Tuesday, May 28, 2013

jeju

The colourful array of bibimbap ingredients always cheers Lucyriver up. This bowl of bibimbap was the first Korean cuisine Lucyriver had in Gimpo airport while awaiting transit to Jeju with Beautiful Blue.
After checking in our accommodation in Jeju, we ventured around the area looking for dinner. We found a church nearby with the lovely Mary in front.
There was no menu given as we were assumed to be locals. Well, there was no menu in fact as everyone was having the same thing. 8000 won per person.The side dishes were great and refillable. The fried fish in the middle was crispy. However, we hardly could tolerate one which Lucyriver presumed is the sesame leaves with strong medicinal taste (circled). 
The late evening view from the rooftop of the place we stayed was magnificent. There was a bridge linking to a tiny plot of island looking straight ahead. It was in the itinerary to explore on foot but we never made it due to time constraints.
It seemed like almost all eateries were still sleeping when we were scouting around for breakfast. We ended up having the samgak kimbap, cheese stick and banana milk in a convenient store.
We engaged a driver who were also acting as guide and photographer. Our first stop was the Cheonjiyeon waterfall. The drizzle did not stop us from appreciating the cascading waterfalls.
In Jeju, everywhere you go everywhere you turn, you are bound to see harubangs, the grandfather stones. One of the must buy souvenirs would be the harubangs which come in all sizes.
By the time we got to Oedolgae Rock, the weather had turned nasty. The strong wind threatened to snatched our umbrellas away. Lucyriver poor Mickey umbrella suffered mild fractured bones. A group of school students, all males, came before us, so there we were, watching and capturing their antics before our turn.
The walk into the Yakcheonsa temple was an enjoyable one despite the wet. See how enthusiastic Beautiful Blue and our Mr. Driver racing ahead.
Along the way we saw oranges hanging luxuriously on the trees. So tempting yet not within reach of hands. Besides, who in the right mind will steal from temples.
The grand facade of Yakcheonsa temple greeted us as we reached the top of the stairs.
This was also where Beautiful Blue lost her Kotex umbrella, which we both won one, while browsing souvenirs. Poor umbrella now belongs to an identified uncle. This was also where Beautiful Blue had her wedding harubangs mixed up. She only realised it was a same sex figures when unboxing it later that night. Imagine giving them to her soon-to-be married friend.
View looking down to the Jusangjeolli cliff. It was totally impossible to take a decent photo without being drenched by the tantrum-throwing wind and rain. We managed one ridiculous messy photo which is not decent for viewing here. Lucyriver believe Beautiful Blue would agree too.
The 3D Trick Museum
The Teddy Bear Museum
White wedding
Korean traditional wedding
Samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup
Pajeon or pancake
Here's another harubang we met on our morning walk the next day. Mr Weather seemed nicer today with no signs of down pouring. 
We had ourselves a new driver who was equally nice and accommodating as the first thing he did was sending us back to Yakcheonsa temple to set the wedding harubangs right. No, no sight of the Kotex umbrella there. 
Cheonjeyeon Falls
The seven-nymph bridge close to the falls.
Jeongbang where the water falls and flows directly into the sea.
On our way to Seopjikoji, we encountered people filming on the roadside.
All-in house.
Lighthouse at the top.
The rapeseed flowers which are usually abundant in spring. Too bad it was already towards the end of spring when we were there.
We took approximately one hour to ascend and descend Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak a.k.a. Sunrise Peak. 
We took our time taking photos and admiring the intriguing growths around us.
Magnificent view of the surrounding town. Would have looked nicer if the weather was clearer.
Walk and walk, climb and climb, this is what rewarded us at the peak. A green crater.
The view on the other side was mesmerising too. There was a performance of the haenyeo or women divers but we missed them.
Another fulfilling dinner of sea urchin soup and abalone porridge.
There was nothing much to see in Seongup Folk Village but the entrance is free. We had Grace who explained and showed us all the stuff and the way of life in the village. Just be prepared to listen to sale of products after that. She was also gracious enough to reveal the secrets of touching certain parts of harubang for specific desire. We took great interest in how to obtain wealth. It's the tummy, Lucyriver think. Right, Beautiful Blue? 
The Mini Mini Land made it up to the Soingook Themepark which we went yesterday but were not able to visit due to the torrential rain and wind. We tried to step out twice but ended up scurrying back indoors with not only us soaking to the bones but our poor driver cum guide cum photographer too.  
Beautiful Blue obsession with One Piece.
Our last day touring Jeju ended with the visit to Loveland. There were more provocative photos taken but these two Lucyriver think are enough to trigger the imagination. Plus all the other millions images available on the net are within easy search.
This piece of art would make a great welcome but scandalising at home entrance.

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