I have tried my very best to not have multiple posts on the same destination but seems like I can't help but open another post on my upcoming trip to Seoul. There were lots of requests on Seoul itinerary and since I am planning a trip to Seoul with my mum soon, I thought I should dedicate a post on this.
Usually if I am in Seoul visiting my bf, we don't prepare itinerary for obvious reasons. In addition, we usually drive around places so I don't really have much information on public transport. This time round is different as I will be travelling with my mum without my bf and doing all the touristy stuff.
We are planning to have our haircut, perm and colour there (it has been a long time since Korea hair salon has been highly raved about but it took me years to finally visit one). In addition, my mum also intends to make another pair of glasses in Korea (which is significantly cheaper than in SG). It will be a relaxing trip and we will base ourselves in Myeong Dong. We intend to visit Express Bus terminal underground shopping (Goto mall and also the new Enter6), Naksan Park, Sky Park, Namsangol Hanok, Lotte supermarket, Namdaemun, Edae etc.
Stay tuned for updates!
Showing posts with label Seoul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seoul. Show all posts
Sunday, March 12, 2017
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Seoul Summer 2016 - Latest Trend and Tips (Sheraton Walkerhill, rash guard, grapes, sparkling water, lotte duty free shopping)
The bf made a reservation at the Sheratin Grande Walkerhill hotel. For those familiar with kpop, you will know that many Korean artistes choose to hold their wedding here, at Astons house.
I had very high expectation of this hotel but was quite disappointed. There are still some pros about this hotel.
Our booking was at Douglous house which had a separate check-in area. The hotel receptionist was waiting at the lobby door and guided us on the hotel facilities and services. The check-in process was smooth and at the end of it, the bell boy helped us with our luggage. I would say that the service here is top notch.
The room is clean and comfortable however, the toilet is a little dated. They had free flow coffee at the lounge.
There are two pools, one indoor and one outdoor. We went to both but only managed to snap photo of the indoor one. If you are not a hotel guest, you have to spend more than SGD100 to get in to their outdoor riverpark. It consists of a lazy river (water is quite still though), a jaccuzzi (crowded), kids pool (with slides and all) and a main pool (filled with people playing beach balls). It was the worst pool I have ever visited and until now, I can't comprehend the high entrace fees. Worst of all, if you need to use the sunbed, you need to pay krw50,000. We had no choice but to place our belongings on the floor beside the sunbed. We got out in less than 30 minutes and headed to the indoor pool which was much better. But the pool was quite small and we were under the watchful eyes of hotel staff who had to explain the rules (if you are not swimming, keep to lane 1 etc) to every guest entering the area.
Summer is a good time to enjoy a dip in the pool. Almost everyone had rash guard on and many shops (including major brands like SPAO, who r u, 8seconds etc) were selling them as well. Got mine from who r u at krw29,000. Supposed to protect you from the harmful uv rays. I didn't stay in the sun long enough to test it out but feels great to have those belly fats covered.
Next, we visited one of the wedding venue, vista hall. There were many curious couples there. Without any deco, the place looked so average, different from their advertisement photos. The view from the ballroom was great though - overlooking han river.
Most artistes had their wedding at Astons house, outdoor wedding venue. Couldn't access the area, drove through the place instead and snapped some photos of their villa.
Our booking was at Douglous house which had a separate check-in area. The hotel receptionist was waiting at the lobby door and guided us on the hotel facilities and services. The check-in process was smooth and at the end of it, the bell boy helped us with our luggage. I would say that the service here is top notch.
The room is clean and comfortable however, the toilet is a little dated. They had free flow coffee at the lounge.
There are two pools, one indoor and one outdoor. We went to both but only managed to snap photo of the indoor one. If you are not a hotel guest, you have to spend more than SGD100 to get in to their outdoor riverpark. It consists of a lazy river (water is quite still though), a jaccuzzi (crowded), kids pool (with slides and all) and a main pool (filled with people playing beach balls). It was the worst pool I have ever visited and until now, I can't comprehend the high entrace fees. Worst of all, if you need to use the sunbed, you need to pay krw50,000. We had no choice but to place our belongings on the floor beside the sunbed. We got out in less than 30 minutes and headed to the indoor pool which was much better. But the pool was quite small and we were under the watchful eyes of hotel staff who had to explain the rules (if you are not swimming, keep to lane 1 etc) to every guest entering the area.
Summer is a good time to enjoy a dip in the pool. Almost everyone had rash guard on and many shops (including major brands like SPAO, who r u, 8seconds etc) were selling them as well. Got mine from who r u at krw29,000. Supposed to protect you from the harmful uv rays. I didn't stay in the sun long enough to test it out but feels great to have those belly fats covered.
Next, we visited one of the wedding venue, vista hall. There were many curious couples there. Without any deco, the place looked so average, different from their advertisement photos. The view from the ballroom was great though - overlooking han river.
Most artistes had their wedding at Astons house, outdoor wedding venue. Couldn't access the area, drove through the place instead and snapped some photos of their villa.
Our room came with free breakfast which was good and had great variety but still lost out to Conrad and Shilla.
