Topic: Where do you want to go hereabouts? (In South Korea, yet you have never...) Read 3046 times

VanIslander · « **on:** July 14, 2022, 12:32:10 am »

Jeju? Ulleungdo? Sokcho? Busan? Jeju? Wando?

Jindo? ... where the dogs were promised not to be slaughtered during the war between occupying Japan and Russia (the canines on the mainland slaughtered en masse for their fur coats, the Japanese inadvertently heralding in the bosintang dog meat craze; where Lee Su-shin centuries before took advantage of the roaring currents to defeat the Japanese, where the Sewol ferry (carrying a huge load of metal for the new naval base on Jeju) submerged after enough time to evacuate everyone, but didn't.

Jindo is also where dogs continue to run free today. You can pet dozens on a busy street. It is also where the 'Moses Miracle' happens, though my walk mid-ankle across the distance from one isle to another at low tide didn't rival the music festival put on 2 kms away from the religiosity.

Places that one, after 20 years here, is expected to be worth visiting (at least once) include:

1. The Incheon islands. (Gawd those beach sites look like Maine or another Northeast U.S. coastal locale. Pre-COVID it looked fly. These days? I dunno.)

2. Naju. I mean, the place to get tangerines off of Jeju, the best watermelon, the hottest peppers outside nearby Cheongyang; i mean a friggin' 161 km separates the mainland's supply of "Hallabong" from Naju and the Cheongyang hot pepper in Cheongyang county, stocked in every local supermarket.

3. Ulsan. Um,... I ain't sure why anyone outside their million residents should visit. But it is the biggest city I've panned in 20 years here. It's on the coast. It is pretty modern I hear. But still... ... Bueller? ... Bueller?

I wanted to go to Dokdo but our ship was directed to stay at Ulleungo (this was back in 2006 when president Rho Mu-hyun suddenly closed the isles mid-summer, and I thankfully met a retired longterm L.A.-resident Korean at the harbor, he showing me Ulleungdo's greatest. That ended up more meaningful to me than a selfie (cameraphones pre-smartphones were all about the image; pre-selfie stick, too). If an old (he'd be old by now, if still there) Korean guy on Ulleungdo waves you over with a "C'mon" and you identify a native tone to it, then break from the pack and go for it!

I have never been to the Incheon islands, Naju or Ulsan, but would like to!

SPQR · « **Reply #1 on:** July 14, 2022, 04:14:35 pm »

Quote from: VanIslander on July 14, 2022, 12:32:10 am

1. The Incheon islands. (Gawd those beach sites look like Maine or another Northeast U.S. coastal locale. Pre-COVID it looked fly. These days? I dunno.)

My students took me to many places when I first arrived in Korea. I thought
most were crap. Really crowded, boring, difficult to get to, 6-12 hour travel
times.

But one place I liked, and still go to, is Deokjeokdo. It is about a 40km
ferry ride from Incheon. The place used to rock with foreigners. But it
is quieter now after the government pared back NETs in schools. The
main beach is over a km long with trees back from the sand for shade
and camping. (Which you can do anywhere on the beach for 5000won
a day.) I have been to other islands connected with bridges and they
are TERRIBLE. The last one I went to was Daebudo. Totally crowded,
traffic jams, 40,000/night for super crowded camping on a wooden
platform. Absolutely, 100% crapola.

Deokjeok rules!

Lazio · « **Reply #2 on:** July 14, 2022, 08:20:21 pm »

Quote from: SPQR on July 14, 2022, 04:14:35 pm

My students took me to many places when I first arrived in Korea. I thought
most were crap. Really crowded, boring, difficult to get to, 6-12 hour travel
times.

But one place I liked, and still go to, is Deokjeokdo. It is about a 40km
ferry ride from Incheon. The place used to rock with foreigners. But it
is quieter now after the government pared back NETs in schools. The
main beach is over a km long with trees back from the sand for shade
and camping. (Which you can do anywhere on the beach for 5000won
a day.) I have been to other islands connected with bridges and they
are TERRIBLE. The last one I went to was Daebudo. Totally crowded,
traffic jams, 40,000/night for super crowded camping on a wooden
platform. Absolutely, 100% crapola.

