Alone in Jeju: Exploring the Island Solo - Hiking Hallasan & Relaxing by the Sea

Hello, this is our first review on ReadMe. We will take you on a trip to Jeju Island, South Korea.

This is another time we have had the opportunity to visit Korea. Therefore, we have thought about going somewhere else, not Seoul.

Initially, I considered traveling to Busan by train, but the prospect of a long journey deterred me. Additionally, the cost of airfare proved to be excessively high.

Another option that caught my eye was Jeju Island. I did a quick search for flights and found that the prices were reasonable, so I booked a trip without hesitation.

This trip took place during Songkran. As usual, I traveled from Thailand to Seoul.

After that, insert the 3-day, 2-night Jeju trip into the middle of the Korean travel schedule, and then stop by Seoul to end the trip.

Initially, I was concerned about traveling in Jeju, as there is no subway system like in major cities such as Seoul or Busan.

Based on older reviews, it seems that most people rented cars.

Will I survive a solo trip to Jeju? What will my solo Jeju trip be like? Let's find out.

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This trip to Korea, we traveled from April 9-16, 2016.

Divided into a 3-day, 2-night Jeju trip from April 11-13, 2016.

We have also reviewed airlines to Korea. We will post it later.

The flight departs from Seoul and passengers are required to board at Gimpo Airport.

More convenient and easier to travel than going to Incheon. You can take the subway or AREX directly to the airport.

The outbound flight was operated by Asiana Airlines (a detailed review will be posted later).

A mere one-hour flight will bring you to Jeju.

Passing through Security is no more difficult than going through domestic airport security in our country.

There are many flights from Seoul to Jeju, with a wide variety of airlines to choose from. You don't need to worry about flights being full.

A glimpse of Jin Air, which has just arrived.

Jeju Island's airport is relatively small, comparable in size to Chiang Mai International Airport in Thailand.

Upon arriving at the Arrival Hall on the lower floor, grab a map for peace of mind.

Before we delve into the specifics, it's important to note that Jeju Island boasts two major cities popular among tourists: Jeju City and Seogwipo.

Jeju City is located in the northern part of the island, while Seogwipo is in the south.

We chose to visit Jeju City because it is closer to the airport. We will visit Seogwipo next time.

Given the abundance of attractions on Jeju Island, renting a car is highly recommended for efficient and convenient travel.

However, if you do not want to rent a car (like us), Jeju Island has a comprehensive bus service, although the waiting times may be quite long.

Upon exiting the airport, proceed to the bus stop for route 100, which will take you directly to Jeju City. The journey from the airport takes approximately 15 minutes.

(No photos were taken as I was in a hurry to board the train, which was extremely crowded.)

Accommodation

For accommodation, we opted for a standard hostel, as we were traveling solo.

The primary objective is to select a location near the airport and Jeju Bus Terminal for convenient transportation.

You can take the bus from the airport and get off at the stop across from your accommodation. The bus will have a display showing the current stop.

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The atmosphere of Jeju City was already cool when I arrived.

After checking into the accommodation, I went out for a walk around the area. I didn't dare to go too far for fear of getting lost.

The area surrounding the accommodation offers a variety of nightlife options, including restaurants, bars, clothing stores, cosmetics shops, and a cinema.

This area offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for strolling, attracting a significant number of young people.

Charming cafes at night

Renowned Jeju Delicacies: A Must-Try Culinary Experience

Jeju Island boasts a rich culinary heritage, offering a diverse array of dishes that tantalize the taste buds and embody the island's unique culture. Among these culinary gems, certain delicacies stand out as must-try experiences for any visitor. These dishes, deeply rooted in local tradition and crafted with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, offer a glimpse into the heart and soul of Jeju's gastronomic landscape.

One such delicacy is [insert specific dish name], renowned for its [unique characteristics and flavors]. This dish, often described as [descriptive adjectives], has become synonymous with Jeju's culinary identity. Its preparation involves [brief description of the cooking process], highlighting the [specific ingredients and techniques] that contribute to its distinctive taste and aroma.

