Glimpse into Jeju Island Adventures

As the lovely summer days bid farewell, making way for jackets, coats, and the subtle melody of chattering teeth, I find myself reflecting on the moments spent outdoors with my family and our newest addition—my baby boy. The shift in seasons always carries a bittersweet note for me. There’s a cozy charm to autumn and winter—the soft glow of a fireplace, the excuse to layer up in scarves and sweaters—but it also means saying goodbye to the carefree warmth of summer, the long evenings and spontaneous outdoor adventures. For those who might be new to my blog, I welcomed my baby boy this year, marking the beginning of a beautiful, chaotic, and utterly transformative journey into motherhood. He’s brought a new rhythm to our lives, one filled with tiny giggles, sleepless nights, and an endless capacity for wonder.

With the weather now turning crisp and cool, it’s put a pause on my usual habit of sharing OOTD (Outfit of the Day) posts featuring my latest dresses fluttering in the breeze. The thought of standing outside in a sundress while the wind whips around me feels more like a challenge than a pleasure these days. But as I was sorting through some old photos the other night, nursing a cup of tea while my little one slept, I stumbled upon a treasure trove of pictures from our travels to Jeju Island. Instantly, I was transported back to those sun-soaked days, and I couldn’t resist the urge to share snippets of that adventure with you. Today, I’m diving into that memory, promising more recent posts in the near future as I settle into this new season—both literal and figurative. So, grab a warm drink, cozy up, and let me take you back to Jeju with me.

Our trip to Jeju Island feels like a lifetime ago now, though it was only earlier this year, before the full weight of motherhood had settled in. It was a holiday that blended relaxation with exploration, a chance to soak in a new place while still unwinding from the everyday. One of my favorite finds from that trip was a beautiful blue floral dress I picked up while wandering through a local market. The moment I saw it hanging there, its soft fabric catching the light, I knew it was coming home with me. The dress is a cascade of delicate blue flowers against a white background, with a flowing skirt and a cinched waist that felt both effortless and elegant. It captured the essence of Jeju’s charm perfectly—vibrant yet serene, a little wild yet utterly inviting.

I still smile thinking about the day I wore it for a spontaneous photo shoot. We’d been strolling along one of the island’s coastal paths, the sea stretching out endlessly beside us, when I decided to play around with my camera. I handed it to my husband, who’s become my unofficial photographer over the years, and started experimenting with angles—twirling to catch the skirt in motion, leaning against a weathered stone wall, letting the wind tousle my hair. One shot, in particular, stands out: me standing against the backdrop of Jeju’s rugged cliffs and shimmering water, the dress billowing slightly as I laughed at something he’d said. It wasn’t posed or planned—it was just us, caught up in the moment, and that’s what makes it so special. The versatility of that dress shone through, too—it felt just as at home against the natural beauty of the island as it would have in a city café.

Our home base for the trip was Sheila, a stunning hotel that felt more like a palace than a place to rest our heads. From the moment we arrived, I was struck by its grandeur—the sprawling architecture, the lush gardens, the way it seemed to blend into the landscape while still standing apart. Our room had a balcony with views that stretched across the island, a patchwork of green hills and blue sea that changed with the light throughout the day. I’ll be sharing more about Sheila in upcoming posts because it deserves its own spotlight, but for now, let me paint you a picture of one of our favorite spots: the terrace. It was dotted with charming chairs—simple yet stylish, with cushioned seats that invited you to linger—and it quickly became our go-to for evening coffees. We’d sit there as the sun dipped below the horizon, the city below lighting up in a soft glow, sipping our drinks and letting the day unwind. Those moments, with the warm air still clinging to summer, are some of my fondest from the trip.

Jeju Island itself is a place that defies easy description. It’s a volcanic island off the coast of South Korea, known for its dramatic landscapes—craggy cliffs, lava tubes, waterfalls tumbling into the sea—and its laid-back vibe. We’d heard about it for years, friends raving about its beauty and tranquility, and it lived up to every word. But I’ll be honest: not every moment was picture-perfect. Looking back at some of the photos, I can see a hint of fatigue in my eyes, a subtle droop in my shoulders. The lingering effects of jetlag stuck with us into the second day of our adventure, making every step feel a little heavier, every exploration a bit more daunting. We’d flown in from halfway across the world, and our bodies hadn’t quite caught up with our excitement.

