Jeju Olle Trail Route No. 2 – NO!!! Scooter, Go!!! Go!!!

Hahahaha .. In traveling… Planning is just a guide .. I love to go with a flow … No Jeju Olle Trail Route No. 2 for us this time .. Renting a scooter give us more mileage to travel and stop at any place that we feel like going.. “Panjang Kaki” :)

How we meet our Scooter owner? After having a very long walk for Olle route 1, and felt how inconvenience for us to commute from our guesthouse to other locations, we decided to rent a scooter. After some calls made by our guesthouse owner, we are waiting eagerly for our scooter owner to fetch us and pick our scooter.

After 30 minutes and more I guess, he came and asked our guesthouse owner several questions about us. He looks nervous and later I found out that we are his first foreign customer!! And as language is concern, he worries more! International Driving License – Check, and an assurance that I can actually speak basic Korean ease him a little bit and off we are on the road to pick up our scooter. No wonder we need to wait for him more than 30 minutes, his shop is actually somewhere, quite far from the guesthouse area. We tried so hard to remember the road, junction, signboard or anything that can be a mark so that we didn’t lost. Now, we are nervous! :) But hey, this is what we call adventure! The owner is a very nice man, trying hard to talk to me in a simple Korean so that I can understand him. Telling me about everything we see a long the way and I will translate it back to my sister.

He owns a very, very nice shop and house!!! And very nice and wide range of scooter to choose from. After some documentation and checking on the condition of the scooter so that we are supposed to return it back in the original condition, some commemorative picture and a map, our journey begins!!! The scooter owner is so kind that he offered to accompany us to our first location. Or maybe he worried that we might run away with his scooter? Hahaha .. For 2 days this scooter will be our!!!

Things to have and do to rent a scooter or car :
To have : International license
To do : 1. Fill up the form
2. Check for the condition of your transportation for any previous scratch so that you won’t be blame for it later.
3. Check your fuel meter as you need to return the same exact amount.
In Korean the driver seat will be on the left, so you need to familiarize yourself with the difference.

Jeju Olle Trail Route No1.1: Udo (Cow Island)

Udo had me at Hello!!! I wish I can live here where my house will facing the blue sea and at the back garden full with beautiful flowers .. and it will be good if it has 1 supermarket ..ahaksss … dream on..

Udo Island is a mysterious island and it has everything that you can expect an island in Jeju can offer. A small island with around 2000 inhabitants, 10 minutes from Seongsan port by ferry. Due to volcanic activity on the island, Udo’s coasts are filled with impressive black stones and rocks.

We opt for a different transportation to explore Udo, scooter!!! Walking no more ....We rent a scooter through our guesthouse owner for 2 days to explore the rest of Seongsan Ichilbung area and Udo. Bought our ticket with the help of our kind scooter owner (I will write a story about him later) and hop we off to Udo Island with our cute scooter (the same experience if you bring your transpiration on the Penang Ferry).

We took our own sweet time exploring Udo for 2 – 3 hour and back to Seongsan port.

How to get there:

By Bus: From Seogwipo or Jeju si, take a bus to Seongsangri Port. The bus will drop you approx. 10 minutes (walking) from the harbor. Once at the harbor, the ferry terminal is visible. The ferry takes 15 minutes to get to Udo Island and if you wish, you may take your car over to the island.
* Ferry Fare Age 13 or over: 2,000 won / 12 or under: 700 wonfull size car: 13,200 won / mid-size, economy: 11,000 won / compact: 8,800 won
Transportation on Udo Island:Car: you can take your car over on the ferryRentals: Bicycles to ATV’s and *scooters (the latter is roughly 10,000W/hour). You can find them right off the ferry dock as you arrive into Udo Island.Bus: There is an island tour bus that makes stops along tourist sites
Time:It takes about 1 hour to get around the island; however for quality sightseeing, it will take longer.

Jeju Olle Trail Route No1: Sunrise Peak Area

For our second trip to Jeju, we change our location from Seogwipo to the other part of Jeju Island. Much remote area with a small town that becomes quiet after 9 pm. This time we took a taxi as our guesthouse is located quite far from the main road, a countryside.

We planned to walk at Route no. 1, no. 1.1 which is Udo and no. 2 which mainly surround the main objective of our tour which is Seongsan Ichulbung @ Sunrise Peak. Our guesthouse owner is a young lady who came from Seoul after decided that she need more peaceful and low pace life. Rent the big land with a house and open it as a guesthouse. Basically we are staying together with her. She dropped us in front of Siheung Elementry school gate as a starting point of Route 1 and we start our walking for that day aiming to finish almost 20 KM trail plus doing a little bit of hiking. But after some hiking for 3 KM we end up doing our own Olle Trail that we called Olla Trail by following the smell of food. So, please eat before you walk or not you will end up like us J. But after all, we still walked for 20 KM for that day!!

