Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 1-2]

After sumptuous lunch, our energy level bounced back to 100%. Kim eonni told us that Trick Eye Museum is just a stone's throw away from Nature Kitchen Restaurant, so we just happily strolled there while window shopping around this Hongik University Street.

 

EXO Se Hun and Kai were waiting to cross the road 

from SPAO store. Omo~! They even smiled at us~!^^

~ Trick Eye Museum (트릭아이미술관) ~

We took tons of photos inside this interesting art museum!

When my kids went there in 2013, they took photos but I didn't see most of them when we're there. I think they replaced some of the paintings so that people won't get bored if they visit again next time.

 Panda mode activated... Hug Hug~!!!

I only found one similar photo... It finally it revealed to me the trick behind this photo. Actually we're lying on our tummies,but my son was lying on his back.

Well, it's kinda entertaining and we're just like kids having fun with these tricky paintings, so that it created illusion as if they're 3D instead of 2D on your photos. 

~ Ice Museum (아이스 뮤지엄) ~

 Icy cold in 'Christmas Wonderland' Ice Museum, but it didn't freeze our smiles~!

 

K-smiling with Mr Snowman, Mr Soldier and Mr Panda~^^ 

I didn't take photo of this Mirror Maze because we're fast enough

(maybe less than 1 minute) to find our way out with 6 pairs of hands! ;P 

Come and play with your imagination here:

Website: www.trickeye.co.kr

Address: 20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul  

Direction: Hongik University Station (Exit 9)

Opening hours: 09: 00 ~ 21:00

Fee: Adults ₩ 15,000, Child ₩ 12,000

~*~*~*~*~*~ *~*~*~*~*~

~ Hello Kitty Cafe (헬로키티 카페) ~

Fancy pink Hello Kitty Cafe at Hongdae. 

 

 This two-storey cafe painted with soft pastel pink tones and white color.

It's nice contrast with greenery garden outside the cafe, especially

there were lots of yellow quinces hanging on the tree.

I ordered Pinkcchino (핑크치노) just to match the dominant colors of the cafe.

Frankly speaking, I'm not a fan of Hello Kitty because I've phobia of cat (Ailurophobia). But, Hello Kitty still alright because it's not a real cat. Therefore, I prefer to see cream than cat on my cup. ;P

For the first time, my Instagram post has more than 100 likes

thanks to Hello Kitty die-hard fans out there~!^^

 

All Hello Kitty fans will definitely love to spend a lovely afternoon

 in this pretty cafe and pretend to be a princess of the day here.

This cafe has free Wi-fi and power plug, so you can snap lots of photos and real time upload them on your SNS~! ;P

Because it's popular for youngsters, You can find Hello Kitty Cafe 

at popular shopping streets at Myeongdong and Sinchon too.

 

  

Website: www.hellokittycafe.co.kr

Add: 364-14 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu.

Direction:  Hongik University Station (Exit 5 or 9).

We walked from Trick Eye Museum to the cafe from Exit 9.

Phone:+82 2-334-6570

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

 

   

   

  

Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 1-1]

Total of 14 members of Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour arrived in Incheon Airport on 18 Nov 2015. I think participants from South East Asia Team arrived first, as most of our flights landed in Incheon around 4:00 - 7:00 am. However, Jas Eonni flight from Malaysia was delayed for 2 hours. 

It took 6 hours direct flight from Singapore to Korea. Korean Air really know how to pamper their passengers. They provided small pillow, blanket, sandal for more comfortable flight. Meal and snacks were served. They have 3 options of menu for meal, and of course there's no problem if you need vegetarian or Halal food if you let them know earlier. 

Reached the airport at 5:30am, I was so surprised to see super long queues at immigration regardless they have many counters open for visitors, which citizens were separated on other queues. This proved that Korea is one of the top and popular travel destination.

While queuing, Nazza from Thailand also arrived and in the queue. I went behind so we can queue together. I'd no problem recognized her as I saw her photos. We also created Kakao group chat of 6 members (Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippine and Japan) before this VIP Tour. 

After cleared immigration and collected our luggage, we walked to waiting area opposite Starbuck to look for Lucky, as she's the first one to arrive in the airport.

Bought banana milk (바나나우유) and cheese bread for my breakfast.

Glad to see that there were 2 officers at Tourist Information counter, as I need to get some

information on my trip to Korea with my family after this VIP Tour.

I was served by pretty and nice officer, 김유진. She's very helpful and did his best to source for all the information I needed. She even helped me to jot down which bus to take, where to alight and transfer. She gave me map, discount coupon for Lotte World, and travel guide Korea booklet. Not only that, she tried to contact Buyeo office because she's unable to book the tour for me. But Buyeo office not yet open as it's still early.

She served me and others visitors and locals professionally and not rejecting anyone that need help although she's still assisting me. I only found out that she's actually serving in Japanese language when I asked her permission to take photo as I wanted to nominate her as Best “K-Smile Queen." which was also our third mission (promote K-smile Campaign by introducing friendly locals we meet during the tour). She was shy and said that she didn't speak good English, but I told her that actually he has very good command in English. The most importantly, she served with heart.

