Oedo Island: Southern Paradise

By Eric E'Jon

Contributing Writer

Within just a few short weeks, summer will be officially over. "But wait", you're thinking to yourself, "I never took that last summer getaway to end summer with a bang!"

Well, even if your wallet is not saying ``Bang,'' and you don't have enough time to take that dream trip to Europe; take it from me ― you can still have a wonderful vacation without breaking the bank and you can do it all right here in Korea.

You ask, ``Right here in Korea? How do I do that?'' If you're looking for ideas I would recommend a KTX Weekend Package Tour. Just last week, my friend and I enjoyed one such tour through North Jeolla Province.

For 80,000 won, we were able enjoy an overnight train ride from Seoul to Namwon Station near Jeonju. Once we and the other group members arrived in Namwon we took a bus to Geoje Island, which takes about two hours. Before going to Oedo Island (on the final day) we had a traditional Korean breakfast of fish, rice and seaweed soup.

Oedo Island is a famous location where actor Bae Young Joon filmed the last scene of the hugely successful Korean drama, ``Winter Sonata.'' Once we arrived at the island we didn't see Bae to my disappointment. So we hiked up a 10-mile walkway to the top of the island. From there, the views that you have of both the island and ocean along the walk are breathtaking. I was in a state of pure disbelief. Never in my life had I seen a place so beautiful. Everywhere I looked there were miniature, clay, Greek sculptures; exotic flowers blooming; and luscious green trees pruned to resemble giant stairways or mythical, Greek gods. And all of this was trapped inside the walls of the East Sea.

On the last part of our tour we visited the Annual Taejon Ceramic Festival in Inchon (which goes on until mid September). At this festival Koreans and foreigners alike admired the beauty and design of traditional Korean porcelain pieces.

Many attendees also purchased or made their own ceramic vases or plates. For those whose interests go beyond making or buying porcelain you can check out the Indian Music Show, or an outdoor K-Pop concert performed by local artists.

Believe it or not, my favorite part of the trip was the ferry ride. Not only because I could see the clear, sunny skies and feel the cool, ocean breeze brush against my face, which I add was a big relief from the humid, sticky heat of the mainland, but I was also amazed to see so many tiny, little islands off the coast of Korea. And some of them even had caves large and wide enough for the ferry to sail into!

Also if you decide to go to We Island I recommend checking out the Island Scent Store. Yes, it's really called the Island Scent Store. A tourist store where you not only buy your basic souvenirs and snacks, but you can also purchase candles and incense that are made with flowers and herbs from the island. And the best part about it is all the profit goes to maintaining the upkeep of this modern day Garden of Eden. So, if you want more information on booking a KTX Weekend Package Tour for yourself visit www.7788tour.co.kr, and request an English translator.