If you are in Korea for summer, you have to try their grapes. One box like the one below costs krw9,900. It's seedless and really sweet. We usually eat the grapes without the skin; only popping out the flesh.
My other loots(honey butter chips, honey butter almond, market o cheese chips etc) from the supermarket. Stay away from the churros almond (bottom right).
Another trend in Korea is carbonated/sparkling water, to drink and to rinse. Due to its slightly acidic properties, it is said to be good for the skin and scalp. Many beauty programmes are introducing it as facial/scalp wash for detox. The brand below is quite popular in Korea, selling at krw1,000, cheaper than perrier.
If you are in Korea for summer, you have to try their grapes. One box like the one below costs krw9,900. It's seedless and really sweet. We usually eat the grapes without the skin; only popping out the flesh.
My other loots(honey butter chips, honey butter almond, market o cheese chips etc) from the supermarket. Stay away from the churros almond (bottom right).
Another trend in Korea is carbonated/sparkling water, to drink and to rinse. Due to its slightly acidic properties, it is said to be good for the skin and scalp. Many beauty programmes are introducing it as facial/scalp wash for detox. The brand below is quite popular in Korea, selling at krw1,000, cheaper than perrier.
After so many trips to Korea, found out that I have been purchasing cosmetics via the wrong channel. I used to purchase cosmetics off shelves in Myeongdong but the Lotte Duty Free app has changed my perception of duty free shopping. Lotte duty free shopping app is not just about purchasing products tax free. The discount coupons and discount events can reap substantial savings. Link to English version.
How cheap is it? Using the Laneige purchase below, waterbank gel cream is sold at KRW 37,000 and waterbank essence is sold at KRW 40,000 on Laneige official website. However, Lotte duty free is only selling it at KRW 29,886 and KRW 30,996 respectively, almost 20% discount. Other brands might have even higher discounts.
How cheap is it? Using the Laneige purchase below, waterbank gel cream is sold at KRW 37,000 and waterbank essence is sold at KRW 40,000 on Laneige official website. However, Lotte duty free is only selling it at KRW 29,886 and KRW 30,996 respectively, almost 20% discount. Other brands might have even higher discounts.
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| From Laneige website |
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| From Laneige website |
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| From Lotte duty free app |
After you make your purchase, follow the instruction and collect it at the airport (after clearing immigration). Your products will be properly packed into a bag and once your number is called, the bag will be handed over to you. Simple and cheap. Be sure to click on every event to get discount coupons.
Wednesday, July 6, 2016
Must Go/See/Visit Places in Seoul
There are lots of travel guides on Seoul but here is a summary of a list of must-visit places in Seoul. The reason why I am excluding an itinerary is because the places are well within reach of subways and one can plan based on the subway maps depending on their personal preferences (shopping? sightseeing? etc).
Shopping:
Myeongdong (cosmetics and clothes)
Yeongdeungpo Underground Mall (sheltered thus good place to shop if raining)
Seoul Bus Express Terminal (underground shopping)
Ewha (University shopping street, mainly clothes and bag)
Hongdae (University shopping street, mainly clothes and bag)
Dongdaemun (open till late but I don't like shopping here as you need to haggle)
Namdaemun (more like a marketplace, for getting cutlery, souvenirs, idol stuff etc)
Lotte Supermarket at Seoul station (Korean groceries)
Sightseeing:
Nami Island
Namsan Tower (near Myeongdong)
Gyeongbokgung (near Gwanghwamun, rent a hanbok nearby and you can enter for free)
Cheonggyecheon stream (near Gwanghwamun)
Yeouido (good place to catch fireworks festival and cherry blossoms)
Banpo bridge rainbow fountain (take a cruise from Yeouido)
Gangchon rail bike
Activities:
Yongsan Dragon Hill Spa (jjimjilbang located at Yongsan station)
Lotte World (theme park located at Jamsil station)
Yongin Everland (theme park located at outskirt of Seoul)
December/January is a good time to head to the ski resort in Gangwondo. You can consider Vivaldi ski park http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/ATR/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=266845. This ski park offers night time ski, good quality snow and the slope side condos are fantastic. It also offers free shuttle bus services for foreigners, from Seoul.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
What to do in Seoul - Gyeongbok Palace (gyeongbokgung) Night Light Up 2016
Starting from today (2 Mar 16), Gyeongbok Palace will have a special night opening (7pm to 10pm). Refer to opening dates at the bottom of this post. Do note that palace will be closed on Tuesdays.
The entrance fee is 3,000won per person and they limit purchase to 4 tickets per person. All Koreans have to purchase tickets in advance however foreigners will be able to get tickets there on the day itself. Only 500 tickets will be sold to foreigners a day (entry limited to 2,500 people a day). Try to get your tickets early to enjoy the palace night view.
This is how the queue looks like 30 minutes prior to ticket sales on a Saturday. For those who can't get ticket, there is light show outside the palace entrance as well (forgot if it's 8:30pm or 9pm).
If you go in a hanbok, you get to enter free of charge. You will see lots of local in hanbok as it's quite hard for them to get tickets. In any case, going in hanbok is highly recommended as photos will look good against the palace backdrop.
