The World According to Cosmos

Month: October 2018

  • Ugly Writers publishes recent poems

    Ugly Writers publishes recent poems

    updated to reflect recent publication.

    Snarling Cup of Coffee

    Snarling Cup of Coffee

    I like to start my day with a hot cup of coffee
    I pound down the coffee
    First thing I do every day as the dawning sun
    Lights up my lonesome room

    Yeah, but not just a simple cup of java Joe, but a God damn snarling sarcastic smarmy cup of coffee
    I mean, – we are talking about an alcoholic, all speed ahead, always hot, always fresh, always there when I need it, angry, attitude talk to the hand Ztude, bad, bad assed, beats breaking, beatnik, bluesy, bitter, bitchy, bombs away, capitalistic, caffeinated up the ass, cinematic, communistic, Colombian grown, Costa Rican inspired, Cowabunga to the max, crazy assed, devilishly angelic, divine, divinely inspired, dyslexic, epic, extreme vetting, evil eye, expensive, erotic vision inducing, Ethiopian coffee house brewed, euphoric, freaky, freazoid, foxy, Frenched kissed, French brewed, funkified, foxy lady, graphic, GOD in my coffee, with Allah, Ganesh, Jesus, Kali, Buddha, Christians, Durga, Hindus, Mohamed, Jesus and Mo and their friend, the cosmic bar maid, Sai Babai, Shiva, Taoists, Zoroastrians, drinking my god damned coffee in Hell; growling, gnarly, happy, hard as ice, Hawaian blessed, high as a kite, hippie, hip, hipster, hip hoppy, hot as hell yet strangely sweet as heaven, jazzy, jealous, Kerouac approved, kick ass, kick my god damn ass to Tuesday, kick down the doors and take no prisoners, grown in the Vietnam highlands by ex-Vietcong, Guatemalan grown, kiss ass, illegal in every state, imported from all over the god damn world, insane, lovely, loony, lonely, lonesome, malodorous mean old rotten, motherfucking, nasty, narcotic, never whatever, never meh, never cold, not approved by the CIA, not approved by DHS, not approved for human consumption by the FDA, not your daddy’s sissified corporate cup of coffee, NOT DECAFE coffee, not your Denny’s truck driver weak as brown water cup of fake coffee, not your establishment friendly cup of coffee, Not your FBI coffee, Not FAKE Herbal coffee substitute, but a real cup of coffee, not your farmer brothers dinner crap, not made in America for Americans, not safe for work, not your Starbucks average expensive overpriced crappy corporate chain cup of coffee, Not pretentious, Not White House approved, not State Department safe, nuclear, Not Patriotic, operatic, Peets’s coffee approved, paranoid, pornographic, psychotic, pontific, politically aware, rapping, rhyming, right here, right now in River city, rock and roll up the Yazoo, sad, sadistic, sarcastic, sassy, satanic, schizoid, shitting, silly, sexy, smarmy, smelly, smooth, snarky, snarling, stupid, stinking, sweet as honey, sweat inducing, symphonic, Trump can’t handle this coffee, vengeful, Wagnerian, wicked, with nutmeg and cinnamon swirls, with a hint of stevia, with a hint of vanilla, with a hint of rum, with a hint of whisky, with a hint of cherry, with a hint of fruit overtones, with a hint of drugs spicing up the coffee, spendific, speeding, splendid, superior accept no substitutes, survived the Vietnam war, the Iraq war, the Afghan war, the first and Second Korean war, World War 11, the war on poverty, the war on drugs, the war on black people, the sexual revolution, Soulful as a summer’s night in MOTOWN- James Brown approved, TOP approved, Berkeley approved, the coffee that Jimmy Hendrix drank before he died, the coffee that Elvis drank on his last breakfast, the coffee that Barry White crooned as he drank his cup of coffee – and the coffee that made the white boy play stand up and play that funky music, the coffee that made Jonny B Goode play his guitar, and made Jonny bet the devil his soul after he drank his morning cup of righteous coffee and the coffee that make the Rolling Stones Rock and Roll, the coffee your mother warned you against drinking, the coffee that Napoleon drank when he became the Emperor of all Europe, the Coffee that Beethoven drank when he wrote the Ninth symphony, the coffee that Mozart drank as he wrote his last symphony, the coffee that Lincoln drank before he was killed, the Hemingway drank before he killed himself, the coffee that started the 60’s, and ended the 20th century, the coffee that Lenin drank as he plotted revolution, the coffee that Hitler and Stalin drank with FDR as they divided up the world after World War 11, the cup that JFK drank before he was blown away, the coffee Jerry drinks while driving in cars with random celebrities and political figures, the coffee that Jon Stewart drinks before he goes on an epic take down of some foolish politico, the cup of Arabic coffee that Sadaam drank the day he was executed, the coffee that GW and Cheney drank when they bombed Baghdad, the Indian cup of coffee that Bid Laden drank before 9-11 and just before the seals blew his ass to hell, the cup of coffee that Tiger Woods drank with his mistresses while playing a 3, 000 dollar round of golf at Sandy Lane golf course in Barbados, the last legal drug that does what drugs should do, the cup of coffee that Obama drank when he became President, Vietnamese, Vienna brew, wacky, whimsical, Whisky Tango Foxtrot, wild, weird, wonderful, WOW, Yabba dabba doo! Yada Yada yada Zappa’s favorite cup of cosmic coffee, and Zorro’s last cup of coffee, Good to the last drop rolled into one simple cup of hot coffee

