The ironman of travel Yoshimasa Ikeuchi

With Mami's children

Courtesy visit to Ulleungdo Lions Club

Kotetsu, Motoe, Son, Takane waiting for the cable car

The sea on the promenade is very beautiful

Anglers flock to the harbor

Port shopping street

Futakusa

Todon harbor promenade

Todon harbor promenade

Pizza

Mr. and Mrs. Minami

Keiko-san, the people who took care of us on Ulleungdo, Minami-san, Mr. and Mrs. Minami, and Mr. Son.

Ulleungdo's first sunset

Pohang market tour

June 20-29, 2008

　　　　　　　　　Traveling iron man Yoshimasa Ikeuchi

Kotetsu's one word

On Ulleungdo the clean seawater near the harbor and the scenery seen from the cable car were memorable. The village surrounded by wild plants in the Lari basin was a lyrical and "relieved" village. I was impressed by the many encounters with Japanese people on the Island and the depth of ethnic ties.

Epilogue II.

The day after the trip was blessed with good weather during the rainy season, the arrival at Pohang was hit by the rain and wind.

"I will never forget this encounter. I may not be able to meet it anymore. Don't forget you too "says Minami.

The moment I embraced my shoulder, the warmth of a person was transmitted.

No trip has been so helpful.

Neighboring country closest to Japan.

Koreans and Japanese may have the same ethnic blood.

Thank you.

Lunch time with the people who took care of me before returning to the ship.

Mr. and Mrs. Minami who showed up between the gateballs.

Mr. Son Minoru who helped me to load the cargo on board.

Keiko who introduced them.

Pumpkin candy on dried squid as a souvenir.

I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The number of tourists is increasing year by year, and the crowds
of the harbor are crowded in search of abundant nature.

The famous "pumpkin" and "squid" Island beef is likely to
become a habit of riding moderate fat and
seasoning handmade gochujang.

Landed on the eastern Island of "Dokdo".

The moment a dream comes true.

I enjoyed a satisfying sense of accomplishment.

"Dokdo" which cannot be visited from Japan.

However, the population has decreased to one-third from 10 years ago.

Remote schools are being closed one after another.

The reality is that young people leave the Island in search of a prosperous economic society.

It is a fascinating Island rich in nature for travelers.

The three Japanese who live on the Island sometimes remember their hometown, but when there is a hopeful tomorrow.

She saw me off with a smile.

The circle of people I met on the Island has expanded to more than 10 people.

Japanese Keiko, Mami, Chiemi and children.

 I'm sorry to say thank you to all the people
I met for the first time for helping me on my trip.

The beautiful Rari basin is the only plain, and there is no need to
worry about the abundant water,
which is a treasure trove of medicinal herbs and wild plants.

 It is the property of the Island that serves as drinking water.

Humans live in perfect harmony in nature.

How reassuring and grateful it is to be kind on a strange trip.

 Ulleungdo, blessed with abundant nature, was a mysterious Island.

Not yet known to Japanese and Westerners.

There are still few visits from Japan.

Although it is 200 km away from the mainland of Korea, many natural ecosystems remain.

There are few tourist destinations in the world that make use of the old appearance of the developed resort.

Commemorative photo of Kotetsu, dog and police officer

The author who shoots

The pier is crowded with Korean tourists

There are many seabirds on the rocks

Taken from the eastern Island of Dokdo

Communication satellite and Korean flag on the top

Stay time 30 minutes

Dokdo pier

Landing on Dokdo

In exchange for that, what a beautiful modeling beauty.

From here to "Okinoshima" in Shimane Prefecture, Japan, 157 km "Sea of Japan or Tokai" Which territorial waters?

A brief stay that I can't afford to think about.
A whistle that announces the departure tells the time.

Encourage police officers to get on board.

Where should I shoot from?

I just wander around with my camera.
The dock is crowded with group guests who
fit in the commemorative photo.

At the top of the Island is the Korean flag fluttering in the wind.

A communication antenna is also constructed and
the guard's eyes are shining.

Korean tourists look normal,
but it's a strange sight to us.

The moment I get off the ramp,
I feel a high-pitched sound.

Take the first step of excitement and
excitement to Dokdo.

The time limit is only 30 minutes.

You will be overwhelmed by the beautiful
sculpture-like landscape you saw
in the museum.

