Day 7: The Final Chapter in Jeju: Spa Bliss and Sky-High Dining
- wanderingazuki
- Aug 19
- 9 min read
Updated: Sep 10
Table of Content:
🌺 Introduction 🫘
"Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax." — Mark Black
After two full days of exploring Jeju’s natural wonders and cultural gems, our legs were practically begging for a break. Instead of rushing off to another attraction, we decided to take it slow—soaking in the last bits of Jeju’s tranquility and the beautiful hotel before heading to Busan.
🫖 A Sweet Start to the Day at Twosome Place 🍰
For breakfast, we decided to visit Twosome Place, a well-known café chain in Korea. Korean cafés are famous for their elaborate drinks and beautifully presented desserts, so I was excited to finally experience one in person.
Note📝: Many cafés in Korea don’t open until around 10am—something I hadn’t expected. I’m so used to UK cafés opening early that this caught me off guard.
We had set out early hoping to grab breakfast, only to find most places still closed. So, we returned to the hotel to relax a bit more before heading out again to explore the nearby options.
We ended up having an unconventionally sweet breakfast, treating ourselves to a slice of cheesecake, a berry cake, and iced tea. Definitely indulgent—but after days of non-stop walking, it felt like a well-earned reward. The display case was filled with such an overwhelming variety of cakes and drinks that it was genuinely hard to choose. I could see why café culture is such a big deal in Korea—there’s something so comforting about lingering in a café, sipping a beautifully crafted drink, and savouring a sweet bite.
One small but memorable detail stood out: customers appeared to be cleaning their own cups after finishing. Noticing our puzzled expressions, a kind staff member came over and offered to take care of it for us. It was such a thoughtful gesture and really added to the warm, welcoming vibe. Between the service and the cosy setting, it was the perfect way to start the morning.
🛍️ One Last Stroll and a Bit of Shopping 🏬
After days of jam-packed sightseeing, it felt good to slow down and simply take in Jeju’s tranquil atmosphere. With no fixed itinerary, we wandered through the local streets, letting curiosity lead the way. Unlike the previous days, which were full of back-to-back stops, today was about soaking in the quieter moments—watching locals go about their day, breathing in the fresh coastal air, and finally popping into the little shops we had passed earlier but never had time to explore.
Of course, no trip is complete without a bit of last-minute shopping. Jeju is famous for its tangerines, and we were quickly tempted by all the tangerine-flavoured treats and skincare products on display. We picked up a few to take home, knowing they’d bring back sweet memories of the island long after we’d left.
One of my mum’s missions throughout the trip was to find ginseng—something she absolutely loves. So when she spotted a dedicated ginseng shop, her face lit up. She bought loads, including these huge boxes that had me seriously wondering if we had enough luggage space. She, of course, wasn’t fazed at all. Watching her made me reflect a bit. She doesn’t second-guess herself the way I do—she sees something she wants and simply goes for it. Meanwhile, I often catch myself hesitating, wondering if I should, or seeking permission before I act.
Lately, I’ve been trying to shift my mindset—to stop waiting for external validation and start living more by the phrase “ask for forgiveness, not permission.” It’s a work in progress, but moments like this remind me to trust myself more and to stop putting my own wants and needs last.
🍗The BHC Chicken Feast That Was Too Much to Handle 🍟
For lunch, we couldn’t leave Korea without trying BHC Chicken, one of the country’s most famous Korean fried chicken chains. There was a location conveniently close to our hotel, so we decided to give it a try.
Excited to dig in, we ordered a box of chicken nuggets, a box of wings and thighs, and what we thought was a side of calamari. However, we once again underestimated Korean portion sizes—the fried chicken came in huge portions, far more than we could handle. It would have been helpful if the staff had advised us on how big the servings were, as this meal could have easily fed four to six people.