    As I pound down that first cup of coffee
    And fire up my synaptic nerve endings with endless supplies
    Of caffeine induced neuron enhancing chemicals

    I face the dawning day with trepidation and mind-numbing fear
    I turn on the TV and watch the smarmy newscasters in their perfect hair
    Lying through their teeth about the great success the government is having

    Following the great leader’s latest pronouncements
    I want to scream and shoot the TV and run out side Shouting “Stop the world.
    I want to get off this fucking crazy planet”

    The earth does not care a whit about my attitude
    It merely shrugs and moves around the Sun
    In its appointed daily run

    And I sit down
    The madness dissipating a bit
    And enjoy my second cup
    Of heaven and hell
    In my morning cup of Joe

    Ode to Coffee

    Mistress of sacred love
    Sacred lady of desire
    You start my day
    Setting my heart on fire

    With your dark delicious flavor
    And throughout the day
    Whenever the mean old blues come by
    You chase them away

    With your bitter sweet ambrosial brew
    Every time I inhale your witches’ brew
    I am filled with power, light and love
    And everything is all right Jack

    If only for a few fleeting minutes
    I love you oh coffee goddess
    In all your magical forms

    In the dark coffee of the dawning day
    In the sizzling coffee in the mid-morning break
    In the afternoon siesta break

    And in the post dinner dessert drink
    I love you my coffee mistress
    You are my refuge
    From this horrid world

    And you are my secret lover
    Never disappoint me, ever
    I’ve never had a bad cup
    Of that I can be sure
    Even the dismal coffee
    Served at Denny’s at 3 am

    Is still sweet loving coffee
    Even the farmer brother’s diner coffee
    Excites me and gets me going
    Asking for another cup of divine delight

    Coffee always is there
    It is always on and piping hot
    With hidden dark secrets
    Swirling in its liquid essence

    Coffee is my last vice
    My only legal vice left
    Coffee does not cheat on me
    It is always faithful, always true

    It does not turn on its friends
    And all it asks in return
    Is that you come back
    Cup after cup after cup

    A good cup of coffee
    Is a little bit of heaven
    In a cup of dark liquid hell

    Coffee is like a drug
    But a good drug that does what is should
    And never complains
    It does not get grouchy
    It does not hurt you

    It does not make you crazy
    But allows the muse to come out
    And play with it

    Coffee led to the American Revolution
    As patriots drank coffee
    To rebel against the aristocratic English tea

    Coffee started the London Stock Market
    And started the gossip mills running
    Every great invention

    Was fed by coffee’s sweet brew sweet allure
    All the great thinkers
    All the great leaders
    All were enslaved to coffee’s magic

    Yeah
    I sing my praises
    Of the great glorious coffee lady
    Long may she continue
    To be my sweet companion

    Long may coffee continue
    To rule my heart
    And set my heart on fire


    I love thee
    Mistress coffee
    And sometimes I think
    You love me too

    No More Coffee Blues

     

    I love coffee

    Always have

    And coffee has loved me back

    But lately I have soured on her

    Soured on the whole coffee scene

    On the harshness of the morning brew

    And the promises it makes

     

    As I sip of its nectar

    Drawn into its lair

    Drinking drop by drop

    As the caffeine takes over

     

    Rewriting my every nerve

    Turning me into a slave

    For its perverted pleasure

    Yes, I love coffee

    But I am afraid

    Coffee is a harsh mistress

    Demanding so much of me

     

    Promising the sun

    And delivering the Moon

    As I drink her swill

    Deepening under her influence

    I have the coffee blues

    Can’t live without her

    Can’t live with her

    I try

    But tea does not cut it

    Not really

    Booze does not do it

    At least not in the morning

     

    Yoga is not enough of a buzz

    Nor is the runner’s high

    And I am afraid deadly afraid of cocaine

    And speed and drugs and energy drinks

     

    And so, I remain a slave to coffee

    My only legal drug

    As I sip another and fall under her seductive spread

     

    Once more failing in my resolve

    To skip coffee for that day

    That morning that moment

     

    I shall never be free of her spell

    Ever and she knows it

    As she beckons me

    Every morning with her intoxicating smell

    And I come to her and drink her brew

    And become her slave again and again

     


