[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] Things That Only Appear When You Climb the Stairs of Pause...

Sunset, Islands, and Lighthouse Met on the Deserted Coastal Road of Sacheon, Gyeongnam... and Hope

Heaven's Staircase set up at a cafe near Silan Coastal Road

[Asia Economy Reporter Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist]

The novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has brought the entire country to the brink of shutdown (temporary work stoppage).

The time of pause feels bleak with no end in sight.

It is a time when even talking about travel or recommending it is difficult.

Every week, when it comes to the travel section, I am at a loss about what to include and what to say.

Thus, we have reached the last month of 2020.

It is time to fold away the calendar of a year that felt unusually heavy.

Just as the weight of the calendar at the beginning was felt, the weight of the last page brings anxiety.

I hope this year, which we have lived losing precious daily life due to COVID-19, will come to an end.

Last week, I visited Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

I watched the sunset on Silan Coastal Road, which used to be crowded with people at the end of the year. Only occasional passing vehicles were seen, and no one was enjoying the sunset.

Large and small islands and lighthouses rising above the vast sea paint a picture. The sunset along the winding coastal road beside the rolling waves is magnificent.

It is regrettable that even such scenery cannot be enjoyed peacefully.

I also climbed the Stairway to Heaven set up in a cafe that has lost its customers. Before COVID-19, it was a famous spot where you had to line up just to get a chance to climb.

The view of Samcheonpo Bridge and the Hallyeohaesang National Park area from Gaksan Beacon is exhilaratingly grand.

Next to it, the 'Sacheon Sea Cable Car' carries thrilling views back and forth.

Whether knowing or not the human heart, the flapping wings of the wild geese flying over the Namhae Sea beat vigorously.

Though these are difficult days, the voices of the merchants at Samcheonpo Yonggung Fish Market feel strong. On the Rainbow Road along the Yi Sun-sin Sea Trail, one can also envision dreams of hope coming in the new year.

Through Travel Manli, I capture the scenes met along the Sacheon coast.

The reason I introduce this now is because even if not this year, next year, the year after, or the year after that... the end of the year always returns.

It is a suggestion to visit around the time when COVID-19 has retreated.

I believe this dark time when we cannot travel will eventually enable better travel.

I hope that in the coming new year, we can comfortably talk about and recommend travel. Looking forward to better travels.

Sacheon (Gyeongnam) = Text and photos by Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist jun21@asiae.co.kr