The summer sea and the winter sea sound pretty familiar to us, but the spring sea sounds somewhat awkward for some reason. Yet, the spring sea also has its own beauty every bit as much as that of other seasons. Walking along the coast with a spring breeze and with the soft warmth of the waves, are attractions only the spring sea offers. Oido, located on the West Coast, is a place that can provide us with such pleasure easily. Although Oido is now connected to the land, it is still called an island and is an all-time favorite tourist attraction due to its convenient accessibility. On a drowsy spring day leave for Oido, where you can enjoy the romantic spring sea air.
Have You Heard of Oido?
Located in the West, along the coast from Siheung City, Oido is not an island like its name suggests. In the past, Oido was once an island separated from the main land, but it later became connected to the land after being turned into a salt farm. Once a strategic point and a historic site, Oido is now a beloved tourist attraction due to its beautiful scenery and diverse foods.
The Trail to the Stork Rock
The trail to Stork Rock is a trail designed to allow closer observation of the sea. At low tide you can see the mud flats and at high tide you can literally experience the feeling of walking on water, as the trail floats on the sea. So keep in mind to be on time for whichever of the experiences you choose to enjoy. The trail for the Stork Rock allows you to feel the spring sea air with every fiber of your body, aside from just looking at it. Photo zones and love locks placed next to the trail are other pleasures waiting for you. A walk on the water will provide you with a brand-new experience not to be seen elsewhere.
The Red Lighthouse
The Red Lighthouse may be the place that comes into mind when you think of Oido. The Red Lighthouse is the landmark of Oido and is an observatory too. Looking down to the sea at the highest point of the lighthouse presents you with another aspect of the sea. The romantic image that the lighthouse conjures up may be the biggest factor for attracting so many people to Oido, as well as the blue sea and gulls flying above your head. The scenery in Oido might even give you the feeling that you have become the main character of a romance novel.
Oido Dock
As can be guessed from its name, Oido Dock is where fishing boats are gathered together. The sight of fishing boats lined up along the left and right sides of Oido Dock road offers a wonderful scene. What is most charming about the dock is that you can buy freshly cleaned seafood right from the markets. Seafood such as fish, clams, and oysters are all fresh. Directly caught and seafood is not only the most trustworthy to eat, but also its great fun to watch them clean and prepare it. The dock is where you can experience the most Oido-like aspect of Oido.
Oido Marine Observatory
Oido Marine Observatory is an observatory modified from an actual ship that once sailed on the sea. As it is not just a replica but an actual ship, you can feel more of a sense of the magnificence of the Observatory. Here, you can observe the views of Oido and also enjoy what the ship has to offer onboard. Uniforms of the Korean Maritime Police and related videos can be seen on the ship, and you can also look around the cockpit. There is no additional charge so it is well worth a visit. . Oido Marine Observatory is closed after sunset for safety reasons, so remember to visit the place before the sun goes down.
Taste of Oido
Oido is not only famous for its beautiful sights, but for many delicacies as well. As Oido is located near the sea, roasted clams and all sorts of seafood are a big draw to visitors. If you have had enough of the romance of the spring sea, you can enjoy the taste of Oido instead.
1) Jogae-Pocha
Roasted clams are one thing that you should never miss. Jogae-Pocha is especially famous for its neat interior and diverse side dishes targeted at young people. With big fresh clams brought from the sea every morning, and a number of service dishes such as corn cheese and spiced pork, you won’t get the chance to be bored of tasting all the dishes. Just watching the clams being roasted with cheese on top will fill you up! The price may look a little high, but considering it is a highly recommended restaurant, you won’t regret your time at Jogae-Pocha.
- All you can eat per person: 25,000
- Roasted Clams: S 40,000 M 60,000 L 70,000
2) Dolsum-Honamgip Restaurant
Although this place also sells roasted clams, Dolsum-Honamgip is especially famous for its seafood kalguksu, or handmade chopped noodles. Octopus and Manila clams in seafood kalguksu with a refreshing soup, makes you keep shouting out for ‘one more spoonful!’ Three different kinds of Kimchis are provided and add more flavor to the seafood kalguksu. Dolsum-Honamgip is located in front of the Red Lighthouse, so your time at Dolsum-Honamgip will not only please your mouth, but your eyes as well.
- Seafood Kalguksu: 10,000
- Manila Clam Kalguksu: 6,000
3) Donkey Coffee
Walking through the trails of Oido, you may feel tired at some point. How about taking a break at Donkey Coffee then? Unlike the indigenous atmosphere of Oido, you can feel the atmosphere of Europe at the Donkey Coffee. Unlike other cafes in cities that are blocked in like concrete jungles, you can enjoy a clear view here. Chewing the soft texture of the honey butter bread and sipping fruit juices, you may even feel like you are in Europe!
- Beverages: 4,000~6,000
- Honey Butter Bread: 6,500
Living a routine life, you may want to leave and go somewhere else from time to time. A trip can be considered to be a burdensome thing to some people, as much planning can be required. However, a trip to Oido will help you get rid of all these problems. Just hop on the subway and your trip to Oido will begin. It is a trip that you can leave to go on without much consideration, but the pleasure you get from it will be every bit as good as any other. So, how about leaving for Oido this weekend?
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