It used to be one Island, but 2.5 million years ago it became East and West due to long-term erosion.

History says there are 89 rocky Islands around.

Shortly after taking a rest, I arrived at the concrete pier on east sea.

A cruise with a group of Korean Ajuma (aunt) and
Azushi (uncle).

Born 4.6 million years ago, it was named Dokdo because it
stands up against the fierce waves of the Tokai region.

About 90 km from Ulleungdo, 1 hour 30 minutes by high-speed boat.

There are two Japanese passengers.

On the last day, I was blessed with good weather and managed to get a boarding ticket (45,000 won).

"Korea and Japan" claiming sovereignty.

Travelers are not very interested in it.

 I am very satisfied with this trip just because my wish has come true.

Landing on Dokdo where dreams have come true.

Let's celebrate the brave figure of the name
"Island of Sadness" that I gave myself.

I'm grateful to Kotetsu for dating me so far.

Dokdo" floating in the Tokai region (Korean name)

Houttuynia cordata

Rowan

Choron flower

(Bellflower)

All herbs and edible wild plants are serviced

Putchu (garlic chives)

myoni

flowering fern

Tarji

Ragweed is in full bloom

Private taxi

Only one flat land on the Island.

The picturesque Nari basin at the foot of Seonginbong
(986). There was still snow until March.

Severe natural environment.

Get Todoku and Putchu's chijimi at one dining room.

 The freshly baked was delicious.

"Totoshu" (a type of white sake) that can only be drunk here.

A refreshing sake made from carbonated water and
rice jiuqu.

Kotetsu who drinks deliciously while being advanced
by Mr. Minami who drinks up vigorously.

 In addition, many wild plants and medicinal herbs are cultivated.
Miyoung-i is a medicinal herb that nurtures life even under the snow in an era when there is no food to eat.

Valuable food that saved lives with this.

It is spread all over the road to dry.
Todoku (white carrot), Putchu (garlic chives) Toraji.

The fun of picking it up and pretending to be Dr. Yamana.

I can understand it well because Mr. Minami translates

each word carefully,
but I have to listen to the same story twice.

Most of them are "stone, water, wind, incense tree,
beauty" Only the fifth tilts his head.
"Mountains, prices, waves" for expensive things
"Drobo / Gate / Snake" The inside of the car feels like an
excursion where the laughter can't stand the convincing
story of "Yeah" and "Yeah".

The view from the sea is good,
but the land gives you a sense of security.

Osorezan with sharp rocks and swords like peaks continues, but the paved road does not make you feel very tired.

quiz 

“Five many things on the Island”

"Three high things"

"If there are three things that aren't there"

The driver proudly speaks Korean.

There is a slight block between the north and south sides.

134 degrees 54'east longitude, 37 degrees 29' north latitude. 

 It has the same latitude as Shirakawa City in Kagoshima and Fukushima Prefecture.

Most of them are volcanic,
with steep rock walls and rockfalls.

Do not stop in dangerous places,
cameraman like a gale with life-threatening shooting.

Island couple driver I asked Mr. and Mrs.

Lee Jung Jin for guidance.
The interpreter is Mr. Minami.

Thank you for meeting kind people on any Island.

Without Mr. Minami, just enjoy the scenery.

The road around the Island will be completed soon.

The sunset that first appears on the slightly reddish cheeks is dazzling.

One side is a treasure trove of wild plants and medicinal herbs.

Hyakurika Shima, which is close to alpine plants (flower with a strong scent) Choron flower (bellflower) After burning the full bloom of ragweed into your eyes, get off at Chodong Port for a 6-hour Island tour.

 It is often said that he visited this Island of Ulrun, but this is what he says "thank you". An unforgettable journey of the heart is one day later. Apparently, the weather is going to get better.

Island highlights

Mami's house
(Squid sashimi)

Take the cable car to the summit

Mami's family

Photographed by the Culture and Tourism Division

City of Todon in winter

Ragweed

Hasumi 11, Motoe 9, Takane 7

Dokdo Museum

Todon cityscape

The Island is now a summer resort and the roads are well maintained.

The number of tourists is increasing year by year, but steep slopes are a pain.

 In winter, you may struggle with the frozen road, but your legs will become stronger.

I sang in my memory at an Island performance competition.

"Horro Arirang" ♪♪ "That distant Tokai, sea
It's a lonely Island.　

