Take a stroll in a secret garden.
Gyeongbokgung is a first place that we
must visit for sure but
Changdeokgung is slowly making its way onto itineraries, and for good reasons.
It built in 1405 at the foot of Ungbong Peak of Mount Baegaksan, the palace was
designed to adapt to the topography in accordance with Pungsu principles,
structure were placed to the south and an extensive rear garden ( Biwon the
secret garden) to the north. It also the most intact of all the five Joseon Dynasty
palaces in Seoul, and it was based on the grounds that Changdeokgung was listed
as a UNESCO World Culture Heritage site in 1997.
ADDRESS: 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu.
Explore the elegant building of
Gyeongbokgung and their modern style
The National Palace Museum of Korea and
the National Folk Museum of Korea are within its grounds.
On your way to or from Changdeokgung,
stop for coffee (South Korean like ‘em black) and lemon poppy seed pancakes at
Café Slow Recipe.
ADDRESS: 91-43, Toung Eui-dong, Jongnu-gu.
Soak up the creativity
Hongdae is home to Hongik University,
the nation’s top educational centre for the arts. A cross the streets are full
of creativity. There galleries left and right, and even the small clothing and
accessories stores look carefully curated.
5. Relive your unique days
Youth culture is evidence everywhere in
the city but you feel it most in the Sinchon/ Ewha area, home to the Ewha
Womens University and Yonsei University.
6. Rest ur feet and order
-
Makgeolli
(rice wine) at Chef’s Guksujeon.
-
Old-fashioned
beef galbi at Seoseo Galbi
Get ur beauty and Fashion styles
\
-
Get a haircut at Juno Hair
-
Get
Funky socks at one of the stalls
-
Get
free skincare samples at the beauty stores.
Drop your dough on street snacks.
-
Tteokbokki
-
Tornado
potato
-
Kimbap
-
Dries
octopus
-
Gaeran
bbang
Head to a retail Heaven
Don’t forget to shopping at Myeong-dong,
it is the largest single shopping district in the city. That places is packed
with tourist where it has everything for everyone. If u look for designer bags
and shoes u can get it at Lotte Town or Shinsegae. Meanwhile, South Korean fast
fashion brands like 8seconds, MIXXO, and TOPTEN10 are perfect for those who
want an affordable wardrobe upgrade. You
can find these outlets on the main drag, alongside international brands such as
H&M and Forever 21. Of course at their u also can look for makeup, skincare
and sheet masks,
Brave the crowd at Lotte Duty free Shop
Popular cosmetic brands such as Laneige
and Sulwhasoo as well as ones you can’t get back home like Amorepacific and
Belif
-
Perfumes
-
Vacuum-packed
kimchi
Stay with a local
For something a bit more personal, bunk
in at Sutome Guesthouse, the three storey built in the 70s is the actual home
of Sophie Hong and family. The available rooms (six to choose from) are cosy
and it cheap, the 1-, 2-, and 4- bedroom cost w50,000, w70,000 and w100,000
respectively per night, but the guesthouse and its resident poodle Pong offer
welcome respite after a day of traveling. In the morning, Sophie lovingly
prepares a light, healthy breakfast for you, using fresh produce gathered form
her family farm. It has easy access to a
subway station so you can just hop on a train to the nearby, club-packed
Shinchon/Hongdae area or if you lazy to head out a night, you can enjoy its many
in-house arty activities.
ADDRESS: 472-20 Mangwon 2-dong, Mapo-gu
Admire an Icons
By the post-war era, the Cheonggyecheon
stream had become heavily polluted thus in the 1950s, it was covered with
asphalt. About 20 years later, an elevated expressway was built over it, and
the stream disappeared from the minds of Seoulites. However, after undergoing a
remarkable restoration for three years, the 5.48km-long Cheonggyecheon now sees
an increase in biological diversity with a rise in fish, bird and insect
populations. There’s always a flock of tourist at the western end of the
stream, so walk towards the east to get real sense of the palace.
-
Post at Gwangtonggyo, the bridge built during the Joseon Dynasty
was excavated and recreated during restoration process.
-
Read the dream
of citizens, written
across 20,000 tiles at the aptly named Wall of Hope.
-
Visit to the museum, on the extreme end of the stream.
