Showing posts with label myeongdong. Show all posts
Showing posts with label myeongdong. Show all posts

Sunday, 20 March 2016

K-Pop Residence Chungmuro (Myeongdong)

Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour | by Meheartseoul
We literally reached Seoul early morning, it was around 12:30am when we stepped out from Myeongdong station as it took 1 hour 20 minutes including transfer time. Then, our nightmare started when we found out that elevators and lifts were not operating~!!!

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Miserable us have to carry 4 luggage and backpacks total up to about 75 kg.

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg 
Let me introduce our life saviour, Mr Yoo Chang Hyeon.

We almost cried climbing the endless staircases. Then suddenly a good Samaritan appeared and asked my son what he was doing. Then my son said that we're moving the luggage. Then he helped us carry the luggage not only to the next level, but to another flight of stairs too. Though we still need to carry to the street level because he needed to close the station. Thank you so much for your extra miles services~! 

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com 
We walked from Myeongdong Exit 4 to K-Pop Residence.

Previously we stayed at Sejong Hotel which was just less than 10 steps from Exit 4. How we wished that we could quickly check-in and sleep there, but too bad we're staying at K-Pop Residence.

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
 Reception Hours 08:00 - 23:00.

Hubby said it's nearby, but I think we walked for about 20 minutes? Dead tired when we finally reached the hotel. But, we only found the note sticked on the glass door in front of the receptionist stated that they closed at 11pm. Therefore we need to follow the instructions to get our room key and connect to WIFI.

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Family room with 2 double bed.

This was the only photo I took on that night, the above photos were taken on the second day. The room was pretty small and we didn't have space to walk after putting our luggage and shoes. Anyway, we're quite satisfied as the room and toilet were clean. Although the bed was hard, but nonetheless I still prefer to sleep on the bed than floor at Jjimjilbang common area. 

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
We paid about SGD 80.00 per night, booked from Agoda.

Since the room was kinda messy on the second day, let me take photo with 'Psy - Oppa Gangnam Style' with his horse dancing pose.

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
We can have free breakfast although it's not stated when we booked the room.

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
 Bread, cornflakes, milk, juice, tea and coffee. 

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Kids having their cereal with milk, my hubby
and I ate toasted bread with strawberry jam and butter. 

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
 You can use toaster, microwave, fridge and other utensils in this dining area. 

It's kinda self-help area where you browse internet with PC and also use the washing machine to clean your dirty clothes. Too bad, there's no drying area so we'd to hang them in our squeezy room. There were only 2 hangers in the room, so we had to lay the pants on the heated floor. 

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com 
Ready to go for our next destination after breakfast.  

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
View of N Seoul Tower from the window
outside the receptionist area.

K-Pop Residence Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
 K-Pop Residence Chungmuro (Myeongdong)
 94-1 Inhyeondong 1(il)-ga (53 Mareunnae-ro), 
Jung-gu, Myeong-dong, Seoul.



Friday, 22 January 2016

Visit Korea Special VIP Tour [Day 3-5]

Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour : Todai International Cuisine and Sushi Buffet Myeongdong | by Meheartseoul
Thought I arrived early as no VIP Tour members waiting outside Todai Restaurant. Actually most of them were sitting comfortably in front of the cashier while waiting for the waitress to arrange the tables for us.

Todai International Cuisine & Sushi Buffet (토다이) | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
 Todai International Cuisine & Sushi Buffet (토다이).

Todai branch at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Singapore) | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
Todai branch at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Singapore). 

I went there once with my family for my birthday dinner in 2012 knowing that they're one of Korean’s biggest buffet restaurant. But, quite disappointed when expecting to see more varieties at Korean Zone, but to my surprised they only have simple spread of bulgogi, seaweed soup, japcahe, pajeon, kimchijeon, haemuljeon, few types of kimchi and sikhye. The taste of the food was not that fabulous too and it's quite expensive. Dinner was about SGD 60.00++ / adult.

Ok, let's check out how's their buffet restaurant in Seoul, which is much cheaper than in Singapore. Dinner (Weekday): Lunch ₩26,000 (SGD 32.00) | Dinner ₩37,000 (SGD 45.00).

VIP Tour Gala dinner at Todai Myeongdong | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com 
VIP Tour Gala dinner at Todai to mark our last night in Seoul.
We're sad because Sera eonni won't be joining us for the next day.

The restaurant is very spacious and we sat inside the 
private room with long table that fit for 20 person.

Most importantly the buffet spread here was abundant with choices from Korean, Japanese and American cuisines.

As usual, I patronized sushi section first and happy to see various nigiri sushi others than tuna and salmon.