Deokjeok rules!

To each their own but in my opinion Deokjeok-do ain't that great. I went there once and that was enough. The worst foreigner stereotypes acting like they are on spring break. Sure, have fun, drink and laugh, but shouting literally like animals all night long is not cool. It wasn't even the main season or something, just a regular weekend in May. Not my cup of tea.
The beach is okay but there are better ones in that area.

I much prefer Soyado over Deokjeok. Back then they were not connected by a bridge but now they are. Way more peaceful. Used to go there for several years, sometimes 3-4 times in one summer. Yeah, camping is cheap but only if you don't take a car. Used to just backpack there with the wife and it was okay. But it took forever to get there. From southern Seoul, it took us like 5-6 hours. Later we took the car just 2 times maybe and we figured it's not worth it. It was something like 55k to take the car on the ferry + 10k/passengers, one-way. And it still took effin long. They let the cars on the ferry on a first come first serve basis (no reservations) so we had to get there well before departure and wait in line.

Once even went to Gureop-do which is another 1 hour 30 minute boat ride further out from Deokjeok. Now that was peaceful. Only a few houses on the entire island. Also camped on Soijak-do once. I met someone who visited pretty much all the islands there and she said her favorite was Baega-do. We had a trip planned there, but couldn't go due to a health related situation.

I found a beach that is nicer than anything I've seen around Incheon and is less than a 2 hour drive away. That's my go-to place for 6-7 years now. No more ferries.

VanIslander · « **Reply #3 on:** July 14, 2022, 09:33:13 pm »

Quote from: Lazio on July 14, 2022, 08:20:21 pm

... I found a beach that is nicer than anything I've seen around Incheon and is less than a 2 hour drive away. That's my go-to place for 6-7 years now.

So you diss a few locales and allude to an un-identified place as where you have gone several times (i respect the desire to keep sweet spots uncrowded).

Thanks? I mean, throw us a bone.

All things considered, is that the place you want to go to most locally (to answer the thread question)? If so, k. Tap it. (Give us a hint.) If not, where have you never been that you'd like to go? (To keep with the spirit of the op).

South Korea has A LOT of great places and experiences outside its major cities. Vacay in summer is the time to do it!

I'd say let's write a book, but people don't choose to read paper anymore. Heck, a book, even digital, is too long. "Clicks baby", as is said, is what it is about.

Lazio · « **Reply #4 on:** July 14, 2022, 09:52:27 pm »

To answer the original question, I would say Ulleong-do. I've never been to Busan because it doesn't interest me at all. Just another city. Only difference that it's on the coast. That doesn't make it more interesting to me.
Actually I don't really have any particular places that I feel like I must visit.
Similar to what Rye said: I've been playing with the thought of driving around the country in a camper van for a few months. Maybe some day.

But anyhow, in my previous post I shared my experiences about the islands around Incheon, so it was very much on topic.

VanIslander · « **Reply #5 on:** July 15, 2022, 05:04:00 am »

Quote from: Lazio on July 14, 2022, 09:52:27 pm

To answer the original question, I would say Ulleong-do.

I was struck by how different it looks from the mainland: by day, rolling green hills like Ireland; by night, glowing sea water from all the shrimp boats casting their beams.

Quote

I've never been to Busan because it doesn't interest me at all. Just another city. Only difference that it's on the coast.

WHA...?????!!!! Totally untrue. I have never been to a city like Busan. It is VERY different from every other city in Korea!!! Busan is unique. As much as Gyeongju is, Jeju is, Ulleungdo is. Busan is insane in a good way and crazy way. No one can deny it has... character. You can love it or hate, you cannot call it boring. You cannot be indifferent. As a first-time visitor, you would be in for an experience. Treat yourself and jump on the KTX and check it out.

Just another city applies to Gwangju, Daegu, Jeonju, despite each having some differences.