See the past
Even though it is located smack in the
middle of a busy city, Bukchon is a village frozen in time, the district, once
home to members of the royal family, and nobleman during the Joseon period, is
packed with over 900 hanok(traditional Korean houses) characterised by
gently-curved tiled roofs. The Bukchon traditional Crafts Experiences Center
offers a really good map of the area and it has hands-on craft workshops. Then
slowly make your way downhill to the array of bohemian boutique.
Take view of Bukchon
-
Arts
and craft street in Wonseo-don
-
The
picturesque neighbourhood of No 11 Gahoe-dong
-
No
31 Gahoe-dong
-
Stone
steps in Samcheong-dong
Practice
at etiquette
-
Retrain
from speaking loudly or engaging in horseplay
-
Don’t
photograph or film through open doors or gates leading into private residences.
-
Don’t
litter! This applies everywhere.
Eat
like an empress
Korea
House (a comprehensive complex representing tradional Korean culture) serves
royal court cuisine, as featured in K-drama Jewel. In The Palace, does go back
to the periods of the three Kingdoms, and then passed down through the Goryeo
and Josean Dynasties. Honestly, we don’t get the pricing but safe to say that
if you want to eat like a queenbetter be as well as one. The dinner buffet’s
reasonable priced though, an adult is charged w40, 000 (RM133). Reservation in
necessary!
ADDRESS: 10, Toegye-ro 36-gil, Jung-gu
WEBSITE: www.koreahouse.or.kr
Snooze
in a snazzy hotel
While the rest of THE PLAZA is almost
barren, its rooms are kitted out with clean-lined contemporary pieces and
accented with funky accessories. You can’t get much more central than the
410-rooms hotel, it is located in front of Seoul Plaza (occasionally used for
public gathering or rallies, how exciting). And its within walking distance to
Deoksugung and the shopping district of Myeong-dong. The Plaza also provides a
free daily shuttle services to Gyeongboksung, Insa-dong and Changdeokgung.
ADDRESS: 119, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu
Fuel
up with a buffet spread
When in Seoul, you should do as the Seoulites do….and
that’s to hit the buffet line as soon as the restaurant opens. Enjoy an all you
can get to eat that’s worth every cent
at Todai, a buffet restaurant at Noon Square, Myeong-dong, that mainly offers
Japanese, Chinese and Western cuisines. The moment you walk in, make a beeline
for its crabs and steaks, the two are really popular amongst its patrons
because of the sizes.
ADDRESS:
25-2, Myeong-dong 2-ga,
Jung-gu
OPENING
HOUR: Lunch 11:30 am -
4Pm and dinner 5:30 pm – 10 pm
PRICE: Weekday lunch W26, 000, weekday dinner
w37, 000, and weekend w38, 000.
Laugh to your heart’s
content
Bibap interprets the process of bibimbap
making through the use of beat-boxing, b-boying, a cappella and charming
comedy. You don’t need to know Korean to enjoy the non-verbal performances; the
content is relatable and easy enough to understand.
ADDRESS: B2F Cinecore Building, Samildaero 386.
Jongno-gu
Do
more than just gaze down on the city
Most tourist make the mistakes
scheduling in an hour or two visiting the N Seoul Tower at the peak of Namsan, which is a shame because the mountain
is surrounded by a huge park of pine and oak trees, the perfect setting for a
leisurely hike up especially between September and November when you can
witness stunning fall foliage. Once you’re at the top (you can also get there
by car, bus, cable car, and an outdoor incline elevator that takes you halfway
up the mountain), check out the tower revolving restaurant and high-tech observatory-unless
you’re into teddies, skip the teddy bear museum. And before you leave, pick up
some souvenirs at NGift, cat lovers will swoon over Jetoy merchandise.
ADDRESS: San 1-3, Yongsan-dong 2(i)-ga,
Yongsan-gu
No
money, No problem
Free of charge activities that are just
as fun…
-
Put
on a Hanbok near the Namsan Beacon Tower
-
Take
photos with Bongsudae Guards once they’re done re-enacting the smoke signal
ceremony
-
Post
a photo of the locks of love on Instagram, your friends back home will be green
with envy
-
Just
chill out at the Pavilion
-
Spot
the city’s Landmarks from the roof terrace at the foot of the tower
Shop till you drop
The Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is the
world’s largest market of fabrics and clothing materials, thus it comes as no surprises
that nearby malls in the area carry the latest trends, think Bangkok’s Pratunam
district. Eight-storey Doota leads the pack with 54o stores selling
high-quality clothing at reasonable prices, keeping to its concept of Fast
& First. Most malls open from 10:30 am onwards, often closing in the wee
hours of the morning, we talking 5am here.