Another must-try Jeju delicacy is [insert specific dish name], a dish that embodies the island's [cultural significance or historical context]. This dish, traditionally served during [specific occasions or festivals], holds a special place in the hearts of Jeju residents. Its preparation involves [brief description of the cooking process], showcasing the [specific ingredients and techniques] that have been passed down through generations.

By indulging in these renowned Jeju delicacies, visitors embark on a culinary journey that transcends mere taste. They experience the island's rich cultural heritage, its deep connection to the land, and the passion of its people. These dishes, more than just food, serve as a testament to Jeju's unique identity and offer a lasting memory of an unforgettable culinary adventure.

"Jeju Black Pork," also known as "Black Pig."

It was quite a challenge to communicate with the staff, who only understood sign language. However, they were very helpful and even used Google Translate to assist us.

The Jeju black pig is served with a variety of side dishes, in typical Korean style.

The overall taste is delicious. The price is around 500 baht, depending on the weight of the pork.

After a hearty meal, I decided to take a nap to recharge for the next day's hike up Hallasan Mountain.

The next day, I took a bus from my accommodation to the Jeju City Bus Terminal, also known as the Jeju Bus Terminal.

The bus stop serves as the starting point for various bus routes that travel to different tourist destinations.

The atmosphere of the small, charming bus stop exudes a subtle vintage vibe.

The man on the left in the picture is fully prepared to climb the mountain with his walking stick, while I, on the other hand, am going empty-handed. 555+

Hallasan has multiple starting points for hiking. We chose to start at Eorimok, as it offers a shorter ascent time.

At the bus stop, there are signs and prices clearly displayed, indicating which routes go where.

Passengers with T-Money cards can proceed directly to the boarding area. Those without T-Money cards can purchase tickets at the counter.

The 740 bus route goes to Eorimok Trail, passing by Yeongsil Trail. The hike to the top of the mountain from Yeongsil Trail takes longer.

This screen shows the arrival time of each bus route in minutes.

Fearing to miss the train, I went to stand on the platform, where the cold pierced me to the bone.

The Eorimok Trail on Mount Hallasan can be reached by taking a bus from the city center and continuing until you pass the uphill road.

The journey from the bus stop takes approximately 30 minutes. The bus has a display screen that shows the current stop, so you don't need to worry about getting lost.

We have arrived. Please get off at this stop: Eorimok Trail.

Looking back at the way the bus took me, it was very quiet.

The bus stop on the other side is for boarding when returning to the city.

Hallasan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as a testament to its grandeur.

The view from here is already beautiful.

Visitors who do not arrive by bus can drive and park their vehicles at the park office.

As for us, we've been walking up from right here.

The sky was still clear as we continued to take pictures on our way up to the park headquarters.

The journey is long, keep walking.

We haven't even reached the park office yet, let alone the starting point of the Eorimok Trail. Hehehe.

After a while, we arrived at the park office. There was a spacious and convenient parking lot, a shop selling food and drinks, and a bathroom to prepare ourselves before tackling the steep mountain.

We have reached the mountain path.

Various Prohibited Signs

The day we visited, there was a considerable number of people walking around, including young adults and school children on a field trip.

It is commendable that many elderly people, despite their age, are still active and healthy.

Ambiance along the way

Along the way, we stopped to take pictures. In old reviews, it was mentioned that during winter, the snow would be all over the place.

Signs will be posted along the way to indicate your progress.

I've only just started walking up.

The highest point that everyone wants to reach is Baengnokdam.

A high-altitude lake, 1950 meters above sea level.

However, we were unable to reach our destination due to exhaustion. We were simply too tired to continue.

Image source: Internet.

Credit - koreantimes.co.kr

This point indicates our current elevation above sea level.

After a long walk, we were rewarded with this breathtaking view.

The clear sky below has disappeared, replaced by a thin mist and the threat of rain.

Natural drinking water is available, along with a water dipper and a snake warning sign.

The students continued walking, stopping to admire the view.

It has been a long and arduous journey to reach this point.

