17 Dec Moving south to Seogwipo, Jeju's 2nd largest city

DISCLAIMER : The pictures here were taken in between snow showers. The weather was not as balmy as it looks on the photos.

The move: We will bid Seongsan goodbye, hug the coast along south to our first Seopjikoji where we will have our outdoor cup noodle breakfast. This is recommended by the Korea travel admin. I think it will be an interesting experience, if the wind chill does not get us. Of course, we will tour part of the Olle course and see Seongsan Illchubong for the last time from afar.

Then it will be southwards to another Olle course but just as a pit stop near Jeju traiditional Village in Pyoseon. Hopefully we can find something good and cheap to eat at Dankeolle Guksu.

Further southwestwards, the plan is to check out Jeongbang falls, the nearby Seoyongyo Bridge. If we are not sick of getting in and out of the car by this point, perhaps we will throw in another waterfall (Cheongbang) and then check in at Bridge Residences, a serviced apartment. 

The grand ending of the day will be a Emart raid and shabu shabu to round up the day. Ya, the calorie intake does not match the output but we would put that to rest with a strenuous hike the next day.

What actually happened :

It started snowing the previous night in Seongsan, wind gusty and even the ondol did not feel as warm as the day before.

To prepare for the long drive to Seogwipo, we peppered the road trip with breaks here and here, I decided we should top up the gas before the drive as a precautionary measure. We drove to Seopjikoji (parking 2000 ￦ ) and walked the headland a bit. The park was crusted with snow, cold wind blasting mercilessly. There were sporadic moments of sunshine in between. Snow flew in eddies and stung our eyes. We were one of the first to visit, the soggy and cold landscape devoid of visitors. Pat's camera died in the wet cold and we were too cold to take selfies. When the sun shines, Seopjikoji is actually stunning, even without looking out to Seongsan Illchubong.

We proceeded to Pyoseon where we ate at the famous Dangkeolle Kalguksu. We had pork noodles and shellfish buckwheat noodles (20000 ￦). The meal was light but sufficient for us. We took a stroll to the pier, while our bellies were warm with soup. Just after our selfies, snow flurries angrily rained down/sideways again.

Near where we parked the car was this cute little building that sells bingsu and latte. They did not have bingsu in winter, but the pumpkin latte was superb. Pat had his usual coffee. All in, 15000 ￦ which is one of the cheapest tea so far.

We opted for the coastal road and I took over from Pat halfway. I considered myself a proficient driver; the last time I drove on the left was 20 years ago. Needless to say, we made it to Jeongbang Falls, a drive of 30 km at 50 kmph. One can never be too careful, isn't it?

Jeongbang Falls, in my opinion, in a smallish fall that is not worth the 2000 ￦ per person. We were quite fit, having rested 2 days since Hallasan, and made it smoothly down the 130 steps and back. At the falls, most risk broken ankles to get near the waterfalls for selfies, which I think is foolhardy. In my opinion, Jeongbang is a ripoff and the little rivulets did not wow me at all.

It started snowing when we were about to go off. Pat took over while I navigated as usual. It was just 15 minutes to Bridge Residence Hotel. Despite the snow, we got there smoothly. The only thing that freaked us out was the chaotic roundabout in Seogwipo.

The friendly chap in the hotel helped us park in the tiny basement carpark. It was ridiculously small. We were glad we rented a compact car. Further out on the street level were more than 3 public car parks ,free, as an overflow car park. In that weather and pushing the luggage, it would have made me quite mad.

We paid for 3 nights. Bridge was meant as the launchpad for Yeongsil trail in Hallasan. We paid 150000 ￦ for 3 nights (about SGD50 per night). Pat  was properly bowled over by pleasant surprise.

The room was lovely, with view of the stadium and outlying rock island. It had everything we needed (a work desk, sofa set, dining area and lots of cabinets) including a washing machine which we put to work immediately.

After wowing and aahing about the hotel room, we bundled up and went out to Emart on foot. We were worried we would lose out parking spot should we leave the hotel. In any case, rain or sleet, it is good to know the lay of the land by doing a little walking.

Emart Seogwipo is a wonderland for the 2 of us. Immediately I got myself 2 fleece shirts for 39900 ￦. We located the ginseng jelly 60 sticks for 78000 ￦ , a steal. We more or less raided anything edible sans homeware. Our bill came up to 105000 ￦ , mostly for food and snacks! 

We walked, hunkered down, to Mrs Olive, where they say yummy pizzas are born. Pat had a pepperoni pizza and me a pollack roe pasta. Not too bad, Neapolitan style being my favorite. Dinner was a modest 44000 ￦ inclusive of beer. For once, I did not feel bloated. I cannot say the same for Pat.

We retraced our steps and headed 'home'. At 8pm, we would have to call it a day. I would have to look and enjoy the weather from the comfort of the room.