Seoul Train

Traveling around  and to and from the major cities of South Korea is very easy.  Seoul and Busan both have  fast and efficient subway systems that brings you to most major tourist destinations.

In addition the country has high speed trains to travel to out of town places.  For shorter distances, there is the ITX (intercity express train) that travels at a speed of 180 kms. per hour.  This was the train I took to go to the famous Nami Island.

For longer distances, like Seoul to Busan, you can go via the KTX trains which has an even faster maximum speed of 350 kms per hour.  Travel time between Seoul and Busan which has a distance of  more than 300 kms.  is 2 hours and 40 minutes and cost US45 for economy class and US$ 63 for first class.

These trains, makes South Korea a real "first world" country blessed with modern conveniences!

Market! Market!

Seogwipo's Olle Market is  popular among locals and tourists alike. The market is  clean ad has been designed  in such a way that visitors can easily navigate through the shops and vendors.  Available are fresh fruits,  kimchi, seaweed, salted fish, and local delicacies including the famous tangerine chocolates.

In the front of the Olle Market is the street market where various handicrafts and souvenir items are for sale.  There are also street performers to entertain the shoppers.  This street also has a number of restaurants and bars where you can go for a meal or drinks.

I enjoyed one lazy afternoon in Seogpwipo's markets.

Jeju's Most Famous Falls

If you have seen waterfalls in other Asian countries, there is really nothing great about Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.  Nonetheless,  it is Jeju's most famous waterfall.  This is also where you will find and have the opportunity to walk thru Jeju's pink bridge.

There are trails that will bring you to the three levels of Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls. These trails provide for a safe and pleasant walk up and down the hills to get to the waterfalls.

Jusangjeolli: : Ocean Views with Lava Columns

Since Jeju is a volcanic island, another one of its main attractions is Jusangjeolli Lava Columns.  This is located in a cove featuring spectacular lava columns which appear to be melting into the sea.

There are breathtaking ocean sceneries  from the viewing platforms and the place reminds me of the ocean views (minus the lava columns)  of  Monterey in Califronia in the United States.

The place is a short walk from the International Convention Center in Seogwipo.

Seongsan Ilchubong: Jeju's Famous Almost Island

An imposing presence from a distance is Seongsan Ilchubong, Jeju's famous round almost island.  This is a 180 meter high volcano where you can climb to the top by walking over 600 steps. However I opted not to do the climb but instead to just savor the view of this famous landmark and the scenic ocean views in the area.

This is also where you can catch regular performances of Jeju Women Diver's Group which unfortunately I was not able to see because i arrived after the 330pm last scheduled performance for the day.

Seongsan Ilchubong is a Unesco World Heritage site and is on the same route going to Manjanggul Lava Cave.  So you can actually go to these two famous natural wonders in one afternoon.

Manjanggul Lava Cave: A True Natural Wonder

Majannggul Lava Cave was the reason why I decided to go on a holiday to South Korea and it did not disappoint!

Located in Jeju Island, this awe inspiring  lave tube is 7 km long but only 1 km can be accessed by the public.  The tube was created by lava streams running through it.  The cave is lighted in way that makes the walk through the cave a more awesome experience.

There was bit of controversy on how it got voted as one of new 7 wonders of the world alongside the Underground River of the Philippines.  As far as I am concerned, it deserves to be on the list!  It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Gamcheon: Santorini of South Korea

Gamcheon used to be a poor community but has now been transformed into an arts and culture village.There are a number of art and souvenir shops, and restaurants in Gamcheon. Houses are painted in eye catching colors and built along mountain slopes similar to Santorini in Greece. Dwellings are constructed following a strict code of not blocking adjacent housings.

Best to take a leisurely stroll through the village to enjoy the scenic views and to savor the art vibe of the community.

Fresh Fish in the City

Not to be missed in Busan, is the experience of dining in its fresh seafood market in Jagalchi.  The place is clean and there are many women vendors who will entice you to eat in their assigned stalls.

This where I ate my best sashimi meal.  In the Philippines, sashimi is a side dish so I was surprised that in Korea it is considered a main course that serves as a complete meal.  The woman vendor will ask you to pick live fish that you like from their aquarium and then proceed to clean and cut it into thiny slices, sashimi style.  The sashimi is served with a generous amount of vegetable leaves and assorted condiments.

Sashimi meal cost US $ 20 and may actually cost more depending on the kind of fish that you pick.

Busan's Beaches

Just like in Sydney, Rio de Jainero and Miami, Busan's popular beaches are in the heart of the city which  why is it is dotted with tall buildings housing mostly restaurants, hotels, bars, and souvenir shops. 

I went to Gwangali Beach at night to see the famous Gwangan bridge.  This is colorfully lighted with 16,000 Led lights accompanied by  wonderful music sound which comes together at landscape lighting.  It is Busan's tourism icon.  Unfortunately during the night I was there, the bridge was lighted but without the light and sound show.

At daytime I visited Haeundae Beach, Busan's No. 1 beach.  This is also where you will find Korea's largest aquarium. The sand is clean and water calm, and is good for a cool and relaxing swim.