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#I developed a strong determination to never give up #The thrilling sense of accomplishment from overcoming adversity #I experienced the true joy of travel
©Korea gapyear
When you''re in a good mood, it seems everything looks good. At the end I wanted to go to Seopjikoji All-in House and then head straight to Seogwipo to take the submarine, but due to the schedule I gave up Seopjikoji and went to Seogwipo; unfortunately the bus took so long that I couldn''t take the submarine either. Still, if I have another chance to visit Jeju, I''ll decide where to go in advance and accept everything positively. Nothing can be perfect all the time.
-Jeju Blue Bike trip running with the wind and dreams / Jin Jun-gyu, gap-year family gapper |
Before applying for the gap year I had already booked a flight for September 1 at 8:30 AM, so I worried about what I''d do if I was notified upon arrival that I couldn''t join the program. Fortunately, I received a confirmation call on September 2 and could participate from 4 PM, so excitedly I started my Jeju bicycle tour from near the intercity bus terminal, alternating between National Road 1132 and the coastal road.
The Jeju coast I first met was indescribably beautiful, and the coastline at dusk under the setting sun felt like the most beautiful scenery of my life. Of course, cycling takes a lot of time and you have to keep pedaling, so my thighs felt like they would split and my butt stung like being pricked by needles, butNo amount of pain could stop my determination to complete the Jeju circuit. Also, because new and wondrous Jeju scenery awaited the more I went, I couldn''t stop due to the anticipation.
However, since I hadn''t made a detailed plan and only thought about circling Jeju, I hadn''t booked accommodation for the first night. Unfortunately there were no guesthouse rooms around my planned first stay at Gwakji Gwamul Beach in the evening, and I was about to decide to sleep on the beach when, by chance, the convenience store owner I went to buy cup noodles from told me the guesthouse wasn''t getting customers. I rushed to the guesthouse, and to my surprise, though there was no room, the owner grandmother was grateful and gave me a big room for 20,000 won so I could rest comfortably alone. It was such a happy and lucky day.I thought this was one of the secret charms of travel.
So I looked forward to the rest of the itinerary, convinced that more grateful and happy things would surely follow, and on the second night''s stay I happened to lodge at Joyful Guesthouse on Hwasun Beach, whereI met another elder cyclist in his 50s who had retired from a company, and in front of the beach I received various good life advice; he said I seem to be living a really wonderful life, which was cool,and I also received the extra blessing that everything will surely work out, so I was able to end the day very, very happily. Of course the guesthouse owner was very kind, and I left on my bicycle trip filled with good memories and energy.
During this bicycle trip,the toughest section was the road from Hwasun Beach to Seogwipo World Cup Stadium,with so many climbs and headwinds even on the downhills that it all felt like uphill; it was the moment I most wanted to give up. But each time, thinking of the many challenges in my twenties to come, I clenched my teeth with the thought that I wouldn''t give up even once, endured and endured, and finally met a downhill and was rewarded with a refreshing wind as the payoff for my effort. In that moment I couldn''t help but exclaim, ''Look at that— I can be tough too!''
After more than nine hours of cycling, I arrived atthe area around Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)I had a firm goal during the Jeju bike trip to climb Seongsan Ilchulbong and watch the sunrise, so no matter how long it took I decided to stay near Seongsan Ilchulbong. Finally I arrived and stayed my third night of the bike trip at Seongsan Guesthouse. Staying there was truly the greatest luck and happiness of the trip because at the evening chicken-and-beer party I shared travel stories with such wonderful people and we took photos to commemorate our new friendships, and the next morning we woke up and took another photo together at Seongsan Ilchulbong at 5:30 AM to leave a memory. It was a truly, truly happy time.
