Talk Jeju on August 1st ... Nik: Well, Todd, this week we’re trying something a little different on Talk Jeju -- and addressing the elephant in the room, so to speak -- the heat. Despite the rain this weekend, the August mercury is usually in the low to mid thirties for most of the day, and as the season wears on, it can get pretty uncomfortable with the humidity and sleepless nights. Perhaps we could address this issue for our viewers today and give them some ideas on how to keep their cool here in Jeju? Nik. Well, let’s get to the last of our segment’s categories: destinations. Off the bat, any preferences or recommendations? Todd: Well, for a uniquely Jeju experience, there are local village pools which make use of what’s called yongcheonsu (용천수), or the rainwater which collects and percolates through Mt. Halla, down to the ocean. The water flows out in streams that are extremely cold and clean. And for centuries islanders have used and enjoyed this refreshing natural resource. Now, there are pool areas at Dodu-dong (도두동), and Jungyeom-ri (중염리) which are popular and close to the city. So I’d recommend our viewers check them out. Nik: And actually that brings to mind another swimming idea, but this one is on the south side of Mt. Halla in Donnaeko Valley. A mountain stream has created a large, rather deep swimming hole. And again, the water is icy cold and a pleasant shade of blue. I should add that the waterfall, too, is really something -- so it’s definitely a very popular place in summer. Still, though, we should advise caution, as the water is quite deep and it’s pretty easy to slip on the rocks. Todd: Good to know. I’m definitely going to check that out this month. Nik: And here’s one more, which is closer to the city. At Sumokwon Theme Park here in Shin Jeju there is an Ice Museum which is filled with intricately carved structures, sculptures and even furniture, all made of ice and illuminated in soothing hues of blues and pinks. There’s even a small slide that visitors can enjoy. Todd: I think the kids would love it. Now, just to change gears for second, I’d would like to remind our viewers that the supervised night swimming we mentioned on a previous Talk Jeju is still on through Aug. 17. That’s Hyeopjae, Hamdeok, Iho and Samyang beaches and the hours are between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. So that’s still a great option for a safe family outing down by the shore. Nik: And in that vein, a trip to the seaside area of Tapdong, in Gu Jeju is another family-friendly option. Traditionally Jeju people walked down there on hot summer nights and entrepreneurs set up food stalls and small drinking establishments. The retail side of that has since been banned, but lots of people still come down and take in the ocean breeze and the view. And, as I said, it’s perfect for family picnics, or bringing bikes or rollerblades, or just strolling along the boardwalk. Todd: It’s great you brought up the topic of Tapdong because the 9th Annual Jeju International Wind Ensemble Festival begins next Friday. During the nine-day event, the Jeju Seaside Arts Center at Tapdong will be one of the festival’s venues. The University of Suwon Wind Orchestra, for example, will perform there on August 8th at 8 p.m. Nik: Excellent. I’m sure we’ll be covering the festival in our regular news coverage throughout the week, and you and I will cover it on next week’s Talk Jeju, so I look forward to that. Thank you, Todd. And don’t forget to keep cool. Todd: Thanks Nik. You, too!
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 02:02:49 +0000
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