Korea Trip | Outdoorsy in Jeju (Day 4)

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Piano playing robotic teddy bear
Piano playing robotic teddy bear
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Giant teddy bear South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Giant teddy bear
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Giant teddy bear South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Giant teddy bear

Can I just say...I still can't get over how cute, fluffy, and humongous the teddy bears at Teddy Valley were. Let me take one home with me, please & thank you!

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Breakfast buffet

Our first breakfast at the hotel consisted of a Western and Korean selection buffet. I remember the food being very good!

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014

After everyone stuffed their bellies, we all gathered in front of the hotel to take our group photo. I think I ended up in the back of the pack for this one. Oh well~ no need to push for a spot so early in the morning.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, April 3 Peace Park, Dol Hareubang South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, April 3 Peace Park entrance
Stone statues (돌 하르방 dol hareubang)
Entrance
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, April 3 Peace Park, light at end of upward tunnel
Jeju April 3 Peace Park or Jeju April 3 Peace Memorial Hall (제주4・3평화 기념관)
430, Myeongnim-ro, Jeju, Jeju-do

The first stop on our itinerary was to the April 3rd memorial. Prior to the visit I knew next to nothing regarding the date. Our tour guide gave us a little briefing on our way there and mentioned that April 3rd is referred to as both the Jeju Uprising and the Jeju Massacre. It's been awhile and I don't remember the details anymore so I'll leave a link for those interested in the memorial. Click here.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Saryeoni Forest South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Saryeoni Forest blooming hydrangeas
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Saryeoni Forest South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Saryeoni Forest South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Saryeoni Forest
Saryeoni Forest (사려니숲길)
Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do & Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Next stop! Compared to the next hike we did, the Saryeoni Forest path we walked was a baby hike. Since we were little behind schedule our walk in the forest was cut short. A quick Google search left me jealous that we didn't get to further on the trail. Hydrangeas were blooming all along the trail when we were there. I have only seen these kind of flowers after they have fully bloomed already in New York.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Spicy pork lunch
Spicy Pork (돼지불고기 Dwaejibulgogi)

More heat beating heat dishes for lunch! I remember this dish being very spicy.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Sunrise Peak South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Sunrise Peak
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Sunrise Peak South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Climbing up Sunrise Peak

Could you imagine the look on my face when we arrived to this destination? The scenery looks great! Then your eyes roam and see the long winding path leading to the foot of the mountain. Sure that looks doable. But it doesn't really hit you how difficult a climb the hike is until you're dragging each leg up what seems like a bajillion stairs.

At least that's how I felt. Then again...I wasn't (am still not) in the greatest shape. I definitely had to stop a couple times to catch my breath. Even the friends I started the hike with were way ahead of me. There were moments when I genuinely thought of giving up. Of course that was until I saw the "you're almost there" mark.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Top of Sunrise Peak

Once I reached the top, all was forgotten. The breeze and wind that hit my face made it worth the trek up. The ultimate game-changer was the scenery. The view at the top was impeccable. There are stairs for visitors to sit and enjoy the crater at the top of the peak. (Just Google "sunrise peak jeju" to see what I'm talking about! Or click here.)

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Sunrise Peak South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Descending Sunrise Peak

While you can only see endless ascending trail of stairs on the way up, the path down overlooks greenery, water, and the nearby town below. Another reason why I would gladly go up Sunrise Peak again.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Descending Sunrise Peak

Just when we thought we were finished and close to where we started, everyone spotted another set of stairs leading to some buildings by the water. Being the curious souls we are, everyone quickly went down to see. What surprised me most was seeing guys carrying crates of (glass) soju bottles up and down the stairs!

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Sunrise Peak female divers South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Sunrise Peak conch shells
UNESCO World Heritage Site - Sunrise Peak (성산일출봉 Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak)
284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 일출로 284-12
Female divers are pretty famous to Jeju. We were able to see them busily cracking open at their sea urchin catch. The buildings housed a restaurant (I think) and seafood stall that sold things like abalone, sea cucumber, sea squirt, and a bunch of other sea critters. The pile of conch shells were difficult for all the tourists to resist. Souvenir anyone?