    Unhinged Lunatic Howling at the Full Moon

    howling at the Moon

    On the night of the blood red super full moon
    I sat in an evil, depraved godforsaken bar
    Drinking drams of demented, fermented dream dew

    Washed down by endless rounds of whiskey
    rum, tequila, vodka, soju and of course beer

    drinking with my buddies the Jack Daniels Gang
    Drinking my way to Hell and beyond
    Just as fast as I could

    twenty damn drinks too sober
    Just an unhinged lunatic
    Dreaming of howling at the full moon

    Watching the world walk by
    Looking at all the fine-looking babes
    Walking by the street

    Thinking wild, erotic thoughts
    Of endless wild libertine passions

    When into the bar
    That din of cosmic depravity

    Walked the most beautiful women
    In the Universe

    So wild, so free
    So wonderfully alive

    I did not know what to do
    As this vision of delight
    Sauntered through the bar

    In a skin-tight leather pant
    Looked so fine
    That my eyeballs hurt

    And finally, I had to say something
    So, I gathered up my manly courage
    And walked up to her
    And she looked at me

    And instantly bewitched my soul
    With a devilish grin

    I lost all reason
    And became a raving lunatic

    Unhinged lunatic
    Howling at the blood red full moon

    Foaming at the mouth
    A wild, free werewolf

    Howling at the lunatic light
    Of the blood red blue full Moon


    April 30 In Search of America 1975 – Hitch hiking Tales

    When I was young and foolish
    Broke and stubborn

    I hitchhiked across the USA
    Started in Salt Lake City
    Where my greyhound bus pass
    Was stolen

    The station manager
    Could have helped me
    But refused to do so

    Threaten to call the cops
    When I grabbed my bags 
    Without the stolen tags

    I said
    Go ahead
    But I am so out of here

    Wondered about Salt Lake City
    Went to a bar
    Found I had to buy my booze

    Next door
    And they would mix it for me
    Had to order food too

    After a bloody Mary
    And a burger

    I walked about town
    Saw the Mormon Temple
    Finally about 3 pm

    It was time to hit the road
    Did not look back

    Ended up in Cody Wyoming
    Got a room shower
    Steak beer
    Using my rapidly depleted cash Spent 25 dollars
    Money really went far
    Back in those days

    A band of professional
    Communist agitators
    Gave me a ride

    To Des Moines
    Lots of weed, booze
    And politics later

    Got off the road
    Slept outside

    Next day
    A beautiful woman
    Drove me to near Chicago
    In a red mustang

    Might have been
    The girl in the song
    Took it easy

    Digging her vibe
    She invited home

    But was not sure
    If her estranged husband
    Would welcome me

    So, I am being foolish
    And inexperienced with women
    Did not go to her place

    And always regretted
    That I had lost
    My chance that day

    Then on to Chicago
    Several rides later
    Visited friends

    Hit the road again
    A series of uneventful rides
    With truckers
    And others

    And a week later
    I ended in New York City

    Slept along the way
    In cars
    In truck stops
    In high way rest stops

    Always moving
    Always going

    None stop talking
    And lots of free weed
    And beer

    And conversation
    One more memorable ride

    Occurred outside Albany
    On my return to Chicago
    A middle age creepy looking man
    Picked me up

    In a brand-new Cadillac
    He was he said a dynamite deliverer
    For the Mafia

    Went to various places
    To blow up shit

    He hated a lot of people
    Particularly hippies from California

    And Jewish people
    Looking at me to confirm
    That I was both

    I told him that I lived in New York
    And had never been to California

    And although I might have looked Jewish
    As I what was called back in the day
    A “Jewfro”

    I was not Jewish
    Many years later I discovered
    That I am indeed part Jewish

    But then I did not know
    And I felt a bit of strategic information
    Might keep me alive

    Then I realized that he was just jiving with me
    And we relaxed

    And he pulled out some weed
    And beer
    And we mellowed out

    But I believe that he really was with the mob
    Perhaps not a dynamite dealer
    A real made Italian made mafia member
    By Chicago

    I had enough
    I called my Dad
    Told him what had happened

    Wanted a ticket home
    And he sent me a ticket
    And 500 dollars

    And I went home
    I told him I would tell him
    My tales some day

    But never did
    I learned so much
    About my fellow Americans

    And the strange vibe
    That was 1975
    And now it is too late

    But I wanted to finally
    Tell the world
    Of my hitchhiking tales
    In search of America 1975


    When Will this Darkness End

    As the darkness settles down on the land
    All are consumed with evil
    Foul deeds and endless darkness

    I wonder if it will ever go away
    Yes I wonder

    If our great nightmare will ever end
    Are we doomed
    To live out the decline of America?

