Jeju Island!!!

This is a quick glimpse of the island I'm currently living on. When visiting last year, I had to admit that I wasn't sure what all the hype was. Now that I'm living here & have had time to explore a little, I definitely understand. This place is really beautiful, but I'm only able to show you a small portion of it. I have much to explore!

There are many carved rock statues on the island & the origins of them are still in question. These happen to be smaller versions (sons) of the dolharubang, which are shown in the last photo.

The third waterfall at Cheonjeyeon Falls.

Halla Mountain, the highest in S. Korea, is hidden behind the clouds.

This was captured a distance away from the tourist at Jungmun Beach.

A 20 minute walk from my apartment.

The second waterfall at Cheonjeyeon Falls.

Hyeopjae Beach with Biyang Island in the background.

Once again, only 20 minutes away from my apartment. This shot is overlooking Jeongbang waterfall.

Rocky area near Oedolgae.

This is taken from a walkway in town. The first island, Saesung, can be scrambled to during low tide, but the second isn't accessible by foot.

Local area, Soesoggak, where one of the many rivers meet the sea.

All the beaches I've seen so far are camper friendly!

Hmmm.... I'm thinking I really like this island!

Of course, with it's beauty come the resorts! With a swimming pool water slide on the right, the Lotte Hotel is a popular place to stay.

An August sunset at Hyeopjae Beach. Check out the buried person on the right. He's asleep with a red cap on his head & no one around him. Perhaps his buddies became tired of him hiding in the sand & left him? Maybe they lost him in the sand? Not quite sure what happened to this fella?

The river at Soesoggak can easily rise a good 5 feet when raining! In this photo, I've caught the river at its low.

A different area near my apartment. During high tide, these rocks are under water.

This photo is taken from a tiny island, Udo, off the east coast of Jeju Island. The land in the distance is a small volcanic mound on Jeju Island.

Jeongbang Falls is a close walk from my house. This waterfall almost drops directly into the ocean.

Locals' swimming hole near Oedolgae. Truthfully, not many locals even know of it.

Hyeopjae Beach is one of the most popular beaches during peak season. It's a very small beach, with volcanic rock lining its sides.

I happened to catch this lightning storm from my porch. If you expand this photo to its fullest, you can faintly see the lightning streaks.

Some of the native flowers that appear everywhere!

I received this hat earlier in the day from an older, perhaps now retired, ganster. In this photo, I was going for a serious-concerned-sad look. Did it work?

Ah ha! I found where these stone statues breed! The stone statues are the de facto symbol of the island. Dolharubang, or stone grandfather figures, are found everywhere on the island. While only 45 of them are originals, they are known for their wide nose, large round eyes, crossed hands, & a beanie-type cap. There are are many theories regarding the dolharubang. Some of the most popular beliefs are that they were erected as a protective totem, while others argue their fallic shape represent a fertility symbol. With differences of opinion in mind, rubbing the nose has brought about various beliefs as well. Some attest that if you rub the nose & make a wish, it will be granted. Others believe that a rub of the nose will provide one the luck of fertility. Regardless, no one has been able to prove the history nor reasons for these stone works.

Back Home in Korea- My Apartment

Back in Korea! This time I'm living on an island called Jeju-do. It is a volcanic island that also holds the highest mountain, Hallasan, in S. Korea. Hallasan stands at almost 6,400 feet above sea level. Not bad considering the island has an area of only 712 sq. mi. Despite its size, it's still the largest island & the only self-governing province in S. Korea. The island even has a slightly different culture, local legends & an overall different vibe than the mainland. With it's natural beauty, Jeju Island has become the top destination for travel in Korea. For several countries, it has also become a poplular choice for many honeymooners.

Arriving back in Korea only to discover this mean lookin' hog! The previous tenant in my apartment left me this scooter. Of course, he did mention it needed repair. It now runs like a champ! Well, it runs fairly smooth now. My compliments to Brian for sharing this photo he snapped.

My apartment building in the background. After a year in Busan, I'm not familiar with so many open spaces of greenery.

Jugong Apt 203

From a studio, to a 2 bedroom apartment feels extremely large! It's older, but I'm very content with it. When moving into a place, you just accept what the last English teacher left you. Hopefully, they leave you with plenty, as was my case. Although, I didn't choose any of the colors. Pink wouldn't have been my first choice, maybe second...

I only had one plant back in the states & am currently having a little trouble keeping up with eight of them.

Enclosed porch where I dry my laundry. You can barely see the drying rack that has been pulled up while not in use.

I also utilize the outside clothing lines which are on the south side of every apartment. My neighbor has kindly displayed this visual for you.

A quick turn & you're looking at the other side of the porch. In order to keep the mosquitos out, I only open the windows that have screens. Yet, them crafty things still find a way in. I must say the mosquitos here aren't nearly as bad as in Busan!

Looking toward the ocean, but I haven't seen it yet from my apartment. I think there's too much haze in the air. Perhaps it's too far or there are too many buildings in the way? Guess I'll find out soon enough.

The den, or computer room. I'm not use to having so many rooms, so I haven't named it yet.

Kitchen with a dining room table.

I just wanted to show my cheap way of designing with postcards.

Utility room just past the kitchen.

Along with a scooter, came this bathroom mess. I honestly don't know how the previous tenant lived like this!

Two hours 45 minutes later, this is as clean as one could possibly get it! Believe me!

I was so excited when my director offered to buy me a microwave! After not having one for over a year, I quickly accepted. As demonstrated here, I was pleased to know I hadn't lost my microwave skills!

Almost healed, but I developed some rash on both sides of the wound while in the Shanghai hospital. This side was the worst, but as you can see, it is now scabbed over. Prior to scabbing, it was quite raw & stung even in the open air. The doctor said not to worry about it.

Fukuoka, Japan & Back to Korea

Japan wasn't on my list, but as things turned out I needed to visit Fukuoka for my Korean work visa. Due to its proximity to Korea, it's a poplular city to obtain a Korean work visa. Fukuoka can also supply this in one working day. Shanghai ended up being more confusing than intended & required 4 work days in order to get a work visa. So, I had to fly out for a one night trip to Japan. As much as I didn't budget for it, it was nice to see the place I had visited a year prior. This time, I barely had two days to take some rainy day pictures. Of course, last time I didn't even own a camera. In more ways than one, I suppose I was lucky to visit Fukuoka once again.

This bridge extends to the island in Ohori Park & continues to the other side. Despite the weather, I was pleased to hear two ladies playing instruments in the red fenced gazebo. Just out of sight are the Fukuoka Castle ruins.

This trio found some cover under the trees.

I too found some cover at this well known place. This photo & the next few are from a shopping center called Canal City.

In the evening, the water display danced to the music.

Kiosks nestle near the water.

Not really sure why I put this one in, but I needed a few more photos for this posting.

There were no direct flights from Fukuoka to Jeju-do on the particular day I needed. So, I had take a boat ride into Busan & then fly to into Jeju-do to meet my new employer. While swinging through Busan, I was able to take a few photos that I wasn't able to get before. My hour in Busan also allowed me a quick reflection of the memories spent living here. It was a a very long year, but a very good one. It brought back many, many good memories...

Busan is the largest harbor city in S. Korea.

Busan Grand Bridge

Goodbye Busan, once again...