Between the two chicken options, I found that I personally preferred the wings and thighs. The nuggets, made from chicken breast, were a bit dry for my liking. Because of this, I felt it impacted the flavour. To top it off, what we thought was just a side of calamari turned out to be a full meal with fries, adding even more food to our already overwhelming spread.
Despite the excessive amount, the chicken was crispy and flavorful, living up to the hype of Korean fried chicken. If I were to order again, I’d definitely stick to sharing one box and skip the extra meal—lesson learned!
💆♀️Indulging in a Spa Retreat 🏊♀️
There’s a 7-Eleven conveniently located right inside the hotel—which is perfect if you need a quick bite and don’t feel like venturing out. There’s also a whole floor of luxury stores, and it’s clear that the Grand Hyatt Jeju was designed to have everything you need right at your fingertips. In fact, with 14 restaurants on-site, you could easily spend an entire day (or more) inside the hotel without getting bored.
That said, if you’re after snacks or essentials, I’d actually recommend the two convenience stores located just outside the hotel. After doing a little price comparison, I found that many of the items at the in-hotel 7-Eleven were noticeably more expensive. Still, it was really nice to see how much the hotel offers—it truly feels like its own little ecosystem.
The real highlight of the day, though, was without a doubt the spa at the Grand Hyatt. After days of walking, hiking, and following packed tour schedules, our bodies were overdue for some proper rest—and this spa delivered on every front.
Note📝: They provide towels for you to use, which was a welcome convenience. I noticed some guests coming up from the spa in swimsuits and robes, which seemed perfectly acceptable. I wasn’t entirely sure what the etiquette was, but no one seemed to bat an eye.
The indoor spa area was incredibly spacious—the jacuzzi alone could probably seat 20 people comfortably! Deck chairs were lined around the main pool, giving us the perfect spot to stretch out and relax without feeling crowded. I especially appreciated the ventilation in the space. So often, indoor pools come with an overwhelming chlorine smell, but here everything felt fresh, clean, and serene.
As the evening settled in, we wandered over to the outdoor spa area—and suddenly understood why the inside had been so quiet. Outside, we found two pools (one for children) and two jacuzzis, all framed by sweeping views of the city and the Grand Hyatt’s iconic twin towers. We had hoped to catch the sunset while soaking, but unfortunately, the sky was overcast that evening. Still, it was peaceful and exactly what we needed to decompress before heading into the next leg of our journey.
Just outside the spa, there was a charming little café that looked like the ideal spot for a post-spa treat. I would’ve loved to sit there for a while, maybe grab a light snack or drink. But—true to form—my mum hesitated. She was concerned it would be a waste of money. It’s not like we’re extravagant spenders day-to-day, which is why I often feel that holidays are the time to allow a little indulgence. We work hard, we save, and sometimes we deserve to simply enjoy ourselves.
It’s these little moments that have me reflecting more and more on the idea of solo travel. I know my mum means well, and I completely respect her instinct to be financially mindful—it’s shaped a lot of the way I view money, too. But sometimes, her voice becomes that inner voice that tells me not to spend, not to do, not to try. And while I don’t think that’s inherently bad, I’m starting to realise that responsibility doesn’t always mean restriction. Especially when we’ve worked hard and are on a trip that’s meant to be enjoyed.
I think many of us carry these generational voices—urging us to be cautious, practical, restrained. And maybe part of growing up is learning to thank those voices… and then gently choose differently when it feels right.
🥞 A Sky-High Dinner at the Grand Hyatt 🍷
Since it was our last night in Jeju, we wanted to end the trip on a high note—literally. The Grand Hyatt Jeju, the tallest building on the island, is home to the Pocha Bar on its top floor. We’d heard it offered great food at surprisingly reasonable prices, along with stunning views of the Jeju skyline, so naturally, we had to check it out.
The restaurant had a casual yet stylish vibe—perfect for a relaxed evening meal. The menu was accessible via a tablet, which made ordering easy (although not foolproof, as we soon discovered!). We decided to try makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine known for its slightly sweet and tangy flavour. It paired beautifully with the food and added to the cozy, intimate vibe of the evening.
