Sea Salt Gallery and Salt Ball Craft (Korea)

 After basking with nature, it was time to visit the salt gallery where it was time to do some art and craft with salt. 

Something similar to making assembling a terrarium, this time we were given a glass bowl with decorative pieces. Using the colourful salt to create salt ball craft. It was fun layering the colourful salt. Tip, try not to fill the salt to the brim - give space to place the decorative items. 

The multi-colour salt

Completed ones

Pat's masterpiece

Next we proceeded to the next building where we each had our free salt ice cream. I chose with the  chocolate flavour. It was delicious.

Each of us were also given a complimentary 1kg of sea salt. 

The day ended with dinner comprising of cod fish soup with Korean Pancake. 

Damyang Bamboo Forest (Korea)

Damyang Bamboo Forest in Jeollanam-do was completed in 2003 and has become a popular place for visitors seeking a moment of serenity. This place is especially popular for those looking for healing, mindfulness, and a break from busy city life.

Let's start the nature adventure

This bamboo forest is very large and divided into 8 different walking courses. We started off at the front entrance and were told to report back in an hour’s time back to the same place. 

As I walked along the bamboo paths, the tall green trees surround you completely. I could experience the fresh air, the peaceful nature and a slower pace of lie. 

The path we took, we managed to see figurines of panda bears in action or at the waterfalls. Somehow, we ended up at the back entrance of the forest. We were lost and had to call our guide. Eventually the tour bus picked us up where we were. 

Chilling out on the bench, wished we had longer time to explore. 

 Walking through the Damyang bamboo forest, visitors can enjoy cool air, natural shade, and a peaceful atmosphere that promotes relaxation and mindfulness.

Damyang Metasequoia Land (Korea)

The Metasequoia Road is a place where visitors can connect with nature and enjoy the tranquility of the forest. The Metasequoia Road in Damyang is a natural wonder that offers a unique experience for visitors. The road is lined with towering metasequoia trees, creating a picturesque landscape that is often referred to as the most beautiful road in South Korea. 

The trees, planted in the 1970s, provide a serene environment that is perfect for walking, driving, or even renting a bike for a leisurely hike. 

I had a therapeutic experience walking on this trail. It seems as though one was transported to another world. The trees beckon you to follow the path, admiring the scenery and breathing in the fresh air. 

Picture postcard

 The road is best enjoyed in the summer when the green foliage is at its peak, but the autumn leaves also offer a stunning display of color. 

Jeonju Hanok Village (Korea)

 

In the evening of 20 March 2026, we visited Jeonju Hanok Village. Jeonju Hanok Village comprises around 700 beautiful hanok buildings, and is Korea's largest, and the only urban, traditional hanok village. 

The beautiful hanboks

The village is famous among Koreans and tourists because of its traditional buildings that strongly contrast with the modern city around it. 

A lovely evening stroll.

We also had our foot spa and shoulder massage, in total 30 min, comprising of 15 min interval. 

Place we had our foot spa

Jeondong Cathedral

Pity we could not visit the church. The church was closed by the time we had our dinner. Jeonju Cathedral (Jeondang Seungdong Temple) was built in 1914 and was designed by the same priest who created Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. It was the first cathedral in Jeolla Province, and its present building was completed in 1987.

Jeonju is famous for its Bibimbap. No surprises that is what we all had for dinner and complimentary ginseng strawberry from our guide. 

Gyeongam-dong Railway Retro village (Korea)

Here we are in Korea. I had a sleepless night as I can never sleep on planes. We arrived in Korea on 20 March 2026. Perhaps for me, this has to be the much awaited break after what I have been through in 2025. On arrival in Korea, we had to queue for 1.5hour at immigration. (perhaps due to the BTS Concert) and hence an increase in the number of visitors. After a sumptuous Braised Pork Ribs in potato soup, here we are at the first stop of the day. 

Gyeongam-dong Railway Village is a retro-themed attraction built around a 2.5km railway in Gyeongam-dong. We only walked the left side of the railway. The place was originally constructed in 1944 during the Japanese occupation to transport paper materials. Although train no longer run, the railway had been preserved as a cultural tourism site. 

Gyeongamdong Railroad Town is a charming district developed on top of abandoned railroad tracks. The village today creates the atmosphere of the 1970s and 1980s. This tourist destination evokes a nostalgic atmosphere. Visitors can stroll through the streets, admiring the picturesque scenery while soaking in the unique cultural experience. 

Old houses and shops line the tracks, and vendors sell nostalgic Korean snacks such as dalgona candy. For me, it was a walk along the railway track balancing the uneven ground, I was admiring the items and staff toys sold at the various stalls. The quaint ambiance and retro architectural style certainly caught my attention.