Distance Traveled Today: 12km
Distance Traveled Total: 1062km
Today started a lot earlier than I am used to. In order to catch a ferry to Ulleungdo from Gangneung, you have to be ready to sail out at 8:20. I really hate rushing, so I always try to show up early. It paid off since the parking situation was just ridiculous and I was a full 30 minutes early. I managed to get the very last ticket available andoff I was to Ulleungdo.
I learned a few things within an hour of being there. First off, Ulleungdo has scuba diving and legit sea life around the islands. Unfortunately, they were booked for the next few days. However, it was next to the rocky beach of Naesujeon so I decided to not make my trip in vein and went for a swim. Naesujeon lacks sand of any sort, so even calling it a beach is a bit of a stretch. However, what it lacks in sand, it makes up in water clarity and a view. It is definitely not the ideal swimming hole for most, but if you just want a quiet spot, its worth a visit. I remember visiting the same spot 5 years ago and having the same exactly same thought.
After getting back, taking a much needed shower, and checking out the docks, I saw the annual squid festival I noticed earlier was about to start. It was at one of these booths that I learned about the scuba in the first place. Ulleungdo is known for its delicious squid and has held this festival since 2001. They served about 10 squid dishes, all for free.
This may sound weird, but to me, the highlight is always in the squid boats. To me, it feels like these boats encompass the true spirit of Ulleungdo. It is what makes the island known and what drives the economy, besides tourism of course. Every day, I make sure to take at least one walk around the docks and every night, I look out into the ocean as the boats light up their powerful lamps to attract squid by the thousands. Out of everything in Ulleungdo, this is probably what I enjoy the most.
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