    This is what I pray for 2018
    The end of the darkness
    The unleashed hatred
    that consumes our land


    the Bus – Travels Through America’s Underbelly

     

    hitching a ride

    I am a bus rider
    That makes me unusual
    For a white male

    From an upper middle class family
    Our people are not bus riders
    Though some are subway riders

    Bus riders are other people
    The poor, minorities, immigrants

    People who don’t drive
    Because they are blind
    Or have a DUI

    And in my case
    I don’t drive

    Because I have bad vision
    And bad coordination
    Just never got the hang
    Of the whole driving thing

    Fortunately for me
    My wife does the driving
    But I still take the bus
    From time to time

    I rode the AC buses in Berkeley
    As a child
    Line 67, line 51, line 43 F bus
    Rode them long before BART came along

    And afterwards as well
    As an adult seldom rode the bus
    But when I did so
    I was always impressed

    By the sheer diversity
    Of the bus riding property
    Hundreds of languages
    All sorts of sexual orientation
    Some were white
    Most were not

    Most of my fellow passengers
    Were nice enough
    Some were friendly

    And some were lost
    In their own thoughts

    And a few
    Were scary looking dudes
    With the look

    Of someone who had done time
    And were capable of more violence

    I also rode the bus
    In Seattle as a graduate student

    A lot of fellow UW students
    And the usual immigrants
    Minorities etc

    And some white people
    Commuting

    And in DC
    Over the years
    I rode a lot of buses

    Mostly to and from the metro
    But I got to know

    And love the DC buses as well

    I also took the greyhound bus
    Across the country

    Several times over the years
    All over the U.S.

    From Bay Area to Stockton
    From Bay Area to Clear Lake
    From Bay area to NYC
    NYC to DC

    All over the USA
    Taking the Greyhound

    Was always an an adventure
    Met a lot of interesting people

    As people on long distant bus rides
    Tend to open up and talk
    To pass the time away

    Overseas I took the bus
    All over
    In India, in Barbados
    In Spain and in Korea

    The Korean buses
    For many years
    Were difficult for foreign visitors
    As the signs were all in Korean

    Most have signs
    Now in English, Chinese and Korean
    And are much more foreigner friendly

    Riding the bus
    In America

    Allows one access
    To the underbelly of American society

    The poor, the marginalized
    The immigrant communities

    That many middle-class white people
    Just never see

    And for that reason
    I am glad
    That I am a bus rider

    The End

     

     

  • Minnie’s Diary published “the Market Rules Us All”

    Minnie’s Diary has published a cynical look at love in the modern era called, “the Market Rules Us All.  Here it is:

    The Market Rules Us All 

    The market rules all

    We are nothing but products

    The rights to us

    Have long been sold

    Bow down and worship

    The all mighty market

    Everything we do

    Everything we see

    Everything we are

    Nothing but our personal brand

    Nothing human left over

    Nothing authentic left over

    Nothing but lies

    Fake news

    nonsense

    The world does not care one whit

    About you and me

    As people

    It is all about the profits that can be made

    By exploiting our labor

    And once we are used up

    We become a liability

    And a burden

    If you have not made it to the top

    By age 55

    You are a loser

    And should be retired

    Forced to live out your life

    On your miserable pension

    As you wait to die

    No longer useful

    To the Masters of the Universe

    And true love

    Nothing but an illusion

    It is all about the sex, baby

    And how getting your baby

    Ahead at all costs

    Who cares about love

    It is all nothing

    But a second hand emotion

    As the song puts it

    Love is nothing but a sexual commodity

    And we are all nothing but interchangeable

    Commodities in the marriage and love market

    And porno values rules the bedroom

    As we are nothing more than used body parts

    Who cares about friendship

    It is all about how they can use you

    And you can use them

    To get ahead

    True Love and genuine connections

    Cannot survive

    In this toxic soup

    Of the modern materialist world

    God and spirituality

    Nothing but a scam

    As our so call Christian Leaders

    Proclaim their love for you

    All they love is your donations

    And they too are part of the market

    Jesus if he ever comes back

    Will no doubt

    Be used to sell more goods

    As the right to Jesus

    Has also been sold

  • medium published love poems

    medium has published my true love poems  check it out.https://medium.com/@jakealler/the-story-of-how-we-met-d291697b308c

  • favorite places in Youngchando Island Korea

    My Favorite Places in Yongchongdo Island, South Korea

    Youngchong island Korea where the Airport is located has lots of things to do besides of course the airport. I have retired here from service in the US State Department.  I live in the Airport town next to the Unseo station.  Here are a few of my favorite places to go.

    Baegunsan Mountain

    One of my favorite places is Baegunsan Mountain. (762 ft / 232 m height).  This mountain dominates the island and there are trails to the top from many parts of the island.  It is about 10 kilometers from the airport.  Coming from Seoul or Incheon you can take the Airport railroad and get off at Unseo Station, three stops from the airport.  From the station exit the station via exit A and walk right, then turn right again and you will find the trailhead down the street on the left side right after the first intersection. The trailhead is marked only in Korean though. There are multiple paths to the top.  It should take about an hour to reach the top. The views are spectacular.

