Month: May 2015

Visit One Of The 3 Big Theme Parks In Seoul

With Seoul’s vast population, there is not only 1 Theme park in Seoul. But a total of 3 big ones, not mentioning the smaller ones. The 3 big ones are Everland, Seoul Land and Lotte World. All easily accessable with public transport, or via a shuttle bus service.

Lotte World is located near Jamsil station exit 4, the station can be reached from Line 2 or line 8.

Lotte World is divided into two parts, with an indoor part called Adventure, and the outdoor part called Magic Island. The outdoor part of the park has most of the parks rides, along with the Lotte World’s castle. The castle makes for great photo opportunities, where as the other types of attractions are in the indoor part of the park.

Outdoors the park is known for a few famous rides such as the gyro drop, flume ride, gyro swing and the giant loof. While when you move indoors you can try the famous indoor ice rink, visit the folk museum or watch one of the parades.

The parade takes place daily at 2 pm and 7 pm. The park is open 365 days a year, and has a night ticket which is cheaper and gives you access from 5 pm to 11 pm.

Everland is the largest Amusement park in Korea, which also means it’s located outside of Seoul. But the park is easily accessible, via either public transport or dedicated shuttle bus services.

Not only is there the amusement park in the area, the area also houses one of Korea’s best zoo’s, the Hoam Art Museum and famous water park Caribbean Bay.

Everland has a big selection of exciting rides to try, but not only that there’s also a vast garden to walk around in. Everland is divided into 5 sections which each has its own theme namely American Adventure, Magic Land, European Adventure Zoo Topia and the Global Fair.

Included in your ticket for Everland, is free entrance for the Hoam Art Museum, located nearby the amusement park.

Seoul Land might have a wrong name, as it’s located in the gyeonggi-do province just south of Seoul. getting there is still easy, as the line 4 goes all the way there. Just get off at Seoul Grand Park, and follow the directions at the station to reach Seoul Land.

Seoul Land was the first amusement park, located in a beautiful scenery as Mount Cheonggyesan is visible throughout the whole park. The park also features a whopping 40 rollercoasters, making it a place to visit for a rollercoaster aficionado.

Seoul Land is also known for its various seasonal events, as well as their laser show which takes place in the evening after it gets dark. If you’re seeking other things rather than just thrills, nearby you will find several other attractions.

As the Seoul Grand Park, National Museum of Contemporary Art and Forest Bath Resort are all located nearby Seoul Land.

Visit the Yongsan Electronics Market For Your Electronics Shopping

South Korea is known for being a high-tech country, and with being a high-tech country also comes good options for shopping for electronics. Seoul has such a place, it’s called Yongsan Electronics Market.

Located near Yongsan train station, it’s very easy to get to from all around of Seoul. Here you can find pretty much any electronic item you can think off, among the 3000 shops located in the Yongsan Electronics Market area. The market is the place to go if you’re looking electronics, as they are generally 15-30% cheaper than at retailers.

The variety of electronics, going from appliances to LED signs to digital cameras. Sellers will let you bargain for the price, which means you can get an ever better price than what is displayed on the sign. So if you’re on the look for the newest DSLR at a cheaper price, you should definably visit the Yongsan Electronics Market.

Not only can you buy the newest and cheapest electronics in Yongsan, there’s also a big shopping mall called I’Park Mall. I’Park Mall has everything you expect from a regular mall, such as plenty of shops for clothes shopping, a food court, a cinema.

But I’Park Mall is also connected to both the Yongsan KTX Station and the Yongsan Subway station, making it a transit hub as well as a shopping mall. What’s also different about I’Park Mall is that on the top floor, lies the e-Sports Stadium. The e-Sports Stadium is operated by Ongamenet, and every week broadcasts e-Sports tournaments on Korean tv and on the internet to the rest of the world.

Operating hours for the shops are usually 10 am to 7 pm, though it will vary from the different stores and malls.

Some salesmen might come off as rude, as some of them tend to have very aggressive sales tactics. Though if you feel offended you can just walk to another store, with a normal salesman. Or if you are unhappy about the price or service, there will be a store nearby with a cheaper price and better customer service.

Korea Shopping Seoul shopping shopping Yongsan Yongsan Electronics Market

Shop all night at Dongdaemun Night Market

Seoul has plenty of shopping locations, such as Myeongdong, Ehwa University, Gangnam and Hongdae. But the most well-known is Dongdaemun night market, which is packed with wholesale malls, retail malls and street stalls. Not only is the selection very big, they stay open until dawn so you can literally shop until you drop.

