Oedo Paradise Island

So, do you know that the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games will be held in South Korea? Do drop by and watch the spectacular competitor,where many of the world athletic gathers here to showcase their sportsmanship in winter sports.

It will be held in Gangwondo Provinces, but you know what! Since you are here in South Korea, you should just visit Seoul, the games only. You should make full use of your precious time here, to  explore the beauty of South Korea. In this post, I would like to recommend you a private island at the South West of South Korea. The island is none other than Oedo Paradise Island. 

Look at the Shape!

Just for your information on getting here, probably the only way that you could get to this island will be through taking a boat, roughly 20 minutes ride from the Gujora Port on Geojedo Island, or there are actually a total of 6 ports from Geoje Island where you can take a boat to the Oedo Paradise Island. The approximate distance of the Oedo Paradise island is 4km away from the Geojedo Island. Moreover, if you are mesmerising the island like me, one bad news is that you are not allowed to stay overnight on the island. Adding on to this, visitors are entitled to 1 hour 30 minutes of visiting time to this paradise island before departing to Geoje Island. 

You might be thinking like what so special about this island? What makes it for me to go all the way South and to take a bat from another Island. But, let me tell you this, you will feel yourself being in a wonderland or in some fantasy Korean drama or fairytale once you reached there.

My favourite tree in the Island

Like I had said before, this is a private island and you must be wondering, who is the owner? The owner is none other than Mr Lee Chang Ho, who first came to Oedo Paradise Island as a way to escape from the strong winds and waves while he was fishing on the sea. The breathtaking landscape that you could find almost everywhere in the island is actually created by the owner himself,together with his wife for the past 30 years. I could really feel how precious is this island to the owner as it is  a very well tended garden and that they had showered a lot of care and love towards this island,just like their own child. 

With it awesomely designed botanical gardens, where it is designed based on the European theme that consists or more than 3000 species of  flora and fauna, it  sets a relaxing and stunning atmosphere that allows visitors to indulge in the natural environment  and the magnificent ocean views. 

Many of you especially those who are a fan of Korean Drama must have known the famous Korean Drama "Stairway to Heaven." Over here, you are truly experiencing what is it like to be on the Stairway to Heaven, due to the fact that there are two sides of the stairways which allow visitors to enjoy the beautiful terrace landscape on either side of the stairways. Therefore, there is no doubt that Oedo Paradise Island is indeed a Paradise in the world!

As I had mentioned about the natural landscape, this island being a garden! One has to take note of the seasonality. Spring is a season where flowers blooms and Oedo Paradise Island is no exception! In Oedo Paradise Island, there are several theme gardens, such as Cactus garden and flowers gardens including some rare species. Do note that summer is the peak period of the island, so do have plans before you visit.

Address: 17, Oedo-gil, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Admission Fees

Adults: 11,000won

Military and Students( middle to high school student)- 8,000won

Children up to 25 months): 5,000won

Website: www.oedobotania.com

For more information: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264203

Somaemuldo Island (소매물도)

You ain't dreaming! This is a picture taken from one of the hidden gems of South Korea. If you happen to visit South Korea, visit this island! Also, something that you shouldn't miss out will definitely be the PyeongChang Winter Olympic, which will be held in 2018.

The name of the island is actually called Somaemuldo Island! You might be wondering what  does Somaemuldo means right! Here's a little brief on the origins of its name. It is actually due to an island which is just beside Somaemuldo, known as the Maemuldo Island. Maemuldo Island is derived from the fact that it is an area with one of the largest producers of maemul, which is known as buckwheat in English! In Korean, the word" So" , actually means small! Hence, due to the size of Somaemuldo Island, which is relatively smaller than Maemuldo Island, it is named as Somaemuldo Island. So, that is actually how Somaemuldo got it's name.

Indeed, due to its small size, one might be wondering what is there to see or play over there! Let's go back to the 1904, where the Kims family who originally lived in Gimhae,South Korea, moved to this island as they had heard that there is an abundant of food to the point where no one would starve. After relocating from the main island, they established the whole village here and this spice up the lives of the island. With this, accommodations, restaurants are established for the convenience of both the local and tourists, enabling tourists who visit this island to enjoy the panoramic scene of the island without much inconvenience. One bonus will be that the locals here are extremely friendly and hospitable to visitors, even towards a foreigner like me, they treated me just like a part of them.

This island is highly recommended for people who are wanderluster, who wants to get closer to the nature, nature lovers, hikers or anyone who want to escape from the stressful city lives and just relax! As this island can provide the healing that you need!

However, to enjoy this island, you have to work for it! Work, I mean is to hike. You have to trek up the mountain from the port, to really indulge in the island! Hence, get ready a bottle of water, torch and a pair of comfortable sneakers! Some might think that it is tough doing so, but trust me, it is worth it. While you are trekking up the mountain, you will be able to see plentiful of flora and fauna! A tip will be to try trekking up early as it is relatively dangerous to trek after the sunset as there isn't lamp posts installed over there! Also, you will have myriad of time to take photos of the different beautiful scenery that is offered!

Every different part of the trekking trail offers different kinds of spectacular scenary!

Right behind me is one of the hidden gems of Somaemuldo Island- the stratified bluffs of Deungdaeseom( Lighthouse Island).   Don't the Lighthouse behind me look like some Korean drama scene! According to the locals there,  you will be able to cross the sea and visit the island there before the sunset! Yeah! Cross the sea! Meaning that between the sunrise and sunset, the water will separate causing it to formed a path for people to walk over to Somaemuldo Island to the Lighthouse Island. Won't it be wonderful if there is an helicopter and you could be like in those drama scene where you and your loved one view the entire landscape of the island from above.

