My Happiest Memory in Seoul

In case you’re wondering why I named my blog 'meheartseoul'. Yes, this blog was started after my first trip to Korea in 2012. It was a DIY trip after the travel agency canceled the tour as they don't have enough participants. So disappointed because they only informed us less than 7 days before the traveling day. We couldn't find other agencies that could match the date as they suggested later date which it's impossible for my hubby to change the applied leave from his company.

Desperate me decided to plan and travel on our own. Lucky that I have few kind and helpful Korean friends to checked through my whole itinerary and transportation especially from one province to  another one.

Our 9 days of amazing virgin trip covering some parts of...

  Seoul (Cheonggyecheon, Gangnam, N Seoul Tower, Myeongdong).

Met the private tour guide that supposed to accompany our nine days trip in Gangnam. However, we ended up travel ourselves because of calculation error and ended up it's a lot more expensive than our budget. Nonetheless, he's helpful and kind to assist us in booking interesting accommodations such as minbak in Udo Island, Caravan glamping at Jaraseom, and also flight to Jeju and back. 

When he refunded us the balance after deducted all the payments, we even asked his suggestion where we could find authentic Hanjeongsik, and he even assisted to call and reserve the table for us at Samcheonggak on our last day in Seoul. 

Jeju Seogwipo (Yakcheonsa Temple, Jungmun Beach, 

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall and breathtaking Jeongbang Falls).

 

 Udo Island (ATV ride to scenic spots of this beautiful island

and lazying at Seonbinbaeksa beach to catch sunset).

Awesome experience and right decision to stay overnight in White Castle Minbak. Halmeoni, the owner of the minbak was kind to invite s inside her house and boil hot water for our ramen and we'd some fun chit chat. I think Halmeoni had hard time to understand because of my poor grammar.

 Jeju City (Just Jeju (Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Beach, Biyangdo Island,

    Yeongduam Rock, Geumneung Beach, Jusangjeolli Cliffs, O'Sulloc Museum).

Visited all of these places was made possible because we found friendly Mr Park Kisanim (taxi driver) to drive and show us the beauty of Jeju Island in 9 hours.

Busan (Haeundae Beach, Haedong Yonggung Temple, Dongbaek Park, 

Haeundae Dalmaji-gil, Gwanggali Beach, Mt. Hwangryeongsan).

Million thanks to Oppa and his wife, to be frank we only correspondents through emails as I was online seller and sourcing children apparels from Korea. But when he knew that I was going to visit Busan, he insisted to spend their precious time to accompany and show us around... yes, even though he's super busy with his businesses. Thank you so much~!

As we'd to leave early in the morning, Oppa had brilliant idea to drive us up to Mt. Hwangryeongsan, so he could see the whole beautiful Busan from the top of the mountain!

Gyeongju (Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, 

Donggung Palace, Woji / Anapji Pond and Daereungwon Tomb Complex).

 

Jaraseom & Nami Island.

 Seoul (Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Hangang Park).

We're really happy to visit charming places, tasting delicious local delicacies, interacting with locals and experience Korean culture throughout the trip in Korea. But if I have to choose only the Happiest Memory in Seoul, then it was on our last day in Seoul...

 

 Changdeokgung Palace.

Our first palace visit in Seoul wasn't Gyeongbokgung, but UNESCO World Heritage Changdeokgung Palace. Glad that they provided free guided English tour for us to know more about the palace and functions of the halls as well as where the last royal member stayed. 

 King Sejong Story (세종이야기).

From Changdeokgung, we headed to Gwanghwamun Square where the statues of King Sejong The Great and legendary Admiral Yi Sun-Shin stood. We walked around and found King Sejong Story exhibitions underground it.  

We're so engrossed by his awesome inventions and awesome to find out that how he created Hangul for the sake of his people which enormously contributed to Korean civilization. Didn't notice the time passed so fast and we quickly browsed The Story of Admiral Yi Sun-shin before left the hall.

 Samcheonggak (삼청각).

