Jeju Trip Filled with Tangerines

Who said that on days when you don't want to do anything, you should head to Jeju? Arriving at Jeju Airport just as the sun began to shine from behind Seongsan Ilchulbong, I tossed my luggage into the rental car and headed straight for the coastal road, where the endless blue sea stretched out before me. Rolling down the window, I was greeted by the salty air, a slightly sticky breeze, and an old pop song playing on the radio. In that moment, it hit me—"Ah, I really am on a trip." Time flew by as I toured cafes along the coastal road. By afternoon, I found myself dipping my feet into the crystal-clear waters at Hamdeok Beach. For lunch, I warmed my stomach with a hearty braised cutlassfish dish near Seongsanpo, then drove straight to O’sulloc, where the aroma of green tea filled the air. One bite of green tea ice cream, and I couldn't help but think, "Jeju is always a good idea." In the evening, I sat by Hyeopjae Beach, watching the sunset. The sun slowly disappeared into the sea, and just sitting there in silence, taking in the view, was enough to feel comforted. On the way back to my accommodation, starlight poured down between stone walls and tangerine trees. With a glass of tangerine makgeolli in hand, I ended the day, silently promising myself: "Don't forget this trip. And when life gets tough, come back to Jeju to breathe again, just like now."