Kerry's Korean Adventure: Living The Island Dream

This weekend I had a mini get-a-way to Seonyudo Islands. I departed early in the morning and arrived at the ferry around 11:00 a.m. My excitement was building and I failed to see the intense fog that engulfed the surrounding buildings and the sea. I waited in line to board the ferry, and to my surprise, the ferry was cancelled. The next boarding was at 1:30. Julie, Jim, and I decided to enjoy the wait and had a few beers. Before we knew it, we were aboard the ferry and on our way.

It was smooth sailing and we arrived in a wonerful bay an hour later. We placed our packs onto a golf cart and walked to a bicycle rental shop. I always imagined myself riding around an island on a pink bike, with a basket. Today, my dream came true.
I arrived at the rental shop and saw the perfect bicycle. There was only one...pink and with a basket. I was estatic when the shop owner allowed me to take it. I will admit, I looked a little silly, being the only person with a pink bike in a sea of mountain bikes.

The islands are linked together by narrow bridges, that allow only a bicycle or a motorcycle through. The main island is the only one that has golf carts. We biked up hills (I had to walk my bike up, no gears), coasted along shore lines, and weaved in between houses. We stopped periodically to embrace the scenery. At one stop, we walked out to an island. The sea had parted and left a pathway of shells. Scattered across the island was smooth, emerald sea glass. It was amazing. After collecting the glass (cheap souvenir), I peered into mini pools that were left when the tide went out. Inside the pools were crabs and sea stars. Along the way back, we also found a hidden cove. The beach was empty and all I could hear was the waves splashing the rocks. It will be my new "peaceful place."

In the evening, I enjoyed a traditional Korean dinner and went to the beach to watch the sunset. It was picture perfect. As the sun was setting among the islands, people were digging up tube worms. As the tide goes out, the tube worms will push up sand. When you see this area, you scrape off the top layer of sand and pour salt into the hole. The clam pops up, you grab quickly, and then put them in a bucket of water. After an hour of soaking, you can grill them up.

The evening consisted of beers, bonfire, and fireworks. The Koreans were a riot and really enjoyed their soju (rice vodka). They were coming up and giving us food and were highly entertaining. They set off numerous fireworks. I even had a crab placed in my hand by a child. I was very surprised!

The islands only have limited accomodations, so there were not many tourists. In fact, when we went on our bike rides, we didn't see anyone. I stood out as a foreiner and when I passed a Korean, they were excited to say hello and wave. They were very welcoming and friendly. When I was reading a book on the beach, a gentleman came up and offered me a bean pie. The previous night, a few children came up and brought me onion rings. It was a refreshing view on Koreans and a place that I will not forget.