South Korea's Haenyeo (Jeju)

The trip in Jeju brought me to a lighthouse, which is built on a cliff. It's a popular scenic spot as many Korean drama have been shot at the lighthouse. While on the cliff, I happen to spot a strange orange "ball" floating on the sea water below. 
 

Deeply intrigued at that time, I was lucky that my camera could zoom in. It's actually a diver, a woman diver to be exact. In Korea, they are known as 'Haenyeo'.

The Haenyeo are full time divers who dive as deep as 60 feet or more, to pry loose seashells underwater. What amazed me is that these divers use only simple tools such as iron picks and scythes to get seashells. On top of that, they don't even need oxygen tank!

We cruised Jeju the next day and we spotted a group of haenyeo gathering their catch and taking a rest on the rocks. I was told that haenyeo is a woman profession and they always operated in a group for safety reasons. Each generation of haenyeo used to pass down their skills to the next generation.

However, the numbers of Haenyeo is dwindling rapidly today. This is because there's not many young people who want to battle the bone chilling water daily and risk getting lung infection. It is one of the traditions that will face extinction in the future, which doesn't surprise me at all, but I was taken aback when I was told that the oldest diver in Jeju is 90 years old. Imagine that..

Our trip to Jeju wouldn't be complete without eating the seafood which is greatly abundant and extremely cheap. This hotpot was meant for 2 people, but even with 5 people eating this, we still can't finish it. The portion was really huge and generous. Not to mention, it was the freshest seafood I've ever eaten.

South Korea, Seoul (Insadong)

I've always wanted to go to South Korea and I've been planning for the trip for 2 years. I still remember how influential Korean dramas are to me when I was in uni. It was a lifeline to break away from the monotony and stress. I'm not sure why but the dramas were totally addictive, and so at that time, the Korean wave did hit me very hard.

Having said all these, I finally went there last June and the most unique experience in Seoul for me is dining at Sanchon. Tucked in one of the narrow alleys of the street in Insadong, Sanchon serves Buddhist temple food, which is strictly vegetarian.

At the entrance of Sanchon here, I seriously did not know what to expect for lunch. 

Until now, I find the ambience superb, relaxing and calming. It was all zen; the music, furniture and the crockery. 

The food that Buddhist monks eat in their temples.

Steamed rice cooked with vegetable. The dishes came to our table non-stop until all 22 dishes were served. For the first time in my life, this was a feast full of vegetables, and nothing like the vegetables, which I usually ate.

Tofu, forest herbs and roots in the soup. Not sure how to describe the taste. It's not exactly tasteless; it has strong herbal taste but still quite bland. Not sure whether salt and pepper is added. 

6 different types of wild vegetables served on a bamboo tray. Some were seriously bitter, but it's good for health so I swallowed them down my throat. 

We were so full at the end of the meal, although Jas had a pained look on her face. My word of advice - refrain from bringing a friend, who does not really eat vegetables to Sanchon. For me, this was the best experience.

 

South Korea, A Memory

It has been a really busy week. It's all about work everyday. Wakes up at 5.30 am and then sleeps at 12 midnight. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are all haywire. Sigh... It's not healthy but I have to because my work demands a lot from me.

That's why I wanted to plan for a retreat this coming June. I was browsing through the brochures and newspaper advertisements. Then, Jas SMSed me and suggested going for a cruise. Yahoo... The days are indeed getting better. I'm all pumped up for another vacation although it's more than a month away.

Thinking back, I think the most beautiful place I've been is Korea - taking into account I've not really been to many places. I don't mind going back to the country again. 

These places make my photos beautiful.

This was at Nami Island, near Seoul. Imagined if it's in Spring, maybe there are more flowers blooming. Coming from a tropical country, I go gaga to be among flowers, especially wild ones like this.

Love... love... this flower photo, which I took.

I don't know what this is but it's beautiful. There's a lot of them in Jeju Island. Jeju is an hour flight from Seoul and worth going, if you love nature.

 

A mythical and dream-like place in Jeju. The white building is a lighthouse. The air is so refreshing, the waves drumming on the rocks are nature's music to my ears and the stunning sight is a soother to the eyes. I missed this place!!

At the intersection... How many times in life do I feel like this? I suppose everyday... every challenges that stares at you right in the face... This is Nami Island, a peaceful place away from the fast-paced lifestyle in Seoul.