You will never run out of shops to visit, as the Dongdaemun area has a whopping 30,000 shops. Though the wholesale district will mostly only sell clothes in large quantities, but just seeing still makes for a good shopping experience. Most shops in the wholesale district opens at 9:00 PM, and will close again at 5:00 am or 6:00 am.

The street stalls which lines the streets of Dongdaemun, will sell a variety of clothes and accessories. Though many of them are imitations of designer items, but they will be very cheap. The street stalls will begin to open around 9:00 PM and they will stay open until dawn. It’s a great place to try out your bargaining skills, even without speaking Korean.

When you go to Dongdaemun History and Park station, and exit out of exit no. 14. You will arrive the fashion mall district, where you will find various fashion malls such as Hello aPM, Migliore and Doota. Each mall has at least 10 floors, and has hundreds of small shops. Although this can easily seem overwhelming, each floor is categorized in different fashion items that is sold on that floor. Here you will find fashion items made by young Korean designers, at good prices, but you can bargain them even lower than they already are. The atmosphere at night is filled with music and performances, from young Korean’s trying out their singing and dancing on the stages outside of the fashion malls.

With Dongdaemun being such a big area filled with thousands of shops, it’s easily to get lost. So to find your way around the easiest, you can visit the Dongdaemun Market Tourist Information Center located behind the Migliore fashion mall. Or you can visit the Dongdaemun Market Information Center, which is located on the 4th floor of the U:US shopping center.

Dongdaemun Dongdaemun shopping Korea Shopping market night market Seoul Seoul shopping shopping

Move over Honey Butter Chips, Flavored Soju Has Arrived!

Korean people are known for their love of trends, be it fashion, music, plastic surgery, or even food. The Honey Butter Chip–wait, better said, Honey Butter everything craze is now beginning to wind down in Korea but there’s always a hot new trend ready to take over Korea!

**Honey Butter Chips, and later, “Honey Butter” everything were the rage this past Winter.**

A new trend has taken the country by storm–fruit flavored soju!

Soju is Korea’s spirit of choice. Soju is a rice based liquor that is found in every corner of Korea. It’s popularity is so immense that over 3 billion bottles of soju are consumed in Korea every year!

This past March, Lotte Chilsung, Korea’s second largest producer of soju, released a special edition citron flavor of their popular “Cheoeum Cheoreom” (처음처럼; Like the First Time) brand soju named “Sunhari” (순하리). “Sunhari” also has an alcohol content of 14%, which is lower than the usual 17%-40% of traditional soju.

In just two months since its initial release, 1.5 million bottles (and counting) of “Sunhari” have been sold. Its popularity, and subsequent rarity (which is reminiscent of Honey Butter Chips) have grown across Korea. The demand for the special soju was so large that Lotte Chilsung began cranking up production of Sunhari at both their Gunsan and Gangneung factories.

In response to the growing popularity of flavored soju, Muhak, Korea’s third largest producer of soju, jumped on the boat and released three flavored soju products as a part of their “Joheun Day” (좋은데이; Good Day) brand soju. They are named Joheun Day Red, Yellow, and Blue. Red is a pomegranate flavor, Yellow is a citron flavor, and Blue is blueberry flavored. The three flavored varieties of “Joheun Day” have sold over 2 million bottles across Korea in just two weeks since their release.

Meanwhile, Hite-Jinro, Korea’s largest producer of soju, is watching from the sidelines, but might be poised to release their own specialty line of soju this Summer.

For those in Korea, or visiting Korea soon, go ahead and give flavored soju a try! You might just become part of this craze growing in Korea! The writer of this post has personally tried all 4 varieties of flavored soju, and can honestly say they’re quite delicious–but be careful when drinking them, they bite!

blueberry soju citron soju cocktail flavored soju Korea Korea sojo Korean curture lemon soju soju sunhari 소주 순하리 좋은데이 처음처럼

Strike Out! – Baseball in Seoul

Maybe you have noticed how Koreans are crazy for baseball? Like many others they enjoy to cheer on their favorite team while drinking and eating with friends, co-workers or family. That could be on a weekday evening in a lit arena or on a hot weekend afternoon.

Korean Baseball Organization founded the KBO League in 1982 and at the time it had 6 teams. Today that number has increased to 10 teams spread across the nation; and are found in e.g. Seoul, Daegu and Busan. Each team plays every other 16 times adding up to 144 games in the regular season before playoffs will decide the winner.

