September in 3G - Gangnam, Garosugil & Gwanghwamun [Day 3]

It's raining, not an ideal day to visit outdoor places of interest such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village as scheduled. It has to be indoor activities, so we took taxi to COEX Mall.  Journey from Yongsan to Coex took almost 1 hour due to rainy day and traffic jammed.

Oh-uh... we didn't know that it's under major renovation and expected to be completed by December 2014. (Updated: The new and improved Coexmall is scheduled to open on November 27. Please check the news here).

Renovation in progress for fully-upgraded complex with a modern look  



 Only COEX Aquarium, Megabox, Exhibition Centre, 

Bandi and Luni's, few stores and some restaurants still opened

We walked around and found a food court...

We had Naengmyun (Cold Noodles), Sundae, Cheese Gimbap & Salad Gimbap.

 We walked to Hyundai Department Store near to COEX Mall,

and somehow we ended up at ASEM Tower.

ASEM Tower, World Trade Centre, and one unique and artistic building.

We walked to Bongeunsa Temple, which is just directly opposite of COEX Mall.

 

Bongeunsa Temple represents Korea's past 1,200 years of history and tradition.

beautiful and tranquil Temple creates great harmony with modern and busy Gangnam area.

Korea is just so awesome in preserving their historical buildings, traditions and cultures. Even in bustling metropolis Seoul, you can find so many historical sites. I can feel the calmness and not being pressurised by the modernisation of the city. That's explained why I love Korea so much. 

  

Seoul skyline from Bongeunsa Temple.

beautiful landscape and...

elegant architecture of Bongeunsa Temple.

Please click this link to participate for Temple stay programs

(temple tour, tea ceremony, meditation, Making Lotus Flowers, Copying Sutras,..)

After praying and strolling around and taking pictures, we took a taxi to...

Gangnam Underground Shopping Center

(please click the above link for the direction)

Didn't expect that it's such a long shopping arcade! You can find almost everything here... from clothes, accessories, shoes, cosmetics products, household goods, children’s clothing, bags, lingerie, mobile accessories to furniture, interior items, paintings, carpets, and so on. You'll be amazed with the bargain price. I bought few pieces of clothes that ranging from 5,000 won to 15,000 won, and a pair of high heel shoe that only cost 10,000 won ^^

tired after shopping?!!

 why not grab something to munch before continue for gems hunting :P



My hubby brought Xuan and Zhi to Gwanghwamun Square...

Statue of Sejong The Great.

posing as royal guards in front of  King Sejong statue.

"The Story of King Sejong" Exhibition Hall

 informative and educative place to visit to know more about the life story of

The Great King Sejong, the creator of Hangul.

Admiral Yi Sunshin Exhibition Hall & Replica of Turtle Ship

little soldiers in front of Statue of Admiral Yi Shun Shin.

night strolling along Cheonggyecheon Stream.

and had sumptuous tables d'hote with grilled deodeok (더덕구이정식) - 17,000 / person

Deodeok Bap (더덕밥).

Add: 서울 중구 무교동 96 지하1층

Ph: 02-778-2959 

My Korean friend brought us to dine this healthy meal here before. Ah... why my hubby didn't pack the deodeok for me...

I was with my Korean friend at Garosugil area, and dining at Chez Maak. He recommended this place when I asked him to tell me good restaurant around Garosugil as I participated in Psy Wiki Korea Contest. I promised to treat him if I won the contest... but, I didn't win it ㅠㅠ 

Anyway, I decided to give it a try, because I like to drink Makgeolli :P

Psy Wiki Korea Dictionary

White Lotus Makgeolli - Snow with 6% of Alcohol

Chez Maak (셰막) is a Makgeolli House that famous for their Baekryun White Lotus Makgeolli and  Makgeolli Cocktails. They also serve Fusion Korean foods that matched well with Makgeolli.

I thought that they added carbonate, as this was my first time drank makgeolli with fizz. My friend said it's natural carbonate, as the makgeolli is still in the latter stages of fermentation. Oh?! That means I've to go to Korea whenever I want to drink fresh Makgeolli!

If you watched Korean drama, you often see that they poured Makgeolli from bronze kettle and served with bowls.

  

Yummylicious Crunchy & Crispy Chicken served with ddeok (rice cakes),

PaDak (Pa/파 = Spring Onion + Dak/닭 = Chicken) and sauce.

My friend told me that Padak is also Korean onomatopoeia of chicken flapping their wings ㅋㅋㅋ 

  

I like the right amount of sourness from this 1 year long fermented Kimchi Pancake 

Click for image for the clearer map from Konest

After clearing the generous portions of foods without any wastage... we walked along Garosugil and found this café...

Mug For Rabbit  (머그포래빗).

Minimalist decorated café, that created casual and friendly feeling. I like it's open air terrace that you can enjoying  Garosugil  atmosphere while chit-chatting. Actually, I was quite  hesitated  to climb up those wooden flying stairs with no railing, and have to balance myself with my high heels! Phew~!!!  luckily didn't tripped myself...

 Earl Grey Snow and Vanila Snow

Regretted for not ordering their Cupcakes or Organic Carrot Cake as it's their specialities

(just read the reviews from others bloggers). Will try them next time :P

super sweet Vanilla Snow... 

 Have you ever tried 'Earl Grey Vanilla' Snow?!

Mug For Rabbit is located opposite Youk Shim Won Gallery
and near 8seconds clothing store

Click the image for clearer map & credit

We stopped by at one of the art galleries in Itaewon

I'm always amazed to see those talented artists...

wondering how long did they take to create such awesome artworks?

Which "G" do you like the most? Please let me know... Annyeong~^^

Related Posts:

~ [Trazy] Gwanghwamun Square 광화문 광장

~ [Trazy] Coex Mall 코엑스

~ [Trazy] Bongeunsa Temple 봉은사

~ [Trazy] King Sejong Story Exhibition Hall (세종이야기)