[KR; 2024] Day 4 - Solo Jeju | Seogwipo City \ Hotel Kenny \ Chilsipnisi Park \ Saeyeongyo Bridge

Day 4

Breakfast @ Park Avenue Guest House

 

I would say I'm lucky? The last breakfast I had in the guesthouse was my favourite - stir fried pork! I cannot express how yummy it was together with the steamed egg.

Gimpo > Jeju

It was the D-day where I head off to my real new adventure - Jeju! Before heading there, everyone was telling me it is not impossible but not advisable to take public transport in the island. But me being budget plus I cannot drive, I accepted the challenge. And I love walking, so why not!

So, I didn't do much homework and I turned up at the airport without checking in in-advance. The staff at the airport had to guide me step by step to mobile check-in - which was embarrassing for someone who travels more than 10 times per year.

I guess the counter staff were very forgiving with foreigners - especially me who looked not prepared, I didn't get charged for exceeding my luggage by 1.5kg. Thank you t-way!

 

I actually liked Gimpo Airport - it was small but so much food around!

And cute walls here and there:

To my dismay, my flight got delayed for a long time, so my food was handy where I started a small picnic at a corner of the airport:

Something that really puzzled me was - I was waiting at the written gate for boarding and I noted that there wasn't any boarding notice and etc even after the time was over like 10-15 minutes. I tried to be as alert as possible, listening to every Korean announcement - as if my nursery Korean will work. And suddenly, I heard an announcement looking for me and when I ran to the gate everyone else has scanned their boarding pass. "WHAT!!!" I guess I need to go back and re-study Korean.

Me and the last group of people to Board, literally the last to board the plane for the very first time:

 

 

Because I didn't do mobile check-in, thus I have a window seat at the last row, but nice view of the plane wing:

What an adventure to get to Jeju XD

Seogwipo City

Probably the only homework I did for the Jeju trip was to look for hotels to stay, and based on recommendations, most of the other blogs mentioned to stay in two places - Seogwipo and Jeju City. I decided to go for both!

The logic behind it was:

• Seogwipo: You can easily take local bus to explore the southern-east and southern-west of the island
• Jeju City: You can explore the northern-east and northern-west
  

 

So off I go to Seogwipo City via the airport bus 801:

Guess what - there were Jeju orange tree at the airport!

 

 

Hotel Kenny Seogwipo

Hotel Kenny Seogwipo

https://maps.app.goo.gl/EFweHKtZMsMAXPeW9

This hotel is the most affordable and closest / walkable from the airport bus stop. It took me like 10 minutes to walk with a huge luggage! The counter staff was really limited in English, just simple conversation, anything more they looked really panicked.

I booked the corner room which has a small view - but it was rather small, just one luggage and there wasn't much space to move around. Nevertheless loved how the curtains added points to the room.

Shower space was quite decent!

View from the room:

 

It was quite a good stay, with washer and dryer at the basement and a 7-11 within the hotel. Another plus was the popular market is just right behind the hotel, with a couple local bus stops within 2-3 minutes walking distance. Would recommend!

Seogwipo Chilsipnisi Park

Seogwipo Chilsipnisi Park 서귀포 칠십리 시공원
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wY6aTUZ45xn9dD5F7

I had some time before dinner so searched for some nearby places to visit - and found this park which was just a few stops away from the hotel.

It had really pretty flowers like these all around during spring time! And the reason I was here was because I saw a google comment that you can view the Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls 천지연폭포 for free within the park.

I combed the whole park, and found that spot to view the waterfall - I heard a group of ahjumas mentioning the view in the park was more impressive compared to seeing close (yes, nursery Korean could understand it).

I cannot share the exact location of this view, but I would suggest locating a kids playground, follow the waters sound, and you should be able to find it.

Doesn't it looks nice from a top view? :)

Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge

It was almost sunset time, so I searched google map and found this place walkable distance from the park. It was a downhill walk so it was simple - and nice view too!

Saeseom Island Saeyeongyo Bridge 새연교

https://maps.app.goo.gl/uEhCCCWfAJEnxbj78

There should be an mini island you can explore after crossing the bridge, but the island was closed for some rebuilding works. 

 

 

Nevertheless, the bridge had a great view of the sea~

Dinner - Bondon

I was really hungry and was searching for restaurant while walking out of the area to get a bus back to the hotel direction. But many shops I found on google map was closed down, or they were busy, or their menu were suited more for bigger groups.

In the end, I found a black pork BBQ near the hotel (wasted so much energy walking in circles...)

 

 

Bondon 본돈
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Syt19hiumUnX6Aom9

They served aged black pork!!! Just look at the pretty fat patterns~

I told them that just one pax for BBQ, and everyone in the restaurant was very welcoming! The price was very reasonable too :)

I ordered a slab of pork belly and jowl - two of my favourite parts!

And they came along with many delicious sides:

The staff helped to cook the meat and they torched it too - super yummy and sinful at the same time!

 Ended the day in Jeju feeling very satisfied! More Jeju adventures coming your way :D