Jeju Island, Korea

Jeju Island, also known as the “Island of the Gods,” is a popular vacation spot for Koreans and foreigners. It remains the top honeymoon destination for Korean newlyweds and offers a wide range of activities. The climate remains mild year round, and rarely dips below freezing.

The local traditional culture stands in stark contrast to the mainland (and much of Asia) as being matriarchal. The role of seafood gathering on the island has been dominated by women. As such, a common sight around Jeju’s coastline is that of the “haenyo” or “woman diver”, a figure that has become somewhat iconic. Even more evident are the “dol hareubang” or “grandfather statues”, giant basalt statues. These statues first appeared in 1754.

We took a bus that went around the town and along a short distance of the coastline. We got off at the Jeju Folklore and Natural History museum.

After our visit there, it was an enjoyable walk down hill to Dongmun market and Black Pork street. The Jeju Black Pig is a breed of domestic pig on the island, and barbecued black pig meat is commonplace here and we ate some at a stall in the market.

This seemed to be a neighborhood recycling center.

The market definitely offered a different selection of foods to most markets I’ve visited.

Lots of kimchee and fermented vegetables and fish.

I believe the long silver fish are called Oar fish. The other fish appears to be smoked or semi-dried and is expensive at $40 -per kilo?

Some of the prepared food.

Not sure what these are!

Seoul city

The ship provided a shuttle service from the port to Incheon where we caught the metro to the city center.

We were surprised to see so many young people dressed in a national style costume and enjoying photo ops at the first stop on our itinerary – Gwanghwamun gate – but then learned that the costumes are rented at a nearby shop!

The palace was closed, but we walked the perimeter and to the rear of the enclosed grounds to see The Blue House, Korea’s equivalent to the White House. There appeared to be a high level of secret service types, so don’t know if some dignitary was expected?

We enjoyed strolling the narrow streets and alleys of Bukchon-Hanok – a village like atmosphere within the city, with quaint and small homes and businesses. The name Bukchon, which literally translates to “northern village,” came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Hanok relates to the small houses.

These sweet delicacies are made by blending honey and cornstarch to make the threads and then filled with a nut mixture. Fascinating to watch!

Lunch called for traditional bulgogi (beef in a broth) and VERY spicy pork and noodles.

These were the side dishes.

Me rocking the chopsticks and Kimchee!

Cheonggyecheon Stream runs for 6 km through the city center and makes for a nice, tranquil walking space.

Tiles tell Korean history along the walkway.