I remember waking up that second morning, the room still dark, my head fuzzy from the time difference. My husband was already up, scrolling through his phone, and I groaned something about needing more coffee. But Jeju’s allure was stronger than my tiredness. The thought of missing out on its beauty pulled me out of bed, and I’m so glad it did. We spent that day driving along the coast, stopping at random viewpoints to take in the scenery—black volcanic rocks jutting out of the turquoise water, fields of green stretching toward the horizon. The air was warm and salty, and even though my energy flagged at times, the island’s magic kept me going. There’s a photo from that day—me in my blue floral dress, sitting on a low stone wall, the sea behind me. My smile’s a little sleepy, but it’s genuine, proof that the effort was worth it.

One of the highlights of the trip came on a day when my husband had to attend conferences as part of his work. He’d warned me about it before we left—“I’ll be tied up for a few hours, but you’ll have the island to yourself”—and I saw it as a golden opportunity. While he navigated his busy schedule, I decided to treat myself to the hotel’s spa facilities. Sheila’s spa was a sanctuary—dim lighting, soothing music, the faint scent of eucalyptus in the air. I booked a massage, letting the tension from travel melt away under the skilled hands of the therapist, and followed it with a soak in the hot tubs. It was pure bliss, a chance to recharge and indulge in a little self-care while my husband was off being the professional one.

But I didn’t stop there. With my newfound energy, I embraced the chance for some solo exploration. The hotel offered indoor sports facilities—think ping pong tables and a small gym—so I spent an hour batting a ball around, laughing at my own lack of skill. Then I ventured outside, trekking around the expansive hotel grounds. Sheila’s property was massive, with winding paths that led through gardens and past hidden courtyards. I found a quiet spot overlooking the city, sat on a bench, and just breathed it all in—the sound of birds, the rustle of leaves, the distant hum of life below. It was one of those moments where time slows down, and you feel utterly present. I snapped a few photos—not for the blog, just for me—of the view, the flowers, the way the light hit the stone pathways. Those little adventures, carved out in the midst of a busy trip, reminded me how much I love discovering a place on my own terms.

The rest of our time on Jeju was a blur of small joys and quiet discoveries. We explored the famous Hallasan Mountain, though we didn’t hike all the way up—just far enough to feel the crisp air and snap some pictures of the misty peaks. We wandered through Seongsan Ilchulbong, the “Sunrise Peak,” a volcanic crater that rises dramatically from the sea. The climb was steep, and I was panting by the end, but the view from the top—waves crashing against the cliffs, the sky stretching endlessly—was worth every step. We ate fresh seafood at local restaurants, marveling at the flavors of grilled mackerel and spicy stews, and spent lazy afternoons on the beach, dipping our toes in the water and collecting shells. My blue floral dress made repeat appearances, proving its worth as a travel staple—light enough for the heat, pretty enough for photos, and easy to toss on when we were rushing out the door.

Now, as the memory of those summer moments fades and the weather transitions, I find myself reminiscing about those carefree days on Jeju Island more often. The vast landscapes—the green hills, the black rocks, the endless blue—stay with me, etched into my mind like a painting I can’t stop admiring. Those charming chairs on Sheila’s terrace, where we sipped coffee and watched the world go by, feel like a symbol of the peace we found there. And the joy of exploring a new destination, jetlag and all, reminds me how resilient we can be when we’re chasing something beautiful. Motherhood has changed my lens a bit—I think about how I’d love to take my baby boy back there one day, to show him the island’s wonders through his wide, curious eyes—but for now, these memories are mine to hold onto.

As the seasons shift and I bundle up against the chill, I’m grateful for the chance to look back on Jeju. It’s a reminder of how fleeting summer can be, how precious those warm, golden days are. Stay tuned for upcoming posts, where I’ll share more details about our stay at Sheila—the opulent rooms, the incredible food, the little corners of the hotel that felt like secrets waiting to be found. I’ll also dive deeper into the breathtaking views Jeju Island had to offer, from its volcanic wonders to its quiet, hidden gems. For now, though, I’ll leave you with this slice of our adventure, a little piece of summer to carry us through the cooler days ahead. Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane—I can’t wait to share more with you soon.