particles under the illumination from the car headlamps were seen dusting on the ground. I did check the weather forecast the day before, it mentioned it will rain which luckily it did not. Instead it took me a while to realise the dust like particles are actually snowflakes. It’s SNOWING!!! It’s my first time seeing and experiencing snow fall. It’s definitely a memorable and breathtaking moment.

The sky starting to get brighter as I prep myself for my hike mission. As blur as usual with no english signage or directional indications, I ask the passerby hikers the entrance location of Seongpanak Trail. There I started my hike at around 7.20am.

The panic bus ride and hike at dawn breaks

There is 2 midway rest shelters for the hike to the peak. The first part of ascend to the Sokbat Sheler is not difficult, it took me around 1 hour and 10mins to reach the first shelter. Took a quick water replenishment in the crowded rest area and continue my part two ascend to Jindallaebat Shelter which took me 1hour and 25mins. The temperature is getting super cold up there. The weather is also changing erratically rough. Brought a small cup of hot coffee at KRW500 and bottoms-up my bottle of gatorade. I did not waste much time at the shelter. One particular reason, when my body rest, the cold get into me fast. So best is to keep moving so the body will keep warm.

  

Ascend to Sokbat Shelter, light snowing

        

Ascend to Jindallaebat Shelter, heavy snowing (time to put my crampons to work)

The final ascend to the peak is the toughest and scariest for me. The trail is steep for me. And with gale winds trying to blow me off almost give me cold feet to continue to my ascend. I was worried if I fell off the side of the trail. Nobody will know I’ve disappear. 😛 Not knowing how long more the route to the peak, I did tell myself what the hack. Giving up is not an option after so many hours. Before I knew it, Yes I reach Mount Hallasan Peak at 11.15am (Almost 4 hour climb one-way). Initially I don’t even realise I am at the peak because it’s a snow storm up there. There’s nothing to see beyond the mountain peak other then white snowy haze. (It’s different from the photos I saw on the internet.)

However it’s a top of the world feeling when I saw the wood crave structure and stone monument of Mount Hallasan. I did it, it’s something for myself, believing in one self. I only stay up for probably couple of minutes. Took a few photos with my iphone before it froze dead on me . The minus zero degree temperature at the peak was freezing every blood in my body. First time I had my eyelashes coated in white snow flakes. Because of the stormy weather, descend has to be on Seongpanak trail instead of the shorter Gwaneumsa trail.

    

Peak of Mount Hallasan, SNOW STORM!!!

Descend is obviously faster but much painful to me. Every step gives a shock to the kneecap which hurts a lot. It took me 1 hour to return to the Jindallaebat Shelter. The place is now packed with hikers having their picnic gathering. Joining them, I had another cup of hot coffee and finished up my packet Kimbap in no time.  (Note: There are no dustbin at the shelters. All rubbish are to be bring down to the ground by the hikers and dispose)

The hike down is very beautiful. It’s like a white forest seen on TV or read through fairy tale. The path is now filled with snow apart from rocks during the ascend. Everything is just so perfect (except for the snow storm at the peak). LOL 😀  It took me total 3 hours 30 mins to touchdown at 2.40pm. So happy to see civilization and feeling burned out.

  

Descend back to a Jindallaebat Shelter packed with hikers / Do not know it means but the numbers and units I recognise

   

Descend after Sokbat Shelter, the crampons is a saviour

TOUCHDOWN!!! The Seongpanak Shelter look nicely in daylight.

Wanting to get back to the hostel faster, I decide to take a cab. Instead of going by meter, they treat me like carrot asking KRW28,000 (SGD$32). The normal amount by meter back to Jeju-si should be half of that price. Not agreeing with their touting manner, I walk to the bus station and took the ride back to Jeju Bus Terminal for KRW1,500 (SGD$1.74). I use the Seoul City Pass Plus to tap the payment. Everything is a breeze. As usual, arrive Jeju bus Terminal, took a cab back to hostel around 4pm.

Some information to share for Mount Hallasan:

Website: http://www.hallasan.go.kr/english/ 

DO read up the mountain rules. They have a trail time limit access for respective route to the peak. I did saw some foreigner hikers trying to persuade their way to hike up at Jindallaebat Shelter checkpoint at 1200hrs.  The entrance was barrier up and guarded hence no one is allowed.