Jeju Olle Trail Route No. 7 : Oedolgae Rock to Wolpyeong Pogu(port)

After an hour bus ride from Jeju International airport to Jeju Hiking Inn at Seogwipo area and a very nice sleep in a very humble room, we woke up early and been greet by Kyung Min a Jeju native who will become our tour guide for Jeju Olle Route 7.

Three of us, Kyung Min, my sister and me take a quick cab drive at the starting point of Route no. 7. Jeju Olle also a first experience for Kyu Ming who never tried this activity despite being a Jeju native. I guess my pictures will tell you more on what you can expect during this 15 KM journey that took us 7 hours to finish it.

Jeju Olle Train Route No. 7

Oedolgae Rock with Kyung Min

The trail

Tangerine Orchard


Resting: Half Way




Walking along the beach


Our lunch : Fresh cought Sea Urchin mee and porridge

I love Olle Walking !!!!

Walking .. walking and walking.. this is what you can expect in South Korea. Especially at Jeju Island. With the find weather where you can happily walking even at noon and being accompany with extremely beautiful view I welcome Jeju Olle Walking activity with a big heart.

The Jeju Olle, which were inspired by the famous Pilgrim’s Trail in Spain, was made from the hidden, forgotten routes of Jeju Island, which cars cannot access. The route will take you to forests, mountains, beaches, and remote places and offer unrivalled views over Jeju’s unique, dramatic, volcanic landscape. The paths are connected, so you can start your walk from where you finished the previous day. The route is divided into twelve sections, which will take you through along forests, beaches, and villages, where you can meet the warmhearted local people. If you want to explore all routes, usually 2 weeks will be needed!!! Who says Jeju Island is small?

Jeju Olle Walking Map - all course

What you should prepare:
Shoes - Comfortable walking shoes are needed. Sandals would be good for the sandy paths on some routes in summer
Clothing - Jeju weather is unpredictable. Even though the sky is clear, prepare suitable clothing for occasional strong winds and rain. Wind stopper jackets, a spare jacket with long sleeves and raincoats are recommended.
Cash - When you buy seafood, drinks or snacks on the routes, please be aware that the kiosks don’t take credit cards. These small stalls are often run by old grandmothers, who only accept cash. Be prepared and bring a small amount of money with you.
Mental and Physical – 1 course route usually will be more than 10 KM and it will take more than half of your day walking. Just take it easy and don’t force yourself to finish it if you can’t. Anyway, you are not walking for a finishing line and prize!!!

Along the way you will be fascinated with what Jeju can offer for your eyes, soul, and taste bud which you can’t easily encounter if you take a different way of touring Jeju and that is why I never stop at trail route no. 7!!!

University District: The Best Hang Out Area!!

Never miss to hang out at University area! is what I recommend most of you to do if you are at Seoul. If you love the “youth” environment, night life, cheap stuff, street food, club and be surrounded with “k-pop Idol” look alike .. you must visit any universities in Seoul. I’ve been to Ehwa Women University, Yonsei University, Hongik @ Hongdae University and Konkuk University. But the best area will be at Ehwa Women University and Yonsei University which located in the same area and the most well known Hongik area at Sinchon. You will never disappointed with what they can offer you.

Ehwa Women University

Yes, lots of girls around with trendy fashion, high heel, make up and skinny body … aishhh .. my eyes and heart was in envy and despair.. hahaha .. not until I saw their beautiful university structure. Have been said that this University has the most beautiful design for their building. Walking around in their University area and being accompany with a beautiful cherry blossom on early spring, it’s just prefect. Previously, no guys allowed in this university area but not any longer! Ehemmm .. but most of them are here because they have girlfriends study in this University .. “ I hate couples, Shiro!!!” This is what Do Kyung said throughout our visit here. Yeahh…I hate it too...let's move on …

Out we go venturing the vicinity. Shops, shops and more shops … Clothes, accessories, saloon, and what I love most shoes!!! You can get the latest fashion with affordable price here but not for my Bigfoot feet… Now, I can left behind Dongdaemun and welcome Ehwa!!

