Korea DAY 7: (Pt. 1) Jeju to Gimpo

3/19/2025

I fell asleep immediately as the head hit the pillow. Having operated for at least one week with just four to five hours of sleep daily, the fatigue was gradually catching up to me. After hiking, both shoulders suffered tingling sensations, in addition to some milder symptoms in the left leg. Meanwhile, browsing partner experienced no issues whatsoever, despite having sprinted up the steps with speed.

We pulled open the curtains to reveal a calm, serene morning of blue skies with patches of sunlight. The snow had melted over the past twenty-four hours. Unfortunately, it was time to bid farewell to Jeju.

Breakfast comprised of a protein shake over Post chocolate cereal, a banana, and a cup of Kanu Light Roast Americano. The ceramic cups adorning Nanta's logo was a nice touch.

Our flight was scheduled for 12:20 PM, meaning that we'd need to make haste. Prior to departure, we'd need to get gas, return the rental car, and board the rental shuttle to the airport. After packing our bags and separating the trash, we'd be on our way.

Stopping at the first LPG station on the route, my browsing partner stated our needs to the attendants on site. The first one was a middle-aged to elderly man uncomfortable with English. He summoned the assistance of another similarly aged fellow, who served as the interpreter for our case. Neither of them glanced over to acknowledge me in the passenger seat, but gladly made small talk with my browsing partner, including remarks about the initial surprise of seeing a "Korean-like face" that did not speak Korean.

Downing as much as of the 3L water bottles as possible before hopping into the car was a dire mistake. Although the rental car return destination wasn't too far away, the impacts of the speed bumps and painfully low speed limits exaggerated our urgency.

At any given point in time, members of staff were positioned outside of the facility to assist with rental car departure and arrivals. The drive-thru format forced customers to disembark within seconds of pulling up to the return area. While efficient, it eliminated the opportunity to use the bathroom first before being subject to tedious paperwork.

We completed the remainder of the process at the counters within. A credit was issued due to excess fuel. Then, before we knew it, we were back on the shuttle heading towards CJU.

The tranquility of the scene was a stark contrast from the tropical rainstorm that had welcomed us. Roads were dry, palm trees barely waving, atmospheric conditions brimming with post-precipitation freshness.

I proposed navigating to the far end of the airport exterior, simply for the sake of capturing a photo of the English signage. Air quality was subpar on this side, as the designated smoking area was in close proximity.

A similar process was undertaken for check-in and baggage drop-off. Seats could be selected at the self-serve kiosks, while baggage would be handled at the front counters.

My browsing partner was visibly annoyed that I adhered to the aisle seat. While the window seat and adjacent middle seat were vacant, there was no incentive to choose a more compact space for the sole sake of sitting together. My primary objective was to keep motion sickness and feelings of claustrophobia at bay. Moreover, economy seats are cramped to start.

Our luggage weighed in at 20 kg, 18 kg, and 14 kg - mine assuming the latter two. Each passenger would be allocated a maximum weight limit of 15 kg. The attendant evaluated our luggage together against the joint allowance of 30 kg:

20 + 18 + 14 = 52 kg
52 kg - 30 = 22 kg x 3000 KRW = 66,000 KRW

Though I anticipated a steeper overage fee, we were only charged 54,000 KRW in total.

Similar to before, we'd be required to hover nearby in case of being called for baggage inspections. When our names did not appear on the LED board some ten minutes later, it was deemed safe to roam the duty-free boutiques.

Sehwain had amazed me with their impressive selection and economic price points. The same scenario was, regrettably, not awaiting us at the Jeju airport. Aside from the selection of supposedly award-winning souvenirs, I had expected the duty-free boutiques to be somewhat affordable.

We took interest in the Black Pork jerky, having not sampled the grilled edition of the local specialty during our sta

My browsing partner procured individually packaged Hallabong pies for gifting. I was keener on the LINE Friends-themed chocolate and cute knickknacks, but ultimately settled for neither due to their costliness.

We passed through Paris Baguette, where the Doldam Sandwiches advertised at the Innisfree Green Café were witnessed again.

Unlike the GTA outposts, the Korean locations of the bakery offer sandwiches, meal combos, and chocolate/candy in addition to their usual assortment of buns. There was an undeniably larger array of savoury options at lower price points.

Jeju International Airport was grander and larger than Gimpo, serving a wider variety of tourists. There were dedicated security check areas for locals (ie. domestic flyers) and "Foreigners". Oddly, these queues were not positioned in the same area. Another discovery was the allowance of water and bottled beverages through security check for domestic flights.

Navigating the airport was admittedly tricky. We stopped at one of the numerous Hello Jeju signs before continuing on our way to the departure gate. While these installations were aplenty, the scene was evidently geared towards mainland Koreans rather than international tourists.

Yet another duty-free section was found past security check. This one retailed everything from branded apparel and bags to stationery to beauty products. One of the booths offered an eye-catching promotion on the Benefit Eyebrow Definer. The minimum purchase quantity of two units had me hesitate for a brief moment, and I ultimately decided against purchasing. In hindsight though, the promotion was likely the most cost-effective opportunity for imported cosmetics to date! (I will admit: I have my regrets.)

On the other hand, I did manage to secure a three-piece pen set from Kakao Friends. The set featured each the character lineup adopting various Jeju-specific attire. Having also been informed of its exclusivity to the island (and instant tax refund), the decision was a no-brainer.

My browsing partner gradually became exasperated and anxious as the departure time was drawing near. I missed my opportunity to refill my water bottle when we headed directly down to the tarmac instead. My mouth dropped agape at the flight of stairs required to descend down to the shuttle bus. Not only were escalators nonexistent, my browsing partner did not offer to assist me in the luggage-transporting ordeal either.

It was my first time traversing the tarmac on a bus. It was another feat altogether to climb another flight of stairs into the aircraft.

Reluctantly, I reached out to a member of the cabin crew for water. The staff member relayed that water would not be provided given the duration of the flight, however I had the opportunity to relinquish 2000 KRW (cash only) for bottled water instead.

I was ready to chug the teensy bottle when my browsing partner brazenly asked for a sip. This time, the reaction was a fiery glare: "How dare you ask me when it was your fault I had to pay?!" was my only thought.
The reasoning was for my imminent consumption of the peanut-containing cookie crumble I had salvaged from the Hallasan Cake spread. Allergies were an annoying factor I had been blessed with not having to consider previously.