Moving forwards, cycling along the Eoyoung Coastal Road was a breeze. The winding coastal cycling path led us to Bangsa Top, Iho Tewoo Beach where black rocks contrasted with the emerald-blue ocean, Hagwi Coast, and Aewol Port. The coast overlooked the boundless sea, adjacent to a township.
Aewol Port is also home to small seafood restaurants and fishing boats coming in and out, adding flavor to the coastal ride. The welcome scent of coffee wafted out from a village café, Coffine Gurunaru, calling to our weary legs to come take a rest. As we took a seat, the café provided a panoramic view of the sea, images of clear blue skies and bountiful greeneries. The sun heated the chair and it felt comforting. Gulping a sip of latte made us ponder how fortunate we were to have this privilege luxuriating in the splendid atmosphere.
Kimchi, Korea BBQ, Bibimbap, Dak-galbi, Bulgogi and Ginseng Chicken Soup are not uncommon to Malaysians today. In our trip to Korea this time, we opted for something not so popular in Malaysia but are Koreans’ favorite, the Haemultang. The hot pot filled with abalones, Squid, shrimp, crab, clams and an assortment of fish in a seafood broth. This is
a feast.
The seas of Jeju feeds the island with three representative fish that can only be found here, the Mackerel, Red Horse Head Snapper and Silver Oar Fish. For Muslim cyclists, there are 2 Halal restaurants on Jeju Island too. One of them is Rajmahal Indian Restaurant at 43 Singwang-ro, Yeon-dong.
It was time for a brief post-meal workout. No other activity has received as much entertaining as hiking. “Olle” originally referred to the narrow path between the street and one’s doorstep. Jeju Olle-gil is a series of walking trails that stretch around the entire coast of the island. The trails passed through various sites along the way, including small villages, beaches, farms and forests. Consisting of 26 routes, each routes offers unparalleled views of Jeju Island’s individual setting. These routes are also organized by level of difficulty, so hikers can choose appropriate course.
In the Jeju Olle-gil – Route 6, the views from the top of Oedolgae Rock were unreal. This rock sits not far from the shores of Sammebong, Seogwipo. Also known as Janggunseok Rock, it is 10 meters in circumference and 20 meters in height. Looking down and seeing the crystal clear sea and magnificent rocks were incredibly rewarding and visually jaw-dropping.
Aewol Port is also home to small seafood restaurants and fishing boats coming in and out, adding flavor to the coastal ride.
Although we were deprived of energy from 27-kilometer ride, we delighted in the hike so much. Watching our breath, finding our cadence, getting into a rhythm with each other was so satisfying. We treasured the moment like this. In the midst of this effort, it was amusing to be physically around this filming location in the 2003 TV drama series, Daejanggeum where Hansangoong faced her death under a false accusation while being carried on Daejanggeum’s back.
The fantastic rock of Oedolgae and fields of reeds in the extensive bush provided a perfect background for hiking. The sunset of Bum Island, which can be seen from Oedolgae Rock, has long been an essential stop for tourists visiting Jeju Island.
A trip to Jeju would not be complete without paying a visit to Jeju Dongmun Traditional Market, which was established after the liberation in 1945. As the oldest and biggest traditional market, it has served countless customers in Jeju with diverse items at affordable prices. Tourists like us would storm into the bustling and vibrant market upon seeing the long alleys of shops spreading over a large area in the city’s heartland.
A vast array of products could be found – mackerel, small octopus, abalone, fruits, clothes, herbs, liquors, and so much more that we had a dilemma of selecting the ideal souvenirs back home.