Nigiri sushi with thinly sliced raw fish (sashimi) over pressed vinegared rice | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg 
Nigiri sushi with thinly sliced raw fish (sashimi) over pressed vinegared rice.

Maki and Gunkan Sushi | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com Maki and Gunkan Sushi | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com 
Maki and Gunkan Sushi.

 Myeongdong Todai Buffet - sliced sashimi | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
But only have 4 types of sliced sashimi.

oishi sushi at Todai Buffet Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
My oishi sushi!^^ 

wasabi and ginger | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
She even shocked when I took wasabi and ginger.

Shuki was surprised to see the whole plate full of sushi, but the fact that she's not eating wasabi shocked me more as she's Japanese... How could that even possible?!! 

Cold corner with green mussels | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Cold corner with green mussels.

Assorted fried and grilled Korean and International cuisines | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
Assorted fried and grilled Korean and International cuisines.

Pizza | Fried mini crabs | Chicken & Fries | Grilled lamb chop | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Pizza | Fried mini crabs | Chicken & Fries | Grilled lamb chop.

Todai Buffet Restaurant: Chicken teriyaki  | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg

Fried Tempura (튀김) | Spicy Pork Bulgogi | Chicken Teriyaki | Fish cutlet. | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
 Fried Tempura (튀김) | Spicy Pork Bulgogi | Chicken Teriyaki | Fish cutlet.

Kimchi and banchan including Cheon Song-Yi's favorite   marinated soy sauce crab (간장게장) | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
 Kimchi and banchan including Cheon Song-Yi's favorite 
marinated soy sauce crab (간장게장).

Salad Bar at Todai Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com   | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Sorry~ Salad is forever untouched unless nothing else for me to eat.

Todai Sushi and International Cuisine Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
 My second plate after sushi and sashimi.

Todai Sushi and International Cuisine Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
 Desserts and Fruits shelves.

yummy desserts: brownies, Hokaido cupcake,  macaroons, green tea rolls, mango cheese mouse, and cookies. | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
 My favorite and yummy desserts: brownies, Hokaido cupcake,
macaroons, green tea rolls, mango cheese mouse, and cookies.

Wine is not included in buffet | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com  beverages: Coffee, Tea, Strawberry Punch, soft drinks. | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Free beverages: Coffee, Tea, Strawberry Punch, soft drinks.
Wine is not included in buffet.

Korean Traditional Fruit Punch: Mulberry Punch (오디 화채) |   Sweet Pumpkin Rice Punch (단호박 식혜 = Sikhye) |  Persimmon Punch (수정과 = Sujeonggwa) | Jelly (젤리). | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
Korean Traditional Fruit Punch: Mulberry Punch (오디 화채) | 
Sweet Pumpkin Rice Punch (단호박 식혜 = Sikhye) |
Persimmon Punch (수정과 = Sujeonggwa) | Jelly (젤리).

Black Raspberry (복분자) | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
I thought that Mulberry Punch was Black Raspberry (복분자). 

It said that it has good benefit for skin brightening, anti-aging and lose weight. Therefore I often drink the juice after dinner. I even brought 4 packs to Seoul and back to Singapore because I forgot to drink them. :P 

Sikhye, Banana Milk, Makgeolli, Milkis, Fruit Juices, Cider | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg  Sikhye, Banana Milk, Makgeolli, Milkis, Fruit Juices, Cider | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
I'm actually fans of Korean drinks and snacks.
See my stocks of Sikhye, Banana Milk, Makgeolli, Milkis, Fruit Juices, Cider, 
Korean seaweed and Popcorn that I'd to buy shelves just to store them!

Todai Restaurant - DIY Bingsu | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com 
My love... my Bingsu!

bingsu with cakes and ice cream + sikhye | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg
I wrapped up this dining session with a bowl of 
bingsu with cakes and ice cream.

Todai Sushi and International Cuisine Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
Add: 14 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul.
Noon Square (눈스퀘어) level 7.

It's definitely more worth it to dine in Seoul than Singapore. However, if judging from price wise with the food quality and quantity, ambiance and services of others buffet restaurants in Seoul which I patronized, my recommendation will be...

D'Maris Buffet Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.sg 

D'Maris Buffet Restaurant | www.meheartseoul.blogspot.com
 Ashley Queens (will post this soon).

Related Posts:
nTable (n테이블) Shabu Shabu Buffet


 This trip was made possible by VisitKorea organised by Korea  Tourism Organization. 
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto   


 

Tuesday, 24 November 2015

Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour.

Visit Korea VIP Special Invitation Tour | by Meheartseoul
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. 
  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) 

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. 
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. 
http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto   http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/index.kto 


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