Quote

I've been playing with the thought of driving around the country in a camper van for a few months. Maybe some day.

Do it!

"Some day" is the dreaded token to never. This country has so many delights outside of cities, on the east coast, south coast, southeast coast, in valleys, on mountains and islands.
When my dad died, i had to return home to settle his affairs, legally, and while his retirement mortgages took most of the value out of his property, from the remaining sum I bought a near-new jeep (he had had a CJ5, i got a mere but pretty new 16,000 km odometer Korando). My father said his vehicle was his legs. I get it now. It is mine. (Though, unlike him, i have this insane need to run or walk every day. But that's beside the point.)

SPQR · « **Reply #6 on:** July 15, 2022, 07:02:37 am »

Quote from: Lazio on July 14, 2022, 08:20:21 pm

To each their own but in my opinion Deokjeok-do ain't that great. I went there once and that was enough. The worst foreigner stereotypes acting like they are on spring break. Sure, have fun, drink and laugh, but shouting literally like animals all night long is not cool. It wasn't even the main season or something, just a regular weekend in May. Not my cup of tea.
The beach is okay but there are better ones in that area.

Haha, I understand. But, like I said, most of the foreigners have disappeared.
There were some spring break type yahoos there. But mostly just having fun.

But the beach is so big, that there is always quiet place to be found.

Augustiner · « **Reply #7 on:** July 15, 2022, 07:36:29 am »

Quote from: SPQR on July 15, 2022, 07:02:37 am

Haha, I understand. But, like I said, most of the foreigners have disappeared.
There were some spring break type yahoos there. But mostly just having fun.

But the beach is so big, that there is always quiet place to be found.

Isn't that the beach where every May or something. some tool would come on here promoting some party weekend and after every activity write "beer in hand?" It was written like some wanna be frat dude was trying to recapture frosh week at university. The thought of turning up to an event that is heavily promoting "beer in hand" after the age of 25 is depressing. And I like sitting around on a beach in the summer having a beer. This sounded like someone was trying to bring every foreign idiot they could find from mud fest to that beach.

L I · « **Reply #8 on:** July 15, 2022, 07:59:56 am »

https://waygook.org/index.php?topic=114139.msg766365#msg766365

Master of the Universe "Cups" tourney. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)? Dunno what that is.

The never ending "last hole leader chooses next hole" disk golf tourney. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)? Havent tried. Ill search online to learn about disc golf.

100 shots of beer in 100 minutes? So dangerous!

SPQR · « **Reply #9 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:02:28 am »

Haha, awesome. My favorite party weekend was the 2018 "Rotgut Railway".

"Age should not limit fun." Mahatma Gandhi, 1941

Quote from: SPQR on July 15, 2022, 07:02:37 am

Three DAY "Rotgut Railway" Edition

What: Biannual Deokjeokdo Camping Trip (May and September)

Where: Seopori Beach, Deokjeok Island

When: September 22, 23, 24, 2018 (Sat, Sun, Mon)

Price: Free � This is a DIY affair

How: 60min. ferry from Domestic Ferry Terminal in Yeonam Budu(Incheon Port), bus to beach 10min

Ferry Info: (032)887-2891~5

Abodes: There is camping on the beach or motels, I recommend camping.

Food: There are restaurants and supermarkets, again I recommend
bring your own food in a cooler and cooking on the beach.

To Do: Swimming, disk golf, camp fires, camp songs, camp sex

Notes: The ferry is usually really full this time of year so I would
reserve tickets now.

This Year:

1/ As always, Master of the Universe "Cups" tourney. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)

2/ The never ending "last hole leader chooses next hole" disk golf
tourney. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)

3/ The Century Club. 100 shots of beer in 100 minutes.