This day was packed with one hike after another! The next one was to Seopji Coast.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Seopji Coast South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Seopji Coast lighthouse
Famous K-drama location
Lighthouse at the top of Seopji Coast
I don't recognize the building in the left photo but apparently it was a very famous filming location for some K-drama. When we were there it was being renovated into some kind of candy-themed building. Does it look familiar to anyone?

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Seopji Coast hanging squid
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Seopji Coast seafood stall
Seopji Coast (섭지코지 Seopjikoji)
261, Seopjikoji-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 261
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Pyoseon Beach South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Pyeoseon beach
Pyoseon Haevichi Beach (표선해비치해변)
Minsokhaean-ro, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주 서귀포시 표선면 민속해안로

The last destination for the day: relaxing visit to the beach. Pyoseon beach was pretty quiet when we arrived. I wonder if this is just because we got there later in the day or if this is one of those hidden gems?

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Dol hareubang souvenir
Souvenirs I picked up

Aren't they cute? There were many stalls selling other types of souvenirs as well but I sadly didn't have any room in my carry-on sized suitcase at the time. Otherwise I would have bought myself some of the Jeju tangerine chocolates. Silly me forgot to try the actual Jeju tangerine (한라봉 Hallabong)...next time!

Wishing for | UO Silence + Noise Witchy T-Shirt Dress

My mind has been on these dresses for almost 3 weeks now. I have never bought clothing from Urban Outfitters before but something about this t-shirt dress caught my eye when passing by these in store.
Urban Outfitters, Silence + Noise Witchy T-Shirt Dress, Black
Urban Outfitters Silence + Noise Witchy T-Shirt Dress
Out of the colors and prints I saw at the time, black was my safe option. Something that I could easily wear without having any excuses like "it's too bold," "it's too floral," etc. to hold me back. The floral version was my attempt at being a little more adventurous. After trying both on I was torn with which I liked more & which I would wear more often. Perhaps both fit the bill?

One glance at the price tag however left me putting both down and walking away. $79 for a dress was not really something I was ready to pay for. All I could do was hope for a sale or some kind of price reduction in the near future.
Images from Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters, Silence + Noise Witchy T-Shirt Dress, Black Urban Outfitters, Silence + Noise Witchy T-Shirt Dress, Rust Urban Outfitters, Silence + Noise Witchy T-Shirt Dress, Red Multi
Black
Rust
Red Multi
When all the July 4th sales were happening, I hoped with all my might that Urban Outfitters would have a good promo code or that the dress would be discounted significantly. That way I could finally satisfy this buying itch I had. The price of this dress was discounted, to $49. There was a 30% off sale items code at the time. But sadly the piece wasn't considered a sale item (just a price reduced item).

I don't know about anyone else but $49 still seemed a bit expensive. So I passed on the opportunity to purchase at the time. Hoping to finally decide on which color to get or even to ride out this desire to buy. Here I am now, still, with the dilemma.

Usually when my mind is set on buying something for so long the purchase will be made sooner or later. So part of the "problem" has been solved. Now that remains is which color should I pick: Black, Rust (red), or Red Multi (burgundy with floral prints)? What do you think?

Korea Diary | Field Trip to Jeju (Day 3)

South Korea, Jeju Island
Currently missing...the scenery in Jeju-do

Day 3 in Korea was a whirlwind of a day. It marked the end of my pre-school travels, the start of the study abroad experience, and traveling to a whole new city.

South Korea, Seoul, Hongdae, AirBnB South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 jersey South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island

We flagged a taxi in Hongdae early in the morning after leaving our AirBnB studio and headed to Yonsei University. Luckily the taxi driver this time around was much nicer and more patient than the first one we met. Even the random strangers on campus were super nice to help us with our luggages whilst trying to find the correct building. What a lovely start to our morning!