There is a light show and dance performance at 7:20pm and 8pm. Walk into the palace and head towards the left.
The palace is open for night entry for 120 days a year. The next opening will be as per schedule below:
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| People queuing to enter the palace, if you enter with a pram, you can cut the queue by entering from the slope on the right. |
There is a light show and dance performance at 7:20pm and 8pm. Walk into the palace and head towards the left.
The palace is open for night entry for 120 days a year. The next opening will be as per schedule below:
29 Apr 16 - 1 Jun 16 (7pm to 10pm)
16 Jul 16 - 19 Aug 16 (7:30pm to 10pm)
24 Sep 16 - 28 Oct 16 (7pm to 10pm)
16 Jul 16 - 19 Aug 16 (7:30pm to 10pm)
24 Sep 16 - 28 Oct 16 (7pm to 10pm)
*Palace closed on Tuesdays
Tuesday, January 12, 2016
What Makes Good Souvenir From Korea?
If you are visiting Korea for the first time, you will probably buy back their steel chopsticks and spoons from Namdaemun market as souvenirs/gifts. You might also bring back boxes of cup noodles and Korean snacks (i.e. market-O brownie from the supermarket). It is common for friends to ask you to help them get cosmetics from Korea as well.
The first time PPK came to visit, he brought Osulloc tea (there is a branch in Myeongdong).
My parents like to drink tea thus this is a practical gift. However, we soon ran out of ideas on what to buy.
It was during Chuseok (known as mooncake festival in SG) when we were hunting for gifts that we chanced upon the Korean snack below, known as 화과자 (pronounced as hwa kwa ja). It tastes like Japanese snack, sweet but not overly sweet. Some contain red bean, some green bean and some green tea. Some tastes like mochi and others taste abit like our mooncake.
This is bought from a shop called 박찬회화과자 (pronounced as Park Chan Hee Hwa Kwa Ja) located in the basement of Lotte Department Store near Myeongdong. According to PPK, Park Chan Hee is a well known confectioner in Korea. The one below costs 42,000 won, they have those that come in smaller packing as well. This will make great gift especially for someone more senior.
If you are intending to buy gifts for a large group of friends, you can consider getting these cute cutlery (costs around KRW1,000 to KRW2,000) from Namdaemun.
This section is dedicated to latest trending snacks/instant noodles/drinks from Korea. Updated as of October 2016.
This is the yoghurt jelly which was featured in quite a few variety show. I will definitely buy more of these when I am back there. You can get these at KRW 1,200 from 7-11 (I believe this is only sold in 7-11).
This is the yoghurt drink which tastes like yakult. Not sure why the craze over it. You can find this at Olive Young as well. I believe same price as the candy.
According to my bf, this is the new trending instant noodle from Korea. Instant jjambbong! It actually tastes quite good. It is called 불짬뽕 (i.e. fire jjambbong) for a reason. You can really taste the wok hei/taste of fire. You have to try it to understand what I am trying to say. I have never been a jjambbong lover but this is good. Noticed that Korea is selling budaejjiegae instant noodle as well. Definitely will give that a try on my next trip.
The first time PPK came to visit, he brought Osulloc tea (there is a branch in Myeongdong).
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| Nice packaging |
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| You can choose the flavours |
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| This is not from Osulloc but from innisfree in Jeju (refer to Jeju blog) |
My parents like to drink tea thus this is a practical gift. However, we soon ran out of ideas on what to buy.
It was during Chuseok (known as mooncake festival in SG) when we were hunting for gifts that we chanced upon the Korean snack below, known as 화과자 (pronounced as hwa kwa ja). It tastes like Japanese snack, sweet but not overly sweet. Some contain red bean, some green bean and some green tea. Some tastes like mochi and others taste abit like our mooncake.
This is bought from a shop called 박찬회화과자 (pronounced as Park Chan Hee Hwa Kwa Ja) located in the basement of Lotte Department Store near Myeongdong. According to PPK, Park Chan Hee is a well known confectioner in Korea. The one below costs 42,000 won, they have those that come in smaller packing as well. This will make great gift especially for someone more senior.
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| The staff will nicely wrap this up in wrapping paper. |
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| Individual packing |
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| I think this is green bean filling |
This section is dedicated to latest trending snacks/instant noodles/drinks from Korea. Updated as of October 2016.
This is the yoghurt jelly which was featured in quite a few variety show. I will definitely buy more of these when I am back there. You can get these at KRW 1,200 from 7-11 (I believe this is only sold in 7-11).
This is the yoghurt drink which tastes like yakult. Not sure why the craze over it. You can find this at Olive Young as well. I believe same price as the candy.
According to my bf, this is the new trending instant noodle from Korea. Instant jjambbong! It actually tastes quite good. It is called 불짬뽕 (i.e. fire jjambbong) for a reason. You can really taste the wok hei/taste of fire. You have to try it to understand what I am trying to say. I have never been a jjambbong lover but this is good. Noticed that Korea is selling budaejjiegae instant noodle as well. Definitely will give that a try on my next trip.
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