    Youngunsa and Yaksuam Temples

    From the top of Bekuensan, you can walk down to Youngunsa Temple and Yaksuam Temples.  These temples are over 1,000 years old and are very tranquil places to visit.

     

    Youngunsa Temple

    199-1, Anambra, Jung-gu, Incheon 22359, South Korea

    One can arrange a free tour at the airport transit tour desk.  Worth doing if you are the airport and have a couple of hours to kill.  It is a 20-minute bus ride from the airport.  You pay just for the transportation, entrance to the temple is free.

    There is a very old tree over 1,000 years old at the center of the temple which is also about a thousand year old.

     

     

    Bakrangsan Mountain

    Another nice hike in Yongchongdo is Bakrangsan mountain.  From Unseo station on the airport railroad line, go out exit A and turn right and at the end of the street, right across the street, you will see a road leading up the hill. Follow the road and you will run into the trailhead.  The signs are all in Korea. It is a short walk to the top where there are fine views and a nice gazebo.  From there you can walk down to the entrance of the World Peace Forrest.  Should take no more than an hour to reach the summit and the Peace Forrest.

     

     

     

     

    World Peace Forrest

    The world peace forest is a five-mile walk through lovely forests surrounding the new airport town.  You can walk to it from the airport railroad Unseo station, third stop from the airport.  Exit the station via exit A and turn left. Go past the Lotte market and across the street you will see the entrance.  Follow the trail to the other end where you run into the entrance to Bakrangsan.   If you are lucky you may run into some of the deer that live in the peace forest and mountains.  There are also foxes in the park and mountains and wild boar.  I have seen the deer and foxes but yet to encounter the wild boars. Both the forest and Bakrangsan mountain have spectacular wildflowers in the summer and the fall and spring colors are magnificent. The trail is mostly marked in Korean.  Halfway up the trail, there is a path that goes back to town and the station. That sign is marked in Korean and English.

     

    The beaches

    There are three beaches on Yongchongdo.  Eurwangi, Maisan and Wangsan beaches. You can get to the beaches from the airport via the Maglev train getting off at Youngju station – the ARA train runs there on the weekends and holidays. These are the closest beaches to both Seoul and Incheon and are quite crowded during the summer season and weekends all year long.  There are lots of good seafood restaurants near the beaches and plenty of places to stay.

    Eurwangni Beach (을왕리해수욕장)   

    15, Eurwang-ro 13beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
    인천광역시 중구 을왕로13번길 15 (을왕동)

    From the airport, take bus 302 or 306 Gate 2A (1F) and get off at Eurwangi Beach, the bus goes to the rest of the beaches as well. There are also buses from Unseo station as well.

    Seonnyeo (Fairy) Rock Beach (선녀바위)

    • Region : Jung-gu Incheon
    • Theme : Rare Animals/ Plants/Spectacular Cliffs & Rock Formations
    • The name “Fairy Rock Beach” comes from the fact that fresh water is gathered at the seashore beneath…
    Wangsan Beach (왕산해수욕장)

    • Region : Jung-gu Incheon
    • Theme : Seasides/ Beaches/ Islands
    • Though Wangsang Beach is just 5 minutes away from Eurwang-ri, the beach has quite a different ambian…

     

    Masian Beach

    118, Masiran-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon 22385 South Korea

    2.9 miles from Eurwangni Beach

     

     

    Muuido Island

    Muui-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon South Korea

    4.3 miles from Eurwangni Beach

     

    Silmido Island

    Muui-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon South Korea

    3.3 miles from Eurwangni Beach

     

    Muido, So Muido and Silmido are islands near to Yongchongdo.  The ferry ride is only five minutes, but it is a bit expensive, 11,000 won per person but the good news is that the bridge will open in April 2019 making a trip to these islands much more affordable.  You can get to the islands by taking a bus from the airport, or from the Yongju maglev stop.  The Airport railroad goes to Youngju on weekends and holidays.  The last ferry leaves at 6:30 pm, and departs every 15 minutes.  The bus from the airport departs every 30 minutes. The island bus runs every 30 minutes as well I believe, the last bus to the ferry terminal is about 6 pm.

     

    There are hotels and Korean style resorts near the ferry terminal on the island, and at the beach, there are huts for rent. There are restaurants near the ferry terminal and at the beach but the selection is limited to Korean seafood.

     

    The ferry terminal (before you take the ferry to the island) has a Korean tourism information stand. The people there are very helpful, speak good English and have lots of maps and guides in English and can also tell you about the ferries to the other islands.  Well worth a stop.  You should stock up on tourism information here if you are going to the outer islands as once you get there is very little English language signage or English speakers on the islands. They are open until 6 pm most days.

