Morning at Seongsan Ilchulbong, Afternoon at Osulloc

"Falling for Jeju Twice in One Day" On this trip to Jeju, I decided to fill my day with two completely contrasting atmospheres. Early in the morning, I visited Seongsan Ilchulbong, the place where the sun rises first. In the afternoon, I enjoyed the serene aroma of green tea at Osulloc. These two destinations alone were enough to truly experience the essence of Jeju Island. ⸻ 🌅 Waking Up the Morning at Seongsan Ilchulbong In the early hours before the darkness fully receded, I stood at the entrance of Seongsan Ilchulbong, rubbing my sleepy eyes. Though I worried about cloudy weather, my desire to take on the challenge was stronger. The slope wasn’t too steep, but as I climbed the stairs, I could feel my breath growing heavier. Yet, reaching the summit made it all worthwhile. The sky gradually turned blue, and the sun quietly rose above the horizon. That moment of silence, as everyone gazed at the scene without a word, reminded me of the humility we feel before nature. Breathing in the fresh morning air, I descended and treated myself to a small cup of coffee. Could there be a more refreshing start to the day? ⸻ 🍵 A Green-Scented Afternoon at Osulloc Tea Museum After a busy morning, the afternoon was all about relaxation. A roughly one-hour drive from Seongsan brought me to the Osulloc Tea Museum. The expansive green tea fields were even more stunning in person than in photos. The tranquil green hues calmed my mind, making me appreciate the peacefulness of the color. Inside the museum, I indulged in the various tea aromas, simply bringing the scent strips close to my nose for a healing experience. The signature green tea ice cream and matcha roll cake are must-tries—light and clean flavors that could even win over those who don’t usually enjoy green tea. The museum also features displays of small teacups and tea tools, offering plenty to enjoy visually. At the gift shop, I picked out some tea bags, which turned out to be surprisingly elegant and perfect for gifts. ⸻ ✨ Capturing Jeju in a Day Seongsan Ilchulbong and Osulloc—one showcases the dynamic essence of nature, while the other offers a serene and profound experience. Experiencing both in a single day brought me closer to the heart of Jeju Island. The sea, sunlight, wind, and tea aroma, along with the feeling of embracing it all. When I feel the urge to revisit, I’ll surely look back at the photos from this day. ⸻ Tip! • Be sure to check the entrance hours for Seongsan Ilchulbong in advance! • Osulloc can get crowded, so visiting around 2–3 PM is ideal for a quieter experience. • Photos of the tea fields are more atmospheric during backlight hours 🌿