My Happiest Memory in Seoul (II)

This was my second trip in September 2013 after the successful and memorable first trip in Korea. I was more confident to bring my kiddos along with us knowing that nothing to worry as Korean people was so helpful and welcoming us. Check out our best ever family trip here~!

 We felt guilty that didn't get to join us and missed them so much

though we did call them every night...

Without further ado, let me share our happiest memory in Korea. Actually, I would love to go through each and every places as if you're traveling with us, but it'll be endless~~~!

Arrived at Incheon airport we directly went to Dragon Hill Jjimjilbang in Seoul as it's late night. It's the first time for kids to experience Korean jjimjilbang. Though my hubby and I visited jjimjilbang in Gyeongju after tired walking, but it's our first time to stay overnight.

But, it's kids' first experience of Korean bath house...

Keep Calm and Have Awesome Birthday Celebration~!

The next morning was the highlight of this trip. Actually it's my birthday present from hubby, though I'd do to all the homework to plan the itinerary including how to celebrate it in The Land of the Morning Calm.

Actually, my birthday is just another 11 days later, and I really wish to be there again...

 

Goguan Studio - Giseang Hanbok make-over.

From Jjimjilbang, we had a bit of hiccup as most of the taxi drivers didn't know our hotel location, some resisted because they need to make U-turn. And worse was we didn't have internet connection as I reserved Wifi egg with "S-Roaming" but it closed its business without informing us. Then, I couldn't searched for the address in Hangul or texted my friend to ask them for help.

We waited opposite the road with lesser taxi passing for more 40 minutes, but no taxi willing to take us there. Luckily the Ahjumma who was suggested us to wait across the street saw us after no more  morning crowd waiting in front of Yongsan station. She crossed the road and helped us to tell the taxi driver how to go there. We really appreciate for her kindness and assistance.

After put our luggage in the hotel, we headed to Goguan Hanbok Studio. I'd booked the package which consist of renting Gisaeng Hanbok + make-up + hairdo. If you're interested to experience wear Korean traditional dress and snap these lovely photos with Korean-style furniture and background props, please check out my separate posting here. 

 Collected 'Fantastick' performance tickets as I won them from Koinmo contest.

Since the booth was in front of KTO HQ at Cheonggyecheon, we went in to check where others "S-roaming" collection points. Then we only found out that they'd closed the business. 

Then we also checked whether D'maris at Gangnam need to have reservation for lunch buffet. The officer called and confirmed that we could have lunch there. She was helpful to print the map with the address in Hangul, so we could get the take taxi there smoothly.

 

 D'maris Seafood Buffet (드마리스뷔페).

D'maris is a premium buffet restaurant serving more than 250 variety dishes including fresh seafood, Teppanyaki, Sashimi, Sushi, Salad, Korean Food, Mediterranean food and variety of dishes from around the world including desserts and fruits.

Happy and satisfied to have such a sumptuous buffet lunch to celebrate my birthday~!^^

FYI, if you wish to have a meal in D'maris, please check their other branches, because now this place change to 'Ashley QueensWorld Gourmet' which is chained buffet restaurant. Please click this link for the food review. 

To be frank, we're handicapped as no internet connection. We couldn't use google map to guide us where to find the place we want to go. But fret not, because Korea is very tourist friendly where you can find Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and even Tourist polices patrolling in the touristy area that ready to assist you.

 After we got the map from TIC, hubby and kids dropped me at

ID Hair Salon to have my hair cut and permed.

However, after the hair stylist checked, it's not suitable to perm as it's too dry. Too bad I only can had it cut and styled.

They went to Trick Eye Museum and Ice Gallery and had 

fun snapping unbelievable photos to show me.

The highlight of the day supposed to be Hangang River Dinner Cruise, but not sure why that day they only Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain cruise available.

Romantic Night Cruise along Hangang River.

Hangang Cruise is getting more and more popular because of Korean drama 'My Love from Another Star'. Neb, it's the where Do Min Joon and Cheon Song-yi shared their first kiss! Omo~ Omo!!!

 

Love is all around this Banpo Bridge.

   Let my hair down and showered by Banpo Bridge light show

made my heart dancing~!

My kids voted Hangang River Cruise is one of the best attractions in Seoul, and according to them Hangang has such good 'qi' (energy) as they suddenly stop coughing when they reached there!

See my life in a different light and thankful to have a wonderful hubby 

and lovely kids to celebrate my birthday in Korea. Love you all so much! 

To summarize it, these were the places we went. However, it's already

 exceeded 500 words, if you want to read our fantastic adventures 

please click the following links below:

 

Day 2 - Everland and Caribbean Bay. 