It's an isolated Island.

Did you sleep well in a quiet night?

The sad and melancholy lyrics were like our
feelings at the time.

Her husband, who can't speak Japanese, talks to Kotetsu (my wife) as much as he can.

When Mami first married to this Island 10 years ago, it was like Japan 30 years ago.

At that time, the road conditions were bad and tourists were sparse, and mice ran around in the house and couldn't sleep all night.

The price is high at this time of year and I rarely
have to say it.

‘’We had you prepare a special treat today because
it is a customer from Japan. "I'm happy"

It's like relaxing at a relative's house.

Supper is a bowl full of "Ojino" (live squid sashimi) Is it transparent? Sweetness and chewy.

 Rub your throat to slip.

The swimming squid sold at the harbor is 10,000 won (1100 yen) for 5 locals.

At a restaurant, it's five times that.

Ride the cable car with Mami's children during the preparation.

The landscape of the Island is spectacular.

A colorful roof, spreads out below you.

The cityscape of Dongdong is really beautiful even in the light of the sun.

When I got off the ship, Mr. Son came to pick me up.
"Let's go around the Island"

thank you again.

Son's mobile phone bell rings.

Invitation to dinner from Mami.

I decided to treat it with two replies.

Three hours later, I was absorbed in talking and left the entrance without an outside light. On my way home, the children were full of stomach, heart and heart for a hearty dinner in Japanese saying goodnight. I'm full of happiness tonight.

Thank you.

Kotetsu also challenges

Todon harbor

Nice catch

Statue rock

Me who shoots with his body fixed to the wall

On a swaying deck

The town of Shadong

Commemorative photo with junior high school students from the mainland

Kotetsu waiting for boarding on a pleasure boat

Map around the Island

Tour boat ticket office

2 hours in a blink of an eye.
The voyage returns to a familiar port.
I kept pressing the shutter while it was
raining. The cloudy weather helped to make
t even more powerful.

I was attracted to the mysterious charm
that I wanted to try again on a sunny day.

A large number of seagulls follow in search of the "shrimp roast" given by the customer.

At sea, elephant rocks and turtle rocks are pleasing to the eyes.

The scenery that represents the maiden of the seagull is one after another.

Children who cannot overcome seasickness are lying in the cabin before they know it.

Sightseeing with junior high school students on the mainland.

"Where are you from?" In English.
On the Island surface, sharp and pointed strange rocks
and terrible rocks get wet with rain and show darker and
steeper.

In the harsh natural environment,

far from the mainland,

liners often cancel due to the rough seas.

The tour boat finally departs on the 4th day.

Still the waves are rough.

Step on the deck with both feet.

Fix your body against the pillar.
I can't take good pictures with this wave.

Depart from Dodo Port.

Tour boat around the Island

All winter scenery photos are taken by the Culture and Tourism Division

Chodong harbor in winter

Seonginbong in winter

Chodong harbor in winter

The ultimate "abalone porridge"

All edible wild plants are serviced

This is delicious (service)

Restaurant menu

Toudong Yakusui Park

Port souvenir shop

Sell live squid

taken by the Culture and Tourism Division

Sun-dried squid in September at its peak,

Chodong harbor in winter

Ajuma at the port selling live squid

Squid fishing boat moored at Chodong Port

Photographed by the Culture and Tourism Division

Sun-dried squid

Mountainous Nanjing harvest

Grab a squid

Competing with handmade boats

Squid Festival

Culture and Tourism Division Photographed

Me, Mr. Minami, Mr. Son, Chief of Huang

The house where the Japanese lived

2000 year scented tree

Swallow's nest in town

Son "What's your favorite supper tonight?"

"Abalone porridge"I want to eat.

 Tell them to make a reservation at the restaurant and return to the hotel to change clothes.

The refreshing feeling after the shower is the key to making your meal delicious.

The refreshing feeling after the shower is the key to making your meal delicious.

isit famous places by Mr. Son's car.

Toudong Yakusui Park and Chodong Yakusui Park.

The water that springs from the lava contains
carbonic acid and has a slight sweetness.

There are only places that are not marked in the
tourist information book. Around the medicinal
water that has anemia and other effects,
brown stones indicate the strength of acidity.

At its peak, the sun-dried squids line up for hundreds of meters.

