The other virus

Were you aware of the virus that hit before Covid#19 spread and changed our world — the one that’s still raging and cannot be cured by a vaccine?

An yong hi hasayo

As I reflect on my three weeks in South Korea, I have to thank my friend Seungju who patiently helped me learn some basic Korean before my trip. It made a huge difference — not so much in Seoul — but everywhere else.

Cactus Grove habitat

Along the shore line of Wollyeong on Jeju Island’s western side grew the only wild cactus in Korea. No one knows for sure how cactus first grew in this location but one theory was that seeds arrived by warm Kuroshio currents from Mexico.

An en-chanting trail

One hundred metres from Chunwangsa Temple within Hallasan National Park was Seokgulam Trail leading to a hermitage. Situated in the Aheumanhopgol Valley, this was only a 1.5 kilometre hike one way, but it was steep and the steps were often amongst tree roots.

Hovering prayers of autumn

Chunwangsa Buddhist Temple was tucked away in one of the nighty-nine valleys of Hallasan National Park. I might never have entered the grounds except for the time of year.

My final search for an oreum

I had driven almost full circle around Jeju Island and arrived near the western half of Hallasan National Park. I was ready to find an oreum that had so far evaded me within the park’s eastern side.

One of the three god’s mountains

I headed to Mara Provincial Marine Park to circuit the coastline. This was only a three kilometre trail running along the high cliffs above the East China Sea. I hoped for a better view of its highest point.

An unexpected encounter

As I headed towards a hike to Mt Songaksan, I spotted a group of women climbing into the back of a pick up truck and knew what I was witnessing — the Haenyeo.

Nature’s artwork — Yeongmeori

About 1.8 million years ago, Yeongmeori meaning dragon head was formed by an underwater explosion. I descended steep steps through a chasm over the oldest rock on Jeju Island. It was a fight to watch where I stepped when the weathered basalt rock formed unique shapes.

A taste for Jeju

Jeju Island was my favourite place to eat in South Korea. It was seafood heaven, and if you’re a fan of the delights from the ocean, this is the island to head to for variety and freshness.