Travelogue around Asia Pacific Part II

Jeju - This waterfall is not to be confused with the Cheonjiyeon waterfall (UNESCO), is a three-tier waterfall cold water flows out of the ceiling of a cave to make this waterfall. Funny signature @ waterfall First waterfall There will only be waterfall here if there is heavy rain.. flowing water to the 2nd waterfall 2nd Waterfall Seonimgyo Bridge The Seonimgyo Bridge is an arch bridge that has 7 nymphs carved on the side and it connects Cheonjeyeon with the Jungmum Tourist Complex. Donny on the Arch bridge Ravine down below the bridge Young Jin the guide extraordinaire 3rd waterfall clear directional signs It was a hike up and down to see the 3 waterfalls.  The weather was cool and fine making the hike bearable and fun.

Seogwipo, Jeju -  This was our next wonder in Jeju - Jeongbang waterfalls. Jeongbang Falls is only water fall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean. On the wall of the water fall, there is an inscription written “Seobulgwacha”, referring to Seobul passing by this place. Seobul was a servant of the Chinese Emperor Qin Shi Huang (BC 259~210) who was ordered by the Emperor to find the substance that would make him immortal. Seogwipo is also said to have gotten its name to mean Seobul headed back west. We had a walk a short distance down to the waterfall.  Along the path there were incravings depicting the travel of Seobul. Ronny, Edward, Donny and Lesley My friends from the conference posing in the nice cool weather of Jeju.   The weather in Jeju has warmed up through the days moving towards Summer. Jeongbang waterfalls The thundering sound of the Jeongbang waterfall hitting the ocean water.   From a distance, tiny droplets of splashing water...

Jeju - The women divers of Jeju are also called Haenyeo also affectionately called The Mermaids of Jeju.   Unlike fishermen who go out in boats or use a rod or line, these women dive in the ocean without any special tools to gather clams, abalone, or seaweed. And they don’t go as fully equipped as scuba divers. All they need is a float to mark their location when they surface, a weeding hoe to dig up abalone and other shellfish that cling to the rocks, and a net to hold their catch. Wearing a lead-weighted vest and goggles, they plunge into the 20-meter depths where they stay underwater holding their breath for two or three minutes. It's 3pm and women diver show is starting, I have to descend the stairs to the shore to watch this show. 4 women divers A crowd had already gathered and the 4 women divers were singing Korean folks songs before they make their dive. The diver put on the lead around her waist walking towards the sea Donny admiring the beaut...

Jeju - This was the partners conference tour and the first stop of this educational trip.   I had arranged for an English tour guide and she is humorous and entertain the delegates well.   Located at the foot of Halla mountain, the culture of this small village was pass down from generation to generation.   I can see many grandfather statues (Harubang) around this pristine landscape.   Harubang in the background Entrance to the folk village Residential homes  Anh amongst the canola plants Canola oil comes from the crushed seeds of the canola plant. Each canola plant grows from 3 to 6 feet (1 m -2 m) tall and produces beautiful yellow flowers. As the plant matures, pods form that are similar in shape to pea pods, but about 1/5th the size. Each pod contains about twenty tiny round black or brownish-yellow seeds. Once harvested, canola seeds are taken to a facility where they are crushed to extract the oil contained within the seed. This oil i...

Jeju - Yongmeori means 'Dragon head' because of the resemblance to a dragon wading out the sea. Walk past the narrow passageway to the sea to find a rock wall of sandstone layers formed tens of millions of years ago. The coast offers great walking areas and splendid landscapes created from persistent waves. I just marvel at the works of nature; it was as if God left his beautiful crafted work on the cliff walls. woman diver selling her catch We decided to stop at one of the Ajumma meaning 'auntie' selling her seafood.  It was an experience watching her wash, clean and serve the fresh seafood.   We ordered one plate from her at W20,000 + W3,000 for the soju.   pails of freshly caught sea creatures This Ajumma was preparing our plate of fresh seafood - sea squirt, sea cucumber and sea shell.  She cut opened the sea cucumber, and gave Donny the innards to eat from her hand. many tourist

Jeju, South Korea - This is one of the most famous caves in the world - Manjanggul Cave. Manjanggul Cave is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70m lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels. The inside of the tunnel sustains at a temperature of 11~21℃, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to the tourists. Entrance down the cave The entrance to the cavernous tunnel - it was huge, dimly lit, very cold and clammy but worth it. Some Lava formation Elephant toe  huge lava stalagmites

Jeju, South Korea - We were looking for dinner when we came across a wet market near our hotel.   There was a buzz as fishmongers were haggling with customers on the price.   Young Jin got the price down to W70,000 for 2 and 1/2 fishes. Our fishes A fish tank of fresh fishes Sashimi of 3 fishes Our dinner The meat of the fishes was so delicious and fresh - it was a very good meal.   The fishmonger took our sashimi and walked us to a restaurant nearby where we can have our nice meal.   The fishmonger stall does have tables for diners, so maybe there is a agreement between the restaurant owner and the fishmongers. We were charged W10,000 per table and it includes the spicy fish bone soup.   Soju and other dishes are separately charged.   The lettuce are provided by the fish mongers.  Water and cups are provided and it's self service.   A culinary system of a fine dining experience.