<In the City> Happy Weekend.

Friday is happiness that explodes like firecrackers. How do you celebrate? Mine came in the form of a pretty soy milk latte.

TGIF !

<photo by me>

<Out of the City> Jeju Island.

Only an hour flight from either the small Gimpo Airport or the well-renowned Incheon International Airport, Jeju is the biggest island of South Korea and a current winner of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign.

A 'must-have' meal in Jeju is the black pig (흑돼지) barbecue. When I think of pigs, I think of Babe. Maybe I will visit a black pig farm on my next Jeju trip.

This savory, fruity broth-based cold noodle dish was quite different from any variations of Korean noodles I have ever tasted. Verdict: delectable.



There are countless touristy destinations in Jeju, but because life sucks and makes us hold jobs to earn money, we did not have time to visit everywhere. Nevertheless, here are some highlights from our trip:

<Cheon-Ji-Yeon Falls>

<OSulloc Tea Museum>

 <Seopjikoji 섭지코지>

While traversing around the island, you are bound to see some wind turbines.

It was an immense fun frolicking in the refreshingly vivid world of Jeju. I'm curious how it would look in the winter time, but for now, I leave you with this final sunset picture.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Seong Bong Island: 승봉도.

This past August, I decided a getaway was a must for my sanity. Unfortunately, international flights during this time were ridiculously and ludicrously bank-breaking.

After calming my internal fury, I ultimately decided on a domestic trip to Seong Bong Island with my sister.
A while back, someone recommended this relatively unknown island to me.

My sister and I had to take a ferry departing from the Incheon Harbor for about two hours. I highly recommend booking ferry tickets in advance.

I got a kick out of watching seagulls drifting low by our ferry boat and eagerly gorging on the crackers and bread tossed by the fascinated passengers. I could have reached out and touched those greedy birds, but they looked a tad unsanitary.

Upon arrival, consuming a scrumptiously obese bowl of 바지락 칼국수 (hot clam noodle soup) with the beach front view was our number one priority. 

Our B&B/ lodging, locally known as a 'pension', was in need of MUCH thicker walls, but the owners were hospitable and even took us to the other side of the island for sightseeing.

I was enveloped in deafening calmness and serenity that evening. Truthfully, I missed the city's orchestra of din.

 The next morning, the sky broke loose its glory whilst my sister and I took a stroll. 

All things come to an end, and soon, it was time to board the ferry.

I hope the ever-so picturesque Seong Bong Island will not gain too much popularity. Its untainted and sparsely populated nature provides an honest tranquility that is hard to come by in our crazy world.

<photos by me> 

<In the City> Bukchon Hanok Village.

This past Sunday flaunted Korea's perfectly balmy autumn weather. My friend and I decided to make the most of it and commenced to be tourists for a day by visiting the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Take time to immerse yourself in the fine details of these traditional houses called 'hanok'.

 

Traditional Korean architecture embraces elegance and delicacy. Walking amidst these houses, you momentarily catch your breath and find yourself catapulted back in time. 

Bukchon Hanok Village and its charms are more notable without the throngs of tourists and locals on the weekends. 

<photos by me>

Hello.

This is my playground of everything I enjoy. 

<photo by me>