Fellow honorable bloggers who provide great info for Mount Hallasan Hike

Touched by the S.Korean Hearts : http://baotravelkorea.wordpress.com/day-5-jeju-island-mount-hallasan/

Discovering Korea : http://discoveringkorea.com/090225/climbing-hallasan-mountain-on-jeju-island/

Peanuts Travel : http://peanutstravels.blogspot.sg/2010/02/mount-hallasan-jeju-south-korea.html 

 

 

Day 5: Jeju Solo Tour Begins

After settling in my room, it’s time to explore the quiet streets of Jeju. Yes it is rather deserted, probably because I chose to visit Jeju on weekdays to avoid the weekend crowd. So exiting the hostel, decide to explore the nearby attraction points. Cannot stay up late tonight as I have a big “mission” tomorrow morning.

First up, I arrive at Black Pork Street (drooling….), at 3pm almost all the stores had yet to start business. It’s a street of irresistible food temptation. Thinking back I just simply can’t wait to sink my teeth into the juicy tender pork (drooling… again). Accordingly to the HK Jeju staff, she mentioned, the stores at black pork street will open around 5pm onwards.

  

Cafe beside HK Jeju I Guesthouse / Jeju Palace hotel / Jeju Tourism Info Booth across the road

 

Turning into the street entrance looking across MacD / Lots of noodle stores at the small alley

  

Black Pork Street!!!

As I walk straight on, there is HK Jeju II Guesthouse which is their newer establishment. My next stop is Dongmun Traditional Market. A must visit in Jeju. It’s a korean market full of culture, atmosphere and great food. The market is big with different sections, such as seafood, dry provision, meat, snacks stores, etc. A thing to note, I am not exactly a bargaining person, so do watch out some ahjumma trying to treat you like carrot and chop you. Do haggle and go around several stores to check the average price before purchase. At the end, I got myself a plate of sashimi, bottle of orange-flavoured makoli (Jeju famous for oranges) and a Jeju magnet souvenir total for around SGD$12. They do have a lot of street food carts selling korean pancakes, fish cakes, etc at the entrance of the Dongmun Night Market which is on the right side of the main entrance.. But due to my exploding tummy, I was unable to try any of them.

 

HK Jeju II Guesthouse / An international food fair / Can someone tell me what is this button at the traffic light means?

  

Dongmun Traditional Market and Night Market

  

Jeju famous oranges, fresh seafood market and korean fermented side dishes, Kimchi

After my tour around Dongmun market, It’s time to head back to do some trek equipment shopping at E-mart (opposite of HK Jeju I guesthouse). Crossing the street towards Macdonald, I stop by the tourism info booth (Jeju Tourism : http://www.hijeju.or.kr/english/main.html) to grab a copy of the Jeju map. Despite the freezing weather I went on to check out the Jeju Seaside Walk. Having the strong chill wind and misty sea water smacking on my face, it turn out to be not a good idea. LOL. 😀 The roaring waves hitting on the rocks do makes me worry about the weather tomorrow.

 

Jeju Seaside Walk and the fresh seafood restaurants along the coast

   

Roaring waves and deserted seaside walk

  

Jeju Seaside Art Centre modeled after the protective stone towers (Bang-Sa-Tap) [Click the picture to read more]

So I arrive at E-mart, with the security guard asking me to deposit my backpack at their free lockers. It’s really “free and easy” shopping at the supermarket with my load kept aside. Immediately heading to 2nd level, I check out the crampons(spikes for the shoes) and a trekking stick. Knowingly I will not be using the crampons after leaving korea so cheap cheap is what I’m looking for. After 30mins of walking back and forth through the trekking equipment section and plenty of self-explanation on why I should get this and not that, I finally got the “cheapest” items at the store. A POLAR brand crampon and a BEYOND Antishock trekking stick at total SGD$60.

At last it’s time to go back to hostel to have a early rest and prepare for my first ever mission mountain hike.

My dinner and souvenir from Dongmun Market and take-away Kimbap for tomorrow trekking