Suddenly Tere walked to me, and only then I found out that they'd been waiting for me, as they will arrange transportation for Jas eonni separately. I'm so sorry for waiting... 김 언니, 정말 미안해요~!

 

  Wefie with Kim eonni, our pretty tour guide from Hana Tour

before leaving Incheon airport. (Photo credit: Tere)

 

KTO is super generous to allocate one person in this spacious double-bed room 

at  CenterMark Hotel which is located at the heart of Insadong.  

Appreciate much that KTO decided to let us rest in the hotel while waiting for Japan group to arrive, because I was dead tired as I didn't have proper sleep for few nights. Added that I couldn't really sleep in the plane because of turbulence, baby crying and people talking. 

 Though in the same hotel, but this time round I saw autumn foliage and 

mountain view from my room at 11th floor instead of Jongno Tower.

I stayed here for 2 nights before, therefore I'm quite familiar with this hotel. So without further ado, I quickly jumped on the bed after set alarm to wake me up in 30 minutes. After that I'd warm shower to refresh myself before gathering again at the lobby. Please click my previous post for more information about this hotel.

Korean people always want people to eat well. It's common to hear people asking someone "밥먹었어요?" (Did you eat?) as a greeting. So, when come to food, KTO really pampered and fed us well!

Our first meal was Hansik Buffet at Hongdae,

and English Team busy taking photos instead of food 

(read it as we don't know where to start because of the spread) :P

 And I'm pretty much amazed by the tasteful exotic Korean sentiment interior design.

I think this restaurant is an art piece in itself. They're using Jukbuin (Bamboo Wife) as lamp decoration. They also use Jangdokdae / Onggi (장독대 / 옹기) as water fountain and pots for plants. The other part of the dining hall looks like pavilion to me. If you notice, main dish table is giant Korean bowl.

It reminded me about my Korean Tea Ceremony's Teacher in Seongyojang

 when I saw 5 colors (red, green, yellow and black and white) beans and Bibimbap counter.

She told our family that Philosophy of Hansik (Korean Food) was based on Ying-Yang and the five elements (earth, water, wood, metal and fire) concept. Korean food culture believes that food and medicine originate from the same root, therefore, there is no better medicine than food. That's one of the reasons I love Korean food because it's balance and healthy!

 

 

 Bibim Naengmyeon (비빔 냉면 = Korean spicy cold noodles) 

and other dishes for my lunch.

  

Wanna try my yummy DIY PatTteok (Patjuk + colorful Tteok)?

The Sweet Pumpkin Sikhye was so refreshing.

Here are some of the spreads that our team had for lunch:

Bibimbap, Pork ribs, Fried chicken, Tempura, Kimchi,...

 Nature Kitchen (자연별곡)

Add: 서울특별시 마포구 양화로 153 토로스타워 3층

 Weekday: Lunch (KRW 12,900) | Dinner / Weekend / Holiday (KRW 19,900).

Korean Salad Buffet and Shabu Shabu Buffet with endless refill are very popular in Korea. Check out this related posts below:

  D'maris (드마리스뷔페).

 

Hanjeongsik @Seongyojang Hanok House

 

All That Barbecue (올댓바베큐 ) 

(Closed, now it's 해류뭄해리).

To be continued...

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

 

   

Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour.

Nothing beats the happiness when you see your name on the winner list. Yes, that was almost a month ago and I'm just back to hot Singapore 2 days back.

For this post, I would like to share to you my experience of our 4D3N VIP Special Invitation Tour. But, tomorrow I'm flying back to Korea with my family, and somehow my itinerary still in a mess because of the transportation problem because Korea is a big country.

I just found out that A-train is not operating on 30 Nov, and we might not be able to go to Auraji for Rail Biking.

I woke up at 4:00 am today to edit photos and create videos so I can post this by today. Just for your info, I have about 3000 photos and 100 videos for this trip. Please stay tune as I will post more detailed information after I'm back from my family trip.

For the meantime, let's check out our VIP Special Invitation Tour:

~ Day 1 (18 Nov 2015) ~

 South East Asia (English Team) arrived at Incheon Airport

early in the morning, but sadly Jas eonni flight was delayed...

 

We're transported to Seoul and check-in at Center Mark Hotel.

 I took a short 30 minutes nap and had a warm bath to refresh

my tired body as I was unable to sleep well on the plane.

Our first meal in Korea -  Hansik Buffet Lunch at Nature Kitchen (자연별곡 홍대점).

 Somehow, when I visited Korea with my family in 2013,  we also 

visited Trick Eye Museum & Ice Gallery on our first day in Seoul.

Tea break and chillax at this pink fancy Hello Kitty cafe. 

Great that they brought us to Common Ground Pop-up Shopping Mall 

located close to the Konkuk University. I was thinking to visit this 

newly open mall because it's the largest container mall in the world.

 

 We supposed to buy our dinner from outdoor food-truck vendors,

but it was raining. Our thoughtful KTO staff and guides treated  us 

delicious cakes as appetizer before our dinner at DoreDore Cafe. 

