5D5N DIY South Korea - UNESCO Sites & Driving in Jeju (05~11 June 2023)

Our first overseas family trip after Covid was to Jeju Island, often called the Hawaii of Asia. We took a red-eye flight from Singapore via Scoot, arriving early in the morning around 7ish.We’re not fans of spending long hours on connecting flights, Scoot was the perfect choice—it offers a direct flight to Jeju. That convenience made the journey smoother and less tiring. Yoo woo!

[Pics 1~2] Unlike Singapore Changi Airport, Jeju International Airport doesn’t have much to explore inside. So, we headed straight to the rental car pick-up area. After exiting the airport, we boarded a shuttle bus that brought us to the car facility. 

Although I’ve seen similar places in K-dramas, experiencing it in person was something else. I was truly impressed by how big and organized the entire setup was! We’ve rented cars in many Asian countries before, but this was the first time we encountered such a massive, three-storey rental car pick-up and drop-off building!

There were designated areas for pick-up and return, everything neatly arranged. Even small details stood out - tables, chairs, and water dispensers thoughtfully provided for customers. It felt efficient and welcoming, almost like we had stepped into a scene from a drama.

                                          [Pic1] Heading to the shuttle

                                         [Pic2] The rental car pick-up/drop-off area

[Pics 3~5] Once we picked up our rental car, we headed straight to our first accommodation - Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel. Why this hotel? Because it offers free parking and is walking distance to Dongmun Traditional Market where we planned to enjoy our brunch. Jeju has many traditional markets, each with its own character. It’s important to check the operating days and hours before visitings.

As a first-time visitor to Jeju Island, I relied on official tourism sites before diving into blogs or YouTube reviews. I found visitjeju.net especially useful for confirming weekend/night market schedules and discovering must-visit spots.  It gave me confidence that I wouldn’t miss out on key experiences.

                                     [Pic3] Ocean Suites Jeju Hotel & surrounding          

                                      [Pic4] Day & Night Dongmun Traditional Market

                                       [Pic5] BBQ Black Pork Belly Dinner

You will never go wrong feasting on BBQ black pork belly in Jeju! This is along the stretch of shops near Dongmun Traditional Market.

As the family trip planner, I like to set a “theme” for each journey. For Jeju, our theme was to uncover as many UNESCO World Heritage sites as possible on this beautiful island. Do you know there are at least 2 here on Jeju Island - Manjanggul Cave and Hallasan National Park?

Driving in Jeju is not very difficult, but there are a few things to note:

• Right-hand driving: Unlike Singapore, Jeju follows right-side driving.
• Signages: Major roads have English text, but smaller roads often display in Korean language.
• Navigation apps: Google Maps doesn’t work well here. Instead, download Naver Map or Kakao Map for reliable directions.
• Car GPS system: The rental car’s built-in GPS works when you input place names. However, for unique or lesser-known spots, you’ll need to enter the exact address.

We even had a funny experience, keying in a restaurant address only to find that it didn’t exist, instead was a residential address!  lol

[Pics 6~14]

So, what was our itinerary like for this trip? 

We designed it around Jeju’s unique blend of UNESCO sites, local culture, and natural beauty. 

Here is our 5D5N journey unfolded across the island.

Day 1 – Weekend Market & UNESCO World Natural Heritage Manjanggul Lava Tube

We began our Jeju adventure at the Weekend Market, soaking in the lively atmosphere of local vendors and traditional snacks. It was the perfect way to ease into the island’s culture.

                                     [Pic6] Our delicious beef casserole at the weekend market! slurp!

After brunch, we drove to Manjanggul Lava Tube, one of Jeju’s UNESCO World Heritage sites.

                                      [Pic7] Manjanggul Lava Tube

Walking through the cool, dimly lit cave was surreal - it felt like stepping into the earth’s hidden corridors. The scale of the lava formations was impressive, and it gave us a deeper appreciation of Jeju’s volcanic origins. It was said that it is one of the largest lava tubes in the world and was formed thousands of years ago!

Tip: Wear comfortable track shoes, as the cave floor can be uneven and damp. The visit takes about 1–1.5 hours.

Day 2 – UNESCO World Natural Heritage, Geomun Oreum Trail & Folk Village

Beautiful, undisturbed nature with a sense of quiet majesty. To walk through the pristine volcanic landscapes, you will need to make online reservation at least one day before your visit. There are limited timeslots per day so I would advise you to book early! There are also 3 trails to choose from: Summit Course (approx 2.1km, abt 1 hour), Crater Course (approx 5km, abt 2.5hours) and full course (aaprox 6.7km, abt 3.5hours). A host is assigned to each group and walks along with you, sharing insights about the volcanic ecosystem.

