If you ask me which trip is my favourite, I would say Japan and Korea are on that list especially on this lovely Jeju Island. So, I went there last year which I'm not mistaken during summer/fall. Therefore, this blog is going to cover about restaurants and attractions that I went through self-driving. Hope you find it helpful if you have any questions, leave on a comment down below 😄


jeju island korea curitan aqalili
Sending love from Seopjikaji.

1. Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse (꼬닥꼬닥게스트하우스) 🏨 

Personally, when I look for accommodation at Jeju I was thinking about free parking because we drove. Thank god, the guesthouse provides free private parking and there is no reservation needed (jackpot). The interesting part about is we need to sleep on the floor and I don't mind since I get a private bathroom, wifi and shared kitchen!

So far, it was a really great stay. Just take note if you bring your huge luggage, prepare to get some muscles on because they aren't any lift to help you. I would recommend you to book here if you don't mind sleeping on the floor, didn't bring heavy stuff and love to walk during night time because they're night market nearby.

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse
📍 39, Cheonji-ro, Seogwipo City, 63591 Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea.
🕰 Check in from 3.00 PM until 11.00 PM.
🚗 1-hour drive from Lotte Car RentalGoogle Maps.


Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
It's really cold at night when sleeping on the floor.

Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
The bathroom is quite small.

2. Seongsan Ilchubong Park (성산일출봉) 📸

I was so excited to start the journey with the absolutely fascinating view. Basically, Seongsan Ilchubong Park is made from volcanic eruption over 100,00 years ago. Great place for hiking and estimated around 40 minutes to arrive at the peak.

I didn't hike all the way up because I took a very light breakfast and my energy depends on food. By the way, the parking is free and there are other activities such as watching Jeju woman diver performance (1.30 PM / 3.30 PM) and horse riding (5,000 KRW).

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Seongsan Ilchubong Park
📍 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Korea.
🕰 Summer: 7.10 AM - 7.00 PM, Winter: 7.30 AM - 6.00 PM.
💰 Admission Fee: Adults - 2,000 KRW
🚗 A 30-minute drive from Kkodak Kkodak Guesthouse | Google Maps


Seongsan Ilchubong Park Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Who's already at the top?

Seongsan Ilchubong Park Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Beautiful scenery, the Jeju woman diving show is down there.

Seongsan Ilchubong Park Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Going through ups and down at Seongsan Ilchubong

Seongsan Ilchubong Park Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Picturesque

3. Haeoreum Korean Restaurant (해오름식당) 🥘

I'm so hungry after walking around Seongsan Ilchubong and it's time to explore the food! We actually refer to a collection of Halal restaurants book that I get from Korea PlazaBut, the first restaurant that we go is closed so I just drove around Seongsan Ilchubong because I spot tons of cafe in the area.

Then we found this restaurant, 20 free parking is available and it's tempting by just watching the board. Disclaimer here, this is not a Halal restaurant because they're known for barbeque meat but I ordered a seafood dishes which for me it's okay for that time (desperate times call for desperate measures). But, if you know any Halal restaurant around the area, please let me know on the comment down below yea!

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Haeoreum Korean Restaurant
📍 143-1, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, Korea.
🕰 Everyday 8.00 AM - 6.00 PM (Closed on New Years and Chuseok)
🚗 A 5-minute drive from Seongsan Ilchubong  Google Maps

Haeoreum Korean Restaurant Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Located near Seongsan Ilchubong

Haeoreum Korean Restaurant Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Korean Side Dishes is going strong

Haeoreum Korean Restaurant Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Fresh seafood in the house. 

Haeoreum Korean Restaurant Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
It's gonna gone in a few minutes.

4. Seopjikoji (섭지코지) 📸

Like I said million times about Jeju, the view are just mesmerizing and this next place is gorgeous! Seopjikoji is located at the end of the eastern shore, and I recommend you to visit here during April because you can spot yellow canola flowers, full bloom baby~  

Honestly, the trail didn't that take a long time to arrive at the lighthouse area. Along the road, you can spot a candy house which if I'm not mistaken is once a chapel and rebuilt due to a typhoon

The thing you will enjoy here is the view of the whole seashore and wind breeze welcoming you. If you didn't have the plan to visit after this, check out Jeju Folk Village and Udo Island located nearby!

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Seopjikoji
📍 107, Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo, Jeju-do, Korea.
🕰 Open all year round.
🚗 An 18-minute drive from Seongsan Ilchubong  Google Maps

Seopjikoji Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Never endless view

Seopjikoji Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Can you see the lighthouse from afar?

