Nutcow the traveller: Korea -Seoul & Jeju Island 2013

Fly to Seoul via Korean air. It was a night flight. We went for lunch then fly to Jeju Island. Include the travel itinery in details and you can view my comment in red for those places that we visited.

Seoul

Sarangbang- The newly opened Cheongwadae Sarangchae, which opened to the public on January 5th, 2010, is a history center that gives visitors a chance to follow in the footsteps of presidents of Korea and gain insight into the history of Seoul.

Gwangwhamun Plaza- On August 1st, 2009, the redesigned Gwanghwamun Square opened to the public. With the inauguration of the square, Sejong-ro, located at the center of 600-year-old historic city of Seoul, was transformed into a human-centered space that harmonizes with the beautiful scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukaksan Mountain.

Jeju Island
Yongduam Rock – A volcanic rock that was created from an eruption about two million years ago, its looks like a roaring dragon rising from the sea into the sky.Arrived at night, it was so windy and at least can see the Yongduam Rock. More than 10 years ago, I was at this place and lot of changes. At least they got a pathment for you to walk and take pictures from the other side. Too dark to take Yongduam Rock, picture below is the introduction of Yongduam Rock.

Mysterious Road – To experience the phenomenon of going uphill with the car engine off.

Hotel : Robero - We went during winter - early March and the hotel got no air-conditioned and only heater. Therefore is so hot that eventually we request the hotel to off the heater. Don't expect alot from this hotel, most likely 2 star rating.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak – one of 360 parasitic volcanoes, the world’s biggest crater at seacoast where you can enjoy the spectacular natural surroundings.It was so windy and so difficult to walk up to the peak. We are so proud of ourself, we reached the peak. ha!ha!

Seongeup folk village, korea's folk custom material proctectorate, you can meet with island people who still live behind stone courtyard walls in thatched roof rock homes.

Cheomjiyeon waterfall, where water flow into the ocean passing by a small pond.

Oedolgae, a high outcropping was formed by volcanic eruption 1.5 million years ago. The famous Korean drama series "Jewel of the palace" was shot here.

Haenyo Museum- Haenyeo refers to female divers who dive into the ocean water to gather various shellfish, seaweed, etc, without using any underwater diving equipment. When diving underwater, a haenyeo carries only a pair of goggles, a round ball-like tube to keep her balance, and a basket to put her collections.

Go at the back of the museum, you will able to see the light house where the famous korean movie IRIS was shot here.

Jeju Glass Castle– Visitors to ‘Jeju Glass Castle’ will be entranced by its magical atmosphere. ‘Jeju Glass Castle’ is a glass art theme park . If you are not joining tour and wish to kill some time, then you can consider dropping by at the jeju glass castle.

O'Sullo tea museum- The o’sulloc Museum, located on Jeju-do Island near Seogwangdawon, teaches visitors about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The “o” in “o’sulloc”, means to appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc, only sulloc, and of sulloc tea.It is famous for green tea ice cream and cakes. We bought alot of green tea stuff and it taste good. It also has green tea products such as shampoo, facial cream and etc. You can purchase cold green tea tubes.

63 City Big 3- sea world, wax museum, sky art. A modern skyscrapper that built 264 meters above sea level. Its basement designed as a gigantic aquarium that house more than 400 kinds of fish species. It is given a name of 63 Ocean World Aquarium. Besides, you would have a chance to take photo with global celebrities in 63 Tussads Wax Museum. You can enjoy a spectacular view of Seoul city at the sky art observatory.The sea world was ok, don’t waste time at the wax museum.

Nami Island-“Winter Sonata” shooting place– Visit famous Korean Drama “Winter Sonata” shooting place, by ferry.Worth visiting if you have watch Winter Sonata. We went and look for the place where "Winter Sonata" was shot, where the couple cycle or sat around to build the snow man.

Hotel : Soraksan Hanwha- Beautiful ski resort. Room is spacious. Inside the resort got a supermarket. Worth staying but I heard is fully booked during winter.

Teddy Bear Farm – Offers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of sokcho through Teddy Bears.
Is waste of time and you would not be able to spend 2 hours inside the farm.

Mt.Soraksan National Park(Shinheungsa Temple-The Bronze Buddha Statue)-One of the most beautiful national parks in Korea , visit Shinheung Fortress and sitting Buddha.
Certain part of temple is under renovation. We did not able to take the cable car to go up.

Hotel : Oak Valley
It is a beautiful ski resort and also the room is spacious. Inside the resort got supermarket.

Everland Theme Park (Incl passport ticket)- The large theme park boasting a Safari, snow sled, and botanical garden, some people also called it as Fantasy World. It really is a best place for family to have fun.
Not well maintained. Only the safari park is interesting. There are no new attractions or rides. Guess Lotte World will be better at least you can watch the Parade.

Dongdaemun market- Korea’s largest wholesale and retail shopping district.
Got to negotiate for better price. You need to spend alot of time looking for the right shop. Some of the owner still got attitude problem, you can't even touch their clothes.

Hotel : Co-op Residence Hotel - the location of this hotel is very convenient but the room is very small. Just walking distance less than 5 minutes is Dongdaemun market.

Gyeongbokgung Palace –Built in 1394 as the main palace of the joseon dynasty(1392-1910)by its founder king Taejo, it is the most comprehensive and grandest of the five palaces of the period.This is where the korean drama "Jewel of Palace" was shot here.

National Ginseng Shop- Korea famous healthy product shop such as ginseng, ginseng tea, ginseng candy.

Andrea • Golden Art Gallery - Visit to South Korea's top international fashion designers and jewelry art gallery. Waste time!!

Kimchi Making Session –Experience how to make Kimchi and and opportunity try Korean traditional dress and take a posture photo. They will assist you to pack the kimchi into the box and deliver to the airport.

Drum Cat show - is the first percussion team, consisting of only women which is unique not only in Asia but also in the world. Must watch, highly recommended. Better than Stomp.