From the exhibition hall, we walked to Kyobo bookstore at Gwanghwamun as there's shuttle bus provided for Samcheonggak's guests .

Didn't expect that to see such a huge and beautiful Hanok style buildings and charming garden there. We're lost until the staff guided us to the correct building. I was shocked when walked pass the familiar building shown on Korean Drama 'Feast of the Gods'. 

We had  8 course Yuha Sura (Yuha Royal set meal). The menu included Seasonal Porridge & Water Kimchi, Mug Bean Jelly with Beef, Bamboo Shoot Salad with Ripe Persimmon, Grilled Scallops, Assorted Pan-Fried Delicacies, Korean Beef Sirloin Bulgogi Salad, Japchae, Rice Cake, Grilled Pork Neck, Makgeolli, Sikye and fruits for dessert.

They only serve you another dish after you finish the one on your table, and you'll need to wait for awhile for them to prepare it freshly from the kitchen. Do set at least 90 minutes to enjoy these tantalizing and appetizing meal in this calming Korean classical ambience.

Excellent customer service too, as when they knew that I didn't eat beef. The chef came out to check whether I want to change it to pork instead. Was really impressed and it totally matched on what stated on the menu list "A dining table prepared with sincerity for you someone special."

The price was ₩45,000 / person, and it worth the price with the quality authentic Korean food, services for this high-class Korean-style restaurant. 

Lotte World Shopping Mall => Lotte Mart (Seoul Station) =>

KTO HQ => Deodeokbap => Cheonggyecheon Stream.

It's free time as we didn't schedule anything between lunch and dinner. So, we went to Lotte World to buy ginseng, snacks and gifts. But it was super crowded and we retreated to Lotte Mart in Seoul Station. 

Then went to KTO HQ, but sadly the Hanbok Experience counter was closed already and they suggested us to go to Myeondong. But, it's too troublesome to carry big and heavy box around. So we just had fun taking photos with standees at Hanbok and Hallyu Experience Zones.

Kurt came all the way to Seoul just to meet us for dinner. He brought us to Deodeokbap restaurant to have grilled Deodeok set meal. I thought deodeok was ginseng as it looked and tasted like ginseng. It's really delicious and I even asked my other friend to help me buy deodeok kimchi when he came to Singapore. I tried to pan grilled it but it's not as yummy as what we had there ;P

After dinner we strolled along the Cheonggyecheon stream with colorful laser lights displays. As he can speak English, we had no problem communicating and talked almost every topics from Singapore to Seoul, worklife, our trip,... 

I'm blessed to know and have them as my friends. This was definitely unforgettable trip we had.  My Korean friends making this trip possible and memorable one. They showered us with care, welcomed us as if we're their own family. Texted me almost everyday just to check whether we need help, update us on the weather forecast, and host us in their house, guide and even pampered us delicious meals. 

Even Halmoeni, Kisanim, Imo, and strangers that we just met assisted and did their best one way and another to make us feel so comfortable as if we're home. 

 Happiness is when you're surrounded with friendly Koreans.

Our Happiest Smiles~!^^

Yes, it's this magic of heartwarming 'Jeong (정)' that keep me wanting to revisit Korea again and again.  많이 감사함니다~!^^

Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 3-4]

Free time for about 3 hours at Myeongdong after came back to Seoul from fun railbiking at Gangchon Railpark and had yummy grilled Chuncheon Dakgalbi there.

 Kim eonni brought us to Noon Square first because

we need to gather for dinner later.

   

After that, we went to Myeongdong Cathedral.

 

Then we separated because it's hard to walk together at this shopping district.

 

It's always crowded here, because locals and tourists love to buy 

cosmetics and skin care products at Myeongdong Cosme Road (코스메로드). 

 

Not only that, you can also find fashionable clothes, shoes, 

bags and others trendy stuffs here.

I went to Etude House first because my friend ask me to buy several skin care products. However, I didn't purchase anything because I don't know the items and all the sales girls were busy occupied with customers. I went to Myeongdong Tourist Information Center to check whether I can go to nearby hair salon for hair perming.