Street food is something you must give a try when you are here… most of the restaurant serve much cheaper price for food and TTeokbuki or in da picture ramyeon + Ttteokbuki taste most delicious here!!! Erggghhh … maybe I’m too cold and hungry!! 

Before

After

How to get there:
5 mins walk from exits # 2 & 3 of Ewha Womans University Station (Subway Line 2)

Hongik @ Hongdae University

Hongik University has the most well known school of Fine Arts and Design in Korea and has built cutting-edge facilities on the campus. Sculptures can be found throughout the campus, and the Munheongwan Hall in the university contains a museum of contemporary art, which holds exhibitions by students, faculty members, or acclaimed professional artists. (Copy it from the internet as I’m yet to be inside the campus).

But what I can say, this area is alive after midnight. During the day it almost the same as what we have at Ehwa. As I’m not into partying and drinking stuff, I skip this activity which is heaven for the one who enjoy this. As this university is an art university, you must check their street market which students will display their work and sell it and at the back alley of the area you can basically find lots of private gallery and we bought ourselves Nanta ticket show and watch it at the theater which newly opens at Hongdae. We also found Tricks Museum here at Hongdae which we visited during our trip at Jeju previously. Anyway, the experience here will surely different from other place.. anything involve with arts will give mysterious and sexy feeling .. emhh...that is what I thought ..

If you happen to watch one of Running Man episode shoot here in Hongdae, you will come across a very famous Teeokboki shop. You need to wait in long queue to be in the shop and never regret it as the food is worth waiting. Don’t forget to stroll around this area and check the cafés too. You will find very nice and unique design’ Cafés and settle down at one of it having a hot cappuccino while enjoying the view is the best. Don’t mention that you might be lucky to be served by “boy prettier than flower” that makes espresso taste like mocha .. yeahhh … now I know where good looking guy goes .. Right here in Hongdae!!!!

Never know what you can find at Hongdae's back alley : i found Marry me Mary filming location

How to get there:
Five minutes walk from exit # 6 of Hongik University Station (Subway Line2).

What should you expect being a foreigner touring South Korea : Part 1

This is really my personal view based on my experience during my past visit to South Korea. Being a foreigner walking around on the soil of South Korea you can expect:

1.People often will give you a look of curiosity especially the older generation. You never heard about South Korea till you watch Winter Sonata, maybe they never see you too till recently. Just give them a smile and you will receive one too.
2.People will staring or look at you twice especially if you are foreigner wearing hijab. There was once, an ahjuma (married lady) staring at me while we were riding a subway till she get out from the train. A couple talking to each other and wondering why I cover my hair and from where I came in Korean language without knowing that I can understand them. And lucky me one ahjuma asking me why and with a minimal Korean I tried explaining to her. I wish I can know more Korean that time. And after all, you will be a center of attraction which you may not experience it here. Just enjoy it!!!
3.Korean always assumes that I’m an Indonesian or Singaporean. Which I will gladly explain. I’m Malaysian! and you will be surprise that they love our beaches, mountains and weather
4.Some of them wonder what language that we speak in our country
5.South Korean only has 1 race and they think that they are 1 family. If some of them bump into you and just walk away, please don’t be misjudge them as rude. They used not to apologize for that as it just an action that can be forgiven as you are family (but sometimes i do give a stare :) )
6.English maybe a barrier for a communication at South Korea but basically the younger generation nowadays can understand and speak English. Don’t expect them to be fluent as they learn it like us as 2nd language but the environment not requires them to use it extensively. But, hey!!! Body language always is survivor! And you may sometimes surprise that some of them is really fluent!!!
7.If you go to Rome, be a Romanian … Learn some basic Korean language will not hurt you. And Korean will be delighted if you try to speak Korean with them. At least this magic word “Kamsahamnida” @ Thank you .. I never failed to receive praised from Korean with my limited and broken Korean as for now ! :)

I want to be closer to Rain .. as nearer as i can

I guess everyone knew already that I’m among many who are K-Pop lover especially Rain. Reluctant to spend my money on my favorite artist and claimed to be “that extend of Fan”, it’s not true anymore. Yah, I guess people do change.

I’ve been to an extend of attending his concert in Seoul, once......



And thankful enough when he came to Malaysia....



And I am now having a restless night, wondering everyday about the possibility that I kept extra money in hidden places and forget about it or just simply money drop from the sky for this …





Aishhhh …

And it’s bothering me more that the fact this will be his last concert in 2 years. “Staring blankly on my empty saving account” , auchhh... my heart hurting.