     

    Address

    310-11, Daemuui-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
    인천광역시 중구 대무의로 310-11 (무의동)

    Type

    Seasides/ Beaches/ Islands

    Inquiries

    • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
      (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
      • For more info: +82-32-760-7114
    • Information

    Introduction 
    Muuido Island is located in Jung-gu, Incheon which is not far from the mainland but is only accessible by ferry. Nearby are two smaller islands, Silmido Island and Somuuido Island. In olden times, small boats were used to go from Muuido Island to Somuuido Island but the two islands are currently connected by a bridge so visitors can reach Somuuido after a 10-15 minute walk. Muuido Village Bus (maeul bus; 마을버스) takes people from Keunmuri Dock (큰무리선착장) to Gwangmyeonghang Port (광명항). To enjoy the beauty of Somuuido Island fully, Muuibadanuri-gil 8 Course is a must-visit path, taking around 1 hour and giving stunning views of the East Sea vista. Two beaches, Hanagae Beach and Silmi Beach, are famous beaches in Muuido Island. One interesting thing in Silmi Beach is that people can walk to Silmido Island at low tide. Hiking up Horyonggoksan Mountain (호룡곡산) and Guksabong Peak is also available on Hanagae Island.

     

    The trail head to Horyonggoksan Mountain (호룡곡산) and Guksabong Peak can be found at the ferry terminal and also near So Muido and at Hangagae beach as well.  The round trip takes about three hours and the trail is well marked but only in Korean.  Go up the stairs and at the top turn right to access the main trail head.

     

    So Muido is a nice spot for a walk as well. Take the bus to the end of the island, and walk across.  There are places to stop and eat in So Muido. The walk to the top of the mountain is a nice walk takes about an half an hour to reach the top. There is a private beach on the way back to town.

     

    Silmido

     

    Silmido island is the site of a secret military base where they trained commandos going undercover into North Korea.  They closed the base in the 80’s and a Korean K drama was filmed at the island.  The island has a resort where one can stay but there is not much there not even restaurants.  Still the beach is nice but a bit deserted.  You can walk across to Silmido at low tide, at high tide it becomes a separate island.

     

    Sindo, Modo and Jangbo islands

     

    Shindo, Modo and Jangbo Islands located near Incheon International Airport are great places to get away from Seoul or Incheon for that matter. These three islands are near Yongchongdo.  You need to take a ferry to reach them. The ferry ride to Jangbo the biggest of the islands takes about an hour. The ferry runs every hour on the hour the last ferry back leaves about 6 pm.  You can catch the ferry at Sammok quay.  There are buses from the airport and from Unseo station to the ferry terminal.

     

    Sindo Island

    Ongjin-gun, Incheon South Korea

    7 miles from Eurwangni Beach

     

    Modo Island

     

    Modo island is connected to Shindo island.  You can easily walk around both Modo and Shindo in an hour or two.  There are places to eat and spend the night, but Jangbo island is the biggest of the three and has the best facilities, beaches, restaurants and walking biking trails.

     

    Jangbo Island

     

    The island is located one hour and 40 minutes from Seoul. To get there take airport express train from Seoul Station and get off at Unseo station and then transfer to a bus going to Sammok wharf in Yeongjong Island, Incheon. The ferry from there takes 40 minutes.  The last ferry back leaves at 6 pm.  There are plenty of places to stay near the beaches which are a short walk from the ferry terminal.  This is also a popular place to camp as there are camping grounds near the ferry terminal. There is a mountain hiking trail that follows the ridge line all over the island and is a great hike.   If you go to Jangbong island, it is worth stopping off at Shindo and Modo islands first and take a walk.  A number of K dramas have been filmed on these islands.

    More info from Visit Incheon web page follows:

    Coastal Trail connecting Sindo Island, Sido Island and Modo Islands

    Come to the triplet islands and have a bike tour around them for a fantastic ride along the shoreline. The triplet islands are very well known as one of the best spots in Korea for a bike tour. Come down to the Sinsimodo Islands for a safe and pleasant bicycle touring. Take a boat at Sammok Quay in Yeongjongdo Island. You will get to Sindo Island Quay in about 10 minutes. The three islands of Sindo Island, Sido Island and Modo Island are all connected by bridges, so you can tour all of them in a day. You can rent a bike on the island. There are only a few cars on the road, thus the island is recognized as one of the best places for bike riders.

    Sindo Island Pureun Beonmal, a designated traditional agricultural village

    The name Sindo Island(literally “the island of trust”) has come from the fact that its residents are conscientious and innocent. It is in this context that the salt produced in the island is called jinyeom (literally “genuine salt”). As the island have mud flats, salt evaporation ponds, and rice paddies, visitors can enjoy everything they can expect from the country’s rural area in Sindo Island Pureun Beotmal designated by the government as a traditional agricultural village.

