Scaredy Cat Travels

Jeju Island

Before we begin, let’s take a brief moment to panic, shall we? Because we leave TOMORROW.

Transportation: rental car, maybe another ferry

Hotel: Airbnb Pension

Plans: If we can swing it, a hike to the top of Ilchulbong Peak for sunrise is highly recommended. This 600-ft. high tuff cone was created from eruptions 5000 years ago. A climb to the top offers breathtaking 360 degree views of the island and the ocean. But it is very early, and it is a lot of steps so the odds are against us. Stranger things have happened, I suppose. But I can’t think of any.

Ilchulbong’s tuff cone

Most reviewers say the climb is “not too bad”. I must be missing something based on the pictures.

Regardless of Ilchulbong, we plan to at least explore the area around it. Nearby is the Glass House with its own stunning views. The building was designed by Japanese architect Tadao Ando who is known for incorporating concrete, geometric angles and light into his work. Inside the contemporary building is an art museum and a restaurant. A little more our speed.

Also on this side of the island is the lava tube cave and Snoopy Gardens. We may pass on the lava tube but Snoopy Gardens is a must. I have already been dreaming of that gift shop.

If we have extra time, Udo Island, is a smaller island just off the east coast of Jeju. Just a short ferry ride away, Udo doesn’t have many attractions per se but has several beaches, cafes and another thing to climb up and look around. This one looks much more doable. If we manage to climb up something, we can reward ourselves with Udo’s famous peanut soft serve. It may be worth the trip just to drive the little scooters.

Fun Fact – Udo means cow island because supposedly the island looks like either a cow lying down or a cow’s head. I looked at a lot of pictures of Udo and can’t see the resemblance.

Scaredy Cat rating: Two-three paws. Low general fear of bees, big waves, driving in a strange place, possibly taking another boat, climbing things.

The $$$ – Ferry to Udo is about $8 for adults. $6 for students. Snoopy Gardens is $15 per person. The lava cave is $3 for adults. $1.50 for teenagers. Ilchulbong Peak is similar. I could smash all of these inexpensive activities with one meal at Mint, the restaurant inside of the Glass House. Set meals run between $50 – $100 per person.

Fun Fact – I may have mentioned this before but am too tired to go back and check so just indulge me. I like that many attractions in Japan and Korea have tiered pricing by age. It varies from place to place but often there is a price for elementary to middle school age kids then a slightly higher price for high school age. And then full price for adults. Sometimes college kids also get a break. Meanwhile Disney’s US parks promote kids to adult price for tickets and food at age 10. But won’t let them in the park by themselves until age 14. Something doesn’t quite add up.