in Jeju City, a popular seaside wedding destination.
Took a ride out of town to Hallim Park, enjoying the beautiful scenery along
the way. Made a "tourist stop" at a large rock formation shaped like a
dragon's head, created by the strong waves and winds called Yongduan Rock.
Also stopped at a local fishing village to watch the fishermen and see their
boats.
After about a 40 minute ride we finally arrived at Hallim Park, started in
1971 by Bong-kyu Song. It is hard to imagine, that at that time, this lovely
park was barren rock covered land where nothing grew.
Started in the Water Garden where one can stroll through the lava formed
ponds surrounded by flowers and lush foliage. Other exhibits include the
Wild Grass and Flower Garden, JeJu Stone and Bonsai Garden, Jae-Am Stone
Exhibit Hall and the Hyeopjae & Ssangyong Caves.
There is also the Jae-Am Folk Village demonstrating what traditional Jeju
life was like, with thatch houses and stone fences.
But the surprise of the day was the Bird Garden with the white peacocks,
ostriches and a cage filled with hundreds of rainbow colored parakeets. The
bonus was getting to go inside the cage and have the birds flock to you as
you were feeding them!
Our stay in this port was short, so after visiting the park it was time to
head back to the ship to make the 12:30 all-aboard time and a much needed
nap.