4/ The usual campfire.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deokjeokdo

http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/554653393qAUsHT

http://www.dukjukdo.com/

Ferry Sites:

http://www.jindotr.co.kr/

http://www.urief.co.kr/

http://www.daebuhw.com/

Mithras · « **Reply #10 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:10:52 am »

Quote from: SPQR on July 15, 2022, 08:02:28 am

To Do: Swimming, disk golf, camp fires, camp songs, camp sex

Ewwwwwwwwww don't camp sex please

Renma · « **Reply #11 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:11:32 am »

Oh he was that guy lmao. I remembered it too and had to look up

Quote from: SPQR on August 23, 2019, 11:57:25 am

Four DAY "Hootch Heaven" Edition

To Do: Swimming, disk golf, camp fires, camp songs, camp sex

This Year:

ROMAN CANDLE DODGE BALL!!! Eye protection must be worn. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)

1/ As always, Master of the Universe "Cups" tourney. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)

2/ The never ending "last hole leader chooses next hole" disk golf
tourney. (beer-in-hand-rule-applies)

3/ The Century Club. 100 shots of beer in 100 minutes.

4/ The usual campfire.

Did your wife know about the camp sex you advertised?

L I · « **Reply #12 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:12:54 am »

Quote from: SPQR on July 15, 2022, 08:02:28 am

"Age should not limit fun." Mahatma Gandhi, 1941

I wanna party with Mahatma Gandhi. Hopefully science will make that one day possible.

Adel · « **Reply #13 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:16:21 am »

I thought it might have been a bit of play on words there in the usage of 'camp'.

D.L.Orean · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:16:53 am »

Quote from: L I on July 15, 2022, 08:12:54 am

I wanna party with Mahatma Gandhi. Hopefully science will make that one day possible.

Century club and roman candle dodgeball with Gandhi would be... interesting

To each their own. But these weekends sound like the kind of thing that is best avoided

L I · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:23:44 am »

Quote from: D.L.Orean on July 15, 2022, 08:16:53 am

Century club and roman candle dodgeball with Gandhi would be... interesting

It could go viral on TikTok.

VanIslander · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:30:01 am »

Quote from: D.L.Orean on July 15, 2022, 08:16:53 am

Century club and roman candle dodgeball with Gandhi would be... interesting

1.Get Centaurus and there's a chance you could join Gandhi.
2. What is 'a shot of beer'?
3. Camp sex is a way teenagers can do it uninterrupted. If you haven't, that's on you.
4. That beach photo by SPQR looks a lot like Sangju beach on Namhae Island (the 3rd largest island in Korea - 4th, depending on whether you neglect to count beaches! Jindo is 3rd if non-tidal land only is considered; they are basically the same size), on the south coast.

Augustiner · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:31:27 am »

Who would find century club or roman candle dodge ball while holding a beer fun? Century club was something we talked about in high school or first year university. Age doesn't limit fun, but anyone who would think century club is fun now needs to get new hobbies. One of my favourite things to do when I used to hit Bangkok regularly was to sit poolside and have beers and play trivial pursuit and cards or backgammon. At no point would introducing a forced drinking rate been fun. It would've been pathetic. And roman candle dodge ball? Duuuude!

SPQR · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:39:38 am »

Quote from: Augustiner on July 15, 2022, 08:31:27 am

Who would find century club or roman candle dodge ball while holding a beer fun? Century club was something we talked about in high school or first year university. Age doesn't limit fun, but anyone who would think century club is fun now needs to get new hobbies. One of my favourite things to do when I used to hit Bangkok regularly was to sit poolside and have beers and play trivial pursuit and cards or backgammon. At no point would introducing a forced drinking rate been fun. It would've been pathetic. And roman candle dodge ball? Duuuude!

Wow, slow down there Buckaroo. Trivial Pursuit in Bangkok! You are going to blow my mind.
Even I have limits.

Mithras · « **Reply #19 on:** July 15, 2022, 08:42:42 am »

Quote from: VanIslander on July 15, 2022, 08:30:01 am

3. Camp sex is a way teenagers can do it uninterrupted. If you haven't, that's on you.

Who's talking about teenagers? This was advertised as a 'feature' of the party by a middle-aged man.

Topic: Where do you want to go hereabouts? (In South Korea, yet you have never...) Read 3046 times

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