We took the Crater Course, a balanced option that allowed us to enjoy the volcanic forest atmosphere without being too strenuous. 

                                      [Pic8~9] Geomun Oreum Trail

   

                                     [Pic10] Jeju Folk Village (Traditional houses)

Day 3 – Mount Hallasan Hiking

The highlight of our trip was climbing Mount Hallasan (1,950m), the highest mountain in South Korea,  to reach the breathtaking Baengnokdam Crater at the summit. There are 7 hiking trails but only 2 lead to the summit, namely Seongpanak Trail and Gwaneumsa Trail. Other 5 trails are shorter scenic routes that do not reach the summit. Seongpanak Trail is longer and takes roughly 6~8 hours (for ascend & descend) but is less challenging compared to Gwaneumsa Trail which takes about 8~10hours. The latter offers more dramatic views and diverse scenery so if you wish to take this route, do train up before you head up! We chose Seongpanak, the more popular summit route. Its gentler ascend made the climb manageable as we didnt train up prior to the hike :p

                                   

                                     [Pic11] Mount Halllasan

Oh, btw, hikers will get a certificate once you complete the trail. Remember to do it while you are still at the site as it reads your GPS location to allow you to obtain the cert. How clever right?

Day 4 – Jeongbang Waterfall & Osulloc Tea Museum

1.      Jeongbang Waterfalls is said to be the only waterfall in South Korea (some said Asia) that falls directly into the sea. So how can we miss it, right? Surrounded by lush tea fields, OsullocTea Museum showcases South Korea's tea culture in a modern building that shapes like a tea cup. Inside, you will find exhibits on tea culture, an observatory with countryside views and a cafe serving green tea desserts made from Jeju's tea leaves. A perfect stop to chill for the afternoon.

                                      [Pic12] Jeongbang Waterfall     

                                      [Pic13] Osulloc Tea Museum

Day 5 – Haenyeo Museum: The storytelling of Jeju's women divers

Our last day in Jeju was to visit the Haenyeo Museum. It is dedicated to the legendary women divers of the island, preserving their history, culture and resilience. It is amazing how they shaped Jeju's economy and identity!

                                    [Pic14] Haenyeo Museum

As our 5D5N travel came to a close, we left Jeju with hearts full of memories—from lava tubes and mountain trails to quiet museums and bustling markets. This trip wasn’t just about ticking off UNESCO sites, it was also about reconnecting as a family, embracing nature and discovering the quiet charm of Jeju island.

If you’re planning your own Jeju adventure, may your journey be just as beautiful and uniquely yours.

Writing Again

Its been a long time since I blogged about my family life. My last entry was actually in 2010. Gosh, thats almost 14 years ago. Life's been pretty busy and exciting during these 14 years. I have not forgotten about my blog but I am really running out of energy to continue writing. Now that the kids have grown and coupled with some reasons that allowed me more time to write...I will write again. Instead, I will write about my family trips. I guess its more interesting to read than to talk about the teenagers in my household since they are way past the cutie stage. Nevertheless, if you have questions about bringing up your cute little ones....feel free to ask. I will try to answer and help as much as I can with whatever I know. I may be outdated in my way of bringing up my children but some old tricks still work I guess. Of course, we are so spoilt for choice nowadays. Internet has all the information we need...that sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed. not sure which to read or which to 'believe'....cos sometimes there are slight variations. So being a Kiasu Singaporean, I will try to whack as many articles as possible lol Anyway, I shall start my family trip blogging now...hope you get inspired by my holiday choices! Cheers!!! 

PS: I will also try to reorganise the titles/labels of my old posts according to the trips we been to so is easier to search.

Port Dickson (20th - 22nd June 2010)

We planned a short getaway to Port Dickson during June holidays. We had been here once with my inlaws and Trenyce many years ago. We loved the beach and the pony riding offered by the hotel. We stayed at Corus Hotel then. Hence, we decided to try water chalet at Avillion Port Dickson. The room was spacious and sufficiently accomodate 5 of us (2 AD 3 CH below 7yo)).

The kids thoroughly enjoyed themselves with interesting activities in the resort.

Kaden amazed with the rabbits circled around him.

The kids having fun playing sand at the beach.

Kaden having his chance to feed the chicks.

