My Inspiration Behind This Trip I’ve always held onto a personal goal: to bring my parents on at least one proper trip out of Singapore every year. Something that would give them that genuine holiday excitement; that specific thrill of packing a proper suitcase and getting their passports stamped at the border. My dad actually has a long bucket list of places he’d love to see. But realistically, time and age are catching up, and we have to be very mindful of my mum’s physical pace, mental and stamina as well. Long-haul flights just aren't as feasible anymore, so I have to be intentional about finding destinations that are comfortable yet exciting for them. The spark for this specific trip happened when I passed my dad a pile of Batam travel brochures. As we were flipping through, one specific image caught all of our attention: the Pink Beach . When I headed down to the travel agency to get more details, my mind was set. Not only did the itinerary offer a perfect, manageable pace f...
Jeju Island's Hidden Gem: The "Secret World" Tucked Inside a World Cup Stadium
If you think you’ve seen everything Jeju Island has to offer, think again. After 11 years away, I expected to see changes, but I never expected to find a literal "Secret World" hidden right underneath the seats of the Jeju World Cup Stadium.
Can't believe I'm at the hosting venue of FIFA World Cup 2002
Completed in 2001, in time for the event in 2002
Hosted 3 matches of FIFA World Cup 2002
The Grandeur of Jeju World Cup Stadium
Before we even stepped inside to find the hidden gem, the stadium itself was a sight to behold. Its unique roof design is known to resembles traditional Jeju fishing nets (or Bangat-no), it was one of the host venues for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in South Korea. It’s a impressively massive structure that sits beautifully against Jeju landscape.
Fun Facts: The matches hosted in this stadium: June 8, 2002: Brazil 4–0 China (Group C) June 12, 2002: Slovenia 1–3 Paraguay (Group B) June 15, 2002: Germany 1–0 Paraguay (Round of 16)
The unique roof design of the stadium
While most people only visit for the sports history or the architecture, it’s what lies beneath the stands that really caught my attention. It’s a perfect example of how a city can turn a giant sporting venue into a year-round destination for travelers and families alike.
Water No. 2 - The Waterfall
A Surreal Discovery of Jeju Water World
Stepping inside was like walking into 12 different dimensions. While the stadium is grand on the outside, the Water Worldexperience inside is something completely unexpected by us. Honestly I did not do much homework on the itinerary from the travel agency.
It was quiet, atmospheric, immersive and interactive, which is a total contrast to the bustling crowds we encountered in South Korea.
For a content creator, it’s a dream. The lighting and the scale of the place offer so many unique perspectives that you just don't find in the typical tourist spots. Like I'm back at Van Gogh's exhibition once again. If you Van Gogh's works, you will like it here too.
The top-down view of some zones in this area
The space was completely bathed in shifting, luminous hues
The colour palette was masterfully orchestrated
Preparation: What to Expect Before You Enter
To ensure a smooth experience, the facility provides everything you need to get "water-ready." Upon arrival, we were given:
A personal locker to securely store our belongings.
Water shoes for navigating the wet areas comfortably.
A poncho and a towel to help you stay somewhat dry and clean up afterward.
Pro-Tip on Sizing:
Keep in mind that the shoe sizes follow the Korean sizing system, which is measured in hundreds (e.g., 240, 250). It might look a little confusing at first, so don't be afraid to ask for help with the conversion! (But ended up getting it in S, M, L sizing. Why though?)
What to Wear:
I highly suggest bringing an extra set of clothes. It’s best to wear shorts, bermudas, or—especially for kids—a swimsuit. This way, you won't have to worry about getting wet and can fully immerse yourself in the experience without dampening the mood!
For more in-depth of Jeju Water World, watch the video which has just premiered not long ago. Add to your bucket list for your trip to Jeju if you like it. Cheers!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. All expenses were personally covered by the writer and her husband. The opinions expressed are entirely herself and her husband, based on personal experience and preferences, and do not represent the views of any other individual or organization.