Day 3 - Gwanghwamun, Gangnam & Garosugil.

 

Day 4 - [Gangneung] - Jumunjin, Gyeongpodae, Seongyojang, and Ojukheon House.

 Day 5 -  Samcheok, Jukseoru Pavilion, Chotdaebawi Rock,

 Mureung Valley, Samhwasa Temple & Seongyojang.

 Day 6 - SBS filming us experiencing Tea Ceremony & playing Yutnori 

at Seongyojang before we headed back to Seoul (Gyeongbokgung).

 Last Day - Bukchon Hanok Village, Hongdae, Myeongdong 

and watching 'FantaStick' Live Performance before bidding goodbye!

 

Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 2-4]

I was wondering whether we're joining Food Tour around Samcheongdong area which is famous for its unique cafes and restaurants on our second day...

 

My eyes popped out when I read 라면 (Ramyeon) on the signboard

hanging on this traditional Hanok House. Did I read wrongly?!

My tummy still hasn't fully digested the big waffle set that I had for breakfast at Slow Park, and 5 minutes ago, it was loaded with a cup of creamy thick blueberry latte from Wiki Cafe ... Seriously, I'm still very full!

   

But Kim eonni quickly told us that we need to have an early lunch...

(you should know the reason just to see the above photos, right?).

 

 Few people already dining inside when we arrived at 10:45am.

 

Many famous people or celebrities visited this restaurant. 

55 Beonji Ramen (55번지라면) Menu.

Upss... I just saw the right top corner that they're using beef bone stock as soup base when I cropped the above photo. I just prefer not to eat beef, so it's alright.

  

My order: Sundubu Ramen (순두부 라면) - ₩7,700.

Actually I wanted to order Budae Ramen because I miss Korean army stew much. But, afraid I couldn't stuff those sausages and ham inside my well-fed belly. Therefore, I ordered soft tofu that's  not be so filling.

 

Ojjam Ramen (오짬라면) - ₩7,700 | Baekpong Spicy Ramen (맵다면 ) - ₩8,800

Nat ordered Baekppong Ramen (백뽕) because she can't eat spicy food, while Jas eonni and Tere had the same ramen but the extra spicy version.

 

Kim eonni showed us how to make Jumeokbab (주먹밥 = fist-size 

rice ball / onigari) once the owner served us a big bowl of rice 

mixed with tuna, seaweed and sesame oil.

Video on how to make Jumeokbab start from 0:20.

 

Sundubu Ramen was indeed mouth-watering delicious. 

I seldom eat noddle as I don't really like it. But, I slurped the whole big bowl of flavorful springy ramen with soft tofu and clams. I ended up full up to my neck because I didn't want to waste it!

No wonder so many TV channels and magazines featured and praised the taste of the ramen. Even it's awarded as one of representing restaurants in Korea. As suggested by my tour guide, do avoid lunch or dinner hours, else you might need to queue. 

If you are making a trip to Samcheongdong or Bukchon area, I would recommend to come to this cozy and nice ambiance traditional Korean restaurant.

 

It's tucked inside narrow alleys, which is quite near to Holly Go Studio.

 

 

If you come from Samcheong-ro main road,

you'll see MMCA, Hakgojae Gallery and Kukjae Gallery. 

 Website: www.55ramen.com

Add:  55-1 Hwa-dong, Jongno-gu

Phone: 02 722 2997

This trip is made possible by VisitKorea organised by Korea  Tourism Organization. 

   

Samcheongdong has Something for Everyone~!

Samcheong [sam (삼 ) = three, and cheong (청) = clean or good] was given its name in reference to the three things that this area has plenty of: clean water, beautiful neighboring mountains and kind-hearted residents. According to the principles of feng-shui, Samcheong-dong is said to have the absolutely ideal location.

Samcheongdong did catch my eye and capture my heart on my first visit to Korea. The shuttle bus that we took to go to Samcheonggak (삼청각) for royal cuisine passed by this quaint and peaceful Samcheongdong Street.  

Though just a fast glance, but it's really charming to see they how they preserved Korean traditional beauty of hanok-style houses and modern architectural buildings respectful integrating themselves into this cultural street. There're so many unique shops and cafes stretching low and some sitting high along this street, but little did I know that there're plenty of galleries around here too.

Sadly that on our second trip to Korea, we strolled around Bukchon Hanok Village, but we didn't get a chance to visit Samcheongdong.

