Wando Abalone Picking & Tasting Experience (Korea)

 

Wando is an island in the southern part of South Korea known for its production of seaweed products and its high-quality abalone. We were reminded that it will be very cold, out in the open sea as we geared up for our abalone picking experience. 

The walk toward the boat

Here we go - the boar ride towards the open sea. Weather was manageable. Could feel the cool breeze in your face. 

Here is where the abalone are caged. Seaweed is used for their feed. The young abalone are implanted into their cages. Farmers periodically take boats out to their cages and feed the abalone. 

From the moment of stocking the abalone in cages, it takes an average of two years to grow out before it is ready for harvest and shipping.

The abalones are taken out from their cages

We had the opportunity to pull out the abalones from their cages. There was no resistance. It felt like something hard being stuck to the surface.

Fresh abalones from the ocean - this is how they look at when they are pulled out from the cages

Then the abalones have to be washed and scrubbed clean for consumption

The harvest for us 

The efficient supply of seaweed for feed is crucial to strong growth rates of the abalones.

The fresh raw slices

Our Korean tour guide

Cooked Abalone

This is the first time I am eating a fresh abalone from the open sea. It was delicious. I had 3 pieces. 

Imperial High Tea @ Si Chuan Dou Hua

Imagine bringing your pet together with you as you enjoy your high tea.  That was we did on 19 May, when I caught up with Joan and Toby. It was so sweet when Toby greeted me jumping up to me and wagging his tail. 

Located at Parkroyal Beach Road, Joan and I had the Imperial High Tea at Si Chuan Dou Hua. It was an elegant high tea experience with Toby by our side. We enjoyed a range of handcrafted dim sum and premium Chinese Teas paired by expert Tea Masters. 

The food was delicious and the service was good.

 

Drooling over the Dim Sum. Toby was treated to a complementary Happi Skippi Just Freeze-Dried treat proudly sponsored by Yappy Pets

It was a warm afternoon and thankfully there was a huge air cooler and blinds to keep us comfortable. Toby must have felt the heat as he just sat either on the chair or on the floor.

Choice of one premium tea

Group shot - all smiles

Having a private moment with Toby  - ok what's the secret we can't tell your mummy?

Where is the food?

The nine-piece tea set came with two drinks and a selection of delicate bites. As some items were presented together as part of the same dish, it did not feel like a substantial high tea, especially for the price we paid. I wish the portions could be doubled for the dim sum as for price we paid, it certainly is expensive. But of course, it is spending quality time Joan and Toby that truly matters. 

The first dish comprising of four items:

* Steamed dog-shaped custard bun

* Steamed prawn dumpling with fish roe

* Steamed seafood crystal dumpling with black truffle

* Steamed prawn dumpling with wild mushroom

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The second dish comprising three items:

*Deep fried Sesame ball with minced meat

*Pan fried bun with chives

* Golden Corgi Chicken Floss Glutinous Rice roll (my favourite)

Wish we could have double portion for the dim sum -  (in my dreams)

Cheers to good health and happiness - Yuze Rice Wine (can we please have another glass?)

Pumpkin noodles with preserved capsicum sauce and minced meat. This is a spicy dish. I nearly choked drinking the soup as it was very spicy. Had to quickly sipped iced water. That helped.

Paw-shaped glutinous rice dumpling with red dates (this was delicious)

Mokpo Marine Cable Car ( Korea)

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Mokpo Marine Cable Car, the longest cable car in Korea, stretching over an impressive 3.23 kilometers.

Mokpo Maritime Cable Cars pass through Bukhang Station, Yudalsan Station, and Gohado Station, and you can also get off at Yudalsan Station in the middle.  

The sea cable car has regular cabins and crystal cabins, and when you board the crystal cabins, you can see the sea view and Mokpo panoramic views from under your feet. In the case of crystal cabins, the number of operations is less than that of regular cabins, so the waiting time is longer than that of regular cabins.

We boarded the regular cabins. This cable car seemed similar to the ones I took in Hong Kong and Taiwan, just different views to admire. 

Fees for use

■ General Cabin: (round trip) KRW 24,000 for adults & KRW 18,000 for children / (one-way) KRW 19,000 for adults & KRW 13,000 for children

■ Crystal Cabin: (round trip) KRW 29,000 for people and KRW 23,000 for children / KRW 22,000 for (one-way) people / KRW 16,000 for children

As I ascended, I was mesmerized by the breathtaking views of Mokpo's stunning coastline, the majestic Yudalsan Mountain, and the vibrant cityscape. This ride offers a unique perspective of Mokpo's natural beauty and bustling life.

Such a serene view

Photo-taking time

On the second level, spotted a few cute figurines, could not resist to take photos.

I had to have my matcha ice cream

It was an enjoyable cable car ride. Thank you for the memories.