Jeju-Korea (Day 2 - June 2012)

Morning call was at 6:30am and we had to gather at the hotel lobby (which had free wifi) by 7:30am.. to truck off to a local Jeju breakfast of abalone porridge.. served with kimchi of cos! 


Unfortunately, the very diluted coffee served at the restaurant didn't help to awaken our senses much.. until we had to get down the bus at the windy Seogwipo Beach. It looked very much like Phillip Island in Victoria, Australia.. with the waves crashing against the cliffs and rocks.. and even created a 'blow-hole' effect at certain spots. 

Then, we visited Cheonjeyeon (Heavenly Emperor) Waterfall.. the waters were a deep mesmerising ultra-marine blue and very clear. Unfortunately we didn't have the luxury of time to wade in the stream.. which would have been refreshingly cool? And crossed the Seonimgyo (Heavenly Angel) Bridge with seven nymphs playing musical instruments carved on both sides.. a Korean legend was told.. that these beautiful nymphs descend from heaven to earth at night.. 

The next place of interest was the famous Teddy Bear Museum (which was depicted in the K-drama Goong).. that housed and displayed all sorts of teddy bears in different scenarios.. from the late 19th century to date.. including the very expensive Louis Vuitton Bear, 125 Karat Gold Bear and Swarovski Bear. We were each given a souvenir bear to wrap up the cuteness before settling down to a lunch of spicy fish soup with radish.

We headed straight to the jetty after lunch.. hmmm.. a jet-boat ride may not be so great at facilitating digestion? We were handed long, frumpy green raincoats and life-jackets to don.. and then WHHEEEEE!!! The sea was choppy that day and our boat stalled not once but TWICE.. just to add to the excitement.. there was apparently too much seaweed caught in the motor-engine and had to be cleared?! Our driver somewhat resembled Ha-Ha from Running Man (Korean variety show).. too bad it's not Lee Min Ho.. *sigh wistfully*...


Jeff informed us that only females divers (known as Mermaids).. made a living in past by collecting shell fish, abalone, clams etc.. and these days, only 60 year old Ahjummas (or older) remain faithful to the trade.


We visited the Glass Museum.. which housed and displayed many glass ornaments and decorations.. there was even a toilet made from glass! 


A brief walk along the Mysterious Road.. which gave an optical illusion of going uphill when it's actually sloping down.. before enjoying the Nanta Cooking Show.. although this was my second time watching the same performance.. it was still funny and entertaining! We ending the activity-filled day with a night cap of soju and makgeolli.. KAN PEI!!!