TOURING JEJU

After a week of meetings here on Jeju Island, I decided yesterday that it was high-time to do a little exploring. So I grabbed a map, got a little advice from the concierge and jumped into a taxi. My first stop was the Seongeup Folk Village Museum, a recreation of Jeju Island life in the 17th and 18th Centuries. The Village contains more than 3,000 thatched roof cottages, all moved from their original locations throughout Korea, along with rare artifacts and cultural exhibits. Life in the early Jeju villages wasn't easy. For example, before there was indoor plumbing, the average native would construct his own "Tongsi" or "Traditional Toilet" out of Lava Rocks. After a brief stop for some "refreshment" -- a package of freeze dried Octopus Meat from a local cafe -- I continued on my journey, stopping at the Seongsan Ilchulbong or Sunrise Peak, a giant Lava Cone rising more than 182 meters above the island like a giant punch bowl on steroids. Created by an underwater volcanic eruption more than 5,000 years ago, Seongsan Ilchulbong today offers visitors a birdseye view of the island. I climbed to the top and wasn't disappointed. I ended my tour at Manjang Cave, the world's largest Lava Cave created centuries ago by the eruption of the Hallasan volcano. As the lava pushed outwards, it created a network of underground tunnels that extends for miles. My next stop: A plane to Tokyo ...!

JEJU, AHOY ...!

My hotel here on Jeju Island, The Shilla Jeju, was the first five-star resort in Korea. Built on a cliff overlooking Jungmun Beach off the South Coast of Korea, the property includes 21 acres of lush garden pathways and waterfalls leading to the South China Sea. Jeju is often called "The Island of the Gods" or "The Honeymoon Island" of Korea. I'm here for work, of course, but I did get a chance to walk around the hotel today and it was spectacular, a lot like Hawaii with its volcanos, lava tubes and sandy, white beaches. The only thing missing is Starbucks ...!