Points of Interest

I've successfully avoided completing the work I need to do for school. So I'm able to provide this follow up of interesting spots I like to visit. The furthest away, the Sihwa Seawall, is just under 20 km away. The closest, Sorae, is about 8 km away. Starting off, here is the map of the area.



Sihwa Seawall

The Sihwa Seaway is an 11 km long causeway that separates Lake Sihwa from the sea and will be home to the largest tidal power generator in the world. There's a nice little park at the north end of the seaway (seen in the foreground). And the seaway itself is more than just a seaway. It's almost like the Chicago lake front. Fishermen cast their reels from the rocks, a running and biking path extends along the entire causeway. Vendors have tents set up hawking food and drinks, renting bikes and roller blades, and providing a full range of fishing gear. There's also a kite flying group that hangs out near the middle of the causeway, taking advantage of the winds that whip across the area. It's an all around family fun destination.



When I went there today, the tide was way out there. Which gives people an opportunity to slog through the muddy sea bed and dig for clams.



Oido

Right around the corner from the causeway is Oido, or Cucumber Island. It's a small fishing town with a long stretch of seafood restaurants. But as much as I like seafood, I'm not sure whether or not I'm ready to indulge in Korean seafood. One of their favorite ingredients seems to be octopus, either still alive and kicking, or recently subjugated in the frying pan. Other dishes are doused in red pepper sauce, or combined with some weird vegetable in an unappealing manner. They do have king crab listed on the outdoor menus, and it looks relatively unadultured. But everyone uses the same stock photos, so I'm not sure how they actually prepare it. One of these days I'll be adventurous enough to try it.



Okgu Park

Close to Oido is another little gem of a place, Okgu Park. There's a small mountain to hike up, some nice gardens to stroll around, and excellent sports facilities. There are a number of small gazebos dotted around the park, providing some nice resting and picnic spots.





I'm not sure what's more interesting. The massive field of goldenrods (about 20 m by 1 km), or the crab statue located in the middle of the field.



Sorae

Next, there is Sorae. I've posted about Sorae before, but I just love the character that oozes out of this place. Fishing boats are pulled up right alongside the market. You can see them unloading their catch, or moving their nets to the boat or back to the dock. Meanwhile, crates of fish and other ocean animals are being transported across the walk straight into the market. People crowd the sidewalks, buying the fresh seafood, and immediately making a meal of it just outside the market. There are also more traditional seafood restaurants on the other side of the market.



Just make sure you check the tide schedule. A lot of the character oozes out with the sea water.



Wolgot

Wolgot is quite close to Sorae, and until today, I hadn't actually been through there. It's a lot more subdued, but still an interesting area. There's smaller stretch of seafood places than at the other places, and the crowds aren't quite as pressing.

It too is gravely affected by the tides. At low tide, the boats are laying on mud. In fact, the entire port area becomes a giant mud flat.



At high tide, the boats are happily floating, packed two and three deep around the pier.