By Honorary Reporter Tsetska Pashovska from Bulgaria
Photos = Tsetska Pashovska

As a Bulgarian, whose country is known for its adventurous spirit, I jumped at the chance to take a 10-hour journey from Seoul to Dokdo Island. On July 15, I set out early in the morning with a group of international students.

 
Dokdo is 215 km from the mainland and reachable only through Ulleungdo Island. After a long five-hour bus ride, we got on a ship to Ulleungdo and the ride was surprisingly fun thanks to the store, seafood restaurants and karaoke rooms.

We spent the first day on Ulleungdo and the food we tried was common on the island. In a proper Korean meal, we shared banchan (side dishes) that included kimchi, sprouts and seaweed. I also tried wild garlic leaves for the first time. Pumpkin was another regional specialty that we enjoyed with makgeolli (milky rice wine).

Before going to Dokdo, we visited Dokdo Museum in Ulleungdo to learn about its history. We took a cable car with stunning views or for the adventurous, a path through hills with Buddhist statues and temples. Despite the heat, humidity and 10-hour trip, I explored both routes to see the wildlife and learn about the island's native plants and animals.

We headed to Dokdo the next day on a boat from Ulleungdo that took nearly four hours. 

Entering the island was not as easy as we thought. We had to show ID and entry is possible only under good weather conditions, and one cannot stay longer than an hour. 

Unfortunately, we couldn't enter Dokdo due to poor weather. We did catch a glimpse from a distance and the wonderful stories and excitement of the locals made me more interested in the island. I wondered what was hidden behind the rock formations that comprise Dokdo.

I also tried snorkeling for the first time in waters off Ulleungdo Aqua Park. Peering into the depths of the sea, my fear of the water began to disappear and my excitement soared. 

msjeon22@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.