 

 Juno Hair Salon (준오헤어).

 

Cha Bum Jin, the hair stylist suggested Park Shin Hye's 

hairstyle after checking my hair texture.  

He guided me to the locker room near the entrance. One of the assistants helped me take off my jacket and put on the gown and store my bag and jacket inside it. 

Soon, the shampoo girl brought me for hair wash.

And while sitting there I heard more than 20 times 'gamsahamnida'. I think all the staffs there have the habit to say it whenever customer walk passing them. 

 

The hairstylist told me that he'll only trimmed and layered
my hair, so it won't be to short after permed.

 

Hair treatment to prevent it from damaging. Then I was transferred to the 

long table with a plush black pillow for resting my hands.

They served me some refreshment of fruit juice, pretzel and cookies. For the drinks you can opt for coffee, tea or fruit juice.

He gave instruction to his assistant to roll my hair.

Then I was busy with my phone chatting and posting photos about our VIP Tour until I suddenly felt that some of the rollers burning my head!

Phew... it's better after they inserted sponge foams so 

the heat of those rollers not directly touching my head.

I notified the hair stylist on the other side of the table to help me to check on it. She quickly helped me to pull up the some of the rollers so they didn't touch my head. She then asked the assistance to use the dryer for airing my head and put the sponge foams. She and the assistance also apologies for it. I thanked her because she saved me from burning skin.

He gave me tips on how to apply hair cream and style it.

Finally after about 30 minutes, they helped me to removed those 'Medusa' cables from my head. Then after rinsed it, my hair stylist and his assistant quickly helped me to blow dry and style it.

 

~ Before and after ~

I paid KRW 225,000 (S$ 280.00) for design cut (디자인 커트) + setting perm (셋팅 헤어펌) + free hair treatment.  It's about the same price if I go to Korean hair salon in Singapore. Overall satisfied with the service, just that I didn't expect the incident. Supposedly  Juno is very famous hair salon in Korea, which have 72 branches in Seoul itself. There are 4 branches in Myeongdong district, and I saw their branches in Gangnam and Hongdae area too.

 

Website: www.junohair.com

Juno Hair Myeongdong (준오헤어 명동 4호점)

Add: 14 Myeongdong 8-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul (4th floor)

Opening Hour:  9:30 - 21:30 

Phone: 02 3789 0650

Reached Todai Buffet Restaurant in time.

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

   

Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 2-8]

I was addicted to Korean traditional musical performance after I watched 'Fantastick' show. It's like a wish came true to watch another famous show. 

 

 Jeongdong Theater (정동 극장).

 

Before watching Miso: Baebijang-jeon (배비장전), 

we attended a class on how to play Janggu. 

The teacher introduced us this percussion instrument.

Janggu (장구) is Korean Traditional hourglass-shaped drum. To play the janggu, you'll need beating sticks (chae): Gungchae and Yeolchae.

It's like learning Korean language... we're asked to repeat what the teacher said:

Jang~gu, Gung~chae and Yeol~chae, Janggu~chae.

Then we're taught on how to hold the sticks properly:

1. Gungchae on left hand. If you beat it on the janggu it'll make 'Gung' sound.

2. Yeolchae on right hand. If you beat it on the janggu it'll make 'Ttak' sound.

3. Gungchae + Yeolchae together will make 'Dong' sound.

Then, we  practiced to beat a set of rhythm - Jangdan (장단):

'Dong ~ Dong ~ Gung ~ Ttak ~ Gung'.

Now we seemed more professional as the teacher taught us a bit of 

hand variation to beat Gungchae on the right side of Janggu.

After that we learned another 3 sets of basic rhythms: 

1. 'Dong ~ Ttak ~ Ttak ~ Gung ~ Tak ~ Gung'

2. Dong dong dong~~~ dong!

3. Dong ~ Dong ~ (pause) ~ Dong ~ Dong (pause) ~ Dong Dong Dong ~ Dong Dong

The class ended after we played from first to forth rhythm in one go. 박수~!!! 