    Sinsido Island Yeondogyo Bridge

    Sindo Island is connected to Sido Island by a bridge. The name of Sido Island has come from the legend that troops of the Joseon Dynasty practiced archery in Manisan Mountain with targets set in Sido Island(“an arrow island”). The island is also called “Salseom (‘sal’ also means an arrow in Korean).” Given the actual distance between the two locations, the story is hardly credible, but the idea is intriguing enough. Sido Island has been filming locations for popular TV dramas such as “Full House” and “Sad Love Story” because of the harmony between its slow slope hills and the sea.

    Sugi Beach, the filming location of ‘Full House’

    Sugi Beach in Sido Island was the filming location for the popular TV series called ‘Full House.’ You can see a few islands in the distance. The beach is covered with quality and beautiful white sands. Main characters in the TV drama series often spent time together here. Who would not have fallen in love with each other in such a beautiful environment?

    Simodo Island Yeondogyo Bridge

    Sido Island and Modo Island are connected by a bridge. Believe it or not, you can get to a totally different island in just a few minutes. The name Modo Island comes from the word ttiyeom (‘tti’ refers to King cogongrass). The legend says that fishermen in the region once complained that his fish net only had grass instead of fish. ‘Mo’ in Modo Island means ‘grass’ in Chinese.

    Baemikkumi Sculpture Park

    Baemikkumi Sculpture Park is located on Baemikkumi Beach in Modo Island. The ‘Baemikkumi’ (the local dialect meaning a hole in the bottom of a ship) has come from the fact the beach is as flat as the bottom of a ship. The beach is also famous for a sculpture park featuring a number of surreal erotic sculptures. Blue water, white sand, and dreamlike sculptures blend well with one another. The sculpture park has become a reason to many for a visit to Modo Island.

    The Sinsimodo Islands, a paradise for bike enthusiasts

    Together, the Sinsimodo Islands are small but pretty places to visit. Most notably, as they are connected, the Sinsimodo Islands will sustain the fame of a paradise for bikers in the West Sea for a long time to come.

     

     

     

    Incheon  Wolmido

    Address

    36, Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
    인천광역시 중구 월미문화로 36 (북성동1가)

    Type

    Seasides/ Beaches/ Islands

    Inquiries

    • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
      (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
      • For more info: +82-32-765-4169

    Homepage

    Incheon Jung-gu Culture & Tourism
    icjg.go.kr/tour
    (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
    www.my-land.kr (Korean only)

    • Information

    Introduction 
    Wolmido Island (월미도), located roughly 1km off the coast of Incheon, has since become part of the mainland with the creation of a new highway. The name Wolmido Island comes from the shape of the island as it resembles the tail of a half moon. Thanks to its location near Seoul and the convenient transportation, many people visit here during weekends.

    The Culture Street starts with Doodle Pillar, and continues onward to Meeting Square, Arts Square, Performance Square, Good Harvest Square and several other notable highlights. Throughout these areas, spontaneous performances are performed, and street artists can draw for you on the spot. Moreover, many cafes and seafood restaurants are lined along the coast so you can enjoy coffee or fresh seafood while viewing the sea.

    A must-see attraction on Wolmido Island is “Play Hill.” It’s not as large as other theme parks in Korea, but the Apollo Disco and the Viking rides are truly thrilling. If you’re not into rides, the Apollo Disco ride is still fun just watching. You can also get on a cruise to look around the island.

     

    Comment:  this is of course the location of the most famous battle during the Korean war.

     

    The island has a large park that had been a Korean military base and was only opened to the public since the turn of the century.  The park is worth a long walk.  The views are spectacular from the top.

     

    The amusement park is a bit hooky in my opinion, but still worth a stop and a photo. The waterfront is nice to stroll along but the restaurants there are way over priced.

     

    Jayu freedom park is near Wolmido and features a giant statue of General Mc Arthur and is also worth a visit.

     

    There is a club that has Halloween decoration all year long and that is worth a picture. There are also statues and public art everywhere.  And of course coffee shops, beer pubs etc.

     

    About 100 US dollars per person for a sashimi dinner with drinks.  The best sea food restaurants are a few blocks away from the water front area, and dinner for two will set you back about 40 dollars including soju.

     

    The Korean government opened a maglev train around Wolmido for the Asian games. But after the games ended the maglev train was disconnected.  In my opinion they missed an opportunity and should have extended it to Songdo and the airport as getting to Songdo from the airport is a big of a long subway ride.

     

    Finally, Wolmido has a Korean tourism information stand. The people there are very helpful, speak good English and have lots of maps and guides in English and can also tell you about the ferries to the other islands.  Well worth a stop.  They are open until 6 pm most days.

     

    To reach Wolmido, get off at the Incheon station on the Seoul-Incheon subway line.  Take a bus to Wolmido or a taxi. It is not far from the station.  Another fun way to get there is to take the ferry from Yongchongdo (airport island).  The ferry runs every 30 minutes and is a five minute ferry ride.  The last ferry is at 6:00 pm.

