Page 31 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

ESSENTIALS: EXPERIENCE:
THE JOY OF A JEJU ROAD TRIP SINCHANG WINDMILL COAST AL ROAD

A rental car is essential on Jeju Island. While buses do run across Next, we drove to the Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road. You can
the island, relying on public transportation – especially with a park right next to the road and walk in a loop along the windmills,
family – can be cumbersome. We rented a Kia right by the airport, as the path leads all the way out into the ocean and back. The
conveniently reachable via a shuttle bus. Driving around the island air was chilly in early April, but things began to warm up in the
felt like a road trip, with the added charm of old Bollywood music afternoon. Just a short drive from the road, we passed by rows of
playing in the car, bringing back fond memories with my grandma. tangerine trees, their bright orange fruit dotting the landscape like
little bursts of sunshine.
ATTRACTION:
GEUMNEUNG BEACH – A STUNNING CULTURAL HIGHLIGHT:
FIRST IMPRESSION HANY EOK DIVERS

Our first stop was Geumneung Beach, where I first laid eyes on the Along the coastal road, I learned about the Haenyeo Divers of Jeju,
pristine, vivid-blue waters of Jeju Island. The water was cold but legendary women who have free-dived into the ocean’s depths for
crystal clear, with sunlight glimmering off the surface in a stunning centuries, hunting for seafood like crabs, octopus, and abalone with
display. This is also where I first encountered Dol Hareubang, nothing more than a pair of goggles. These women, often in their
Jeju’s iconic ‘Stone Grandfather’ statues made from volcanic 60s or older, spend hours underwater, practising sustainable fishing
rock. These statues hold deep cultural significance, believed to to protect the ocean for future generations. The Haenyeo are more
be guardians of the island. than just divers; they are the soul of Jeju Island, embodying the
island’s deep connection to the sea and its rich heritage.

ATTRACTION: FOOD EXPERIENCE:
SEOGWIPO OLLE MARKE T – A FEAST K OREAN MAEUNT ANG – A SPICY DELIGHT
FOR THE SENSES
A must-try is the hearty and flavourful Korean maeuntang, a spicy
After checking into the Hotel Casa Loma and freshening up, fish stew that takes centre stage in traditional Korean dining.
we were eager to explore the famous Seogwipo Olle Market. Made with fresh fish, vegetables, tofu, and fiery red chilli paste
Established in the 1960s, this bustling market is a feast for the senses, (gochujang), maeuntang offers a robust and comforting flavour
with mouthwatering smells and vibrant sights at every turn. Stalls with a hint of the sea – an ideal dish to savour on a cool Jeju
lined both sides of the street, offering a variety of Korean staples, evening. The stew is complemented by a variety of banchan (side
from snacks like tteokbokki and corn dogs to speciality items like dishes), including kongnamul muchim (soybean sprout salad),
Korean black pork and lobster. After sampling some street treats, kimchi, myulchi bokkeum (sweet-savoury glazed anchovies), and
we dined at Jo-rim Myung-ga, a hidden gem just a block away, gim (roasted seaweed sheets). This communal meal embodies the
which was a culinary highlight. essence of Korean dining – diverse, flavourful, and deeply satisfying.