©Korea gapyear
Leaving the regret of parting good acquaintances behind, I pedaled busily again and reached the ferry terminal to Udo in 10 minutes. For the second time in my life I boarded a boat and set foot on the wonderful island of Udo. I cycled around Udo''s coastal road in about two hours and had lunch at a famous restaurant called ''Kidari Ajusshi,'' where I ate a pork cutlet made with Jeju native black pork plus abalone. As a bonus, I treated myself to a draft beer for my efforts. Food after hard work tasted like honey.
Besides, with the cool sea breeze it couldn''t have been better. I wanted to stay on Udo for a day and watch the island at sunset, but since I had another schedule I reluctantly left around 12:30 and pedaled hard along the coastal roadGimnyeong Beach, Hamdeok Seoudong Beach, Samyang Black Sand Beachand after 8 hours arrived at Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal. But on the way, at Hamdeok Seoubong Beach I briefly took the wrong road and ended up on Route 1132 instead of the coastal road, where construction made it very dangerous. It was being used as a construction site with no bike lane, so I had to sneak through it and broke out in a cold sweat. You really need to be careful on this section.
Around 7 PM I finally arrived near Jeju Intercity Bus Terminal and went to find accommodation; on the fourth day I stayed at a place called Yeha Guesthouse, a five-minute walk from the terminal. This placehas staff who speak both Chinese and English, perhaps because it''s close to Jeju city and the airport,and there were many foreigners. I wanted to chat with them, but after such a tough itinerary I was so exhausted that after showering and putting a load in the free laundry I fell right asleep.
The next morning when I opened my eyes it was drizzling, and when I asked the staff they said it would rain heavily today. Phew—fortunately it was the day after finishing the bike trip, so I only had to return the bike, and I thought that was a huge relief. Otherwise it might have been dangerous to travel. Since my flight was on the morning of the 7th, I had an extra day, so I decided to visit places reachable by bus and went to Gimnyeong Maze Park and Manjanggul Cave — it was a choice I didn''t regret. Although it drizzled at times, I thought it added a relaxed atmosphere and made me feel even better.
©Korea gapyear
When people are in a good mood, everything seems to look good. LastlySeopjikoji All-in HouseI wanted to visit Seopjikoji and then go straight to Seogwipo to take the submarine, but due to the schedule I gave up Seopjikoji and headed to Seogwipo; sadly the bus took too long there as well, so I couldn''t take the submarine. Still, if I have another chance to travel to Jeju I''ll decide where to go in advance so I can make the most of it and take it all positively. Nothing can be perfect all the time.
Unfortunately, for my early-morning flight the next day I returned late to Jeju City and this time stayed at Jeju Sum Guesthouse. I arrived too late—though I had booked in advance the door was firmly closed—so I called the staff and, though it was a bit of an imposition, thankfully I was able to spend another night comfortably. Even if not everything went smoothly, things resolved without trouble and I was able to leave Jeju for Busan the next day full of happiness.
I believe a happy trip should always leave traces so it can be remembered for a long time and pulled out again and again, so now I want to post that feeling vividly on a page of my blog to help more people have happier travels. I express my gratitude to Korea Gapyear and everyone I met in Jeju for giving me healing, happiness, and a time to recharge, and I hope good things always be with them. Thank you. ^^
Was there a problem getting to the Meeting Point? How to find it:
I planned to start on September 1st, but because I applied in a hurry and it fell on the weekend I had no choice but to start on September 2nd. The bicycle rental location had recently moved from its original spot to downtown Jeju, so the address registered on Naver was different and I had the inconvenience of having to search for it again. However, the rental staff kindly gave me the correct address and explained things, so I was able to start without major difficulty.
After referring to the Gapyear program information, the things I needed more of before participating or aspects that differed from reality were:
While cycling it was not easy—due to scheduling, transportation, and personal physical condition—to visit all the destinations listed on the Korea Gapyear route. So I aimed to complete the coastal route of Jeju by bicycle, focusing on points that would leave the sights and memories unique to cycling—things you wouldn''t feel when traveling by car.
