The Last Hoorah: Jeju Island

What better way to spend the last week in Korea than on white sand beaches or a volcanic mountain top? Jeju Island, called the Hawaii of Korea, is a short 45 minute plane ride away. We booked rooms at a hostel and for once in my life, I packed a weeks worth of clothes in a carry on bag.

We stepped off the plane and all I could think to myself was "holy hell, I'm in an oven". It was humid like I've never felt before and it was just plain hot. So, we didn't waste any time and hit the nearest beach.


The beaches in Jeju are amazing and they are all different. White sand, black sand, volcanic rock, port-side, or in a theme-park. One thing they all had in common: clear, clean, warm water. A big upside from the dirty Han River.

relaxing, right?

When we weren't soaking up the sun or watching the Koreans wade around, fully clothed, we were exploring the natural wonders Jeju has to offer. For example, the hallobang. Sure, it just looks like an orange with an outie bellybutton. But under that peel is sweet deliciousness. It's like orange, pineapple, and banana all in one. A-maz-ing.

ugly, but delicious

We went on a day tour and our first stop was Sunrise Peak. A volcanic crater, draped in fog, and covered in exotic flowers was picturesque to say the least. I think I lost a couple pounds on the way up, but the view was worth it. I couldn't capture the crater well due to the fog, so you'll just have to climb it yourelf to find out.

that sign says danger, by the way

all the tourists hiking away

We visited a folk village, where 13,000 Koreans still live, carrying on the traditions of decades past. We also learned about the women divers of Korea. Diving 10 meters below water in nothing but a cotton onesie and a plastic face mask, these women supplied all the shell fish and sea critters the island had to offer. They still dive to this day.

amazing view over the water

We roamed through the lava tubes, created by the volcano's erruption millions of years ago. It was freezing inside and absolutely beautiful. I picked up some lava rocks for souvenires.

B in the lava tube

The biggest wonder of the island is Hallasan, the volcano that created Jeju. It is the tallest mountain in Korea....and being a big talker, I said I would climb it. However, when the alarm went off at 5:30am, I was a bit less enthusiastic. Luckily, we beat the heat and managed to climb to the top in 3 hours. The last hour was monumental...something out of a movie. We walked straight into the clouds, it started to rain, the wind howled, and I swore I had stepped into some Lord of the Rings remake.

on the way up

almost to the top

happy dance in the clouds

The top, where the lake inside the volcano can be seen, was not able to be seen, thanks to the heaping white puffs of cloud. Fortunately I was still elated to climb that beast of a mountain that I didn't really care. The 3 hour hike down was painful. So we ordered pizza and relaxed on the beach the rest of the day.

beautiful Jeju flower

We just got back to Seoul today. Double checking my bags and taking care of last minute business. The flight leaves tomorrow at noon, and thanks to the lovely time change, I arrive in Chicago on the same day, at 2:00pm. Bring on the jet lag.

I will be sure to post again, after arriving in the US. I'm sure it's going to be strange re-adjusting. Hoping for a safe and easy flight...

-C