 It's a pity that it wasn't the right time to come. The Tourism Division will give you CDs of materials for the squid festival and edible wild plants festival. This is all with the locals. Mr. Minami has long been a "face of the town" as a teacher and postmaster. As a computer engineer, Mr. Son teaches government offices and companies.

Everyone on the road has the illusion of being a celebrity because of the bowing of their heads.

 I received a Korean 10 cm thick document,
but I couldn't read Hangul characters,
so I refrained from doing so.

The Island's specialty pumpkin was harvested in March,
and the squid festival was held in September.

When you visit, it's all off-season.

Still, tourists come from the mainland on Saturdays and　Sundays.

Squid fishing will start in June,
but most ships will be closed due to soaring global fuel prices.

Exchange to the agricultural cooperative with Mr. Son's　guidance.

Local exchange for Korean won is advantageous.

Agricultural cooperative 10,000 yen-94980 won.
Japanese airport-82,000 won.

 If you don't know the trip, you lose.
Visit the Culture and Tourism Division of Ulleungdo to collect information.

Mr. Minami will accompany you.

Chief Huang, who is in charge,
carefully explains the history and culture of the Island.

Mr. Son, who was introduced by Mr. Keiko (38), is a tall and good young man.

When I was calling a taxi to the hotel, Mr. Son suddenly appeared.

"I will guide you by my car" and the taxi is cancelled.

First of all, there is no bank, so exchange money at the post office.

Show your passport and show Japanese yen, and the staff will tell you "NON" .

Come on! "Abalone porridge" is finally here.
It's been a while since I've had porridge with plenty of abalone,
which has a rich taste that has been mashed to the liver and has a nice crunchy texture.

In the Korean style,
the flavor of "sesame oil and sesame"
brings out the umami.

Tasting a luxurious gem
(about 2000 yen per person) is cheap
on a high-priced Island.

I tasted the delicacies of the Island
firmly with my tongue and slowly and
slowly put it in my stomach.

I'm happy tonight.

All acquaintances of acquaintances are friends

Mami's child in front of the teacher

Second grade classroom

Photo courtesy of Culture and Tourism Division

Commemorative photo with Mr. Minami at Horai Falls

While singing cheerfully and cheerfully enough to lose the aunt in Osaka

Mountain road to Ponle Falls

A wind hole where cold air of 4 degrees blows out

Principal and Me

Chodong National Elementary School

Me and Mr. Minami

Cheese hamburger

Korean style fried rice

Dokdo Photo

At the Dokdo Museum, a map of Korea and Japan

Kannon statue and squid monument

Tsushima table stone

Dokdo Museum Monument

Dokdo slide show

The entrance fee is also free thanks to Mr. Minami.
Primitive forest of Seonginbong.
Enjoy "Forest bathing in cedar forest".

A healthy leg that climbs a dignified mountain road
without taking a break.

We take a break on a steep mountain road.
If I wasn't with Minami-san,
I might have given up on the way.

Even in the summer,
you can hear the sound of a waterfall that finally
flows down after passing through a wind hole that
blows a cold wind of 4 ° C.

A cute, jumping smile is approaching.

Is it rare for Japanese people to visit school?

The eyes of the cross-border children were shining.

After school, they run down into the primeval forest all year round.

To Horai Waterfall.

 It is a special treatment guided by the principal's office.

 I go around the classroom with an office worker.
"Annyon Hasseyo".
Children are in the same second grade as
my grandchildren.

The teacher introduces us and a boy comes forward.

Mami says he can speak Japanese,
but he doesn't speak at school.

Keiko's friends Mami and Chiemi appear when the story is booming. Ask questions about why they came to this Island as a couple.

Mr. Minami kindly took the role of a guide as to where he wanted to go. To start exploring the Island by taxi (Keiko's acquaintance), visit the National Elementary School in Chodong.

I can’t believe I met Japanese people.
It's strange to say that it's a strange situation or a trip
encounter. The circle of acquaintances spreads steadily.

Keiko introduces "Minami Kyoho" (79).
When I was in elementary school in 1945,
I was surprised at the fluent language used when
I learned Japanese from a Japanese teacher.

 The eldest son is married to a Japanese and lives in Nagano prefecture

Get information that Japanese people live on Ulleungdo at the hotel. I went to see her immediately. Keiko (from Tokuyama), who works at a restaurant near the port of Dongdong, has been married to the Island for 10 years. When I talk to "Ilbon Saram Issoyo" She returned in Korean as "Nanun Ilbon Saranmu" (I'm Japanese).

