Where to enjoy autumn season in Jeju

Each little corner of Jeju Island has its own unique characteristics. Whether you’re walking on the 1,950-meter-tall Hallasan Mountain, trekking over one of the 360 oreum (volcanic cones), or strolling along its extensive network of walking trails ... you’ll encounter a variety of distinct island charms. Where would you like to go first this autumn?

Jeju in autumn

Gapmajang Road

The mid-mountain region of Jeju Island was formed when lava flowing from the top of Hallasan Mountain at Baengnokdam crater down to the ocean hardened at locations along the way and ultimately formed a plain. This plain is known for its suitability for raising horses, and during the 100 years or so between 1794 and 1899, Jeju's horse culture developed substantially. This is especially the case for the region of Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo. It is also an area with an Olle walking trail and plenty of beautiful fields of spring wildflowers and autumn pampas grass.

The area around the 2nd Sanrok Road south of Hallasan Mountain was appropriately named on the “100 Most Beautiful Roads in Korea” by the Ministry of Construction and Transportation. But you don’t have to see it only from a car. There are plenty of spots to hike and admire the mountain and ocean views. Bring friends, family, your significant other, and take pictures of the pristine scenery and majesty of Jeju’s natural environment.

Address: 3149-33beonji, Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo

Geumbaekjo Road

Here you can see magnificent vistas of pampas grass that wave high and low on the slopes of Jeju Island. This is a famous 10-kilometer-long highway leading northeast from Seogwipo City though to Susan-ri, Seongsan-eup. Along the way by car you will pass through pristine mid-mountain plains that by all accounts inspire a romantic mood in those who are fortunate enough to experience its winding roads and wonderful scenery.

If you need to stop along Geumbaekjo Road, please look for a parking area or observation deck. This is the safest place to view the volcanic cones, coastline and forest of the south side of the island.

Address: Susan Eco Experience & Information Center, Susan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo

Dalkmeoreu Coastal Path

The pampas grass growing along the northern coast at Sinchon-ri, Jocheon-eup, covers a hidden place with an unusual name. Dalkmeoreu Coastal Path gets its name from the shape of a geological formation that some say looks like a chicken sitting on the ground when viewed from a certain angle. The area is a well-known fishing spot and there is an eco-learning experience center on site. The coastal path has been designated an official “Korean Coast Stroll Pathway” by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries and the Korea Ocean Foundation. It was recognized as a natural, not artificial, creation which is both beautiful and full of marine culture and history.

The path covers some 1.6 kilometers from Sinchon Port to Sinchon Village Diving Women Changing Area. The course is just a 30-minute walk, but during that short time you can take in the fullness of the autumn sky, sea, and sunset. Its panoramas and ocean waves crashing on the rocks make it one of the best date spots on the island. Naturally, since Jeju is an island it’s possible to view the ocean from every part of it, but it’s these sorts of quaint walking paths that offer visitors a distinctly local experience. How about giving this Dalkmeoreu Coastal Path a try?

Address: 2408-1 Sinchon-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju City

Ttarabi Oreum

Before you ascend this oreum in October or November, you’ll notice just how Ttarabi’s thick, swaying pampas grass has turned a beautiful, golden brown. Known as “the queen of Jeju oreum” its shape is delicate and graceful, giving off an aura of royalty. And not unlike a queen, it’s rather popular, so if you’d like to enjoy the view from the top in peace, it’s best to visit either early in the morning or at sunset.

Sunset in Ttarabi Oreum

Ttarabi has a horseshoe shape and is made up of three circular craters and six large and small connected peaks. It is thickly covered with grass and trees and if you walk the circumference you’ll need about an hour to do so. From the top you’ll see in the distance wind turbines generating clean energy, as well as the verdant rural landscape of the region, its distinctive Jeju stone walls, or batdam, and Gasi-ri village.

Address: San 62 Gasi-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo

Akkeundarangswi Oreum

Compared to Darangswi volcanic cone, the 10-minute climb to the summit of Akkeundarangswi is much easier (“akkeun” means “something that comes close”, or “small” in the Jeju language). Still, it affords hikers a remarkably beautiful view. The top of the oreum is devoid of trees and other structures, so it’s just you, the pampas grass, and the sky up there. You’ll be the recipient of the gift of a genuine Jeju autumn experience.

Walking through the thick, golden-brown pampas grass, there are plenty of great photo ops. But be sure to wear long sleeved shirts, pants, and appropriate footwear for optimal comfort and safety. It can get quite cool and the path slippery if it rains. But don’t let that stop you from enjoying the charms of this volcanic cone. Pack a bottle of water and some snacks and head out for a beautiful day in Jeju’s great outdoors!

Address: 2593 Sehwa-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju City

Read more: Where to find the best delicacies in Jeju

Source Visit Jeju

5 South Korean must-try dishes in the fall

For each of Korea’s four distinct seasons, a different set of dishes takes center stage in Korea’s culinary scene. Autumn marks the season of the nation’s three most popular kinds of seafood: blue crabs, jumbo shrimp (prawns), and gizzard shad.  Foods are best in terms of taste and nutritional value when they are eaten in season. Read on to see more what’s in for this fall.

Blue crab - Delicious and nutritious

Blue crabs are in season during spring and autumn. The abundant, creamy roe of the pre-spawning female crabs are best enjoyed in the spring, while the flaky, plump meat of the male crabs is a delicacy best enjoyed in autumn. Crabs are prepared in a variety of ways and can be made into spicy crab soup with vegetables and other seafood, or it can also be steamed, shelled, and eaten plain. Another delicacy is gejang, or raw crab marinated in soy sauce or red chili-pepper paste sauce. Prepared in any form, freshly-caught crabs are a true seafood lover’s delight.