Meimei also had her fair share of 'fun' :p

The girls 'sun tanning'

Beautiful scenery from the resort.

Celebrating mei mei one year old birthday at MacDonald! (6th June 2010)

This is a very oudated post. I have not been able to upkeep the pace with the calendar. Days just passed and I simply dont have the time and strength to update my beloved blog. There were times I felt so guilty as I hope to have this as a keepsake for my children. When they have grown, they have somehing to remember upon. Must really make myself write something at least once a month no matter how busy I am.

We had Kayleen's birthday celebration at Macdonalds, the outlet at Queensway Ridout Tea Garden. This was the first time we had a birthday party held outside our house. We chose Queensway as our ultimate venue as we love the serenity of the place - quiet and peaceful. Ideal place for a party without the passing car zrooming by.

Thank lord that all's went well at the party. It was fun as we could see the children enjoying themselves...strangely, they just adored Macdonalds as if they were spellbounded =p

Besides the fun part, the service was totally awesome! Experienced games coordinator, 'personal' service crew (1 to 2) attending to you and your guests, very detailed, personalised and attentive party hosting all the way to even helping to cut and distribute the cake to the guests - in addition, it was totally hassle free and inexpensive! I supposed its one of the cheapest, or not the cheapest indoor birthday party you can find nowadays! Will patronise again if ever get the chance :)

Back to Kayleen, she was totally astonished as she stared at all the happenings around her. And of course, the sing-and-cut cake session was the highlight of the day as that finally brought a smile to her face! LOL

Princess Kayleen

Clockwise from left: the sing-and-cut cake session and pictures of family members...
Looks fun? :D Princess and her beautiful fondue birthday cake
More pictures at the party venue...
Clockwise from left: Meimei enjoying her birthday mee suan (a tradition dish for all birthday girls and boys) before heading for the party, some snap shots at the party venue.

Its Kayleen now (31May - 5June 2010)

First, it was Kaden and now its Kayleen.
Meimei pooed thrice a day. This is worrying..
After much 'diagnosis' by hubby and myself, we concluded that she's teething.
Sigh, poor meimei...fever and lao-sai....always has this problem whenever a new tooth sprouting!

Dear lord, please help my little angel to ease her pain. Amen. Mood: Sad Milestone: 11 months old

Zzzoooom to ZOO! (12th June 2010)

Our family tradition to visit the Zoo (or anywhere of interest) during the kids' birthdays. For kayleen's 1st birthday, it was zoo! It was doubly fun as Dora was running a roadshow over there as well. In addition, we also won a Dora prize (a bottle and a bag) from this zoo trip! Lucky lucky heh!!!

Love these shots! Kayleen looks like she understands the Dora skit and having lots of fun! :p

Kaden having diarhorrea (24th-28th May 2010)

Poor Kaden, duno for what reason he started to have diarrhoea.....
Could it be the food he ate? Forgot to wash hands before eating? Oh well, for whatever reasons, I just hope that this will never ever happened again! Just this once will do!

Brought him to see paed and he prescribed him some diarhorrea relieving medication in powdery form, to be mixed with water when consume. My $100 bill flying again....

Dear Lord, please watch over my little active fellow..pray that he will have good health! Amen! Mood: Worried Milestone: 15 months old

Kayleen is walking (23rd May 2010)

Kayleen took her first step today...pushing the toycart around at home. She's so cute and adorable...Im gonna miss these times when she's all grown up!

Mood: Excited Milestone: 11 months old

RIP Grandfather (19th-23rd May 2010)

Hubby's maternal grandfather passed away peacefully on 19th May, aged 88. Naturally, inlaws and hubby have to rush back to Sitiawan for the funeral and I was left behind to care for the kids together with Ester.

I was sad when I heard the news but all the more Im worried about mil. All I could do was to lend her my shoulder to relieve her emotions.....

RIP grandfather!

Last Breastfeeding Day (9th May 2010)

I stopped Breastfeeding.
It was one long 11 months journey.
May have persevered all the way to 12mths.
However, silly illines struck me and I had to stop because I am on medication.
What a waste right, just short of one month to complete a nice 12 mths record.
Well, but I am glad I had persevered that long....at least for my last child!
Tried my best and its considered an achievement for myself! *pat my own shoulder*

Back to Johor, Labis (1st-3rd May 2010)

Our first trip back to Labis this year.
The kids had fun riding on their new toy.
Daddy had fun washing and polishing his '2nd wife'.
And me, I enjoyed slurping my favourite Kueh Teow Soup ;)