Wandering around Aewol Jeju 애월

DAY 1 OF MY SOLO, 6-DAY JEJU ROAD TRIP

After driving to my hostel from the airport, I just wandered around where I was staying without any real idea of what to do.

I was staying at the Sea & Bike Guesthouse (바다와자전거) but I couldn’t check in till 3 or 4, so thought I’d try a section of the Olle Trail. I had lunch first at Go Black. I headed east along the coast for about an hour. The sea looked amazing but no beaches, only cliffs. I was trying to find a coffee shop to sit in and make some plans. Unfortunately, the only garden one I saw had horrible loud ballads playing; a real shame, because the garden looked nice. Starbucks was also a no-no; the place was heaving with couples and the terrace overlooking the sea was full. The next best bet was a GS25 with benches outside. On the way, I saw the scariest of ‘cute’ animals either designed to entice families with kids inside, or to give them nightmares for ever.

The small harbour was pleasant. Very small and with a very colourful sea wall. More of the same clear blue water. Plus nearby was a Scooby Doo ghost house.

For dinner, I found a nearby port cutlet place called Is Suda (잇수다). I think I got in just before closing.

The Sea & Bike Guesthouse was quite nice. I was sharing with a few guys in a 6-bunk room with a big window overlooking the small harbour. The owners were friendly enough and I was luck to get there early and grab the parking space. Breakfast was toast, rice, coffee, etc. No bike rental though! I guess they’re catering for the Olle Trail walkers and cyclists.