Not long before Seoul was to host the 1988 Summer Olympics and, as a result of which by a strange twist of fate, best-selling author Simon Winchester’s newspaper sent him to Korea to find out what he could of the Hermit Kingdom – as very little was known of it at the time.
Using the diary of Hendrick Hamel* as a model, Winchester decides to walk from Moseulpo (모슬포) on Jeju’s southwest coast all the way to Panmunjeom (판문점) at the DMZ.
Winchester is a veteran …

The next time you find yourself in the mean streets of Seogwipo with a hunger for galbi, be sure to check out these local favorites.
Tong Kun Tong Galbi | 통근통 갈비 | ☺☺☺☺
Tong Kun Tong (or “Spicy’s” as it’s known by area expats) has been a favorite with locals as much for it’s great galbi as for its friendly service. The house specialty is galbi served in a spicy marinade. The owner, Mr. Lee, is always happy to have foreign guests and …

THE JOINT: La Vie

A small foreigner haunt serving wholesome western food, La Vie provides both good food and atmosphere at very affordable prices.
THE DIRECTIONS: From the Jeju Grand Hotel in Shin Jeju, head east on that same street (towards Gu Jeju). After passing the Sing and Sing bar on your left, turn left and then take your next right (across from the Show Noraebang) and La Vie is a few doors up on the right hand side.
THE FIRST BITE IMPRESSION: Any better and it would be a foodgasm. …

Dragon’s Head Rock: Yongduam and Yongyeon Pond
Story and photos by Dawn Parks
According to some, the 10m high and 30m long volcanic rock formation perched along the ocean side is said to resemble a dragon’s head – a fact which has garnered the formation’s fanciful name of Yongduam; literally, Dragon’s Head Rock. Some say it no longer looks like a dragon, as a portion of the rock fell off during a heavy storm long ago. Others say it no longer looks like it’s perched for flight, as a backdrop of hotels …