Jeju E-Bike Journey with My Son – Day 3

A Rainy Day, a Silent Ride, and a Father's Heart

The rain came and went from early morning.

I had half-expected it, so I wrapped our bags in plastic, zipped up our jackets, and we set off into the uncertain weather.

Near Jongdal Port in Seongsan, we had to stop and put on raincoats as wind and rain lashed at us. We pedaled without a word. The road, the wind, the cold—it all seemed to speak louder than we did.

Maybe I’m getting older. My knees, already aching from yesterday, whispered doubts. Nature didn’t feel like it was on our side.

We found a cozy little café with a view of the sea. I sat there, staring blankly at the waves, wondering what Yoonjae might be thinking in that quiet moment.

Past Sehwa, past Gimnyeong, we just kept going. There was no big reason—just the idea that we had to keep moving forward. My son kept riding behind me, steady and silent. I felt grateful.

And finally, Hamdeok Beach.

Today, We met my wife here, who came to cheer us on. We planned to meet at Hamdeok for lunch.

We sat together, shared a meal, had a cup of tea, and talked. Just the three of us.

Then my son and I set off again, heading toward Jeju City. The rain didn’t let up. If anything, it grew stronger.

By the time we reached the city, the rain was so heavy I couldn’t even check my phone for directions. We were soaked, confused by the maze of streets, retracing our steps again and again. Yoonjae started grumbling—and I didn’t blame him. This was real travel.

Eventually, through a mix of guessing and gut instinct, we made it back to the bike rental shop.

We looked like drowned rats.

There was another man there, maybe my age, who had circled the whole island in a single day. Lean and muscular, with quiet strength. I couldn’t help but admire him.

We changed clothes quickly in a small restroom, my shoes squishy and uncomfortable, but we had no choice.

At the airport, we met up again with a lovely friend for dinner before heading back to Daegu.

Maybe all of this was just for me—my wish to create memories with my son.

Whether he remembers it or not, I hope someday he’ll recall that his dad once rode through rain and wind just to be with him.

To my son, Yoonjae—thank you for joining me, even at a sensitive age. It means more than you know.

Oh, and the sunburn? Two days of strong Jeju sun left him with a sharp mask-shaped tan. He didn’t complain, but it was hilariously noticeable.