 

Reached Insadong to have grilled mackerel, haemul pajeon and makgeolli

at Omoni Saengseon (어머니생선). After that we stroll back to hotel

as the restaurant is around Insadong area too.

~ Day 2 (19 Nov 2015) ~

 

Group photo with Japanese team before having our brunch 

at this cozy yet elegance cafe at Samcheongdong - Slow Park.  

  Candle Making Experience at Holly Go Studio with pretty and friendly instructor.

 Wiki Cafe (위키카페) is run and owned by Super Junior Sungmin's mother.

It's unbelievable to meet his handsome younger brother, Sungjin.

He's adorable, handsome and friendly. I think his charming

smiles will sure melt everyone's heart! ^^

Jas eonni, Lucky and me were being interviewed by GD from TBS eFM.

Though my tummy still full after big breakfast, but I finished the whole bowl of 

Sundubu Ramen because it's so yummy. No wonder our guide said we have to have 

an early lunch, because 55 Beonji Ramen (삼청동 55번지라면) is very popular,

 and we might not have the seats during peak lunch hour.

 

Teleported myself from National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art 

to old Joseon's era. Ssshh, I need to hide myself from these royal guards of

Deoksugung Palace, I should have disguised myself by wearing hanbok here.

 

When taking photos with K-pop idols seems quite impossible, though I did

wish to meet Lee Min Ho as he's the Ambassador of K-smile campaign. 

I just imagined that these wax statues inside Grevin Museum (그레뱅 뮤지엄)

were real person and happily hold their hands. my HP was so jealous

and decided to off itself... I couldn't take selfie using my camera. ㅠㅠ 

 

Bought this blue backpack at Good Morning City Mall. 

Got it  a 'steal' price because this kind, handsome and 

babyface ahjussi gave me super huge discount. Thank you~^^

 

Shabu Shabu Buffet dinner at nTable (엔테이블) at 

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP basement 2).

 

We're seriously attending Janggu (and Korean language) class at Jeongdong Theater.

시작~! Dong Dong Gung Ttak Gung...

Dong Ttak Ttak Gung Tak Gung~!!! 

 

I watched Gugak Fantastick show before. Couldn't decide which one I like most,

because both of the performances were excellent. 

For The Story of Secretary Bae' (배비장전) performance, I like 

  five-drum dance performed by the gisaeng! It's so cool!

~ Day 3 (20 Nov 2015) ~

ITX line runs from Yongsan to Chuncheon station.  It's my second ITX ride.

I traveled to Nami Island (alight at Gapyeong Station) via ITX too because

it's very convenient and fast.

Our coach from Chuncheon to Gimyujeong Station (Rail Park) 

and arrived at 강촌레일파크 Gangchon Railpark. 

So excited before the ride, and super satisfied after the ride. All smiley faces~!^^

 Nobody could resist this yummy Grilled Chuncheon Dalkgalbi,

especially after 40 minutes of rail biking! :P

Completed my last mission - to take photo with Tourist Police.

Instead of shopping in Myeongdong, I used my free time at 

Juno Hair Salon (준오헤어) to have my hair cut and permed.

 

Gala dinner at Todai Buffet Restaurant.  

It's quite sad as the time sure flies, it's our last night in Seoul~! ㅠㅠ

Since it's also the last night of Seoul Lantern Festival being displayed, 

five of us walked from our hotel to Cheonggyecheon Stream 

to see beautiful lighted-up lanterns the dark night.

~ Day 4 (21 Nov 2015) ~

 

We arrived at IFC Mall at Yeouido, which is financial district and known as

Manhattan of Seoul. It's a giant mega mall, but our luggage were overloaded

and they are currently selling F/W collections which it's to hot for us

to wear in tropical country...

Therefore, we decided to go to Yeouido Park, which is just opposite the mall.

Then, from the map we saw that KBS is located nearby, so we rushed there

to snap few photos of KBS building, as we didn't have time to go inside.

 

Since I didn't have time to shop for my friend in Myeondong, 

I'd time to do last minute shopping at Incheon airport, and

claimed tax refund at this self tax refund machine. 

Then we went to Korea Traditional Cultural Experience Center.

They're having free craft experience to paint this keychain with dancheong pattern.

 

Then, I quickly rushed out when I heard that there's a procession of royal family.

Of course I didn't want to miss a chance to take photos with King, Queen, 

Crown Prince, Crown Princess, Princess, Royal guards, and Royal Maid.

It's really my honor and grateful to be selected as one of the members of this tour. Definitely memorable trip especially we're traveling with other members from Japan, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand with the same interests and avid Korean lover! ^^

That's ended our VIP Special Invitation Tour. I felt that we're being treated like super VIP from the beginning to the end of this tour. So happy to meet so many kind and friendly locals that showered us with warm jeong that made me smile for the whole trip.

Sincerely thanks KTO officers and staffs, our friendly and pretty guide (김 언니) and other guides.  Thank you so much for everything. 한국에서의 모든일들에 대해서 짐심으로 감사드립니다~! ^^

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

   

Ok, now it's 6:15pm, and I really need to pack luggage... maybe I need 3 to 5 luggage for 4 person. Heol~~~!!!