The golden isle of Chagwido 차귀도

My friend Muggs leaves Jeju for the Philippines at the end of December and will be returning to the U.S. after his vacation there. These are his last couple of weeks here and he's trying to make the most of his time left.

In an effort to continue our island-hopping adventures, we chose a more remote location this time around: the isle of Chagwido.

Located off the Western shore of Jeju, near Gosan, Chagwido is an unpopulated island that has several trails to explore, which take no more than two hours to complete them all.

We first chartered a boat out of Gosan port for 10,000 won each (where all the fishing boats are). Be careful not to get confused with the submarine tour office, which is on the opposite side of the harbour and costs 45,000 per person.

We set out on the boat, thinking that we should have brought some drinks along.



There were plenty of people fishing off the rocks near the island, which is a very popular recreation for locals and visitors alike.



The captain dropped us off on a cemented walkway leading up to the shore of Chagwido. The path leading up onto the island is a little steep and muddy, so you have to watch your footing. Boots are recommended.



Once you traverse your way up, you emerge onto a large grassy plain. There are several paths, all leading off into different directions.

We decide to head towards the peak on the isle to get a better aerial view of the place.



The sun breaks through the clouds and shines down upon us, transforming the isle into a golden sea of reeds and grass.

It's looks simply astonishing. It mesmerises you with its movement as it rolls along with the wind.

I'm drawn to explore more, and I break off from the group towards a small forest.



Silent and calm, the forest provides a nice shelter from the wind and an interesting trail to venture.



After taking a few shots with my video camera, I head back towards the shore. Other members of our group start to trickle back as well, getting ready to board the boat once again.

I decide that it is an opportune time to leave behind a sign of our adventure. Naomi and I construct a familiar Canadian sight, an inukshuk.



With our journey completed, we all get back on the boat to Jeju.

As short and brief as it was, I really enjoyed it. It's the moments like those that offer you the time to reflect, to really appreciate everything around you and the people you're with.