My Korea – Geumo Island
The boat back home differed from the first one. Admiring the beautiful islands and water seen on the first voyage? That energy, taxed. Along with some friends, my wife and I retreated to the inner cabin after a daylong hike around yet another of coastal Korea’s treats: Geumo Island. Tired and exhausted, the possibility of any more physical exercise was long gone. The noisy scenes inside hardly fazed us after such a fulfilling day.
Smiles and laughter filled the room. Soju bottles filled cups while conversations permeated the cabin. Our first trip to Geumo Island last fall came to mind, providing a couple of chance encounters with similarly jolly people. This country is responsible for many of the greatest experiences I will ever remember, and one previous time on this island ranks near the top.
Yeosu people are spoiled with nature and openly boast about the more than 300 islands found nearby.Geumo Island is a more popular destination thanks to some truly wonderful scenery with hiking courses forming a circuit around the island. We had set out to complete as many as possible on a beautiful day in September. At the end of each trail stands an open area with a water station and sometimes a drink stand or small restaurant offering standard fare.
After completing one, we refilled our bottles and prepared to move on when some Koreans grabbed our attention and called us over to a table at the very small restaurant. They had been diving in the water nearby and caught some whitefish, which we were more than welcome to try. The fish and complimentary soju boosted our spirits for the next path while the generosity of these kind people put genuine smiles on our faces as we continued.
That memory put a new smile back on my worn face many months later as our boat made its only stop on the way back, at Geumo Island’s northern tip. After shuffling outgoing passengers for those heading back to Yeosu, the boat started up, and another golden memory of our September visit came to mind.
Along the way, we bumped into a friend from Suncheon. We joined his party and walked until time called for lunch. A nice spot in the shade suited the Koreans and as we pulled out our kimbap, they indicated that we would be eating theirs instead because…why else? It was better. No arguing. Just eat and enjoy. I am no expert on kimbap brand rankings, but free food should never be turned away – not in this country.
After eating together, we continued on through some more beautiful spots and enjoyed the rest of our walk with this great and friendly company. Shuttling back to the ferry terminal and getting back on the boat to Yeosu were sad reminders that we did not live on Geumo Island. Would we come back?
The feelings of leaving came back yet again as I stood up and moved out of the cabin. Now port side, I tried to have a moment’s glance at the tiny uninhabited islands at Yeosu’s edge. The boat neared the mainland terminal, and more thoughts came to mind. Instead of memories, they were of happiness with the present and hopes for the future.
There is something to this, water life. I am not really sure if it is the cool air or the quiet and calm associated with listening to the waves smacking against each other, but islands and water seem to bring out the best in people. Both are always so generous and kind.
Will I come back to Geumo Island? Hopefully. But if not, something else will take its place physically, and will always remember those two amazing experiences with some kind and generous people.