In a funny twist, I accidentally ordered two large bottles of makgeolli—it turned out the photo on the tablet did show two bottles, but I completely missed it. We had a good laugh, and the staff were kind enough to adjust our order. Neither of us are big drinkers, so finishing even one bottle felt like a stretch. But in true mum fashion, with her classic “don’t waste anything” mindset, she was determined to finish it. Let’s just say she was looking a little rosy by the end!
Since I wasn’t too hungry after our KFC lunch, we kept the food simple and ordered a pancake to share. The portion was generous, but I found it a bit oily for my taste—I ended up pressing out the oil with napkins. Later, a friend mentioned that Korean cooking uses quite a bit of sesame oil, which I rarely use at home. So maybe it was just my palate not being used to it!
For dessert, we treated ourselves to red bean bingsu, a beloved Korean shaved ice dish. The portion was massive—clearly meant for sharing—but that only made it feel more indulgent. The shaved ice was light and refreshing, and the mochi toppings added a lovely chewiness. That said, the red bean itself tasted a bit like the canned kind. As someone who adores red beans, I could tell the difference instantly. I know cooking it from scratch takes ages, but I do appreciate the richer flavour when it’s freshly made.
We snapped a few photos from our table, though I wish we’d been brave enough to walk around the restaurant for better shots.
📸Photo tip💫: I heard that the steak restaurant on the other side of the floor has even better views—might be worth checking out if you're keen on sunset shots!
Even with a few minor hiccups, the experience of dining above the city lights, sipping on makgeolli, and reflecting on the trip felt like the perfect way to wrap up our time on Jeju. A calm, memorable evening to end a wonderfully full adventure.
🌕 Day’s reflection 🫶
Back in our room, we slowly began packing—folding clothes, tucking away souvenirs, and getting ready for our flight to Busan the next day. As I looked around, a quiet wave of nostalgia crept in. Jeju had been beautiful, no doubt about that—but in many ways, it also felt like the busiest part of our trip.
With back-to-back tours, we’d been moving on someone else’s schedule—rushing between coach stops, squeezing in sights, and navigating up and down uneven paths just to keep up. It was convenient, yes, but I often found myself just trying to keep pace, rather than really soaking in the island. My mind and body were tired—more than I expected. I realised that even when you’re in a beautiful place, it’s possible to miss the experience if you’re too focused on not missing the bus.
That’s why I appreciated our final day in Jeju so much. Without a packed itinerary, we let ourselves drift—wandering the local streets, browsing shops we hadn’t had time to peek into before, breathing in the coastal air without a deadline. It felt like the first time I actually experienced Jeju on my own terms, rather than as a passenger in someone else’s plan.
As I zipped up my suitcase, I felt that familiar tug—gratitude for what we’d seen, paired with a quiet longing for more presence during the journey. Still, I was learning to be gentle with myself. Travel is messy and magical and tiring and beautiful all at once.
Looking at my mum, who was humming softly as she organised her things, I felt another layer of reflection settle in. We experience the same trip so differently—she’s practical, cautious, always thinking ahead. Her “don’t waste” mindset echoes in my own head more than I’d like to admit. And sometimes, I do wish I had the confidence to indulge a little more, to quiet that internal voice of guilt. But I’m also realising that her outlook comes from a place of care and survival, shaped by different times and different needs.
Maybe part of my own growth is learning when to honour that voice—and when to gently choose another path.
🧳Your Turn to Wander In 🧋
Have you ever followed someone else’s itinerary while travelling? How did it affect the way you experienced the trip?
Do you find it hard to relax during travel, especially when things are scheduled back-to-back?
Have you ever had a day that reminded you to slow down? What changed in your experience when you did?
Do you recognise any habits or voices in yourself that echo your parents’ or caregivers’ ways of thinking?
How do you balance honouring your upbringing while also creating your own travel style?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your stories and experiences!
Comments