ADDRESS: Jangchungdan-ro, Jung-gu
Strike
a pose with Haechi
A symbols of Seoul, this lion-like horned
creature (a fire-eating dog actually; WOAH!) has existed as a guardian of the
city for a long time, protecting it from fires and disasters. Haechi also
represents integrity, justice and good fortune, perhaps posing with it will
bring you good luck!
Experiences
the café culture
Located in the affluent neighbourhood of
Gangnam, Garosu-gil is a tree-lined street with an assortment of boutiques,
cafes and galleries. Unless you wanna see and be seen as you sip a cuppa, stray
away from the main avenue, gems are hidden in the backstreets. Always the case
in this city!
Go drinking
Back in its heyday, Apgujeong’s Rodeo
Street was the fashion mecca but
It certainly no longer looks and feels
the part. However, it does boast lots of bars, pubs, and clubs, so if you live
for drinking, then park you bum here in the early evening onwards.
Sneaker-heads may wanna check out the various sports stores, as there aren’t a
lot of people here, you can browse the selection of kicks in peace.
Stock
up on the basics
WHERE: 8seconds, One Mount Shopping Mall
WHY: a cross between Zara and Uniqlo,
8seconds targets the young. And the young want thing that affordable, don’t
they? Get its plain T-shirts, jumpers, skirts and leggings first, and if you
have cash to spare, grab some of the up-to-the-minute stuff!
Walk in a Seoulite’s shoes
WHERE: posted, 1F, 555, Sinsa-dong,
Gangnam-gu
WHY: Try the latest trends without
sacrifice the comfort. Seoulites always look for easy to walk in shoes, like
brogues or wedges.
WEBSITE: posted.co.kr
Copy your k-pop star
WHERE: Steve J & Joni P, 685-12
Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu
WHY: since debuting at 2007’s London fashion
week, this duo’s design are highly sought-after by local fashionistas and
celebs including Girl Generation’s Hyoyeon, Kara”s Kang Ji Young and Tara;s Hyo
Young. Its unique pieces are surprisingly wearable!
Sweat out your stress
Being a train-hoping tourist in a city
that covers 605 sq km can be strenuous, so you know what you should do? Relax
at Jimjilbang (public bathhouse plus sauna)- Dragon hill Spa & Resort is a seven storey health, well-being and
entertainment theme park offering plenty of ways for you to unwind. Make full
use of the various sauna rooms at the healing zone (FYI, couple love to indulge
in PDA here, so it can get pretty awkward when it’s just you and them in a
heated rooms). And if you’re okay with being naked in front of strangers, take
a dip in its public’s baths. Like a facial, body scrub (dead skin cells begone)
and massage. Dragon hill has special packages for the princess who needs
pampering. Trust us, you can easily spend half a day here.
ADDRESS: 40-713, Hangangno 3-ga,
Yongsan-gu
ADMISSION: w11, 000 (weekday) and w13,
000 (weekend) for 12 hours includes rental of lockers, face towel, as well as
top and short
Splash out on a designer suit
WHERE: Lie Sang Bong
WHY: Dubbed the Korean McQueen, this
designer’s creations scream for attention! Beyonce, Rihanna and Lady Gaga have
all donned his (sometimes) OTT pieces, and on the other spectrum, he has also
dressed the country’s socialites. While its ball gowns and oversized jackets
are classics, they’re not suitable for our weather, purchase the pantsuit in
its signature hangul (Korean Alphabet) print instead.
Get up close and personal with a view.
As ou make your way to the city from the
airport, the Hangang greets you and its does so every time you moved between
the northern and southern parts of Seoul. The 514km-Long River is considered
the heart of the metropolis, summoning urbanites for a spot of rest and
relaxation. It easy to miss its beauty, so if you really wanna know the
Hangang, leave the comfort of your car or train set and head down to its
embankments to discover the 12 parks and facilities.
Thing that you need to do when in
Hangang.
-
Pig
out on a Lotteria Burger at one of the parks
-
Dog
watch, there are so many cute ones out on their daily walk
-
Rent
a bike and get cycling, be sure to stop by a café for coffee and cake, for a
more adventures ride, head to Nanji or Gwangnaru.
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