Day 72 ( Jeju Trip Day 1 )

Hi everyone! Today is the last day of october.. 31st October 2008.. time flies! Anyway Li Shi, Huilin, Karen, June and i decided to go to Jeju island! Waking up at 5.30am, i slugged myself out of the bed, pack everything and took bus 123 from Dong-A University to Gupo subway station. There i took a taxi to Gimhae Airport ( get lost to Gimhae City ).. haix.. the taxi driver know i'm not a korean and "rob" me.. the meter showed about 14000 won, but he requested 20000 won.. great.. This is inside the domestic airport!! Had a hotdog as snacks!

The 4 pretty girls!!

Li Shi and me!

Just before boarding~ Huilin and Li Shi!!

Huilin, Li Shi, Karen and June!

Joseph and Li Shi.. my dearest darling.. :P

Finally reached Jeju!! The legendary island of Cheju, famous for its unique culture and traditions, is regarded as one of the most popular tourist resorts in Korea. Our first destination is the Yongduam Rock! Took a taxi there..

At the western end of Jeju City, where the Hanch'on stream runs into the ocean, is a large rock formation shaped like a dragon's head. (Depending on the viewing angle, it sometimes looks more like the head of a bunny rabbit.) A short trail has been carved out going down the cliffs to give several views of the rock.

Haha.. went to the Yongduam Rock with our luggage!! Time is precious!

A group photo with the Yongduam Rock! Joseph, Li Shi, June, Karen and Huilin!

Legend states that the Dragon King's messanger was sent to Halla Mountain to gather bulloch'o (an herb reputed to give eternal life). The messanger was killed by an arrow from an angry mountain god. Part of the messenger's body sank into the water while the head remained above the water, trying to return to the sky. On windy days, the waves crashing against the rocks suggest the fury of the dragon.

This is the great photographer.. *gin*

Back to the Jeju hiking inn! The bus ride back is really long.. 1 hour 50 minutes!! Seriously the inn is not really that pleasant either.. i wouldn't say there is a shower.. perhaps trickling of water? Weather is cold at night and there is no heater to warm the room.. only heater to warm the blanket.. piangz..

Taking a photo at the roof top of Jeju hiking inn..

On our way the the Teddy Bear Museum!

Finally reached our Teddy Bear Museum!

The Teddy Bear Museum lives up to its name, boasting quite an impressive variety that have been loved for more than a hundred years the world over. Inside the two galleries you can view the teddy bears from various countries. You can also enjoy yourself at the museum shop, café, restaurant or the outdoor park where you can view the spectacular Jungmun Sea. The gallery is grouped into three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall.

In the History Hall, you can witness the 100-year history of teddy bears including famous scenes, popular teddy bears of different eras, and antique teddy bears. The Mona Lisa teddy bear and the teddy bears of the “The Last Supper” (Leonardo Da Vinci) will especially catch your eyes.

Looking down to the souvenir shop!

In the Art Hall are the latest artworks of world’s famous designers, and you will also find animation characters beloved by children. A section not to miss is where you can find the smallest Teddy Bear in the world at the size of 4.5mm!!

Wait a moment.. is this my blog or Li Shi's blog ar? Haha.. cos her photos are taken by me and my photos are taken by her! So.. I've to get the photos from her then.. eh..

I think this is the smallest Teddy Bear in the world at the size of 4.5mm!!

Taking a closer look: haha.. they even put up a magnifying glass!!

Finally a group photo in the Teddy Bear Museum!

Is this the biggest bear bear in the world?

We're lovin it!

I love it too.. :P

Look at this poster! There is a 125k gold in the eyes of the bear! Expensive sia!

Taking a closer look at the window to the soul..

Expensive eyes..

At the museum garden, you can meet the marvelous teddy bear sculptures and models. The garden decorated with various themes such as the Korean Black bear family and the magical pond is also a great site to behold.

The Teddy Bear Museum itself~

Next, we proceed to our 3rd destination, the Cheonjiyeon waterfall!

Cheonjiyeon, a U-shaped valley made through sedimentation and upheaval of the earth and lava, has evergreen subtropical forest within its gorge of 22 meter-high waterfall. It has 123 families, 324 genuses, 406 species, 1 subspecies, 32 variable species, 6 grades and 2 agricultural species of plants amounting to 447 classified groups. Among them the first classified group ( Rubus Hongnensis ) grows only here in Cheonjiyeon over the world and 17th classified group grows only in Jeju. There is Bawigeuneuljip estimated as relics from Old Stone Ages east of the gorge.

The waterfall is 22m high, 12m wide and 20m in depth. The clear and deep water of Cheonjiyeon Falls is designated as natural monument No. 27 and is renowned as a habitat for Mutae eels (natural monument No. 258)

Cheonjiyeon, meaning "God’s pond," derives its name from the legend that the seven fairies serving the King of Heaven came down to the pond on stairs of cloud and bathed in its clean waters. Apart from the wild Dampalsu trees, designated as natural monument No. 163, the wooded area also contains a great variety of rare plants such as brambles, Songyeopnan as well as Gusiljappam trees, Sanyuja trees (Chinese lemon trees), and camellias which are all specified as natural monument No. 379.

On the way back, we saw this slimy creature! Eee..

All in all, the first day was remarkable.. haha.. and very tired! But i believe this trip will be a fruitful one.. :P Hope all of you enjoy looking at all the pictures i've posted!