December 30th Adventures on Jeju

My final full day on Jeju Island began with a 6 AM hike up Sunrise Peak in Seongsan. Though exhausted from previous hiking, I pushed through to reach the crater's summit, where crowds had already gathered on bleachers. Unfortunately, overcast conditions prevented a traditional sunrise viewing, but the panoramic vistas of the sea and valley compensated for the disappointment.

Circling Udo Island by Bicycle

The day's highlight involved taking a ferry to Udo, a smaller island off Jeju's coast. After renting a mountain bike (as international driver's licenses were required for motorized options), I spent 3-4 hours cycling the approximately 12-mile circumference. I paused for lunch at a local pork burger restaurant and visited a lighthouse, describing the journey as "one of the most fulfilling trips I'd ever had." The contrasting colors of blue sea, white sand, and black rock created stunning coastal scenery.

New Year's Eve in Busan

I reunited with friends in Busan to celebrate New Year's Eve on the city's rooftop. After minimal sleep, we walked three miles to Gwangali Bridge at dawn to witness the first sunrise of 2016. Despite initial overcast skies, a pink sliver broke through the clouds, prompting cheers from gathered crowds—a memorable way to ring in the new year.