Not only are blue crabs tasty, but they are also packed with nutrients. The crab’s shell contains calcium and chitin and the meat has an abundance of essential amino acids and vitamins. In Korea, blue crabs are known to be effective in the prevention of geriatric diseases and aid in alcohol detoxification.

Jumbo Prawns - A feast for the eyes & palate

Jumbo prawn is another seafood that tastes the best in autumn. Filled with sweet flesh from September to December, prawns are enjoyed in various forms, grilled on top of a bed of salts, to name one. In the port cities like Incheon and Busan, you can find the freshest prawns ready to be enjoyed. Some of the street food vendors prepare them as a whole and serve deep-fried, which is available only when fresh.

Gizzard Shad - Soft flesh and bold flavors

In the fall, gizzard shads store up plenty of nutrients for the long, cold winter; meaning they are packed with healthy oils and plenty of flavor. The best months to eat these delicious fish are between late September and mid November. Larger gizzard shads are higher in fat, so make sure to pick a fish over 15cm to enjoy the fish’s true taste.

There are many ways to cook and eat gizzard shads. Slices of raw gizzard shads taste best when wrapped in lettuce and seasoned with chili and garlic sauce. The spicy taste of a seasoned gizzard shad platter mixed with various vegetables and condiments is also a local favorite. However, the best way to cook gizzard shad is to take a whole fish, salt it lightly, and put it on the grill. There’s no need to debone it, so it is ready to be eaten as soon as it is done.

Pine mushrooms - Small in size, big in flavor

Pine mushrooms only thrive on live pine trees and are harvested in autumn. Pine mushrooms are referred to as diamonds in the forest for their high nutritional value and efficacy. The mushroom is great for preventing geriatric diseases and protecting the stomach. More than anything, it is known for its cancer prevention qualities.

Pine mushrooms are expensive as they cannot be grown commercially, but must be collected in their natural environment. Despite the high price tag, it is in great demand thanks to its delicate flavor and nutritional value. The mushroom can be sliced and grilled over a light fire, but it is more commonly cooked with other ingredients. When it is cooked along foods like abalone or beef, it is fortified with minerals and proteins, turning into a great stamina health food.

Persimmon - A sweet and healthy dessert

Fall is the season when many of the fruits grow fully ripened. Among many, apple, pear, and persimmon represent autumn fruits of Korea. As Koreans enjoy fruits as a dessert, people tend to regard the sweetness as the most important thing when choosing a fruit. Fruits enjoyed in fall are not only sweet but also rich in nutrients.

Read more: 7 interesting fall festivals in Korea

Source Internet

Let's go to Japan in this November

Have you ever thought of traveling to Japan in November? It's truly a great time to enjoy gorgeous autumn leaves at many locations as well as enjoy an onsen bath in upcoming winter. Here are the best places you should visit in Japan this November.

Obara, Aichi

If you are lucky enough to be in Japan's Chubu region during this blooming period, Achi Prefecture is a destination you should not miss. Located just a few hours away from Tokyo, this prefecture is home to one of Japan's most fascinating autumn event - the Obara Shikizakura Festival. The flowers begin to blossom at the end of October and are at their peak from mid-November through early December. The peak period varies somewhat from year to year. The small five-petaled blossoms are thought to indicate a cross between the mamezakura and edohigan species of cherry trees.

Gunma, Kanto

Known as the best place to enjoy onsen in Japan, Kusatsu onsen resort is very famous as one of the three major onsens in Japan. The unique bathing method of Jikanyu (timed bathing) and Yumomi (water beating) are customs that have been appeared since the Edo period. Moreover, the atmosphere of the resort is attractive with the Yubakate (hot water fields, a wooden facility for thermal moderation of the water) located at the center. This onsen resort is truly a representative of Japan.

Otaru, Hokkaido

This winter wonderland in Hokkaido is a port town that lures visitors with its beautiful architecture and long, picturesque canal that’s famously lined with Victorian-style gas lamps and stone buildings that once housed herring merchants but today serves as the home of shops and eateries. The Otaru canal, which is also opened for short cruises, happens to be the main venue for the Otaru Snow Light Path Festival, an event where local places for floating candles inside the canal, distributing some 15,000 snow candles and lanterns to light up the narrow pathways. The entire town has an unusual look to it, somewhat more Russian than Japanese, more industrial than bucolic, but still incredibly delightful, especially in its winter glory.

See more: Hakone, a peaceful place in Japan

Kawaguchi, Yamanashi

Lake Kawaguchi, or Kawaguchiko is the most popular tourist destination among Fuji 5 lakes. In this place, there is a festival called Fujikawaguchiko Autumn Leaves held annually near the lake and featuring beautiful gorgeous autumn leaves and special events. Do not miss the chance to capture the best view of Kawaguchiko, autumn leaves, and Mt Fuji in this November.

Kyoto, Kansai

Visit Toufukuji in Kyoto this mid-November is perfect. The Toufukuji temple is a Buddhist temple which is also considered as one of the Kyoto Gozan (or “five great Zen temples of Kyoto”). The current garden in the area was designed by Mirei Shigemori back in the 1930s and has since been flocked by tourists during the autumn season. It has become a tradition for people to look at the beautiful autumn colors of the maple tree leaves from the Tsuuten-kyou bridge.

Source Internet