This is the sunset of Somaemuldo Island! Just beside the Deungsaeseom(Lighthouse Island). Note that this photo is without filter, so you could really feel and experience how it was like to view the sun setting in to the sea! Amazing and definitely a memorable experience that I will never forget!

Back when you are in the village, where we stayed at the pension operated by the locals, there are many wall painting for visitors to explore and take photo is! Also, you can spice up your night there by having BBQ party with your friends and even play fireworks along the sea!

With all these, you might be wondering where is it right! It is located at the South east area of South Korea, the nearest city will be Tongyeong City. One fun fact about the location will be that is at the extremely end of South Korea to the point that it is just several miles away from a Japan Island!

That's all for Somaemuldo Island, hope you guys have an enjoyable time when visiting there and dont forget that the much awaited PyeongChang Winter Olympic will be held from Februrary 9 to 25, 2018! Mark down the dates now and don't missed it! 

[Information]

Direction: From Seoul Express Bus Terminal, take an express bus heading to Tongyeong Terminal통영종합버스터미널.

Upon reaching, head to the Bus stop call Intercity Bus terminal시외버스터미널 and take bus 101, which is heading towards Tongyeong Police Station/ Seoho Market/Nampo Elementary School. Alight 18 Bus stops later at SeoHo Market Bus stop(서호시장 정류장)

Map:http://map.naver.com/…

For more information:
1)http://eng.maemuldo.go.kr/sub/04_02_01.asp
2)http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp…

Jeju Island

Do you know that the upcoming Winter Olympics Games will be held in South Korea? Do take a note down if you would like to watch the games or am visiting South Korea from February 9 to 25,2018 or march 9 to 18, 2018.

Besides watching the games, you might be wondering, where else should I go too right? I hope you had heard Jeju Island before, it is one of the most amazing and popular island in South Korea. Located at the southern part of South Korea(The South of the South), it is known as the Island of the Gods and remains as one of the most popular honeymoon destination for Korean. So, if you are coming with your loves one, this is definitely a place not to miss out! But, if you are coming alone, talking from a personal experience, it is a perfect island for you to travel! As it is an island that is like Hawaii of South Korea where there are tons of beautiful natural scenery, volcanic rocks, spectacular waterfalls, great place to watch the sunrises and sunsets along the sea side and enjoy the SEA,SAND,SUN!

Me, myself had been to Jeju Island several times, with my family, friends and also alone! So, I would highly recommend you to visit there! Going to Jeju Island, you can only take a plane or a ferry. Taking a plane would be faster and there are several budget carriers in South Korea which could fly you from ports of South Korea( Such as Seoul, Busan) at an affordable price. Hence, I would highly recommend you to fly there. But, if you wanted to experience taking a ferry in South Korea, it would be a great experience too.

This is the amazing view that I and my friend saw when we are approaching Jeju Island. Look at that amazing sea, it makes me even more excited about this island even before stepping on it.

One of the must visit and popular attraction in Jeju Island would definitely be the  Seognsan ilchubong Peak, also known as the Sunrise Peak. Listed as one of the UNESCO World Heritage, this peak was actually  formed after a volcano erupition on bottom of the sea, that causes it to rose. Amazing right? You are able to trek up the peak, it could be tiring, but let me tell you, it is 100% worth it. This is because upon reaching the peak,  the view up there  is unbelievably beautiful! Word could not describe how i feel when I was up there!

Also, when you are there, you could ride a pony and be able to see the Haenyeo. Just in case you are wondering what Haenyeo is, it actually means "sea woman". Sounds like a real life mermaid right! These amazing woman divers are very popular in Jeju Island! 

Some amazing facts about these sea woman or Haenyeo is that most of them are over the age of 50 and they could hod their breath in the sea for over three minutes and dive as deep as 30 meters while harvesting seashells, octopus, urchins and many more. One thing to note is that, there are certain timing to watch their performances and if the weather is bad, their performances might be cancelled. However, if you are lucky, you are able to watch their performance and also buy some fresh seafood from them.

Adding on, you are also to take a speedboat for 10,000 Korean Won to enjoy the spectacular view of the Peak and the stunning sea view of Jeju Island.

Another spectacular attractions in Jeju Island will be the Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff! It is another great place for you to escape the hectic city life and to slow down you footstep to enjoy the serenity of the ocean view. One of the most amazing experience there is when the high tides comes and strikes  those stones pillars and you could see how strong the stone pillars is like and the aftermath of it. Some information of this cliff! If you look at the bottom of the cliff, did you realized that it is shaped in rectangular cubic? It looks so proportionate that you might be thinking that it is built by human beings right! If yes, then I am sorry, you are wrong! These stone pillars are actually developed naturally and because of that it is designated as Jeju Island's cultural monument. 

Another beautiful place where you could get closer to the nature, will be the Hallim Park. You might be thinking, oh come on, it is just another park, but let me tell you this, it is not! This park is incredible in a way that it makes me feels as if I had travelled across the pacific ocean to Hawaii!  It encompasses with a beautiful water garden, extremely tall rows of palm trees, gardens, animals and amazing beaches. Also, if you are planing to explore the caves in Jeju Island, the Hyeopjaegul Caves is right in this park! 

Last but not least, when you are in Jeju Island, do remember to try out their famous orange, called the hallabong! It is a bell shaped looking orange, which is  one of the kind and only available in Jeju Island! The sweetness of the orange cannot be compared with others.