석모도 (席毛島)

Flock of seagulls flying overhead at the stern of the car ferry

Going on a trip to an island is not an activity people will usually engage in during late autumn. I have my reason why I choose to visit Seongmo Island during a time when people would rather stay indoor than to be out exposed to chilly wind. I shall let the reason be known later. Meanwhile, this is my journey log to Seongmo Island.

To get my destination in Seongmo Island, I have to take one subway ride, three bus rides and one ferry ride. Starting from Jongno in central Seoul, I took line 5 to Songjeong Station. Outside exit 1 of the station, I boarded bus 3000 (or bus 88) bound for Ganghwa inter-city bus terminal. It took slightly over an hour to reach the terminal. At the terminal, I switched to 'Oepo-ri' (외포리) bound bus 31 which was waiting at platform 15. About 25 minutes later, I arrived at 'Oepo-ri' terminal. I found the 'Oepo-ri' jetty behind the row of buildings surrounding the small waiting at the ramp. The ferry ride was only 5 minutes and soon I was on the opposite side, at 'Seokpo-ri' (석포리) jetty in Seongmo Island. A village bus was waiting not far from the jetty. I paid 1,000won and told the bus driver my destination (the bus can stop anywhere along its designated route if you inform the bus driver in advance). My destination was 'Seongmodo Iyagi' pension (석모도 이야기) located at the south-eastern end of the island.

'Pension' is Korea's equivalent of chalet. The old couple who ran the pension were very nice people. I paid 50,000won for a small room but they upgraded me to the biggest room in their pension which would otherwise cost 200,000won per day. Through their help, I also got to rent a bicycle for a day. The rental shop owner didn't ask me to pick up the bicycle at his shop, instead he delivered the bicycle together with another scooter on the back of his truck. The scooter was brought along so that I could make a switch if I wanted but I chose to stick with my bicycle. This is a typical example of the service culture in Korea.

With my bicycle, I was ready to explore the southern coast of the island.

Cars queuing to go up the car ferry at 'Oepo-ri' jetty

Seagulls crowding at the stern of the ferry. Their target, food that was being waved at them by the passengers. Initially, it was interesting to see so many seagulls flying very close, but soon, it became a concern. Any of these seagulls could actually hit someone because they were really close, like right in front of your eyes. Not to mention, they might decide to hone their 'aerial bombing' skill when overhead. You definitely don't want to be under them when they decide to execute it.

Car ferry arriving at 'Seokpo-ri' jetty

At 'Seokpo-ri' jetty

On my way to 'Seongmodo Iyagi' pension. Light breaking through overcast sky.

'Seongmodo Iyagi' pension. I stayed in the 2nd level - a big room with a big LCD TV which could receive skylife programmes. However, internet connection was down. Being 'disconnected' from the rest of the world for a day wasn't a bad idea after all.