SEOUL 2017
It was fascinating heading back to Seoul again after 2plus years... many memorable moments and gushes of nostalgia throughout the trip, especially on the night I went back to Anam with my SEP mates (who we all coincidentally decided to go back in April 2017). Back to Seoul 2017, I embarked this trip with my sis, and manage to spend some sisters' bonding time together:)
Many things have changed but the sights and sounds are generally still familiar.
April was spring and in view of the good weather and cherry blossom season, it was a trip not to be missed!!
San-nakji (산낙지) is a raw octopus dish, the octopus is deceptively "alive" and but the movements are actually due to reflex of the animal. Was worried that my rusty korean was too poor to order but was surprised at the decent meal we managed to order for ourselves.
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2017 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제
After lunch, we head to Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. This was the highlight for me as I have never actually seen spring in Korea before. The flowers were in a lovely shade of pink, and slightly different from the Sakura I witnessed a year earlier in Hokkaido (early May 2016).
Another good alternative for cherry blossom sighting is in Jinhae, nearer to Busan than Seoul. However, as we were in Seoul, we decided that the journey to Jinhae was too long and not worth the effort.
Innisfree Cafe Myeongdong
This was a new addition to the long list of cafes, a good spot to chill in Myeongdong after rounds of intensive shopping and stocking up of facial supplies for the next year. The Inisfree Lee Minho VR was so real... it comes in multiple languages, if you understand Korean, even better!
Day 5:
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Samcheongdong
One of my favorite neighbourhoods in Seoul, where the modern meets the traditional in an interesting mix of culture. Here you will find a unique mix of palaces, cafes, art galleries and Korean traditional houses. There's always something new to discover here!
Day 6:
Hongdae
Bau House Dog cafe
Previously, I had attempted to visit this cafe on the last few days of my exchange but it was too crowded. This time we came so early to have to wait at the convenience store opposite for more than an hour!
Although it was a short 7-day trip, made full use of it to relieve those sorely missed moments of exchange. It was also a great break away from my office routine life of a full-time working adult. At least for now, planning for holiday trips has become one of the main pleasures in life.. Reason for reviving this blog after ages.
 | ||||
Innisfree Cafe Samcheongdong with my SEP mates
Day 1:
Onedang Gamjatang 원당 감자탕 명동
Joined the gals for dinner at Myeongdong on the first night! Went for some Potato Stew at Myeongdong, one of our favourite hangs back from the exchange days. Brings back so much memories...
Day 2:
Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki
This place was so difficult to find that we almost gave up. Tip was to ask the locals instead of relying on Google Maps. Upon arrival, the whole restaurant was buzzing with the Sunday local crowd. Price was authentic, portions were huge and tasted very authentic indeed!
   
Common Ground
Hipster ground more like it. It is located at Konkuk University Station's exit 6 and walk about 200 meters. Common Ground will be on your left.
  
Ewha Women's University / Sinchon Shopping Street
Brought my sis to eat sundubu, tofu stew, 맛있는 순두부 at Sinchon. The free flow eggs and seaweed.. missed this so much.
  |
April was spring and in view of the good weather and cherry blossom season, it was a trip not to be missed!!
 |
| Florista Cafe - Right next to our Airbnb |
For more details on 7-day itinerary: Korea Itinerary April 2017
For details about Airbnb in Hongdae (for 2 pax): https://www.airbnb.com.sg/rooms/15524432
(Hosts are English-speaking Koreans!)
Day 3:
Everland: Some pictures from the day
From Hongik to Jeondae Everland Station: 2hr, 40 stations (3350W)
 |
| T-Xpress |
 |
| Zoo |
 |
| Ahjumma happily posing for photos |
 |
| Lunch - Curry Tonkatsu Rice |
 |
| Tulip Garden |
 |
| Jjajangmyeon for supper at Hongdae! Was surprised this small eatery was still around after so many years. |
Day 4:
Noryangjin
Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2017 영등포 여의도 봄꽃축제
After lunch, we head to Yeouido Spring Flower Festival. This was the highlight for me as I have never actually seen spring in Korea before. The flowers were in a lovely shade of pink, and slightly different from the Sakura I witnessed a year earlier in Hokkaido (early May 2016).
Directions: National Assembly Station (Subway Line 9), Exit 1 or 6. 5 minute walk.
English Address: Yeongdeungpo-gu Yeouido-dong 1 Yeouiseo-ro (behind the National Assembly)
Korean Address: 영등포구 여의도동 1 여의서로 (국회의사당 뒤)
 |
 |
| In my opinion. they should stop the traffic for the whole period of the Yeouido festival. The cars seem to destroy the scenery. |
Innisfree Cafe Myeongdong
This was a new addition to the long list of cafes, a good spot to chill in Myeongdong after rounds of intensive shopping and stocking up of facial supplies for the next year. The Inisfree Lee Minho VR was so real... it comes in multiple languages, if you understand Korean, even better!
 |
| Try this! |
Tosokchon Samgyetang
Heard many feedback that the Ginseng Chicken soup here was no longer as good as when we first tried it a few years ago. Went back to judge for myself and sadly it was true. The chicken was smaller and the soup was less fragrant in comparison. However, for first-timers, I guess it is still a place worth visiting due to its close proximity to Gyeongbukgung palace.
Directions: Go straight about 170m and turn left onto Jahamun-ro 5-gil Road. Tosokchon (토속촌) is located 10m ahead on the left.
Hours: 10:00am to 22:00pm
Samcheongdong
One of my favorite neighbourhoods in Seoul, where the modern meets the traditional in an interesting mix of culture. Here you will find a unique mix of palaces, cafes, art galleries and Korean traditional houses. There's always something new to discover here!
 |
| Korean youths sporting their traditional costumes on the street |
 |
| Innisfree cafe - Samcheongdong |
Day 6:
Hongdae
- Florte Cafe
- Make specs
- ABC mart
- BBQ
- Shoopen, Butter
- Osulloc Green Tea Cafe
- Style Nanda - photobooth
 |
| The cafe was right outside the door of our Airbnb apartment. We knew we had to try it one of the day due to the unique flower theme! |
Dragon Hill Spa
After dinner at Gwangjang Market (did not realise that we did not take any photos there), we headed to Dragon Hill Spa. If only we had such a spa in Singapore, definitely a fan of such jimjibangs!
Day 7:
Previously, I had attempted to visit this cafe on the last few days of my exchange but it was too crowded. This time we came so early to have to wait at the convenience store opposite for more than an hour!
Drinks cost around 7,500 won (AUD$7.70/GBP£4.30) for a coffee and a bag of dog treats cost around 4,500 won ($4)
Although it was a short 7-day trip, made full use of it to relieve those sorely missed moments of exchange. It was also a great break away from my office routine life of a full-time working adult. At least for now, planning for holiday trips has become one of the main pleasures in life.. Reason for reviving this blog after ages.
Comments
Post a Comment