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)
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…
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…
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