The morning of Day 3 arrived. After yesterday’s brutal battle with the headwinds, I slept like a log. While waiting for my companion, I found a massage chair on the first floor—the perfect way to prep my legs for the final stretch.
To fuel up, we headed to a local Gogi-guksu (Pork Noodle Soup) spot I’d scouted earlier.
The broth was rich and creamy, and the pork was incredibly clean with no gamey smell. It reminded me a bit of Japanese Tonkotsu ramen.
Breakfast : Deumsak-heon Gukbap (Pork Noodles)
Chasing the Horizon (and the Clock)
With a full stomach, we set off toward Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak). Seeing its majestic silhouette rising in the distance brought back memories of hiking it with my brother years ago.
After a quick stamp and a proof-of-visit photo at the certification center, we were back on the road.
Since we had to fly back to Seoul today, I was feeling the pressure—I tend to get a bit obsessive about being on time! Still, we couldn’t just pass by a cafe with such a stunning view without stopping for a caffeine recharge.
The ride continued along the coastline. The wind had died down slightly compared to yesterday, but the sky remained overcast and the gusts were still formidable.
The Last Leg: Crosswinds
By the time we hit Woljeongri Beach, my stomach was growling. We stopped for a classic Jeju feast: grilled whole hairtail (Galchi) and stew. While the presentation was spectacular, I have to admit the taste didn’t quite live up to the hype.
Lunch: Woljeong Haenyeo Restaurant
As we pushed on, the wind shifted. It wasn’t hitting us from the front or back anymore, but from the side—which is a whole different kind of struggle. With the flight departure looming, I didn’t even have enough time to fully soak in the scenery. We raced to the final certification center, Yongduam (Dragon Head Rock), and officially completed our Jeju Cross-Island Tour!
Then, it was a mad dash to the airport. Navigating through the city traffic was tricky, but we made it just in time. Just like when we arrived, we used the Roundel service to pack the bikes securely before boarding.
The final stretch was a frantic race against the clock, but I’m so grateful for this journey. Being able to ride safely while keeping the ocean by my side the entire time made it a truly thankful experience.
Until the day I return to the Jeju bike paths… goodbye for now!