Patbingsu 팥빙수

So it feels like summer in Korea but the nights are still chilly.

This post is about a new Korean dessert i had lately when we went down to Jeju Island.   Our guides ordered 팥빙수 pronounced as "Patbingsu".  We didn't really know what that was until we saw a big bowl filled with ice shavings, topped with fruits, corn flakes, chopped up rice cake (green and chewy) and ice cream.

Below is the picture of the 팥빙수 we had at Papalagi restaurant, Jeju do.

Jeju Island

Jeju reminds of Nadi Town in Fiji.  Something to do with being a tourist place, the locals are very friendly, the restaurant owners stand outside to lure tourists into their restaurants; the same in Nadi.  But Jeju overall has a very well developed infrastructure.  Although there is no subway or railway it is very easy to get around the whole island.  

Though we were only there for three days of work, we managed to find time to go down to the southern part of Jeju island to take a cruise around the harbour which was one of our favorite part of Jeju island.

The highlight of our trip was supposed to be the climb to mount Halla but because of our busy schedule we weren't able to do so. The guides to Halla mountain were very strict about keeping to the schedule, you have to be at the top of the mountain by a certain time and so for the safety of tourists and hikers they ask that no one is on the mountain before nightfall.  I  guess they are just looking after the welfare of tourists and hikers.  Though we missed this opportunity we more than compensated for this by visiting the two designated UNESCO sites on Jeju Island.

Rock climbing

Rock Climbing in the month of May with our Professor.

  

Gwanak mountain stands at 629m and it was literally rock climbing from the word "go", there was only a few points where we could walk a straight passage, most of the way up was hands grabbing jagged rocks and pulling yourself up.

 

that is some drop......

view of Seoul City from Gwanaksan

hikers enjoying the view from Gwanaksan

  

If you're ever in Seoul City and would fancy abit of rock climbing, i highly recommend Gwanaksan, just don't stray away from the hiking guide like we did, well four of us and we ended taking the longest route which ended at Gwacheon.  Taking the taxi back to the dorms was absolute torture, it was a Friday afternoon, traffic was bound to be heavy since everyone was trying to make their way home. 

In Korea the best way to end a hike is in a korean bbq restaurant with some soju, makgeolli or makju; so do not hesitate to do the whole korean experience and enjoy! 

Seoul Fortress Wall

Seoul Fortress Wall with friends.  Being a typical Pacific islander, i warm up very fast to anyone who talks rugby in a country where rugby is not a well known sport.  I met a Korean friend in this manner and he later invited us for a tour of the Seoul Fortress Wall.

Whilst i was a little unsure at first about this particular activity, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my stay here in Korea.

The 18.7km long Seoul Fortress Wall was built as a castle wall to protect Seoul during the Joseon dynasty.

It has a great panoramic view of the capital of Korea.

If you are like me and like to stop to take in the view, there is a lot of resting spots along the  fortress wall hiking path.  Actually i just happened to be very unfit.

This beautiful well kept history of Seoul is also one of the "must see" if you ever get the chance to come to Seoul.

Cherry Blossoms...aren't they pretty?

So spring is here, well actually i think we skipped spring, it feels like summer.  It is so warm i can't believe that just two weeks ago the trees were brown in color and the mountains beside the University was dry and bare.   Now the surrounding is absolutely beautiful with cherry blossoms and flowers providing colors to the University compound and adding a smile to most of our faces.  

At 여의도

At 여의도

The cherry blossoms is one of the best part of Spring in Seoul and i am glad my friends convinced me to join them for a walkabout at Yeoido.

If you are ever in Seoul in the month of April, be sure to call and inquire with the Tourism information office at Seoul on the best day and best spot for breath taking shots of cherry blossoms, they are pretty spot on when it comes to these kinds of things.