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happeningthang
Joined: 26 Apr 2003
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 Posted: Sat Aug 12, 2006 11:38 pm Post subject: Island hopping in Korea... |
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Summer holidays are here, and I was interested in doing an independant bike/hike tour of the islands around Jeju and the marine park down there.
Basically I've got a car to get me down there and can drive to any starting point I choose for day trips or whatever. Can you travel from one island to the other by ferry, or do you need to keep coming back to the mainland?
Also I was told there's something special about a 100km stretch west of Pusan. What's the deal there?
It's all vague at the moment, but any information about what I can expect would be a help before specifics kick in. |
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VanIslander
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Location: Geoje, Hadong, Tongyeong,... now in a small coastal island town outside Gyeongsangnamdo!
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| Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 1:33 am Post subject: |
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There was a full-page Korea Herald spread about two waygook guys cycling around the world. They went all around Korea and were asked in a Seoul interview where in their Korean leg of the journey they most enjoyed and they said they definitely would like to again cycle the coastal road on Geoje Island, off the southeast coast, the nation's second largest island, accessible from the west by bridge near Tongyeong and from the north at Busan by 45-minute ferry. The Lonely Planet described Geoje's coastal road as perhaps one of the most scenic in all of Asia. It sure is hilly! with tons of coves and cliffs and vistas and beaches and windy roads and farms and villages and decent asphalt (due to rich shipbuilding companies). It takes several hours just to drive around, so biking it could be a couple of days adventure.
The northend of the island has roads along the coast too, but they are smaller, local roads, not seen on this map. Just stick to the coastline and you'll be fine. Be sure not to miss the circuit on Chilcheon island just to the north of Geoje. The road to the bridge, and the drive around the island is sweet!
And I lived in Okpo for over three years. If you go there, I'll give you directions to some good places to eat, and a couple of guys to meet for lunch, plus a foreigners' club if you wanna t-bone and English conversation all around.
I recommend cycling Geoje then driving to Namhae Island, the third largest, also accessible by bridge, and biking it too. The southeast has some wonderful parts to bike, just ask motorcyclists.
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| Can you travel from one island to the other by ferry |
Yes, I was surprised at how many car ferries there are off the south WEST coast, though parking on Wando or Mokpo if you go to the southwest, and carrying your bike on the ferries, would provide the greatest flexibility.
I recommend you park in Wando and bike around it, and across the bridge to the far coast of Shinjido for a swim at Myeongsashimni beach. I also recommend a bike tour of Jindo, don't worry about the dogs!
Cycle Jeju island by all means. The coastal road is great there too, and several Koreans were doing it when I cruised past them in my rental car (a mere flat fee of 130,000 for 48 hours, and paid 40,000 in LPG). |
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jlb
Joined: 18 Sep 2003
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| Posted: Sun Aug 13, 2006 3:56 am Post subject: Jeju |
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| I biked around Jeju a couple years ago and had a great time! It's easy to rent a bike when you get down there. I did it at a relaxed pace, only cycling for half days and it took me about 4 days. I stopped at beaches to swim, ate lots of icrecream and took a side trip to Udo Island. My but hurt a lot though so get some good bike shorts before you go! You'll be thankful you did. Also, don't carry your crap on your back, you'll be too hot. Either get the panniers or a rack to tie your pack down on. |
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happeningthang
Joined: 26 Apr 2003
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| Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 3:22 am Post subject: |
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Looking into it I was thinking at starting in Geoje and taking in Oedo, Daebyongdo, Sobyeongdo etc and then driving over to Mokpo and leaving the car as you suggest to ferry through Dadohae Haesang. After this little effort I think I'll forget my vague plans and just follow Van's intenerary. Wando sounds better now that I see it on the map, thanks Van (is this where the 'Islander' comes from?).
I'm not a fan of hills on the bike so relaxed touring on Jeju sounds like a good way to spend my time.
You've given me some great options people thanks for the help.
Cheers |
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VanIslander
Joined: 18 Aug 2003
Location: Geoje, Hadong, Tongyeong,... now in a small coastal island town outside Gyeongsangnamdo!
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| Posted: Mon Aug 14, 2006 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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| happeningthang wrote: |
| Looking into it I was thinking at starting in Geoje and taking in Oedo, ... I'm not a fan of hills on the bike so relaxed touring on Jeju sounds like a good way to spend my time. |
Geoje=VERY hilly, don't forget. 
Jeju is mostly flat and the hilly areas are few and far inbetween, basically on the southwest part. I recommend you start in Jeju-city heading westward. Make sure to take the coast road not highway Route 12 which runs parallel but misses alot of sights. And stop in Hyeopjae at the beach:
(There aren't that many sandy beaches on Jeju so take advantage of each one for a refreshing dip, if so inclined.)
Then continue westward and make darn sure you take the side roads to the northwest corner of the island, where there's awesome surf and rock formations. Then as you head to go along the west coast go up the big hill where you see the weather observatory building, the bubble on the hill. The sight from up is well worth the effort. Going this way, westward, counter clockwise, keeps you closest to the beach and assures you the flattest quarter will be at the end! resist the temptation to bike inland, as it will get very steep to bike.
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| thanks Van (is this where the 'Islander' comes from?). |
Sort of, in a way. First off, I'm a Vancouver Islander, and I spent my first three years in Korea on Geoje Island, and really liked to get one of those cute little Damas minivans (reminds me of the ol' VW vans), so the name seemed doubly apt when I thought of it. I found out a year latter that there's a VanIslander on the Internet in Nanaimo  There can be only one!
Note: on your way from the southeast to southwest coast consider stopping in the Boseong region: the green tea fields, though hilly valleys, are IDEALLY experienced on a bike, IMO.
Enjoy whatever! |
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kumuka
Joined: 15 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Sat Aug 19, 2006 9:27 pm Post subject: Island Hopping and Scuba Diving in Jeju |
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Yeh, Jeju is great for bike rides and the ferries are fairly comfortable. You might want to add some scuba diving to your itinerary. Either as a certified diver or for the first time.
My girlfriend and I had a great time with Big Blue33 Diving Service in Seogwipo, www.bigblue33.co.kr or 064-733-1733 ask for Ralf the owner.
He has the only English speaking dive shop and will take care of your needs. |
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