Hello, I'm back from our extended weekend trip to Uljin. I took the KTX train from Seoul to Daejeon and from Daejeon we drove for about four and a half hours to Ujlin/Baekam Hot Springs.
Korea is 80% mountainous so we passed through several tunnels. One tunnel drive lasted for over a minute at 90 km/hr!
About 30 minutes outside of Daejeon I saw this. Turns out its just a bridge under construction. My mistake ~
Enjoying a Korean brunch at our hotel. We stayed at an LG Chem employee hotel because Choi won a lottery for a free weekend stay. The food was also really cheap since I think the main purpose of this hotel is for company retreats and not for making any substantial revenue.
Driving along the East Sea coast.
My first time being by the ocean since last year's trip to Sokcho & Gangneung.
We went to Mangyangjeong Beach near Uljin, which I'd totally recommend. It's the only beach in Korea (or maybe it was one of only a few) where you don't have to spend money to reserve your spot on the beach. Most places you have to pay for an umbrella (around $15), but here you do not! And it wasn't crowded at all. There were a few ocean-side pop-up restaurants and a convenience store with basic things. I'll take this beach over Busan's Haeundae Beach any day!
After the sky started to turn a little overcast in the late afternoon, we packed up our things and headed to Seongnyugul Cave. This limestone cave is over 250 million years old! Japan invaded the cave in 1592 and trapped and killed about 500 Koreans here. The place has apparently suffered lots of damage in its past but has been restored for public viewing. I do not recommend overweight people to visit this cave because sometimes one has to fit through super tight and awkward spaces, similar to playing on a kid-size playground.
Another shot of the limestone formations.
Celebrating our one-year anniversary with steak and wine back at the hotel.This was my first time eating steak in Korea! After dinner we enjoyed the hot springs at the hotel and watched the Olympics! It was a big weekend for Korea vs. Japan. (Korea won football!)
For our last stop in Uljin we went to Wolsongjeong, a temple/public area right off the beach! We walked by a mini-forest on our way from the parking lot.
I think I've visited 50 Buddhist temples in my life now. They all blend together. It's common for travelers to say they are "all temple-d out." I feel that way now.
The ocean access at Wolsongjeong is incredible! There were only 5 other people. Serenity~~
Take me back!
Goodbye Uljin. Bound for Gyeongju.
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