Korea day 2

Last day at Jeju-do

We were finally waken up by the fourth time of the morning call. It snowed even heavier than the day before, this means that thicker thermal wear, stockings, long sleeved shirt, jeans and sweater are required in order to battle the cold. I was so fascinated by the heavy snow that I actually went outside to take a look, the snow came heavily like rain and I could not stand more than 5 minutes outside...

When our tourguide came, we went to the hotel's cafe for a scrumptious buffet breakfast.

When everyone have filled their stomachs, we set off in our coach to sunrise peak. We need to climb all the way up to the top for a breathtaking view of the mountains and sea. Unluckily, it was winter and we do not get to see "hai nu" (sea women) in action. They are female divers who catches abalone and sea cucumbers.

The famous Jeju-do stone statues. Saw them almost everywhere in Jeju-do.

The journey up the peak. As you can see, it is snowing. How cool is that! When I was climbing the Great Wall of China in Beijing, it did not even snow...SOBZ

The climb uphill, climbing up the stairs requires stamina and it becomes harder during winter. With the cold wind keep blowing into your eyes and making your lips so dry. I felt quite uncomfortable and I covered my mouth with the scarf to keep warm.

General Rock

Trying to sit like a lady, hahas

The sea below is where the female divers catch their abalone and sea cucumbers.

After quite some time, we reached almost the peak, but we were too tired to move on and was satisfied. Hence, we slowly made our way down. We passed by a shop selling hand made souvenirs-keychains with name carving and engraving. Bought one for myself and cousin as a souvenir that I have been to Jeju-do.

Making our way down was not easier than the climb uphill. But we made it! Had ice-cream as a reward. Ice-cream during winter tastes wonderful as it won't melt and you get extra coolness.

After that, we went to Seopjikoji, a place often used for Korea set and movies. It snowed even harder there and I was even excited. But it was a tad too heavy that the snow that melts on the spectacles kept fogging my view. But it made our pictures more beautiful and it was an amazing experience for me, so who cares! My clothes were wet as if I have been in the rain after we finished touring the place.

Can you see the church behind?

Picture taken for Ng Kher Chee as the last picture looks like her idol

We could only pose outside as there is an admission fee charge to enter the church.

Following that, we went to the folk village where we were introduced to the black fur boar and culture of Jeju-do. We were also told that jeju-do has "三多三无”：石头多、风多、女人多；无乞丐、无小偷、无大门. This means that there are three more and three none. A lot of stones, wind and women. No beggars, thieves and doors. There are a lot of stones as it is a volcanic island-with the strong winds, the volcanic ashes is fill the roads. It is also a peaceful island where there is low crime rate, with no beggars and thieves, there is no need for doors to guard against them. The folk village was covered with blankets of snow. Seeing snow for the first time in my life, I even played with it.

The folk village was also used for the filming of the drama, "da chang jin"

The black fur boar frolicking in its hay

Happily posing for us

There are also pits where the people use to do their business. They reared the black fur boars there as there are often snakes in the pits. Hence, the boars can help prevent the snake from sliding up your butt and bite when you are pooping.

My favorite picture and I thought it was artistically taken

Then, we went to a mandarin orange farm. As it was winter and all the mandarin oranges are all plucked by the tourists. Fake mandarin oranges which looked quite real to me were put in place. We got a taste of the sweet mandarins and bought chocolates at the shop. The assorted fruits chocolate rice crispies tastes the best. We bought several boxes as gifts for family and friends.

Teppanyaki black fur boar lunch was up next! I do not quite fancy the springy texture of pork. But black fur boar meat tastes nicer than normal pork and I love it! ^_^

After lunch, we went to ride the ATV- All Terrain Vehicle. The roads was covered with snow which made our ride rather dangerous. I was quite scared in the beginning and did not feel like riding the vehicle. I also had to drive Godma...which means extra pressure on me... but Godma trusted me and asked me to ride slowly without stress. Slow and steady wins the race. In the end, we braved it all though my toes were cold and about to freeze. The boots that we wore for the ride were rainboots which did no help in keeping our feet warm.

Then, we went to the Cheonjeyeon waterfalls. Everyone were exhausted by then and not many of us had the mood and energy to walk anymore. As it was winter, part of the waterfall were frozen and there was not much to see. I was also tired and was not in the mood to walk around. Hence, not much pictures were taken.

The super steep bridge

Another arduous climb uphill

Scenery from the left side of the bridge

Scenery of the right side of the bridge

The only picture of the waterfall that I took

Then we went to Lotte Hotel Jeju-the most luxurious and expensive hotel in Jeju-probably six star. How I wished that we can stay there for just one night. We viewed the windmill towers. It was as though we were in Holland. Inside the hotel, there is a casino. Too bad I could not go in as I was under 18 years old. I hoped that I could enter as I wanted to see for myself how people will react when they almost won, lost a lot or hit the jackpot. I also wanted to see how the machines work. There is also a duty-free shop. However, I cam not interested in branded goods, they were expensive and priced in US dollars.

Beautiful eh?

The grandoise hotel

The camping zone, but doubt anyone would camp during winter. Who would want to camp out in the cold when they are just right next to a hotel with warm beds

Another picture of the magnificient hotel

The lighted up windmills when night falls

Finally, when night falls, we proceeded to the Teddy Bear Museum. I got to see the bears of the Korean drama- 宫. I also learned from the tourguide that the history of teddy bears have gone a long way back. All the bears that are authentically made in the US are priceless. Hahas, many teddies that are sold are made in china. Even the ones that are sold in the gift shop at the museum.