I'm glad that there is no staff and all the photos are OK.

Sightseeing boats depart from Ulleungdo three times a week to Dokdo, but they are canceled one after another due to the weather.

Will your wish come true in just 1 hour and 30 minutes to an Island you haven't seen yet?

I am grateful that both the Dokdo
museum and the museum,
which I visited with great interest,
are free of charge.
It seems that Korean tourists are not
very interested and are rushing around.

It is often observed in images and
photographs of natural ecology.

The rich sea is said to be a golden fishing ground,
and you can see images of
several species of fish　swimming.

Each photo reminds me of Dokdo,
which I haven't seen yet.

5 minutes by car on a steep slope from Dodongkou. At the entrance, the surface stones of Dokdo and Tsushima are erected.

Dokdo has East Island and West Island, and the exhibition room has materials proving that it is a state-owned territory of the Republic of Korea. 

The refreshing cold breeze and the forest and greenery make you feel tired.

When you close your eyes and blend into nature, you can walk downhill side by side with Kotetsu at a light tempo. Even though I just met, I am full of gratitude for the kindness of people. Taxi drivers also get a 20% discount (40,000 won) from the promised price. The beginning of a refreshing journey.

Dokdo Museum and Japanese

Todon harbor

Ragweed

Photo of Dokdo

View from the hotel room

View from the hotel room

Seven Kamado

Seagulls welcome you

Harbor landscape

Ulleungdo harbor

I can't see anything outside the ship because of the fog

Poster on board

Sake on board

Boarding area

Boarding gate

Ferry terminal waiting area

Boarding ticket

Pohang ferry terminal

Ulleungdo

The weather for a week from tomorrow will be cloudy and then rainy.

Rain gear is ready this time.
The location from the room on the sea side is also overcast to
the clouds.
The temperature on the Island is lower than
I expected and it is comfortable and comfortable.

87.4km from Ulleungdo South Korea and Japan claim　sovereignty.
The Japanese name is "Takeshima"
(157km from Shimane Prefecture),
and the Korean name is "Dokdo" in the Tokai region.

100m to the tourist information center.

It's also a difficult task to push and walk around with your luggage.
3000 won (400 yen) Accommodation hotel on a hill.
10 minutes to "The Resort".

The front man can't speak English or Japanese at all.

When talking, the manager said "Welcome".

It's a relief to hear Japanese.

I did it well when I was young.
The scenery is completely invisible because of the fog outside the ship.

It was good that the ship didn't shake.
As the harbor approaches, the cliffs approach slightly.

Private houses are crowded on steep slopes.
Two-thirds of the population live in Dodong Port in the center of the Island.

A guest house bargain and seagulls welcome you. 

The inside of the ship is like an adult excursion.

Sake prime that starts at the same time as the departure. Eating sashimi and dried squid as a side dish is a metabolic syndrome corps.

Looking around the ship, "Hanafuda" opens on the second floor. I miss the pine tree, plum blossoms, and double shaved picture cards.

Thanks to you, boarding from the inspection room without lining up in a long line.
Luggage that cannot be carried in one go.

I can't find any porters or sailors.
There is no choice but to whip up the old bone and
make three round trips to the ship to complete.

"Seat is 37.38 on the 3rd floor"
Settle down with my valuables and camera.

Fog occurs in light rain.
The beginning of a dull and dull journey.
 

From Pohang, a port on the east coast of South Korea, to the east (217km).

Departure for Ulleungdo Island in the Tokai region.

The inside of the ship is almost full and crowded with people. I can't understand what it is without a Korean guide.

Hangul characters that I am not good at seem to be cryptographic symbols.

There is a baggage inspection in a separate room except for baggage.

History tells us that the Island was born 4.6 million years ago as a volcanic Island formed of lava with a 2000m seabed uplift. A “journey” to visit the footsteps of history like people, Islands have individuality. The new "encounter.

Prologue

Dokdo floating in the Tokai (Korean name)

Mami's house
(squid sashimi)

Epilogue

All acquaintances are friends

Ulleungdo

Prologue

Korea Korea

Island highlights

Dokdo Museum and Japanese

Tour boat around the Island