Page 32 - MASALA Magazine Vol.15 Issue 6 | August - September 2024

ATTRACTION:
CHEONJIYEON W A TERF ALLS – NA TURE’S
MAJESTY DISPLA YED

Our second day began with a visit to the Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls,
a must-see on our itinerary. The three waterfalls are majestic,
cascading down from heights of up to 22 metres into a serene
basin below. Surrounded by ancient forest, the walk down to the
observation deck brings you close enough to feel the mist from the
falls. Despite the presence of other tourists, the area maintained a
sense of tranquillity, making it a refreshing start to the day.

EXPERIENCE:
OSULLOC TEA MUSEUM – A CAFÉ CU L TURE DELIGHT

No visit to Korea is complete without experiencing its vibrant
café culture, where artistry meets indulgence. At the Osulloc Tea
Museum, we enjoyed specialty pastries and drinks that perfectly ADVENTURE:
capture the spirit of Korean confectionery, spanning beautifully- SEONGSAN ILCHULB ONG – A HIKE T O REMEMB ER
layered Baumkuchen with soft serve, to a matcha latte with matcha
ice cream to pair. The museum itself is a vibrant and happening On our final day, we split up to explore different parts of the island.
spot, with conveyor belts carrying bags of tea along the ceiling—a While my family visited Aqua Planet, the local aquarium, I chose
whimsical touch that adds to the charm. It’s also a great place to to hike up Seongsan Ilchulbong, a 180-meter peak with sweeping
pick up snacks and souvenirs, including matcha grown right on views of the East coast. The hike, though steep at times, was rewarding,
the museum’s tea fields. Right next door is the iconic Innisfree with breathtaking vistas at the summit.
Jeju House where you can make handmade soaps and stock up on
facemasks and other skincare products. ATTRACTION:
ECOLAND – A F AIRY T ALE P ARK
ATTRACTION:
JUSANGJEOLLIDAE – NA TURE’S MASTERPIECE Our last stop was Ecoland, a bucolic park accessible only via train.
This fairy-tale dreamland features four stations, each with unique
After the museum, we embarked on an hour-long cruise around the attractions like a mini Hobbiton and lavender fields that stretch out
island, departing from the Sangbangsan Mountain Cruiseterminal. as far as the eye can see. The trains run in one direction, encouraging
The cruise took us through the UNESCO geopark, showcasing visitors to walk back and explore the park’s beauty at a leisurely pace.
unique rock formations along Jeju’s southeastern coast. Although With its enchanting music, whimsical atmosphere, and delightful
the guided tour was in Korean, the lively atmosphere on board – cafes, Ecoland is a perfect place for a relaxing day out with young
complete with music and dancing – made it a memorable experience. children or a partner.
In fact, we even caught an incredible glimpse of a pod of dolphins
swimming alongside our ship. We then visited Jusangjeollidae, a FAVOURITE ATTRACTION:
national monument and one of the most geographically-fascinating MAZELAND – AN ENCHANTING CHALLENGE
locations on the island. The cliff face, formed by rapidly-cooled lava,
features striking rectangular rock formations that took my breath away. Of all the attractions on Jeju, my favourite was Mazeland. This
theme park offers three main mazes made of hedges and stone,
FOOD EXPERIENCE: providing a challenging yet fun experience for visitors of all ages.
K OREAN B ARBECUE WITH JEJU BLACK PORK The Wind Maze, Women’s Maze, and Whinstone Maze each present
their own unique challenges, with the latter requiring our combined
No visit to Jeju Island is complete without indulging in a traditional efforts to solve. The mazes are surrounded by lush greenery and a
Korean barbecue featuring the island’s iconic black pork (heuk misty atmosphere that reminds me of a scene from a Studio Ghibli
dwaeji). This local delicacy is renowned for its rich flavour and tender film – mysterious and enchanting. Upon completing the third maze,
texture, setting it apart from regular pork. We dined at Nandrebadang, you can ring a silver bell to celebrate your victory. For those seeking
a popular spot among local bloggers, where the thick cuts of black even more adventure, a beautiful walk to the west of the park leads
pork and juicy local shrimp were grilled to perfection over a hot to the fourth maze: the Dream Maze.
outdoor grill as the sun set. Accompanied by a variety of banchan,
including spicy kimchi and fresh vegetables, this meal was a true CONCLUSION:
feast, warming both body and soul on a chilly evening. THE JEJU ISLAND EXPERIENCE

Jeju Island is a place where natural beauty, rich culture, and
unforgettable experiences come together to create a truly unique
destination. Whether you’re exploring the mazes at Mazeland,
hiking up Seongsan Ilchulbong, or indulging in the island’s iconic
black pork, Jeju offers something for everyone. My journey to Jeju
was more than just a trip; it was an adventure that will stay with me
forever. If you’re looking for a travel destination that blends untouched
nature with excitement, Jeju Island should be at the top of your list.