Located in the central parts of Seoul (Songpa-gu) we have the home of the LG Twins and Doosan Bears, the Jamsil Baseball Stadium. It’s close to the Sports Complex Station (on Subway Line No. 2) and is easily accessible from any Kimchee Guesthouse by subway.

Renovated in 2007 and with a wide selection of food and drinks and a capacity of 26.000 people this arena provides a great sports experience every time! And it doesn’t even cost you that much, tickets cost from 7,000KRW.

So why not take part in cheering on the teams together with the local fans? A vibrant Korean cultural experience not like any other, and since LG Twins and Doosan Bears are sharing the Jamsil Baseball Stadium there are games played basically everyday so there really is no reason not to go, is there?

I mean; so what if you maybe aren’t the biggest baseball fan or don’t know all the rules? When in Rome, why don’t do like the Romans?

baseball in seoul doosan bears jamsil jamsil baseball stadium KBO Korea Korea baseball lg twins Seoul

A town full of art : Heyri Art Valley

Heyri Art Valley

Imagine a little town full of art, architecture and culture. Everything else is just out of the picture. No convenience stores, traffic, pollution… no stress!

This little piece of land located in Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do, is a project running since 1997 being in constant process of expansion, with many new artists joining the space. The project is composed with almost 400 members, including writers, artists, architects, musicians and filmmakers. They build their own space, houses, work rooms, museums, galleries.

This is a place where you can get inspired with all the creativity shared from so many different perspectives. Most galleries are connected to a coffeshop or a store, where you can get a cup of coffee or tea and in some cases even have a nice meal. It is also a place that held different festivals and performances, cultural educations projects and also somewhere you can join a creative discussion. It is also a residential area for artists, where they are able to create activities and concentrate on their work in a nice space.

Over 40 museums, galleries, concert halls and bookstores, workshops, cafes, restaurants and food courts make the town of Heyri a memorable place to visit.

The construction of the whole little town requires all buildings to be no more than three stories tall, being each building constructed by a different architect with its own charm.

Some art galleries and museums I have checked out are:

The Book Museum – It had a nice exhibition on antique book paitings, along the a nice cafe that looks like a library. Ticket to exhibitions are 6.000 won.

The White Block Gallery – Nice modern drawings and paintings, also connected to a coffeshop, with high glass windows that makes a quite pleasant to just sit and get inspired. If you get a beverage, you don’t need to pay for a ticket.

Tin toy Museum – This is a super cool museum if you are into tin toys. They gather a very interesting collection of toys from a couple that have been collecting them for decades. This is also connected to a coffe/pizza place, where you can have a nice meal. If you get pizza, you get 30% discount on your exhibition ticket.

Jireh Gallery – This is a smaller gallery with a store and small coffe counter, they were having a nice little exhibition (free entrance) about trees, called “The same tree, different thoughts” (translated from korean). It was nice!

Of course there were many other galleries and spaces that are worth visiting, at my visit, some of them were closed, unfortunetly. You should also check out the ceramic museum and galleries, which have beautiful stuff.

There is also a store where you can make your own pottery. It is really nice!

Heyri Art Valley is about 50 minutes away from Seoul, leaving at Hapjeong Station, exit 8, bus 2200 – you get off at Heyri stop, gate 1.

art galleries Heyri Heyri Art Valley Jireh Gallery Korea Korea art Korea sightseeing Paju Paju-si Sightseeing of Korea The Book Museum The White Block Gallery Tin toy Museum

Beauty of Hanbok: Chance to experience authentic Korea

If you want to feel authentic Korea while staying here, I recommend you to try on Hanbok which is Korea’s traditional costume. Because Hanbok embeds Korea’s culture, history, and spirit in it, you can truly experience Korea culture. Also, Hanbok is Korea’s cultural heritage which represents Korea’s distinctive style with its unique designs and graceful colors placing special emphasis on the line.

For that reason, Hollywood stars who visited Korea are no exception for trying on Hanbok.

Chance to try on different hanbok costumes for free!

Seoul Global Cultural Center offers you chance to experience various type of hanbok for free.

They have a wide variety of traditional costumes that include uniforms worn by the guards during the Guard’s Changing Ceremony in Deok-su palace, ‘Yong po’ that only king wore.

Approximately 30 different hanbok costumes are available and accessories and shoes are prepared, as well.

