Dec 28th-Dec30th 2007 Korea Jeju Island

This had got to be the most challenging trip I have ever planned ( up till 2008). Back in June 2007, we bought a travel package from Golden First Travel to Jeju/Seoul for 8d/7day trip for Christmas and New Year. We were so excited about the trip anticipating the atmosphere spending christmas and new year there.

Unfortunately 3 weeks before the actual trip, we were told by the travel agent that they were cancelling the trip as there were not enough people. We manage to look for another package 2 days after that with a travel agency in KL. However, the tour was hanging on the lifeline as there was not enough people but FINALLY, 2 days before the trip, they finally confirmed the tour is going ahead even with 8 people. Well, if you think thats the challenges we had, wait till you finish reading the blog.

Our flight on China Airways ( via Shanghai ) was suppose to depart at 1am on Dec 28th. On the day itself, we went to KLIA early ( around 8pm ) to meet up with B&L who have flown in from Penang. We grouped up at KLIA and found out that the other 4 tour member is around our age. ( can you imagine how fund that could be :) ) Checking went onn smoothly and in no time, we were in the waiting room.

Close to midnight, I could sense that something is not right as the plane that we are suppose to board looks quite dark from the waiting hall. It is funny as I would expect at least to see some light. Later , it was confirm that the plane had some electrical failure and they are trying to rectify it and were told our flight have been delayed to 3.30am. We tried to catch some sleep and could start to hear people complaining.

During that time, we also found out that the other group faced similar problem where they did not know whether this trip is on or off until the very last minute. In fact, we found out that if it wasn't their parents putting pressure on the travel agent ( seems that the parents are quite close to the boss ) the trip would not have go on ( so we really should have thank our lucky stars ) Also the tour guide mention that she was suprise that she got to accompany us since there was only 8 of us. Normally, the tour agent will send a guide if there is > 16 people or minimun 10 person.

Anway, we waited patiently at the lounge until 2.30am when we notice that the lights on the flight are still off. We were then told that the flight have been delayed till tomorrow. "What the #*&%# " What seems to be a easy trip for the guide seems to be challenging now. We were then told the flight will take off at 8.30am. Luckily our guide took no change and after some running arround, phone calls she manage to get us on the next available flight on MAS to shanghai at around 9am. At the same time we heardthat they have managed to fix the flight so passengers who wanted to fly on China Airline could still do so. Anyway, we didn't want to take any chances and by that time, it was almost 5am so we went to claim the free meal at Burger King and waited patiently for 9am.


Pic 1 : B and myself at Shanghai airport being transported to the terminal

The transit time in shanghai was short as we had to catch an immediate flight to Jeju. Seems like we were the final passengers that boarded. So by the time we arrive in Jeju, in the evening, out luggage did not make it and will only arrive on the next day.

All of u were pretty hungry then so they took us to eat dinner

Pic 2 : The group at dinner.

We found out that our travel buddies are from KL ( 3 of them brothers & sister ) while the other is the big brother's girlfriend.

Pic 3 : Our 1st dinner. Steam boat

We were so hungry that we clean up everything.Yup, I would worry if the plates were edible because I don't think they will be spared.

Pic 4 : Dragon head rock

Next , we were taken to Yong Du am ( dragon head rock) located at the western end of Jeju. Based on our itinerary, we are suppose to be here in the morning. Anyway we lost ~8 hours of precious sightseeing time ( and that is not all ). Lesson learn , it if fun to travel during winter but you could face with a lot of unforseen circumstances.

Anyway, back to Dragon Head Rock. As it was quite windy then, we did not spend much time but I was told that the red colour section is suppose to be the dragon head. Do you see it? I'll leave it to your immagination.

Pic 5 :Jeju Underground Shopping Arcade

Next we headed to the Jeju underground shopping arcade. Lots of winter clothing and skincare shops around that. You can find brands like faceshop, etude house etc ( much cheaper that what you can get in malaysia eg buy3 free 1 type of pricing ) and they give in cute giveaways for every purchase you make. Only the 1st day and 5% of the budget spend... I bought myself some facewash...( Got to do some investment if I want to every try to get into the Korean Drama Actor list )

Pic 6 : Our tour guide and S outside the Jeju Underground shopping arcade

It was almost 11pm so we headed back to the hotel " Jeju Pearl Tourist hotel". Before going into the hotel we drop by a convenient store to get ourselves toothbrush since our luggage have yet to arrive. Luckily for us, we did pack a spare clothing in our handcarry and it did come in handy. Wonder how the rest are sleeing the night ;)

Pic 7: Shopping for toiletries


DAY 2
Woke up ~7am that morning and looked outside the window. Pretty glommy. We quickly showered and went downstairs for breakfast.