Seopjikoji Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
The candy house that rebuilt after typhoon

Seopjikoji Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Perfect landscape. Applicable for view only.

5. Sangumburi Crater (산굼부리) 📸

From east to south, it's time for the visit a Natural Monument. Basically, it's a flat crater with a mountain view and flame grass (on October). Some said the admission fee is quite expensive, but for me, if you're visiting at the right time where the flame grass is there, and you can get the mountain view it will be alright. #positive

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Sangumburi Crater
📍 768, Bijarim-ro, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea.
🕰 Summer (March - October) : 9.00 AM - 6.40 PM, Winter (November - February): 9.00 AM - 5.40 PM.
💰 Admission Fee: Adults (19-64 y/o) - 6,000 KRW
🚗 A 1-hour drive from Seopjikoji  Google Maps

Sangumbiri Crater Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Take a sit and enjoy the view of the mountain and crater.

Sangumbiri Crater Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili

예뻐요!

Sangumbiri Crater Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Model of the day. 
Sangumbiri Crater Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Imagine flame grass in October!

6. Metdolttukbaegi (멧돌뚝배기🥘

This is another restaurant that I spot out of desperation. Obviously, a few slices of bread won't hold my hunger for a long time, so this is a perfect spot to get some food before we head to the attractions.

Take note that again this is not a Muslim friendly or Halal restaurant, but they do sell seafood dishes which they said to be similar to Asam Pedas, one of the Malaysia cuisine. So we ordered a Mackerel stew and they give tons of delicious Korean side dishes, banchan (반찬)!

INFORMATION:
📍 70 Songsan-dong, Seogwipo, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea.
🕰 Everyday: 8.00 AM - 7.30 PM
🚗 A 30-minutes drive from Daepo Jusang Jeolli Cliff  Google Maps

Metdolttukbaegi 멧돌뚝배기 Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Parking is available in front of the restaurant.

Metdolttukbaegi 멧돌뚝배기 Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
A very different banchan at this restaurant.

Metdolttukbaegi 멧돌뚝배기 Jeju Korea Curitan Aqalili
Introducing asam pedas in Korea, Mackarel Stew.
If you're going to visit Osaka, might as well go all the way to Nara! Located in the same region of Kansai, this city has a cute little friend waiting for us: Deer! 🦌 I actually went there from Ebisucho Station and it took around 1 hour to arrive at Kintetsu-Nara Station. Thus, this is the things that I did for a day there included a Halal food  😆


Nara Prefecture Japan Deer Curitan Aqalili
Mirror mirror on the wall, who's the cutest of them all? Deer!
Nara Prefecture Japan Deer Curitan Aqalili
Welcome to the land of deer, Nara!


1. Deer Park near Kofukui-Ji Temple

If you wanted to visit a less crowded (part of Nara Park) and get intimate with deer in a good way, this place is a must visit! Near to Kintetsu Nara station, you will see a group of deer within 500 meters of walking. 

Make sure to be careful because they can occasionally attack people but don't worry because there is a way that could tame this cutie! For only ¥150 you can feed 10 cookies and play around with them as much as you want. I'm pretty sure your heart will melt the moment they bow asking for foods!

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Nara Park
📍 48 Noboriojicho, Nara Prefecture 630-8213, Japan
🕰 Everyday 6.00 AM - 5.00 PM
🚗 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station, Google Maps.


Nara Prefecture Japan Deer Curitan Aqalili
Grab your ¥150 deer cookies!
Nara Prefecture Japan Deer Curitan Aqalili
It does look like baby cookies but much crispier. I can understand why the deer love it!
Nara Prefecture Japan Deer Curitan Aqalili
The deer are coming for the cookies!
Nara Prefecture Japan Deer Curitan Aqalili
Finally! They get their cookies~ Deserved it!


2. Get Historical at Kofukui-ji Temple

This temple was set up in Nara around 710 and it's one of Japan's UNESCO World Heritage Site for over 19 years now (mindblown). You can roam around Kofukuji's temple grounds for free and take a picture with the landmark and symbol of Nara, the five-story pagoda.

I just walk pass by the temple grounds and just enjoying the view of the five-story pagoda. If you want to get to know more about the temple you can pay a visit to the National Treasure Museum and Eastern Golden Hall

INFORMATION:
📍 48 Noboriojicho, Nara Prefecture 630-8213, Japan
🕰 9.00 AM - 5.00 PM (National Treasure Museum & Eastern Golden Hall), The temple grounds open 24 hours. 
💴 ¥700 (National Treasure Museum), ¥300 (Eastern Golden Hall), ¥900 for both.
🚗 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, or a 20-minute walk from JR Nara Station, Google Maps.


