Journey of Life

Mmmm... dah nak balik  (it's time to go back). There's not much we can do when we get to the city of Seoul on the 4th day, and then visited interesting places outside the city in the following days. So we decided to grab a taxi and had half day city tour before our midnight flight back to KL. There are 5 palaces in Seoul, Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Gyeonghuigung, where we intend to visit one of them. Changdeokgung was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty and is the most well-preserved.

Even though it is the third tallest peak in the world, Kinabalu never gets snow due to Malaysia's tropical climate. So, one of the things we must do while in South Korea is to experience snow for ourselves. The several ski resorts in the neighbouring provinces of Gangwon-do and Gyeonggi-do were on our list of potential destinations. As I was looking at ski resorts in the Seoul area, I was immediately pulled to Vivaldi Resort due to its 24-hour operation. We opted for a 2-days, 1-night ski package with Sally Tour to make our almost 2-hours bus-trip from the city more convenient.

My friends made fun of me when I told them that we visited DMZ. Yup... the buffer zone bordering North and South Korea, hence the demilitarized zone stands for. As if I was there with camouflage or some sort of things.. :P It is not a shooting ground, neither to display one's military power to the other. Ironically, it is a place set up to foster peace between both sides and avoid military confrontation.  The Seoul City Tour personnel met us at the hotel lobby before proceed to Imjingak Park , located at 50 km northwest of Seoul. It was built for 5 million people who lost home during World War II. But now turns into tourist place filled with restaurants and a small amusement park.

I've to admit that I was among the k-drama goers back in 2002. Left the office early to catch 'Winter Sonata' romance screenplay in the late evening, was something that I myself couldn't imagine. It is a story about a young girl, Yoo-Jin, who felt for Joon-Sang, an introverted teenager. I could made myself an introverted back then... :P Ok, back to the Nami Island trip. It was one of the Winter Sonata's filming location and known for its beautiful stretch of Ginko tree lane. There were several spots specific to the location where the scenes were held, easily recognized with statues or signs that indicate it. An entry visa fee of ₩8,000 to get into Naminara Republic and it comes with two-way ferry ticket. It was freezing cold once we stepped on to the island. We just can't wait to explore the island. Ok.. from now on, let's the pictures do the talking.

After spending 4 days and 3 nights at the Jeju Island, we headed back to Seoul. Our 7C106 Jeju Air's flight depart for Gimpo airport at noon. We decided to arrive early at the airport to explore anything that is interesting, or at least get a light meal for lunch. Everything went smoothly and just laid back in the room after checked-in to Hyundai Residence. I specifically chose this accommodation for its location an easy access to the metro station.  Late evening, we went out looking for dinner and shopping at Namdaemun Market. It is known internationally as the traditional market dated back in the 14th century. 

On the early morning of the second day, the taxi driver brought us to a number of spots not on my 3rd day list. The day then went on until late night, and it was our last day at Jeju Island. But I guessed the main highlight was the volcano, Halla Mountain, which is the highest in South Korea. To get things started, we visited O'Sulloc Green Tea Garden and had breakfast in their café. Guess what, everything was made or has green tea in it, from sandwiches to cakes and ice-cream! 

We rented the cab on the second day to get to the northeast of the islands. It took roughly an hour from Seogwipo, about 65km to reach Manjanggul Cave, one of the largest lava tubes in the world. A cave full with colourful stalactites and stalagmites. One have to be careful as it was wet and slippery everywhere. We don't put on our proper shoes either. Kymyoung Maze Park should not be missed when you done with the cave, a km distance apart. We let ourselves loose and lost in the foliage shaped of the Jeju island, and finding the way out of the maze. The reward... ring the bell once you reached the exit! :P

It was a bumpy ride mostly throughout that rattled my wife! Nonetheless, the late night Air Asia's flight descended into Incheon International Airport half past seven in the morning. And we had to catch another flight to Jeju Island in the afternoon. We had barely 4 hours left for Jeju Air flight took off from Gimpo International Airport in Seoul city. Easiest mode would be the 45-minutes airport rail from the Incheon airport. Instead of the Sinpo Market planned, we went to Lotte Mall located just besides the Gimpo airport.