▲ Photo by Jeju Style Team

[This article is written by a JDC Junior Journalist. The JDC Junior Journalist program is an educational project sponsored by Jeju Free International City Development Corporation (JDC). JDC Junior Journalist articles are only briefly edited by mentors before publishing.]

Leaving all memories of an extremely long, hot and humid summer behind, on Sep. 21, 2013, we took a walk to Saryeoni Forest located near Jeju city for the 2nd field trip of JDC Sponsored, Jeju Weekly’s Jr. Journalist Program. It's took us about 2 hours to walk near the heart of the sacred forest. This day was different from the rest of the week: it was no longer hot. The straight, tall and ancient trees were waving their branches in the light breeze, as if they had been waiting for us to say, "You deserve to be with us at last after going through all the trials that the sun has given you this summer."

During the long walk in the forest, our team members and Ms. Bethany conducted interviews of 7 people, including 3 children. It was my first time being an interviewer. Initiating a conversation with strangers was not an easy task, but with the help of our best team members we were able to meet the challenge. Our team conducted the interviews, concentrating upon the two aspects: the best parts of the forest and the parts that must be improved for a better hiking environment. The people whom we interviewed on that day mostly came from mainland for a family trip.

A stylish lady named Cha, Suyeo, age 26, was from Seoul and said, "Our family came to Jeju Island last April for 3 days. On the last day of our trip, we happened to pass by the entrance of the forest. It was actually on the way back to the Jeju airport. All of us were very impressed by the spectacular sight of the forest, and our family decided to visit the forest if we ever came here again. So, today we visited as soon as we arrived at the airport. Actually It took us much longer than we thought to get to the middle of the forest. Now, I'm very tired!"

Also, a young boy named Kim, Jinyoung, age 11, from Ulsan didn’t forget to comment on the path by saying, "The part of the path which is made of volcanic soil was very easy to walk on, but the other type of the path which is made of concret is very uncomfortable to walk on. I want to bring up this issue so that the path can be modified next time when I come here."

Although it was my first time being an interviewer, the trip gave me a very good chance to experience interviewing. My skill for interviewing strangers was improved during the trip. Besides, our team members became closer to one another. Hopefully more excitement awaits us next time. Most of all, the time in the forest spent chatting with strangers and my team will remain my memory forever.

Greeting me, the sacred forest trees were finally saying good bye to the extremely long summer. My heart also replied to the trees in whisper, “Thank you, trees and Adios, summer!” On the spur of the moment, my heart is already heading to the next season and at the same time asking the trees. “What would you be like in winter? I can’t wait to hear what you would say after going through the soon approaching snowy winter. See ya, trees!”