Therefore, glad that this time round I could get up close with this unique neighborhood~^^

We're here because my friend wanted to showcase Beautiful Method printed Art Canvas at 'Only Art & Cafe Gallery' in Samcheongdong branch.

Popular street of Samcheongdong is home to many artistic museums, 

chic galleries, restaurants, cafés, and accessory shops.

Kukje Gallery presenting solo exhibition of Julian Opie featuring 

his new works portraying the lifestyles of pedestrians in Seoul.

Homestead coffee or Little Prince (어린왕자)?

Cute 'Le Petit Cafe' 

Tadaa... finally found Only Art & Cafe Gallery after searched the direction using mobile map and stretched my neck longer to match the photo. But... Alas!!! The door was closed and there's a notice stated... 

Step out for awhile 4:30 - 5:30 죄송합니다

Haiz... if we didn't go to MMCA, we should reached there in time. Ssawry~!!! We just peeped inside the gallery through the window. Only Gallery has their own cafe that allowing visitors to enjoy art, shopping, and lunch all under one roof.

A short walk from Only Gallery, my friend saw this humble traditional tea house offer teas like Sipjeondaebotang (traditional Korean medicinal tea with 10 different ingredients), Jujube tea, Citron tea, Ginger tea, Sikhe and Sweet Red Bean Soup (단팥죽 = danpatjuk). 

서울서둘째로잘하는집 

(Seoureseo Duljjaero Jalhaneunjip = The Second Best in Seoul). 

Unique name to remember though it's kinda long ㅎㅎ

hearty and nutritious Danpatjuk (sweet red-bean soup) is 

the most popular menu.

Hot and yummy quite filling danpatjuk really nice to beat the winter chill outside. No wonder it's full house even it's not after lunch or dinner time. We had to wait for few minutes to get our seats.

It's topped with glutinous rice cake, gingko nuts, chestnuts and cinnamon powder. I was curious and asked my friend what's the green color thing, and he told me it's gingko nut. So, I just ate it, and suddenly he said in kinda serious tone: "What if you die eating this green gingko nut?!" What?! So evil!!! Out of words... just rubbed my chest and continue to eat my sweet red bean soup. So touched to have this 'kind-hearted' friend! ㅋㅋㅋ

After finished our danpatjuk, we walked along Gamgodang-gil (감고당길) that connects between Samcheongdong and Insadong. It's a kind of education street with 3 girls schools with snack shops and stationery stores.

chic hand-made/designers shops selling clothing and accessory

around Gamgodang-gil 

I'm very sure that I need at least half a day to go around Samcheong-dong and Gamgodang-gil. I like this district so much because it radiates serenity and comfort where you can't find in other places crowded with giant shopping malls.

Added that I might need to stop every 5-10 steps for taking photos. But not for this time round, took lesser photos, as I obediently follow and have to run to catch-up my friend's steps. He has long legs and walked very fast that I always left behind... he might lost me unknowingly!

Pungmun Girls School was built on the historical site 

Andongbyeolgung (a detached palace), former residence of  

Queen Inhyeon and Empress Myeongseong of Joseon Dynasty. 

Deokseong Girls' Middle and High School are located on the west 

and east sides of this Stone Walls Road.

Inside Deokseong Girls' High School, there's the house of Seo Gwangbeom, who set fire to Andong Detached Palace and started the Gapsinjeongbyeon coup (4 December 1884).

Duksung Girls’ Middle School was the headquarters of the Cheondoism believers who planned the March 1st Movement (the Korean independence movement during the Japanese rule).

Interspersed benches placed along the stone walls near the girls schools with trees lining the streets offering a better view and inviting an idyllic stroll along this cultural hideaways. 

Whether you're there to patron shops, or to appreciate arts in the galleries, or simply reward yourself with a cup of tea in traditional teahouse, or to hang-out with your friends in cozy cafe, or romantic evening stroll around this chic and artsy atmosphere street. Samcheongdong has something for everyone~! ^^

Related Posts:

~ Insight Into Insadong 

~ Bukchon Hanok Village

September in Seoul - Bukchon Hanok Village [Day 7]

 

 Ma Love in the Land of Morning Calm

Places that we visited in Korea (09.09.2013 - 15.09.2013)

  

On our last day in Seoul, we tried to relax and slow down to appreciate the moment in Seoul. Because after tonight, everything will back to normal life with endless things for us to rush. So, we planned to just have light itinerary in Seoul. But then, we got some problem with our luggage, as supposedly, we can leave our luggage in Capt. Ryan's Nest, but he said there'll be another guest coming in, so for the conveniences of everyone, we thought to just put them in the lockers at Seoul subway station, since we'll be taking Arex from there to Incheon Airport. However, those big lockers were all occupied...

