I arrived in Geoje island as a part of a project team at Samsung Heavy Industries: one of the largest shipyards in the World. South Korea is home to the three biggest shipyards: Hyundai Heavy Industries in Ulsan City, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering. Both Samsung and Daewoo are located in Geoje island.
Everyday I used to have a simple but very healthy lunch at the cafeteria on the first two floors of the building where the project team was located within the yard. After lunch, I used to enjoy a very large picture on the wall outside the cafeteria hall: I was told that the picture is of the Somaemuldo-Deungdaeseom islands off the Geoje coast; part of Hallyeohaesang National Park, the first national marine park designated in 1968. Of course, I wanted to visit there one day.
One of my first projects after reaching Geoje island was to learn the Korean language. The company assigned a very experienced and dynamic teacher, Eugean Hong, to all expatriates interested in learning the language. As I could read and have a basic conversation, after a few months of intense learning under the guidance of my teacher, it was not at all difficult to reach places using Kakao, the google map equivalent in South Korea.
The ferries to Somaemuldo start from Tongyeong City (closest city on the mainland) ferry terminal, but there was also a small ferry terminal on the south side of Geoje island at Nambu-myeon, about a 30 minute drive from my home. I started early in the morning on 16 March 2019 and reached the ferry terminal. I boarded the boat that would first stop at Maemuldo island. From there, it took less than five minutes to Somaemuldo, where I was heading along with numerous well dressed Koreans in colorful hiking clothes.
Maemuldo island's name came from the fact that this island was one of the largest producers of maemul (buckwheat). Somaemuldo island was named as such since it is a small island next to Maemuldo island. My final destination was Deungdaeseom island (Lighthouse island). The mysterious-looking Deungdaeseom island exposes its pebbly seabed at low tide - a 15o m walkway, allowing people to walk from Somaemuldo.
I boarded the ferry packed with people heading to the islands. Watching the blue ocean and sky, small islets that pass by, fishing boats, and seagulls following the ferry expecting hand feeding, I sat quietly and was excited to see the real version of the picture at the cafeteria. It was really cold and windy: I was thankful for my heavy jacket. It was interesting to watch a small boat speeding by the side of our ferry.
After about 40 minutes or so, the boat approached Maemuldo harbour: photographs below. Only a few people got off at this location as most of the crowd was heading to Somaemuldo.
Within five minutes of departure from Maemuldo, the ferry approached Somaemuldo harbor. I got of off the ferry and stretched my body to prepare myself for the hike ahead. There were a few vendors greeting the passengers selling seafood for breakfast with spicy chilli paste by the sea. It was a small fishing village.
The hiking trail was very clearly marked, and I started hiking towards the lookout at the top of a small hill, Mangtaebong, 152 m above sea level. The view from there was amazing. I was spellbound seeing the breathtaking combination of bizarre rocks and the stratified bluffs of Deungdaeseom island. Mother nature's masterpiece carvings were in front of me. The rocks in various shapes and sizes in harmony with the aquamarine water created an incredibly beautiful scenery.
Thank God! The timing was perfect as it was low tide. I crossed the narrow strip of pebbly rocks to Deungdaeseom island and started hiking to the top where the light house stood, enjoying the views all around me! This lighthouse was built by the Japanese during the colonial period.
The most beautiful view was to look at Somaemuldo island from the light house at Deungdaeseom island. I was really humbled: no picture ever taken or painted can do justice. No words can describe the scenery. It is a work of Godly art....the incredible Somaemuldo-Deungdaeseom islands. All I can say is come here and see for yourself!
After reaching Geoje, I could not resist my temptation to have a hot pot with chilled beer. Looking back, I should have hiked around the Somaemuldo island to see some of the spectacular rock formations - Yongbawi (Dragon Rock), Buchudaebawi (Buddha Rock), Geobukbawi (Turtle Rock), Chotdaebawi (Candlestick rock), Nammaebawl (brother and sister rock) and the Geulssingi cave. Maybe one day, God willing.
Thank you Bindu chechi
Wow!! This is a great place to visit especially for a Geologist. I loved the topography of this place.