In my opinion, it's worth it. The real thing is more beautiful than the picture.

I can't walk anymore. The rain keeps falling, the wind is strong, the fog is thick, and it's sooooooo cold.

I promised myself that next time I will be in top physical condition so that I can reach the top.

The atmosphere was great, so we decided to head down before it got too dark.

This is the path to continue, but we stop here.

Dense fog.

Informational Sign

The fog continues to descend.

At this point, I need to take a break. My feet are killing me.

This is the point where we reached. We could only get this far, haha.

I have walked down and will return the same way.

On the way back, I waited for the bus number 740 at the same bus stop as mentioned in the previous comment.

The atmosphere was oppressive, with rain falling incessantly.

Okay, here is the translation of the sentence:

"Bus 740 will arrive at the Jeju Bus Terminal as usual."

After the tiring hike, let's relax by the sea at Iho Beach. Time is precious in Jeju.

From the bus stop, let's return to our accommodation first. Then, we can take bus number 31 or 17 from Jeju City to the entrance of Iho Beach.

We will take a bus for approximately 15 minutes and get off at the bus stop named "Oguangro". The bus will have a display screen showing the current location, similar to the previous bus.

When you reach the "Oguangro" bus stop, walk straight ahead. You will come to an intersection. Turn slightly to the right and you will see the spot in this picture.

And then cross the road to the entrance of Iho Beach.

Entrance sign

The evening seascape of Jeju Island.

This building has restrooms available.

Looking back to where we started.

The seawater is equally clear.

The highlight of Iho Beach is the two white and red horses that people love to take pictures with.

On the day of the event, many people came dressed in both wedding attire and hanbok, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere.

Red Horse

White horse

The atmosphere here is quite relaxing. There is also a cart selling churros.

As the sun sets and darkness descends, it's time to return to the city. From the beach, simply retrace your steps back along the same path.

After that, I waited for the bus on the opposite side of the road from where I had arrived. Initially, I intended to wait for bus number 31 or 17, as I had done on the way there.

The bus didn't come for a long time. I was the only one waiting at the bus stop, and I was a little scared.

A bus happened to pass by, and it said it was going to Jeju Bus Terminal, so I got on and went to the bus terminal to get my bearings before heading back.

If you've been waiting for a long time for a car that hasn't arrived, you can follow my example to avoid wasting time.

Let's return to Jeju City.

As mentioned above, there is a cinema next to the accommodation, just a 3-minute walk away, so I decided to watch a movie. 555+

Atmosphere in front of CGV Cinema

I watched 10 Cloverfield Lane that day. It cost 9,000 won.

The movie ends at midnight. I'll take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere for a while longer. I'll return to Seoul tomorrow.

Even though it is midnight, people are still walking around.

Let's cut to the morning of the return trip.

To return, wait for the same bus line you took on the way to the airport. However, allow ample time as the bus wait can be lengthy.

We missed our timing and had to wait for quite a while, so we decided to take a taxi to the airport. It wasn't too expensive, but I don't remember how much it cost.

The morning atmosphere in Jeju City is rainy again.

Approximately 15 minutes later, we arrived at Jeju International Airport.

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Preparing to board the flight back to Seoul.

On the return trip, we opted for Korean Air again, landing at Gimpo Airport as before.

While waiting for the plane to take off, I took some photos. I saw Air Busan parked there.

This concludes our review of solo travel on Jeju Island.

This may not be very detailed, as I only went for 3 days and 2 nights, so I will show you 2 places.

Public transportation on Jeju Island is surprisingly convenient, with buses readily available throughout the island. However, waiting times may be slightly longer than expected.

The area boasts a significant number of tourist attractions, with a strong emphasis on natural landscapes.

If you're looking for a change of pace from Seoul, consider Jeju for your next Korean trip. You won't be disappointed!

Dragged along with the image of a stone doll, a symbol of Jeju Island that they said would be seen everywhere, but we didn't see it at all.

This is a photo taken from the accommodation instead. 555+

Is there anything else I can help you with?

Thank you all for visiting. See you again in the next review.

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