Where to store your luggage?
1. Subway paid lockers

I love this facilities so much. You know... I'm the person that can go out just with my HP and credit card, because I hate to carry anything especially if it's heavy. And, another reason is I'm a forgetful person, that few times I left my purse, bag and other things.

In Korea, you can easily find lockers almost in every subway stations, nearby the entrance of  tourist attractions and departmental stores with various sizes (small, medium and large). Some places even provided free lockers, or you need to pay the deposit but it'll be refunded after usage.

Interesting! I just found out that these subway lockers also provide diverse services including shipping and receiving, express delivery, and laundry. Please check this link on how to use the locker machine and the payment method available.

2. Premium Travel Center - Seoul Station
You can leave your baggage, clothing and products at baggage storage service available at Premium Travel Centre located at Seoul Station:

Premium Travel Center B2F,

Seoul Station City Airport-Terminal,

378 Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu,
Tel: +82 2 392 3545  

Hours of operation : 08:00 to 20:00

Rate: Small - 3,000 Won / Medium - 5,000 Won / Large - 7,000 Won / X-Large - 10,000 Won (per Item included Tax).

Premium Travel Center also provided other services such as:

*  Porter services

*  Tour Information / Travel service

*  Business Center

*  Meet & Greet service

*  Conference room Reservation

*  SIM Card & WI-FI Rental service

Yes, we bought our EG Sim Card from this Premium Travel Center on our first day in Seoul after gave up searching for Pocket Wifi.

After freed our hands from those big and heavy luggage, we went to Korail Arex Ticket Counter just opposite Premium Travel Center to buy ticket to Incheon Airport at discounted price. Korail just announced a one-year extension until 31 Dec 2014 on its discount fare of 8,000 won instead of the standard 14,500 won.

we supposed to go to Namdaemun market for breakfast, but...

Kids insisted to have Dunkin Donut, as they were hungry...

  

Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을)

Bukchon literally means North Village, was the hometown of yangban and scholars during Joseon Dynasty. Hundreds of beautiful traditional Hanok house will capture your attention and your heart just located between Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung and Jongmyo Shrine.

 

Signage for directions around Bukchon

You can find experience interactive programs related to traditional culture such as tea ceremony, arts and crafts, Museum of Korean Embroidery and Museum of Korean Traditional Knots are located inside these charming alleys in Bukchon Village. Check BnBHero's website if you wish to stay in Hanok Guesthouse.

Hanok Gallery

Donglim Knot Workshop.

Maybe because we were there early in the Sunday morning, Museums, Arts and Crafts Workshops and Cultural Centre and Galleries were still closed...

you can find unique galleries, cafes and eateries too

We saw quite a lot of local Korean strolling along Bukchon "8 Photo Spots". It's nice to explore these small alleys surrounded with vintage hanok and endless pleasant surprises with beautiful and cozy atmosphere to reminisce the old Seoul.

  

Bukchon 3rd Spot: Gahoe-dong Museum Lane


Bukchon Observatory
22-3, 11 Da-Gil Bukchon-ro, Jongro-Gu


From Observatory, you can have a wonderful view of entire
31 Gahoe-dong area, Mount Bugaksan and Namsan Tower too.




Bukchon 4th View: Gahoe-dong Alley
The most beautiful place in Bukchon...


the sea of hanok tiled roof is truly a sight to behold...


Bukchon 5th Spot: Gahoe-dong Alley (Harmony)
Thanks to the Bukchon Hanok conservation project that these
antique hanoks zone has perfectly preserved its originality.


Bukchon 6th Spot: Gahoe-dong Alley
The finest view of Seoul, Hanok houses contrast with high-rise buildings.
Bukchon 5th and 6th spots are the most popular among the eight views.

Stairs made of rock stone

We didn't complete the full 8 Photo Spots and no chance to search for Hanok House where "Personal Preference" was filmed, because these 2 kiddos were worse than old grannie! They remarked  Bukchon Hanok Village was the highest mountain that they ever climbed and they're out of breath!

Modernised two-story or three-story Hanok Houses.

Beautiful Hanok Houses along the maze-like alleys of Bukchon Village.
Ups! Why I have so many photos? I'm sure it's more than  scenic spots here :P

Don't miss it if you're in Seoul. If you miss it, you miss Seoul~! ^^

Related Posts:
~ [Trazy] Bukchon Hanok Village 북촌한옥마을
~ Samcheongdong has Something for Everyone~!
~ Gyeongbokgung Palace