A Coffee Tour Without Coffee

For someone who loves coffee, enjoying a cup of specialty coffee during a trip is a small but delightful pleasure. So on that day, I set out to visit a cafe I had found online while traveling in Yeosu. After walking more than 20,000 steps, I was exhausted, and a good cup of coffee felt like exactly what I needed.

The problem? The cafe was far from where I was, and there was no way I could walk there. So, I called a taxi.

As soon as I got in, the driver, who seemed friendly and chatty, started telling me all kinds of stories. He shared that he dreamed of becoming a cultural tour guide after retirement. He enthusiastically pointed out landmarks as we drove, especially when we crossed Yi Sun-sin Bridge.

“See this bridge?” he said, his voice full of excitement. “It’s 1,545 meters long. And do you know why? It’s the same number as the year Admiral Yi Sun-sin was born! I even measured it myself while driving my taxi—true story!”

His passion caught me off guard but also made me smile. I nodded along as he continued with more stories. Despite the overwhelming amount of information, I found his energy rather endearing.

After all that, we finally arrived at the cafe… only to find out that it was closed.

An Unexpected Offer

For a moment, I just stood there in disbelief.

‘What?! I came all the way here for this?’

I was about to feel truly defeated when the taxi driver walked up to me and spoke carefully.

“You must be really disappointed. I feel bad seeing you like this. But… if you’re interested, there’s a beautiful island nearby that I personally love. Would you like me to take you there?”

An island? His suggestion came out of nowhere.

My mind immediately raced with concerns. ‘An island? What if something happens? This isn’t safe, is it?’ I hesitated. But then I thought back to the warmth and sincerity I had sensed from him during our earlier conversations.

As if reading my thoughts, he added,

“Someone who’s willing to take a taxi just for a cup of coffee might enjoy a place like this. I promise you won’t regret it.”

In the end, my curiosity won over.

‘Alright. Let’s go. Opportunities like this don’t come often.’

Exploring the Island Alone

The taxi dropped me off at the island’s entrance. The driver showed me some photos he had taken on his visits and gave me directions to a coastal trail.

“If you follow this trail, you’ll get to see some great views. Take your time and enjoy it. I’ll stay in the area for a while, but if I don’t hear from you within 10 minutes, I’ll assume you’re okay and leave.”

With that, he drove off, leaving me alone on the island.

The silence was palpable. There was no one around—just me, the wind, and the sound of distant waves. A brief moment of unease crept in, but I pushed it aside and started walking.

As I followed the trail, the view of the sea gradually unfolded before me. The calm waves lapped gently against the shore, and I found myself relaxing into the rhythm of the island. It was a peaceful kind of solitude, the kind that envelops you and clears your mind.

A Discovery Amid Silence

Continuing along the path, I stumbled upon small sculptures and art installations scattered across the island.

‘What’s all this?’ I wondered. It felt as if I had entered a hidden world of creativity, where artists had left traces of their presence.

At that moment, I realized that this was more than just an ordinary island—it was a space filled with living art. The unexpected discovery filled me with quiet excitement.

A Moment of Reflection

Eventually, it was time to leave. As I looked back one last time at the scenery, I thought,

‘I didn’t get to drink any coffee today… but this experience has filled me in a different, deeper way.’

Sometimes, the best memories are made when things don’t go as planned. I had started this trip with the hope of finding a perfect cup of coffee but ended up with a story that would stay with me much longer.

Interestingly, since that day, I’ve encountered works by the same artists from the island in other places. Each time I see them, it feels like running into an old friend. That day’s journey remains one of the most meaningful moments of discovery in my travels.

Epilogue

This story took place in June 2021, during the pandemic. The island I visited was Jangdo, an artificial island near Yeosu.

A coffee tour without coffee might sound disappointing, but for me, it turned into an unforgettable adventure. What about you? Have you ever experienced an unexpected moment like this during your travels?

I’ll be back soon with more stories from my coffee and travel adventures. See you next time!