     

    Gerang Mountain in Incheon (계양상)

     

    This mountain is the biggest mountain in Incheon but hiking up to the top is not too difficult. Takes about one to two hours to reach the top and back down.  There are lots of side trails as well.  The spring and fall colors are magnificent.  Lots of nice wildflowers as well.  The mountain links to several other mountains in central Incheon.  There is a nice old fortress at the top of the mountain.  There are plenty of Korean restaurants at the bottom of the mountain.

     

    The closest subway to  Gyeansan (giei_iaŋ_saŋ) is Gyeyang subway on the Incheon subway line 1.  You can transfer from the Airport express railroad coming from the airport or from downtown Seoul.

    *

    Introduction of Mt. Gyeyang

    With its altitude of 395m, Mt. Gyeyang is the guardian and holy mountain that represents Incheon. From the beginning of B.C. to the end of the 19th century, the city of Gyeyang was moved from the south of Gohyeon-eup in the Three Kingdoms Period having Mt. Gyeyang at the center and then to the northern and eastern direction. Until its transfer to the southern direction in Bupyeong-dohobueup during the Joseon Period, the city was developed through the capital transfer that was conducted for 6 times. At the peak of the eastern ridge in Mt. Gyeyang, there is Gyeyang Mountain Fortress that was built during the Three Kingdoms Period. Also in the south, Jungsimseong Castle, which was constructed in the 20th year of King Gojong (1883) with the participation of the residents in Bupyeong Village in preparation for defending the coast, is stretched along the ridge of Jingmaei Hill. According to the change of the place name, Mt. Gyeyang was called as Sujuak in Suju of the Goryeo Period and Mt. Annam during Annam-Dohobu. Since the period when this mountain was called as Mt. Gyeyang in the period of Gyeyang-dohobu, it has been called by its present name. This mountain was once called as Mt. Anam and Mt. Gyeongmyeong.

    The name of Mt. Gyeyang was originated from the naturally grown Japanese Judas-tree and Korean box trees. Mt. Gyeyang was selected as the first urban natural park of Incheon city on Jan. 8, 1944 (Gyeyang Park) and since then, it became the No. 1 Municipal Park.

     

    88, Gyesansae-ro, Gyeyang-gu, Incheon, 21067, Rep. of KOREA  82-32-551-5701

    Copyright ⓒ 2015 Gyeyang Incheon. All Right Reserved.

     

    Office of Gyeyang-Gu Page – Includes information on hiking trails as well as travel advice in English

     

     

     

    Sorae Pogu

     

    111-200, Nonhyeon-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon, South Korea

     

    This is the second largest seafood market in Incheon and specializes in crab, lobster, octopus, and shellfish freshly harvested from the nearby harbor.  The boats come back laden with fresh seafood early in the morning.   The place is happening all day long.  You can buy your food at the market and then take it to nearby restaurants where they will prepare it for you and sell you soju and beer to wash it down.  A very Korean experience!

    More info on the port from Visit Incheon web site

    Incheon Port was opened to the international community in 1883 through which western civilization came. Sorae Port has served as an important fish market for the Incheon region for more than 60 years after a small-scale fish market was formed in the wake of the Korean War (1950-1953) as war refugees caught shrimps and sold salted shrimps in an open market. Now the fish market at the port is across a railway bridge which has been remodeled as a pedestrian-exclusive bridge.

    The market is particularly famous for shrimps, salted fish and blue crabs. In addition to such fresh seafood, you can enjoy fish stand owners’ generosity and seagulls flying over fishing boats and the fish market against a blue sky. The port plays host to festivals of fleshy prawn and blue crabs, whose freshness and taste are recognized nationally, attracting crowds of people from various areas of the country. Come to Sorae Port to smell the sea and feel the sky while touring a dynamic fish market and enjoying fresh seafood of your choice.

     

    Yeonan Pier Yeonan Pier is home to various important facilities such passenger terminals, Marine Square, the Fish Market Complex, the Raw Fish Restaurant Street, the Seawater Bath Street, Cruise Port, and Namhang Wharf. It is a popular weekend getaway place not only for residents of Incheon but also for tourists from other areas of Korea. For instance, the Fish Market Complex which more than 500 stores call home attracts a crowd of people wanting to buy a variety of fresh and salted fishery goods. The Raw Fish Restaurant Street is home to large-scale raw fish restaurant towns like the Raw Fish Department Store run by Incheon Fisheries Cooperative Association and the Yeonan Raw Fish Plaza. Visitors can enjoy diverse seafood dishes at affordable prices.

    Yeonan Pier is also known for blue crabs. Female crabs are popular in spring while male crabs are delicious in autumn. Most notably, blue crabs caught around Yeonpyeongdo Island are highly regarded for the eggs and meat filling the shells completely.