Trip to Geoje Island Part 2

So we rose nice and early for our ferry to Oedo at 7:04 in the morning. We did get a lot of rest, but we were still a bit tired. Despite us getting up early, we were still a bit slow, so we had to run to the ferry dock which was about a 10 minute walk away. We made it there just in time and we boarded on the small boat immediately.

It was packed. There were so many people waiting in line to get on the ferries, and our boat was full. There was a bit of fogginess in the morning, so setting out to sea was a bit eerie but fun.

What are you doing Baby Hyo?
What are you doing Baby Hyo?
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As we set out of the harbor, the coast begin to fade away but was still in our view. Oedo is about a 40 minute ferry ride away, so during this whole time, the captain was speaking on the microphone apparently describing everything we saw along the way. I couldn’t understand a word, but Hyo could and said he was talking to much. I agreed.

The ferry went along the coast, and there were many rock formations along the way. And the further we went out to sea, the choppier the waves became (although it was a pretty calm day).

For some reason right around our January trip to the states, I developed motion sickness in boats and airplanes. I have no idea why, but I’ve never had it before. The seasickness tried to creep up on me during the ferry ride, but I was able to keep it at bay somehow.

The highlight of the ferry ride was when the captain navigated the boat into this crevice between these cliffs and could could almost reach out and touch the rocks. He had to have some serious skill because the opening is just wide enough for the boat to fit in. We were able to get some good photos, and even saw a huge jellyfish just chillin at the surface while we passed him by. As the captain navigated his way back out of the crevice, we headed back on our way to Oedo.

Going in between the cliffs
Going in between the cliffs
Going in between the cliffs
Going in between the cliffs
Going in between the cliffs
Going in between the cliffs

As we finally arrived, we got off the boat, and once again, it was packed. It really is a beautiful garden island, but the tons of people kind of ruined it for me. You also only have 1 hour to look around before you have to head back to your ferry.

Now Hyo’s friend told her that when she went to Oedo, it wasn’t crowded at all so I guess we just came at a time when all the families and kids were on summer vacation.

Anyways, we walked around checking out some of the exotic plants and gardens, and went to an overlook point with a view of the sea. Really beautiful. By this time, the sun was starting to come out, and it was starting to get hot. We decided to talk back toward the pathways covered with trees to keep cool.

Packed!
Packed!

 

Pretty Hyo
Pretty Hyo
More People
More People
Trumpet flowers
Trumpet flowers
The big garden
The big garden
Together
Together

 

Eventually, our hour passed by, and it was time to get back on the ferry. It was like a madhouse trying to get back on. There are several different ferries that take people to the island, so you have to wait for yours. You want to get a good seat on the ferry, so people try to guess where their ferry is going to dock at so they can get on first. We tried to guess where, and we kept having to move back and forth to find out where ours would arrive.

Finally, we headed back onto our boat, and headed back to shore.

Once we headed back on shore, we needed something to eat ASAP. After debating on where to go for 10 minutes (because i’m not really a fan of seafood except fried shrimp and some fish), we found a place that served the biggest Haemul Pajeon (해물파전) I’ve ever seen.

We couldn’t even finish it all but it was delicious.

After finishing our meal, it was time to head to the beach. The beach was about 45 minutes south by bus, so we had to wait for a bus and buses on Geoje are not frequent so we had to wait for over 40 minutes before the bus came. It was a good thing we did get up early because knowing us, we usually would’ve woken up at 11am.

Once we got on the bus, we both fell asleep. Tired couple already haha. After 45 minutes, we could see ourselves approaching the beach, and the view was awesome. Geoje has a lot of mountains near the sea, so the roads wind all around the mountains, and you get some breathtaking views from above.

Now even though we could see the beach, it took us an extra 20 minutes to get off because of all the traffic. It was like they had their own little beach strip with restaurants, shops, etc. We finally got off the bus, went to change into our swimming suits, and headed to the beach.

We were able to get an umbrella to lay under for 10,000 won, spread out or things, and lay down. We finally decided to jump into the water and MAN was it cold…but refreshing because it was a hot and humid day. And so clear! Nothing like Hawaii of course, but I was surprised at how clear the water was.

Beach time!
Beach time!
귀요미!
귀요미!
Day is finished.
Day is finished.

I had to buy some beach shoes because the beach wasn’t filled with sand, but with smooth stones hence the name “Smooth Stone Beach”. It was too funny because when I uploaded photos onto Facebook, everyone is like “Why are you wearing shoes?!”

They were not real shoes. Just rubber shoes (same material as crocs) that were made for the water. I also always feel weird being the only black guy as I can feel everyone looking at me haha. Hyo was doing pretty well with her tubes (I need to teach her how to swim) and I did some swimming strokes and floating on my back.

Anyways, we enjoyed swimming for about 30 minutes before heading back and relaxing under the umbrella. It was really nice, and it was the highlight of our trip.

We headed back on the bus (after waiting another 40 minutes haha), and headed back to our basetown, Jangseungpo.

It was now time for dinner. After taking a shower to wash ourselves of all the salt, we found a nice Viet/ShabuShabu place. Really delicious and I was so hungry that I ordered to plates of meat to cook. They also had this cool rice cake thing where you could wrap your food in and eat it. Hyo really enjoyed that.

After eating, I got a brownie for some dessert, we headed back to our hotel with one last look at the bay, and we turned in for the night to get ready to leave in the morning.

Geoje was one of my top trips in Korea. It helped that the weather was great, but it was a pretty big island with lots to explore. I would probably try to get a car next time and stay a bit longer just to see everything. Definitely consider it if you’re looking for new places to see in Korea. 🙂

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