VISIT JEJU

"If you go to Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo, you may often see Sampal, Chunsam, and Boksoon swimming. I will definitely go and see them someday." This is a line from the TV show, "Extraordinary Attorney Woo." Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si is a famous place where you may see dolphins as it is mentioned in the TV show.

Daejeong-eup is the main habitat for the "Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins" which are a protected marine animal living off the coast of Jeju. When the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin "Bibongi" was released recently, the attorney Woo may see one more dolphin off the coast of Daejeong-eup. Bibongi was captured in a fishing net in the ocean near Biyangdo, Jeju in 2005. After living in an aquarium for 17 years, it was released based on the government's decision.

On October 16, it returned to its home after 70 days of training. The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries will continue to monitor and watch conditions of Bibongi. Somewhere in the sea of Jeju, 120 Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins including Bibongi may freely swim.

There are "dolphin spots" all over Jeju. In the east of Jeju, Gimnyeong ~ Seongsan is the example. In the west, Daejeong-eup is the example. If you run along the southernmost coastal road where Songaksan Mountain is located, you may find Hamo Beach and Unjin Port at the southern end of Jeju. The reason to go to Unjin Port is to go to Marado and Gapado. However, recently, the number of people visiting here has increased. This is because, you may see a pack of dolphins on the long coastal road from Unjin Port.

Since there is a witness that more than 50 Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins appeared in this area on October 9, clearly, it is a dolphin spot. Some people bring small telescopes. At low tides, they cross large and small rocks and come close to the sea as possible. You may also take a dolphin tour on a yacht. According to the "Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins Vessel Observation Guide," you should slow down within 300m of a pack of dolphins and approaching within 50m is prohibited.

It would be something insufficient to go home whether you have successfully finished a dolphin tour or unfortunately missed dolphins. Naloe15 is a quiet garden cafe using an old house in Jeju. "Naloe" is the old name of Ilgwa-ri, Daejeong-eup, where the cafe is located. Naloe is also a metaphor for the sun and the moon.

When you stand on the entrance of the cafe, you may be captivated by the wide open garden. Various flowers bloom in the garden throughout the seasons, such as crape myrtles, sunflowers, hydrangeas, roses, etc. There are several promenades. If you walk along the promenade, you may find photo zones including rocking chairs. You may see the scenery of the relaxed village of Ilgwa-ri, emerald sea, and stone walls outside the promenade.

The inside is warm and perfect for enjoying a relaxed moment. There is a special annex here. Since there is only one table, you don't need to hesitate if there is an empty seat. Naloe15 is a "Yes kids" zone that is open to children and to pets, so anyone may come comfortably.

▶ Address : 15 Ilgwadaesu-ro, Daejeong-eup, Seogwipo-si
▶ Operating Hours : Everyday 10:00 am - 8:00 pm

Let's go to a place where you may see the beautiful sunset with "dolphins." The 12 km course from Ilgwa-ri Daejeong-eup to Sindo 1-ri is called "Noeul (sunset) Coastal Road." Among coastal roads in Jeju, it has the most beautiful sunset view, and thus, named as "Noeul Coastal Road." Noeul Coastal Road is also famous for a dolphin spot. As Sindo 2-ri was introduced as a dolphin spot in the TV show, "Extraordinay Attorney Woo,” the number of visitors has increased.

If you walk around here, you may find a sign saying "this is home of whales." Sindo 2-ri village association and a civic group Hotpink Dolphins made a sign saying "Let's protect the beautiful Sindo sea together. Be sure to bring your trash back." In Sindo Pogu, an event "Indo-Pacific Bottlenose Dolphin Day" is held. It is held on July 20 every year. Hotpink Dolphins, a marine environmental group, holds various events to protect Indo-pacific bottlenose dolphins and preserve the marine ecosystem around this time. The event held last July was already in its 11th anniversary. The event provides a photo exhibition of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins, readings of dolphin storybooks, workshops, etc. It would be great to participate in this event if the event is held in July next year.