Family Travelogue: JEJU ISLAND, SOUTH KOREA September 2009/ Yongduam Rock, The Legend Film Location, Seongsan Ilchulbong, Seongeup Folk Village, Cheonjeyeon Falls

Dol Hareubangs outside Jeju International Airport, South Korea

Dol Hareubangs are porous volcanic rock statues found in Jeju Island, South Korea. They are considered Gods often placed at the entrance for protection against demons. They are also common symbol of fertility in Jeju. I was told of a tradition that if you want to have a baby boy, rub the nose of the Dol Hareubang.

This trip to Jeju Island was almost a decade ago, in September, 2009. I was lucky to be in this firm trip, I just join my first employment in Singapore in April 2009. It was six (6) day tour to South Korea (Jeju and Seoul). We met our local tour guide at Incheon Airport. After introduction, we flew to Jeju Island.

Jeju Island, also known as Island of the Gods, is the top island destination in South Korea both for locals and tourists. Below were the places we visited during our two (2) days stay in this picturesque island.

It was almost lunch time, we were introduced to a Korean meal. A mixture of seafood, veggies and looks like the sunny side up egg is very important ingredient for every dish.

Yongduam rock (Dragon's Head Rock), Jeju Island, South Korea

The first place we visited at Jeju Island was at Yongduam rock (Dragon's Head Rock). This place is one of the popular destination in Jeju Island due to its proximity to the airport.

Yongduam rock (Dragon's Head Rock), Jeju Island, South Korea

The rocks are supposed to shape like that of the dragon. A myth that was shared, a dragon was trying to steal a sacred jade stone from Mt. Halla. The dragon was stopped by an arrow from the mountain deity and fell into the ocean. Its body sank into the water while the head got frozen looking at the sky

Yongduam rock (Dragon's Head Rock), Jeju Island, South Korea

Yongduam Rock (Dragon's Head Rock), Jeju Island, South Korea

The rocks at Yongduam have been around for over thousand of years. They are said to be created by waves and strong winds.

Yongduam Rock (Dragon's Head Rock), Jeju Island, South Korea

Apparently, we did not leave this picturesque place without a selfie.

Mysterious Road on Jeju Island, South Korea

A Road on Jeju is so called mysterious as any object to be on this road somehow defies the laws of gravity. The road looks uphill from the direction of the car. Should they shift the gear to neutral, the car shall continue to move as in the road is downhill. We actually tested the road using a tin can. It did move upbill. The so called mysterious road is just 100 meters stretch. The road is actually down slope, our eyes were just tricked by the trees and bushes.

What do we have here?

We were at the film location of a famous TV drama series in 2007.

Park Southernland on Jeju Island, South Korea

Reproduction of the villages of the noble class and commoners during the period from 37 B.C to A.D. 668 for the Korean historical drama TV series.

Park Southernland on Jeju Island, South Korea

Park Southernland was the major film location for 2007 blockbuster Korean Historical TV Drama, Taewangsasingi or The Legend. It was a story of the four Guardian Gods of the first King. starring Bae Yong-joon and Moon So-ri.

The place looks like a fortress as well. But everything here were just reproduction.

Reproduction of the Goguryeo Castle for the Korean Historical drama at the Park Southernland on Jeju Island, South Korea

King's chair at Park Southernland on Jeju Island, South Korea

The historical drama series portrayed the life of King Gwanggaeto of the Goguryeo Kingdom (37B.C.-A.D. 668)

I have not seen the entire series though, it's good to see not just on TV or movie how was it like the life of the Koreans during the earlier years with Emperors or Kings/Queens as the highest government officials.

An estimated of 10 billion won had been spent on building the whole set, not only for the series production, but to boost tourism. It attracted millions of visitors when it was opened to public in 2007. However, after a few years, it lost it's appeal. This place was demolished in 2013.

Gimnyeong Maze Park on Jeju Island, South Korea

We had fun at this park. It was a small but beautifully designed maze, we thought it was easy. Embarrassing though, we got lost. A few of our colleagues were smart, they right away figured the way out. Apparently, we. the not so smart group, needed rescue, we were coached till the finish.

