Jeju Island

Spent the weekend in my last un-visited touristic hotspot in Korea: Jeju Island. Jeju is a popular destination for Korean newlyweds, as well as for Chinese and Japanese tourists.

It's historically known as having an abundance of three things: Rocks (It was formed by a Volcano), Wind (It's an island), and Women (???). From what I could tell, the only industry other than the Tourist one that works off of this island is agricultural. Jeju Juices and teas are quite popular among Koreans.

This trip was with Semi and her two sisters, who conveniently had rented a car to facilitate our journey (evidently, the Public Transit on the Island sucks). We started the adventure off at a few popular beaches, though it was deemed too cold to go for a swim; obviously 15 C is more than warm enough for any Canadian, though, but I didn't want to one-up anyone on their home turf.

Next, we came upon a gigantic field of the plants used to produce Green Tea. Accross from that was a tourist-centric factory explaning the process of harvesting, drying, and redrying tea leaves. Though it seemed like it was very involved, there was unfortunately very little English actually available. This is not uncommon in places where few English speakers will visit, though it does allow one to use their imagination. If I chose to decide that Korean Green Tea is made by mixing the leaves with tears of hardened criminals (to give it that tough taste), who's gonna tell me I'm wrong?

We proceeded to visit a few scenic places that became popular through Korean dramas. That's where I learned that my new camera has a Panorama feature! :

Sunday, we went and did some Kayaking (Photo not found, for fear I'd accidently do a panorama of the river-floor and be unable to rescuscitate the camera); It wasn't a very challenging course, but it's been awhile since I was in any kind of canoe, so it was quite welcome.

Finally, we visited a Folk Village that explained how the inhabitants of Jeju lived 100 years ago; It's amazing to think how recently these 'matress' and 'electricity' things actually reached some people; not to mention the Internet. It would be interesting to explain Starcraft to a Korean Hunter of the time.

Flew back in early enough this morning (it's about a 50 minute flight); All in all, a satisfying trip-within-the-trip. Posted below are a couple of videos from a very.. er. Unique meal, if you're interested.

Not quite sure how the rest of the week will play out, but Saturday will be the anticipated Temple Stay at a Buddhist Temple!

Have a good week.