It's not hard nor easy too. Well, kinda tricky especially when I've to think which hand to hit the Janggu when changing the rhythms. But it's really fun and everyone enjoyed the class because the teacher was really nice and passionate to teach us how to play this folk percussion instrument.

 Yes! Certificate for completing Janggu class. 

(Maybe I can apply job as Janggu performer in Korea) ;P

  
 We were to leave the theater after the class, as they need to prepare the stage.


 Ticket counter open at 7:00 pm for 8:00 pm show.

 Tourists and locals were waiting for the show.

Quite a lot of people inside the hall, so I went outside to take some photos.

 
Secretary Bae (배비장) and District Magistrate (사또).

In the bus, Kim eonni told us meaning of Miso (미소 = Smile) and synopsis of newly created traditional performance of Baebijang-jeon (裵裨將傳 / The Story of Secretary Bae).

Baebijang-jeon is based on classical satire novel of the Joseon Dynasty. It evokes laughter by alluding to the hypocrisy of Secretary Bae who act that he's not interested with beautiful gisaeng and just concentrating in his study.

 Yangban and Giseang lifestyle in Hanyang (capital of Joseon Dynasty).

 

He's appointed as secretary in charge of culture and art. 

He and the Jeju new district magistrate (Satto) sailing to Jeju Island. 

  

Aerang, the most beautiful gisaeng in Jeju that causing

 Hareubang (Stone Statue) to wake up and horses to 

gallop (not Psy's horse-dance) towards her scent.

Secretary Bae doesn’t mingle with the people at the welcoming party of the new magistrate. Instead, he goes around scolding the other secretaries for socializing with gisaengs (courtesans). Satto was curious and wanted to test Secretary Bae. He ordered the male servant to ask Aerang to seduce him.

Aerang's seduction at the waterfall in Hallasan.

Will he be immune to Aerang's seduction as he promised his wife not to have love scandal before he went to Jeju Island?!

I love Baebijiang-jeon show because of its unique and interesting scenario. It's also vividly reviving the style of Joseon era with beautiful and colorful hanbok of Gisaeng, Satto, Yangban, Court dancers.  and nice setting of matching backgrounds according to the storyline.

 

It's so cool that they have using Traditional instruments such as janggu, buk (barrel drum),
jing (gong), Haegeum, Gayageum, and modern drum for live performance.

I was sitting on the second or third row, so I could see those musical performers playing those instruments and creating such an amazing and fantastic sound effects for the whole show.

Not only that, you feel like watching several Gugak and Pungmulnori performances in the show. There were few representative folk dances such as Ogomu (five drum dance), Court Dance Hwa-gwan mu (flower crown dance), Sangmo Dance (pinning streamer hat performance).

 One of the famous painting of Shin Yun Bok also appeared on the 

screen when Secretary Bae and his maid walking to Aerang's house.

 

This live performance brought smiles to everyone... No wonder it's called MISO~! 

When I watched Baebijiangjeon, it reminded me on K-drama 'Arang and the Magistrate.'

Because newly appointed Jeju Magistrate's uniform similar to Satto Kim Eun-oh in the drama. And the leading female performer's name (애랑 / Ae-rang) sounded very similar to Arang (아랑). 

 

We received Souvenirs from Jeongdong Theater:

Miso Program Book with special fabric cover and cap.

You can purchase the the souvenirs at the counter. When I saw the scented candle in the jar, I was so sad. I won it from their contest, but I didn't replay as I only noticed the message after the cut off time. ㅠㅠ

Jeondong Theater Instagram contest: 

Beautiful photo about Korea.

Website: www.jeongdong.or.kr

Add: 43 Jeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.

Phone: +82 2-751-1500

I just noticed from the map that Jeongdong Theater is located between Deoksugung and Kyunhyang Newspaper building. If you have time, I'll recommend you to watch 'Baebijiangjeon' and 'Fantastick' Shows. In between the show, you can visit Deoksu Palace and have your meal at the restaurants or coffee shops at famous Doldamgil (Stone wall street).

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