We were checked in at Jeju KAL Hotel.

Almost an hour drive, the very first we visited the next day was the Seongsan Ilchulbong or the Sunrise Peak.

Seongsan Ilchulbong is a tuff cone formed by hydrovolcanic eruptions five(5) thousand years ago- through the interaction of piles of volcanic ash and the seawater.

The climb to the top, 180 meters height, was manageable. It was not the usual rocky muddy path, well maintained flight of steps instead to go through with marked trails along the climb.

view from the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju Island, South Korea

Almost at the peak. There were available binoculars to view the people climbing and to zoom the sights below. I never tried it. I am not sure if you need to insert a coin to work.

Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju Island, South Korea

This is where the Jeju Haenyeo (women divers) start to catch any kind of shellfish. There are still women divers at present and sell the caught fish on the same day near the area.

Due to volcanic eruptions long time ago, many males died and those who had survived were sent to war. The very few men left were treated like a King. These men only eat, rest and sleep. All the chores were done by the women. They took care of the children, household chores and find source of living such as diving to catch shellfish. They also fetched water from the distance and carried the jars of water on their back. They got to improvise to filter the rainwater through nettle leaves to the container. With the present piped water, for sure this is not practiced anymore.

Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju Island, South Korea

view from the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju Island, South Korea

Seongsan Ilchulbong on Jeju Island, South Korea

Nearby, there was horseback riding.

We stopped for lunch before we continued our day. Seriously, I don't know what so special with what we had then. We were told it was a special local dish. Marinated meat to grill and wrap with the veggie leaves with some spices/side dishes made of radish, ginger... I was really hungry, I ate a lot.

Seongeup Folk Village shows unique houses that has been there for 600 years. Thatched roof houses and porous basalt rock walls with real family living in.

Volcanic island's porous basalt rock

The houses in this village are surrounded by porous basalt rock from the volcanic island. Latter is also used for gates and fences.

Seongeup Folklore Village was the same village the popular TV series in 2004, Dae Jang Geum was filmed.

Thatched roof houses at Soengeup Folk Village, Jeju Island, South Korea

Seongeup Folk Village is a real traditional village, an authentic Jeju village which most of the houses are still resided by the locals. They speak their own dialect, different from the usual Korean language we hear.

Pig pen surrounded by volcanic porous basalt rock

Black pig at Seongeup Folk Village at Jeju Island, South Korea

In the olden days, there was always a pig pen near the toilet. Human feces from the toilet used to feed the black pigs. I wonder if it is still practiced nowadays. Notwithstanding, it is said black pork pig are not only succulent and tender, nutritious as well. Jeju is famous for barbecued black pork pig.

Seongeup Folk Village alley, Jeju Island, South Korea

Cheonjeyeon Falls on Jeju Island, South Korea

Cheonjeyeon falls is an enchanting waterfall with a clear and deep water (20 meters in depth) which is known for habitat of mutae eels. It is surrounded by wild trees such as Brambles, Camellias, Dampalsu and Sanjuya (lemon trees). The fall is 22 meters high and 12 meters wide.

Cheonjeyeon Falls on Jeju Island, South Korea

Cheon means Sky and Ji means Land. Cheonjiyeon means Sky connected with the Land.

Seonimgyo Bridge on Jeju Island, South Korea

Seonimgyo Bridge is an arch bridge with 7 nymphs carved on the side. It connects Cheonjeyeon Falls with Jungmum Tourist Complex.

Located within the Jungmum Resort Complex aside from the Cheonjeyeon falls are: Yeomiji Botanical Garden, Teddy Bear Museum, Jungmum Beach, Pacific Land, Jusangieoli Cliff and the International Convention Center Jeju.

Cheonjeru Tower on Jeju Island, South Korea

Cheonjeru is a traditional architectural of Korean style tower

Obokcheon (Fountain of Five Blessings) on Jeju Island, South Korea

The fountain of five blessings, is a combination of the images of the Mandarin duck, pig, dragon, turtle and carp. The fountain is also called Obokcheon.