14 Dec A blizzard, extreme weather and the Arte Museum. And yes, a tow truck incident

The plan for the 3rd day is an early start to Eoseungsaengak trail, hit the lookout point then pop over to Gwaneumsa for some photo shoots before we head west to roll some bottles up the Mystery Road. Dinner will be a celebratory 2nd black pork BBQ at Taebaeksan.

The great plan:

Unfortunately our 14 Dec plan to hike did not come to fruition. We had severe warning the entire night and Hallasan was closed to day troopers. The waves crashed the water breakers the whole night and snow flurries swirled on and off. From the hotel window, all I could see that night was the light of the lighthouse and nothing else. The storm hissed, audible from the double-glazed window.

We set off for somewhere indoor instead. Arte Museum was recommended by Korea Travel online buddies and it did not disappoint. But before that, it was a slow 50 minutes to Arte as the traffic was slow.

It was bitterly cold when we reached Arte. Many had the same idea and by the time we parked, the car park was almost reaching capacity.

Entry was 17000 ￦ per person. It is a media art museum with changing exhibits. So impressive! It's the same idea as the famously known exhibit of the water swirling in a virtual tank outside COEX, Seoul. The technical and creativity prowess is a showcase of SKorea as a technical powerhouse.

12.30pm. We left for Mysterious Road to see the illusion of an upslope road near Jeju Contemporary Art Museum. 

Halfway on the highway, the car signaled a flattish tyre. We could not get help from a gas station and made our way to Mysterious Road. We parked at 7-11 but decided to seek shelter in Mystic Cafe. Pat called Lotte for help while I had my cake for Tunch.

Seriously rent Lotte next time. We had help calling us back in 5 minutes, English speaking. I gave our location, thankfully 7-11 being an easy to locate place. The tow truck came in an hour, just after we had our tea and rest break. The guy happily topped up the air and went on his merry way.

While waiting for help, I went online to my travel friends for advice. It was then I learnt gas stations do not do gas top up, only at repair shops or Speedmate. Our insurance via Lotte did the rescue; I was glad Pat called before rush hour and the help came promptly.

We lingered to snoop around the Mystic garden in between snow showers. Worth a visit for the garden, not the coffee/tea which tastes about the same everywhere.

Along the main road, many cars went into neutral and let their car roll down when the road appears upslope. 3 girls even had a can to roll it 'upwards' in between cars coming to them. It was scary and foolhardy. I think the dog feared for its life. It remained at the side of the road without asking.

We drove back, about 40 minutes back to town. At Emart, we bought breakfast and some snacks. It's better to over prepare than be unprepared. That Emart outing came up to 33000 ￦ (muesli bars, croissants, coffee, energy drinks). I think we are overstocking as usual.

Back at the hotel, we deposited car and food. We took a shortcut at the back of the hotel and headed for BHC Jeju for half-half chicken, snail salad and cheese balls. All very very good. The quintessential Korean fast food dinner for 55000 ￦.

Then it is back to pack up for tomorrow. Hallasan website is all red, meaning no hikers allowed. We pray tomorrow will be a better day and we can see the illusive mountain up close at least.

Our actual course