Jeju, South Korea Traditional Folk Village

I think I'm starting to change my mind about taking bus tours. If you've followed my posts you know I prefer solo travel to group tours, but maybe I've been too harsh?

I took the Yeha bus tour on an east island tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. There was about 40 or so on this tour so it was mostly full. The tour guide, Elin, was a fantastic host who kept everyone entertained and the tour moving smoothly.

I was able to meet new friends and we were able to share stories together. And the stories are what this blog is all about. When we leave, the souvenirs are long forgotten, but the stories endure.

On this part of the tour we visited a traditional folk village. This is a village reconstructed to resemble what actual living was like in the 1800's. I wished it were more a working village with villagers performing the acts of making a living at the time, but it is more of an artifact.

We were greeted as we entered by this lovely South Korean lady in traditional dress:

Then on to the village:

This woven roofing only stood up to the climate for one year, then had to be replaced. I guess they didn't have 20 year warranties back then.

These lava rock walls were constructed as a wind break. Lave rock is ubiquitous on the island and much of the island resembles Hawaii. Being a volcanic island it is easy to understand. Jeju has many nicknames but one is the Hawaii of Korea.

Our group joined in some traditional games of toss the ring. I actually won a prize at this. I got a ringer on two of my five throws. It's not that good, I know, but everyone else was so bad! In the land of the blind, the one eyed man is king.

Here's what Elin awarded me:

I'm quite certain these are very rare and expensive pieces of art. But I don't think I will sell them. They have too much sentimental value.

After the game I had the opportunity to have fun with some of the locals at the village. I am unsure why they were there because I don't think anyone lives in the village. But reagardless, we had fun:

After this is was on to the Giant Tree. Here I photographed the two Singapore ladies who sat across the aisle from me during the bus trip:

The girl to the left of the tree is Priscilla and the girl photographing her is Lyn. If you follow my posts you know I like to throw in an occasional silly fictional story using my photos. I shared two of those stories with them on the bus, then told them I was going to do one on them from this photo. I said I would title it: "Singapore Lady Weds a South Korean Tree". But Priscilla told me that was already done in real life by an Indian actress. I guess truth is stranger than fiction!

Then it was on to Korean barbecue lunch:

Yeah, it was good. I love barbecue pork and kimchi in particular.

I really enjoyed the tour with Yeha bus tours (no I'm not being paid to advertise for them) and Elin, our guide in particular. She was a wonderful person born to do this as a profession. Her energy and enthusiasm were contagious. I regret I took only one photo with her. Here she is in the lava tunnel:

That concluded our time at the village.