Traveling Alone to Bukchon Hanok Village in Winter

My last day in Seoul for my winter trip. Miss Han is having her Chinese Culture class today so she can’t accompany me to Bukchon Village. So, I decided to travel alone which I don’t mind to do so.

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. It’s a place that a MUST to go for anyone who appreciate and enjoy South Korean culture. After a little bit of exploration “Lost and Asking Session” I arrived at Bukchon Hanok Village area. Following a group of Japanese tourist to explore this area is the best decision I made, coz at least I have someone to take my picture..hahaha …

The Traditional House - Hanok with jars for Kimchi

What to do:
1. Get a map of Bukchon Village from Touris counter and find 8 spots to take pictures. Easy right? coz this spot is a guarantee spot to capture the most beautiful sceneray of Bukchon Village.
2. Visit the school area where Winter Sonata drama have a shoot here.

Me infront the gate - picture taken by japenese tourist

This is what happened when you travel alone - Selca!!

3. Visit galleries and having your tea
4. Or if you want to stay a night inside the Hanok house, just check in yourself in one of the guest house with Hanok style here.

How to get there:
Anguk Station (Line 3), Exit 2.
Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village.

New Year in Seoul ... 2011

After the concert end, I was picked up by Do Kyung and Kim Yeon to celebrate New Year and off we go to Jongno or Bell Street, among the famous spot for celebrating New Year in Seoul. Every year, the bell at the Bosingak or Bell Pavilion is rung only at midnight on New Year's Eve. With concert and fireworks, everything almost the same as what we have in Malaysia but the bell, you can only find it in Jongno.

Actually i missed the bell... at the backgroud is the concert

Freezing, freezing, freezing, after the concert and celebrating New Year we are heading the nearest restaurant to have our supper and around 2.30 am we are on the road again on our quest to find norebang. Another got to do list you should try in South Korea.

Norebang or “karaoke Room” is a popular activity that korean love to do for fun or even for business purposes. And you can find Norebang almost everywhere and we end up at Su Norebang at Sinchon/Hongdae area. This Norebang is quite expensive as it’s been featured in many korean drama and popular spot for idols… 20,000 Won perhour .. Hell, it’s almost RM60.. hahah ..but the interior is worth the price and got Indonesia songs too. How bad i am as a singer? i got 0 marks for my singing... hehhe.. the machine can calculate your marks .. i hate that!!!

Su Norebang

Eager to test your singing ability? Just find this signage and you are ready to experience korean style karaoke!!

And our New Year celebration end around 4.30 in the morning when we are dragging our half frozen body to Miss Han’s house for a good rest before we kick our feet again for another day to explore Seoul.

Morning snow on the 1st day of 2011 from Miss Han's window

New Year date with Miss Han and Kamilia watching movie

Cheonggyecheon Stream in New Year

Boldness… Leads me to Rain

I wish I can still be a small girl grew up in a large palm oil or rubber estate with a large community of our own. It took us 1 hour to be out to town, and it was just a small town which we don’t really want to go too. That is how “big” my world was. In this world I used to be a confident, bright, outspoken, strong and bold. But like in “Fringe”, me in the other world is opposite. Not until I found my other world. World full of Rain. “Boldness” is something I once again regained.

Ahaksss …Maybe it just an excuse for the ‘crazy’ things I did during the 2011 New Year. Bought myself Adieu Rain concert without my flight ticket, and booked my AirAsia ticket later around 3 weeks before the concert, and I flew to Seoul for a third time even I already bought myself a ticket to Seoul on April 2011 a few month back. Waiting for 2 hours in line in -12 degree winter on my first ever attempt to watch concert in a foreigner land.... 2 hours chatting with other fans who came from Japan, China and also Europe and most of them were much more older than me and they have been to all of the other concert held before, I’m not crazy!!!!

How you can buy your favorite K-pop artist concert held in South Korea.

1.Visit the artist official website and usually they will announce on how to buy it but it always in Korean, so I skipped this.
2.You can visit Interpark website, the online ticket website for foreigner to buy online ticket. I bought my concert ticket here. Register and you can start buying your ticket. The most important thing, it’s in English. http://ticket.interpark.com/Global/Index.asp
3.Or if you are a die hard fan, you can join the artist fan club website and some of the moderator even can make a group booking for you!!!

I didn’t take many pictures during the concert and left alone a good quality video as I was immerse listening and watching my favorite “Rain” on stage. And from the other "die hard" fan who used to go to "Rain" concert in their homeland, their comment was " He express himself more here in Seoul". Hence, I never regret this bold decision of mine.. never.