Jeju Island: A Relaxing Experience of Natural Beauty and Culinary Delights

This trip to Jeju Island was a perfect blend of "island wilderness + urban charm," with highlights like Seongsan Ilchulbong, Udo Island, and a final meal of potato rib stew leaving an indelible mark on my memories. 【Must-Visit Attractions】 📍Seongsan Ilchulbong🌄 I initially thought it was just a small hill to climb, but as I descended the stone steps, I looked up to see the dark volcanic rock cliffs plunging straight into the sea. Waves crashed against the rocks, spraying white foam. My friend pulled me for a peace sign photo, and in the frame, the mountain silhouette overlapped with the sea, even her wind-blown hair looked picturesque. We sat by the trail for half an hour watching the waves, neither of us wanting to leave. 【Photo Spot】📷 P1 The left side is free, and all the photo spots are there. The right side requires a fee. For a hand-holding shot, remember to use a wide-angle lens and stand on the third step to capture the full scenery. 📍Udo Island 【Take a Ferry to the Island】 The ferry moved leisurely, and standing on the deck, feeling the breeze while watching small yellow boats float by, I felt completely relaxed. Upon arrival, we visited the "Haenyeo House," where the owner pointed to a mural on the wall and laughed, "The gear haenyeo (female divers) used to wear was twice as heavy as now; they relied solely on strength to dive for abalone." She then served a plate of freshly boiled scallops, so fresh I ended up eating two bowls of rice. As mentioned earlier, we rented a small car to tour the island. The coastal roads were lined with pastel-colored houses, and we often stopped by the roadside to watch the waves. Udo doesn’t have any "must-visit" spots; you can just find a random stone to sit on, and the lazy, relaxing vibe is everywhere in the breeze. ⚠️ For those prone to seasickness, remember to take motion sickness pills 30 minutes in advance! 【Must-Try Food】 🍲 24-Hour Potato Rib Stew Restaurant 47 Sammu-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea Returning to Jeju City in the evening, the bustling commercial street was filled with a delicious aroma. We spotted a long queue outside a potato rib stew restaurant. When the bubbling pot was finally served, the potatoes were so tender they fell apart with a touch, infused with the savory sauce and the aroma of the ribs. Paired with refreshing rice wine, it was pure bliss. The owner handed us a plate of kimchi, saying, "This goes best with the stew to cut the richness." One bite, and it was sheer happiness. The sea breeze and stone steps from earlier in the day seemed to settle with the warmth of this meal. The cozy yellow lights of the restaurant wrapped us in a homely atmosphere. Suddenly, I realized that "travel" isn’t about how many sights you see; it’s the mountain breeze, the taste of the sea, and a hearty meal coming together to create a sense of fulfillment.