Memorable pleasant experiences (or unpleasant experiences and solutions) while participating in the Gapyear program
26 years old, a university senior on leave... what filled my head wasworries, anguish, and frustration about finding a jobI had no way to solve it and was just busy. However, after signing up for the Gapyear Jeju bicycle program and traveling alone, I didn''t give up on the unbearably hard climbs and kept going; afterward I met downhills with refreshing breezes. It made me think perhaps the place I''m in isn''t the top of the hill, and that may be why it felt so much harder and more painful. I felt that if I could overcome and endure everything like this bicycle trip, life would feel very fulfilling and happy.
And for accommodations, mainlyI used guesthouses, and communicating with the people I met there provided real healingI felt it was a moment when I could receive proper healing. On the first day I hadn''t planned accommodation and night fell, leaving me in a frustrating situation, but by chance I heard from a convenience store worker that nearby minbak had many rooms left (unlike guesthouses), and at an affordable price I was able to rest alone in a spacious place—another good experience and memory.
My personal advice on language use for the Gapyear program (pre-study methods, etc.)
The majority of foreigners I met in Jeju were Chinese, followed by English speakers. Personally I can speak Chinese but I wasn''t confident in English and worried about being asked for directions, but when I was asked and answered simply to the best of my knowledge they appreciated the kindness and we could even exchange names, which made me happy.
In this way,the most important things in language are confidence and comfort.I think so. Since we are not native English speakers, we shouldn''t expect to speak like a native; if we answer kindly within our ability and approach people, remember that you can easily make a foreign friend.
©Korea gapyear
My advice for future volunteers as a participant regarding accommodations
I would definitelyrecommend staying at guesthouses.
The reasons areFirst,they are inexpensive, and in some places you can even receive breakfast.
Second,many foreigners also stay at guesthouses, so you can show off the foreign language skills you''ve been practicing. As a bonus, you might even become Facebook friends.
Thirdly,Because most people staying in guesthouses are travelers, they''re generally lively, and sharing destinations with others creates opportunities to make your trip better.
Fourthly,Each guesthouse has its own character, so you can enjoy those unique features and create one of your travel memories. (BBQ parties, chicken-and-beer parties, tea parties, etc.)
My personal advice to future volunteers participating in meals
For bicycle travelers, energy expenditure is considerable, soalso, snack occasionally between meals.I recommend it. For meals, I planned to try Jeju''s local dishes for about one to two meals a day even if they cost a bit more, and I followed through. Aside from meals, there are many convenience stores, so I replenished energy during the ride by buying water, drinks, instant noodles, etc. there while cycling. Personally, rather than buying souvenirs or forcing myself to visit every popular spot, on a bicycle trip I think it''s better to enjoy the view with your eyes, take photos, keep a relaxed schedule, and let food be your main expense.
Packing list·Insurance, etc.
Items I missed / Items that were useful
: Light stick (to prevent traffic accidents in case you have to ride at night unexpectedly), personal lantern, arm sleeves (I rode so much they became itchy), diaper or butt pad (if you ride for a long time your butt hurts a lot), gloves (you can get blisters on your hands), pain relief patches + spray (if you don''t exercise regularly, you may get sudden muscle pain).
Items that were convenient to have / Items that caused problems
: Too many clothes only become baggage. If you wash them when you shower at the accommodation each day and hang them up, they''ll dry by morning and you can wear them again. (Instead, prepare clothes that dry well and are well-ventilated.)
©Korea gapyear
My personal advice to future volunteers about what to bring
There aren''t many items needed for a bicycle trip.Bringing food is not recommended at all.Rather, even if it costs a bit more, it''s much better for managing your energy to buy things at convenience stores along the way.
AlsoClothes should dry well and be well-ventilated, and shoes should be comfortable and quick-drying; it''s more convenient to get detailed maps from traveler accommodations like guesthouses or tourist information centers than from the airport.Also, if you travel in summer, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are absolutely essential; arm sleeves are also great if you have them. I didn''t, so my skin itched a lot, I scratched, it peeled, and I even got some sunburn.
