Seogwipo, Jeju

One of the many lovely things about Jeju is that it isn't that big and most parts of the island can be reached within an hour or two from the capital Jeju city. (Though they make for bumpy rides the buses have English announcements at every stop, which is quite handy if your Korean isn't up to scratch, but annoying for the natives I imagine...)

Seogwipo is generally known as Jeju island's second city and technically includes the entire south-side of it though obviously, in a rather spread out fashion. Seogwipo is totally different experience from Jeju city in the north, less developed, less crowded and seemingly slower in the pace of its existence...

One of the easiest attractions to reach once you get off the bus in Seogwipo is Cheonjiyeon Falls (천지연 폭포) which is a 5/10min walk away, it's location next to the very photogenic Seogwipo harbour (with Submarine tours! Which you will have to spend a day queueing for!) and proximity to Jeju Olle route 6 make it a cool starting point. The falls themselves are alright too, admission is only 2,000W but you will have to fight the narcissistic asshats taking pictures of their ugly mugs and offspring in the presence of natural beauty...

Where Jeju Olle's route 6 and 7 meet there is a rock that is a tourist attraction too. A fucking rock.

Further on the route there is a subtle port linked to 'Seogwipo Second City' (서귀포시2청) that houses some great eateries, lots of fresh fish places if you are a seafood fan and a restaurant where one can try 흑돼지 피자 (Heuk-Dweji, or Black Pig, pizza).

Jeju is rather famous for its heuk-dweji, it even has it's own street in Jeju City. The pizza was pretty damn good, but heuk-dweji is a meat meant for excessive barbecuing first and foremost. Yum.

Seogwipo can sometimes feel like a step into the past...any development the area had came in 2002 during the Japan/South Korea World Cup when it was a host city, but most of it looks weather worn now. There is a sense of peace and ease that hits you when you get off the bus there, I often leave wishing I'd had more time...

How to get to there:

From Jeju City Bus Terminal take the 100 bus that leaves every 10mins. Costs 3,000W and is an hour journey. There is also an Airport Limousine bus from Jeju Airport to Seogwipo as well...

Soundtrack:

Tengger - Flower Garden