From Ulleungdo to Dokdo, even though I couldn't set foot on the land

The highlight of my Ulleungdo trip was undoubtedly the 'Dokdo Tour.' We departed early in the morning from Dodong Port and took a boat ride for about an hour and a half. As we approached, the silhouette of Dokdo began to emerge beyond the horizon. It was much larger and more majestic than I had imagined, and just seeing it from afar was deeply moving. Unfortunately, due to strong winds and waves, we couldn't land on Dokdo. However, even just circling around it on the boat and taking in the view was meaningful enough. It felt special to confirm with my own eyes that 'this land is undoubtedly part of Korea.' On the way back to Ulleungdo, near Dodong Port, I tried the famous barnacle kalguksu (knife-cut noodles). The warm broth was infused with the essence of the sea, and the chewy noodles paired perfectly with the tender barnacle meat. It was a meal that warmed both my body and soul. Although I couldn't physically step onto Dokdo, the journey from Ulleungdo to Dokdo itself was an experience that every Korean should have at least once in their lifetime. Departure: Dodong Port, Ulleungdo Destination: Viewing Dokdo from surrounding waters Recommended Dish: Barnacle Kalguksu near Dodong Port