South Korea, Dunkin' Donuts South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Gimpo Airport, Flying Asiana Airlines

Once on-boarding and orientation were through, off to Gimpo Airport we went. Since I wasn't placed on the same bus as Bestie C I had the chance to befriend some new faces from all over the world. My bus partner for the field trip was from the U.K. and spoke Cantonese as well (definitely help relieved me some awkwardness).

South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Korean tour bus South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Korean tour bus

I don't remember the exact number but there were a total of 4 tour buses full of us students on the YISS field trip to Jeju. But those tour buses were something else! Usually buses like these have microphones for the guides and the fancy ones have small screens for videos. These buses had a flat screen monitor up front!

South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, First lunch in Jeju - Spicy Pork Dwaejibulgogi

Everyone was starving by the time we landed in Jeju. Luckily lunch was the first thing on our itineraries. I think we had kimchi stew (김치찌개 kimchi jjigae) with pork for our meal. Korean's have an interesting idea where they beat (hot weather) heat with heat. I wasn't too sure about the idea then and sweating during the meal isn't my cup of tea. But I guess that's the point? To produce sweat as a natural way to cool the body off.

South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, OSULLOC Tea Museum South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, OSULLOC Tea Museum, Seogwang Tea Garden
Tea Museum Entrance
Seogwang Tea Garden
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, OSULLOC Tea Museum, Green Tea Ice Cream
OSULLOC Green Tea Ice Cream
OSULLOC Tea Museum (오설록티뮤지엄)
425, Sinhwayeoksa-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주도 서귀포시 안덕면 신화역사로 425

We were taken to the OSULLOC Tea Museum afterwards. It must have been a pretty popular destination at Jeju since tourists were aplenty here. Lines for their cafe and gift items were very long, which did us no favor since we were running on a set schedule. Luckily my new friend and bus partner and I were still able to grab one cup of green tea ice cream to share.

For those that will also be visiting Seoul or probably any other major city in Korea, don't fret! OSULLOC has cafes and shops as well. While the selection isn't as vast, it might not be worth the wait to stand on line in the Jeju museum. Take your time to wonder their museum (inside and out) instead, ENJOY! I wish we were able to spend some more time here since there seemed to be other areas of the museum which I didn't get to see.

South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak Mountain
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak MountainSouth Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak MountainSouth Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak Mountain
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak MountainSouth Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak Mountain
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Songaksan, Songak Mountain
Songaksan (송악산)
421-1, Songakgwangwang-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주특별자치도 서귀포시 대정읍 송악관광로 421-1

Visiting Songaksan was a nice change from the hustle and bustle of the tea museum. There weren't many people. If anything our big group was temporarily disrupting the quietness at the mountain. I enjoyed the hike here. Nothing too difficult and paths were clear. (If only I wasn't lugging around my backpack full of electronics though!)

South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & ResortSouth Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & ResortSouth Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort
South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & ResortSouth Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Field Trip to Jeju Island, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort
Teddy Valley Golf & Resort (테디밸리)
2007 Sangchang-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo, Jeju-do

Boy was I glad to finally be at the hotel after a big buffet dinner. My level of excited-ness was overwhelming once we got into the hotel lobby. I remember there being a Teddy Bear Museum at Jeju, which we couldn't go to. So to see that our hotel was teddy themed was just as nice. However I was most surprised once I reached by room. This was by first time seeing such a fancy toilet and a place that had a separate tub and shower. We even had a nice roomy walk-in type closet. 5-star is definitely something else!

I ended up with different person as a roommate due to the way YISS buddied everyone up. Since we were only sleeping at the hotel for a couple of nights it wasn't all too bad. Even though she partied with her friends, I usually slept late enough to not be bothered. It was nice to have the room to myself for a while too. I am not sure if I will ever be able to stay in such a nice hotel in the future but it has set a new standard for me.

Tip for future YISS attendees: If you are planning to attend the field-trip, have a separate suitcase ready (whether carry-on or check-in). You will be able to leave the rest of your bigger luggages at Yonsei University for the few days that you are away. A carry-on was enough for me because I ended up not buying much or anything big from Jeju.
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