Kofukui-ji Temple Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Can't get enough of deer!
Kofukui-ji Temple Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Welcome to Kofukui-ji Temple, Nara! The Eastern Garden Hall.
Kofukui-ji Temple Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Look at that Five-Story Pagoda, a landmark of Nara!
Kofukui-ji Temple Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
The southern octagonal halls!


3. Shop for Nara Specialty at Higashimuki Shopping Street

This 250-meter long shopping street will make you go craaaazyyy. It is a strategic place if you are coming from Kintetsu Nara Station! (near to the station). You can get most of the souvenirs arts and crafts, clothes, and kimonos here. I can assure you that it is affordable! If you still can't find any, there is also a 100-yen shop nearby.

I could say it's tempting here because we found this one store that sells tons of kimono, and we did buy one of it! Plus, you can buy a really cute souvenir for your friends too~

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Higashimuki Shopping Street
📍 Hashomotocho, Nara, Nara Prefecture 630-8217, Japan
🕰 Everyday 10.00 AM - 10.00 PM (vary by shops and restaurants)
🚗 4-minute walk from Kintetsu Nara Station, Google Maps.


Higashimuki Shopping Street Nara Curitan Aqaili
You can spot the karaoke room over there, and there are tons of souvenir shops far there.
Higashimuki Shopping Street Nara Curitan Aqaili
Great souvenir ideas! These socks are just ¥100 and the options are endless~
Higashimuki Shopping Street Nara Curitan Aqaili
MY younger brother trying out one of the Kimono!


4. Unique Footwear Shop, Tabi-Ji


It's clear we are not done shopping YET.  Tabi shoes have been traditionally worn by labourers since the late Meiji Period, and the design is evolving from time to time. Right now, there are tons of designs to choose from and it's clearly perfect for people who looking for fashionable and functionality shoes!

Each of us bought one, and I could say it was the most expensive shoes that I have ever owned. I owned one of the Tabi-Ji + Jeanasis collection, and the price is ¥12,000, convert to Malaysia ringgit which is around RM 450-ish. The socks are cute too, my mom loves the split toes socks and I would definitely buy few more for her when I visit Japan again, soon!

INFORMATION:
ℹ️ Tabi-Ji
📍 2 Tarui-co, Nara (on the 2nd floor), Nara Prefecture 630-8217, Japan
🕰 Open every day except Wednesday, 10.00 AM - 7.00 PM.
🚗 3-minutes walk from Kofukui-ji Temple, Google Maps.


Tabi-Ji Nara Curitan Aqalili
The display in front of the Tabi-Ji store!

Tabi-Ji Nara Curitan Aqalili
My mom LOVE this socks!
Tabi-Ji Nara Curitan Aqalili
Adding new family to my shoe collections. This is one of the designs from Tabi-Ji +Jeanasis collection!
Tabi-Ji Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Dear Tabi-Ji, happy customer from Malaysia over here!


5. Eat Halal Ramen at Naramiah Jinniyah

Phew, all that hard work shopping definitely makes your stomach growling. Just 10-minute walk from Tabi-Ji, you will arrive at a restaurant that is complete with a prayer room, restroom and Wifi! It's recommended to try their halal ramen alone, but if you want some extra kick in your dishes, add on some egg boiled or papad.

INFORMATION:
📍 28-34 Naramachi-Souq, Minamijoudo-cho, Nara-shi, Nara, 630-8341, Japan.
🕰 Closed on Wednesday & Thursday, Open at 11.30 AM - 6.00 PM.
💜 Places to pray and toilet is available.
🚗 10-minutes walk from Kofukui-ji Temple, Google Maps.


Naramiah Jinniyah Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
You can spot their restaurant from a far! The interior is the bomb~
Naramiah Jinniyah Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
The menu, I would recommend trying their ramen since it's their speciality.
Naramiah Jinniyah Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Halal Ramen - ¥800, Additional option: Papad - ¥70
Naramiah Jinniyah Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Halal Chicken Rice Bowl - ¥800

There you go! This is basically what I visited during my trip to Japan but I would totally recommend you to go to Sanjo-Dori street and watch a high-speed Mochi pounding in actions! Other than that, purchasing JR Pass if you're planning to go to multiple cities in one go. 

🏨 Hotel Recommendation in Nara:

Hotel Pagoda

This hotel includes a free wifi & it's just10 mins walk from Kintetsu Nara Station.

Nara Japan Curitan Aqalili
Which spot in Nara that you want to recommend besides this 5 things? Leave a comment down below!

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