Hello, this trip was taken in May 2016. Due to the long time that has passed, my memory may be hazy, so let the pictures tell the story.
This trip, we went with a tour group. We bought the tour from True World Travel for 9,900 baht per person. Our group had 15 people. Personally, I was impressed with the tour's management. Even though there were a lot of people, the tour management was excellent.
The first day, the tour group met at Suvarnabhumi Airport at 11 pm. Upon arrival at the airport, there was a long queue for check-in. The tour operator's management was good, and there was no chaos. The flight departed at 2 am, and everyone slept soundly until arriving at Jeju Airport at 9 am.
After clearing immigration, the tour guide gave us time to wash our faces, brush our teeth, and change into warm clothes. Then, we were taken to lunch, where we enjoyed a Korean dish called japchae, also known as glass noodles.
Our first stop in Jeju is Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, a stunning volcanic cone offering breathtaking views of the ocean, Hallasan Mountain, and numerous islets. The unique black sand beach and dark blue waters make it a popular diving spot for Haenyeo (female divers). The peak also boasts historical significance with a World War II tunnel and has served as a filming location for several renowned dramas. However, due to the thick fog upon our arrival, we opted to explore the scenic coastline instead of ascending to the peak for panoramic views.
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Next, we visited the Sangbangsa Temple, located on Mount Sanbang and facing the sea. The temple houses a large Buddha statue, which is considered sacred and revered by the Buddhist population of Jeju Island and South Korea. Within the temple grounds, there is also a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin, facing the sea. Our guide informed us that Korean monks do not practice alms-giving, so visitors to the temple often offer rice as food for the monks or make offerings by donating candles.
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Perched atop a hill, the temple offers breathtaking panoramic views of the ocean. However, the thick fog obscures the seascape, leaving visitors disappointed.
After paying respects at the temple, the tour guide took us to see the Circus World Show. The show featured thrilling acrobatics and displays of flexibility, such as hoop diving and contortion acts. The highlight of the show was the motorcycle stunt performance in a confined space, also known as the "barrel motorcycle" act. The performers were young Chinese children. However, due to the long flight the previous night, the show served as an excellent opportunity to catch some sleep. We all fell asleep during the performance, so we don't have any pictures of the acrobatics.
The O'Sulloc Tea Museum: A Journey Through Korean Tea Culture
After a refreshing nap, the tour took us to the O'Sulloc Tea Museum, a sprawling complex divided into two distinct zones. The first zone features the largest green tea field in South Korea, where visitors can capture memorable photos with the iconic teacup sculpture, a symbol of the plantation. The second zone houses an exhibition showcasing the rich history and diverse culture of tea brewing, alongside an array of tea-infused products. Despite the tempting aroma of the cafe offering hot and cold green tea, ice cream, and green tea rolls, the overwhelming crowd prevented us from indulging in any of these delectable treats.
After taking many photos of the tea plantation, it's time to capture some with the beautiful flower field in the tea plantation.
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Following the heavy downpour, we continued our journey to Hello Kitty Jeju Island, a captivating venue showcasing the diverse world of Hello Kitty. This enchanting space houses an extensive collection of Hello Kitty memorabilia, from vintage items to contemporary creations. Visitors can delve into the history and evolution of this iconic character while browsing through an array of adorable souvenirs.
Wherever you look, you'll find the adorable Hello Kitty characters.
The dinner tour served this menu (I don't know what it's called) and the fruit served was frozen lychee, which we would definitely not eat in Thailand.
For accommodation, we stayed at the Sea & Hotel, a peaceful hotel located in the middle of rice fields. Despite the convenient access to nearby minimarkets like G25 and 7-11, the light drizzle encouraged us to rest and recharge. This concluded our first day in Jeju.
Day Two: Exploring Jeju's Natural Wonders
On the second day, our itinerary called for a visit to the breathtaking Songsang Sunrise Peak. However, to manage the number of tourists, our guide made a brief stop at Jeju's most aesthetically pleasing restroom. Shaped like a ship, the restroom boasted an impressive design, but unfortunately, it was accompanied by a strong odor.
Following this pit stop, we embarked on the tour's main activity: a visit to a red pine oil center. The presentation on the oil's properties was relatively short, allowing participants to either purchase the product or wait comfortably in the vehicle.
We continued to take photos with the flowers at the U-sae flower field. Although there were fewer flowers left when we visited, we still enjoyed the experience. We liked the rustic charm of the flower field, which reminded us of sunflower fields in our home country where farmers grow them and charge tourists for entry.
The time has come for our faculty to embark on a journey to the majestic Songsang Sunrise Peak, a dormant volcano with a crown-shaped crater. This renowned site, where people come to make wishes and witness the breathtaking sunrise, is among the top 10 scenic spots on Jeju Island and has been recognized as one of the New7Wonders of Nature. As always, you have the option to ascend the stairs to view the dormant volcano's crater or descend to admire the panoramic ocean vista.
Despite the long staircase, we opted to walk down to admire the breathtaking ocean view. The strong wind and refreshing air made for an unforgettable experience.
The tour then takes you to AQUA PLANET, the largest aquarium in Asia.
After observing the aquatic life in the various tanks, we exited the aquarium and waited for our transportation outside. In the distance, we could see the Songsan Ilchulbong Peak, a volcanic cone.
It's lunchtime, and the food here is delicious. I can't remember what it is, but the restaurant is right next to the next tourist spot we're going to. So we can eat and then walk right over to the next attraction.
After a satisfying meal, we crossed the street to the "Songgeub Folk Village," a traditional village over 300 years old with residents still living there. The village's unique construction method involves using a mixture of clay and horse manure to bind stones and bricks together, forming the structure of the houses.
Visiting this village offers a unique opportunity to experience both cultural heritage and local commerce. While admiring the ancient architecture, visitors can also purchase "Omija" fermented juice, a traditional beverage made from wild berries. Villagers soak the berries in honey and ferment them for three years before consumption. The resulting drink boasts a sweet and sour flavor and was historically used for medicinal purposes. Additionally, visitors can find "horse bone medicine," a highly-priced remedy. Interestingly, during a subsequent trip to Seoul, we discovered Omija fermented juice at Lotte Mart, much to our amusement. The price difference was significant, with a bottle costing nearly 800 baht at the village compared to less than 100 baht at Lotte Mart.
The next stop was a visit to the horse stables and the red pine forest, which left us wondering why we were brought there. Perhaps the dining room was full, so we were brought here to wait.
As expected, dinner was a seafood buffet. Our bus arrived last, so there wasn't much food left. We had to eat quickly for fear of running out. I don't have any pictures of this meal. For dinner, we returned to the hotel both days. After eating our fill, we went for a walk on the beach near the hotel. It was a truly authentic Jeju experience, and I loved it.
Day 3: A Tour-Filled Day
Day 3 is dedicated to guided tours, with no additional sightseeing planned. The itinerary includes:
- Ginseng Center: Learn about the cultivation and benefits of ginseng, a renowned Korean medicinal herb.
- Haeundae Somunnan Herbal Medicine Center: Discover the world of traditional Korean herbal medicine.
- Duty-Free Shop: Enjoy shopping for a variety of goods without paying taxes.
- Korean Won Exchange: Convert your currency to Korean Won for convenient spending.
This photo depicts an ancient palace, possibly a royal residence, situated at the entrance of the Jeju Jungang Underground Shopping Center.
This is a review of a trip to Jeju Island, which may not contain much information but may be helpful for those who are considering buying a tour to visit Jeju Island.
Thank you for visiting.
Tharasaki
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 7:58 PM