<Out of the City> Oedo Botania: 외도 보타니아

Located about 10-20 minutes away from Geoje-do by a ferry boat, Oedo is an island brimming with well-trimmed and lush colors of nature.  While the word 'blue' is associated with the word 'water' by default, traveling often makes me realize that such generalization just won't do. Even with a slightly different angle of sunlight, the water dons a whole different outfit. The vivid colors of the world always tug at my heart. Traveling becomes essentially irresistible, and I forever long to be a carefree globe-wanderer.

As the entire island is essentially one, giant garden embraced by the vibrant hues of water, be sure to bring your best smiles and a well-charged camera.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> YangPyeong: 양평.

This past weekend, my friends and I drove out to Yangpyeong, a city located about an hour to the east of Seoul. It was a spontaneous trip that was all about relaxation. 

We stayed at a quaint place called Maple House. Staying true to its name, maple trees encapsulated the house, showcasing their autumn uniforms of reds, oranges, and yellows in a picturesque parade.

The morning after our finger-lickin' good barbecue fiesta, we took a stroll up the hill located in front of the house.

The weekend is like that first sip of your aromatic morning coffee. It leaves you feeling recharged and ready to face the big, bad world (well, almost).

In the meanwhile, I would like to ask you: 

When was the last time you took a look out of your window?

<photos 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>