Pic 8 : View from the Hotel room

Pic 9: Jeju Pearl Tourist Hotel

Pic 10: Jeju Pearl Tourist Hotel room

After breakfast we headed to the Jeju Stone statue park. I'll let the pictures below do the talking.

Pic 11: Stone statue welcoming us to the park

Pic 12: Group photo

Pic 13 : Posing for the next Korea Dorama album cover

Pic 14 : Don't we look good in this pose?

Pic 15 : How many time do you get to rest your hand on the "statue" :)

Pic 15 : 4 grown adults trying to fit into the house. Hello, anybody there>

Pic 16 : A pose for record. Hmm It's suppose to show 2008

Pic 17 : Ever wonder how does it feels like to have bigger butt when you sit down :)

Pic 18 : From the small land to the giant land. Gosh now I feel tiny standing beside this statue.

Pic 19 : Where do we go next after this? Of coz, just follow the SIGN.

We spend a bit longer time here taking photos and actually got warning from our Korea guide for arriving back 15 mins late. ( OK, I have to explain here that our guide is a part time guide and she is doing her part to ensure we complete our tour itinerary. However, seems like all of us are looking for free and easy. We manage to clarify with her after that and agreed that we will sign the consent form acknowlegding that we are okay to miss some of the tourist spot ) After that we headed to the mysterious road, a place where you point your car downhill and put it on neutral gear, the car actually goes up.... Amazing


Pic 20 : Does this sign looks mysterious enough...

Pic 21 : OK we tried really hard to stand straight.

Pic 22 : This explains it all.

Pic 23. Saw this cute creature on the way to the toilet. Me learning to be cute.

After that we headed back to the hotel as our luggage ( yes, the casulties that did not make it to the same flight as us ) have arrive. We quickly move all our stuff into the room and headed off for lunch. We were brought to a korean pork barbecue lunch very near to a village we were visiting and I must say that this has got to be the best korean barbecue I/we have ever had. As it is buffet style, I think we took 3 or 4 bowls of porks and were the last to leave the table.


Pic 24 : Korean barbecue..

After that we walk to the village and the tour guide explains to us Jeju island's culture.

Pic 25 : If 3 sticks are up, means nobody is it home. DO NOT ENTER...The rest, need to refer to your tour guide for those who are going there. Since you are paying for your trip, you better listen :). Otherwise, I will have to charge you for the fee I paid to learn :P

Pic 26 : Explaining kim chee making process.

PIc 27 : Places where they cook

Pic 29 : The house. To keep the house warm, they actually patch the surrounding with dried shit.

Pic 30 : This is interesting, the area on the left is where yo do your business and guess what happens to it :) The black pig is considered a delicacies here. Gawd no wonder the korea barbecue I had just now taste so GOOD..

Pic 31 : A closer look at the house and how it is being patch up to make it warmer

After that we headed to Seopji Koji the area where they film "All In" starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo. If you have not watch the show, watch it before you come to Jeju.

Pic 32 : The church where "All In" was filmed

Pic 33 : Future movie stars for "All In" part 2 :)

Pic 34 : Another shot for the movie cover. Actually warming my hands as the weather was too cold.

Pic 35 : My co-star. How often do you get to stand beside her :)

After that we headed off to the sleeping volcano. As it was getting late, we did not make it up to view point in time.

Pic 36 : Path leading up to the volcano

Pic 37 : View of Jeju from the volcano

As it was getting dark, we decended and shop at the souvenir shop around the area before heading for dinner. Bought a few key chains and fridge magnets from here.

We had steamboat again for dinner. Mr B was so excited that he ordered souju to go with the steamboat.

Pic 38 : Steamboat dinner
After that we left for the hotel to call it a night as we had to wake up early the next day to catch the flight to Seoul ( or so we thought.... ) . Stay tune for the next post