To participate, visit the center on the day you would like to participate and make a reservation at the door. (Advance reservations not accepted.)

Type	Traditional Costumes
Adult Male	8 different Yongpo (royal king attire) to choose from
Adult Female	10 different ceremonial and general hanbok attire to choose from
Girl	General hanbok attire for 2, 6, 8 and 12 year olds
Boy	General hanbok attire for 2, 6, 8 and 12 year olds

Location :

Seoul Global Cultural Center is located on the 5th floor of the M Plaza in Myeongdong.

Visit their http://www.seoulculturalcenter.com/. Then, you will get more information on how to use this program.

Chloe Moretz Korea Hanbok Korea Korea culture Korea traditional Korean Seoul Seoul Global Cultural Center

Imjingak: DMZ tour on a budget

North of Seoul, lies the Imjin Park. Which lies on the banks of the river Imjin, located just 7 km from the border to North Korea. The Imjin park is easily accessible by public transport, which makes it the perfect place to go if you’re on a budget and don’t to visit the DMZ. Imjingak also does not require a security check, making it a famous spot in the Gyeonggi-do Province.

The park was made as a place to console, for those who cannot visit their hometowns, families or friends due to the division of Korea. But also built as a place, as a hope for reunification of Korea.

At Imjingak you will also find the Freedom bridge, which was used by returning South Korean soldiers after the Korean War armistice was signed.

At Imjingak you can also find the North Korea Center of Unification Board, where you can see more than 400 pictures and documents, which shows the reality of living in North Korea.

On the Bridge Of Freedom many families and friends of North Koreans post messages on a fence, in hopes of reunification of Korea.

One of the trains from the old Gyeongui which was destroyed during the Korean War, has been restored as a remembrance of the Korean War.

From the observatory deck, you can spot North Korean mountains near Kaesong

In the park there’s also 12 tanks and airplanes which were used during the Korean war.

You can also enjoy various kinds of Korean street food at Imjimgak, or even visit Popeyes which is located in the same building as the observatory deck. Though Popeyes is closed on Sundays.

If you want to have some fun, you can try the rides at the amusement park, which stands in contrast to the grey monuments and history of the DMZ.

How to get there by public transport.

Subway:

Take the Gyeongui Line, to Munsan station which is also the last stop on the line. You can take the

Then it’s a 10 minute walk to the Munsan bus terminal.

After you reach the terminal, take the bus no. #058 until you arrive at Imjingak Resort, from the bus stop it’s a short 5 minute walk to the DMZ.

Bus:

From Seoul station take the bus no. #909 until you reach Munsan Bus Terminal.

From Munsan bus Terminal change to the no. #058 and get off at Imjingak Resort, from there it’s a short 5 minute walk to the DMZ

dmz dmz tour Gyeonggi-do Imjin Park Imjingak Korea Korea tour Korean North Korea South Korea

A Quiet Escape to Seonyudo Island

Sometimes life in Seoul can become very overwhelming, and it begins to seem hard to get away from all the buildings and crowds. We all need a getaway from the hustle and bustle, and this is just the place.

In the middle of the Han River between Hapjeong-dong and Yanghwa-dong lies a small and quiet island named Seonyudo. This small island is quite beautiful, in fact, “seonyu” means ‘a place of scenic beauty’ in old Korean.

Seonyudo’s main attraction is the picturesque Seonyudo Park. Both the park and island have come quite a long way; Seonyudo was once home to a large peak which was then flattened for minerals during the Japanese Occupation of Korea, and after it was turned into one of Seoul’s water purification plants. The island was then turned into an ecological park in 2002, the ruins of the old purification plants were transformed into ecological wonders, tanks being turned into fish tanks and purification ponds turned into water gardens.

**Former water holding tanks turned into living gardens.**

**Scenic view overlooking Seonyudo, with the National Assembly Building & Yeouido in the background.**

The park comes alive during the Spring when the many trees on the island blossom in bright hues of white, red, and pink. The island is very picturesque, and has become very popular with photographers.

Trees blossoming in Seonyudo Park in Spring. — **Trees blossoming in Seonyudo Park during Spring.**

Every evening (except during the Winter) there is a fountain show at the Angae Fountain every ten minutes between the hours of 20:00 to 23:00.

**Peaceful walkways and fountains are abundant on Seonyudo.**

There is no vehicle access to Seonyudo, so although completely surrounded by Seoul’s large metropolis it appears as if you’re far away from the busy city life. There are two bridges connecting to the island, the large Yanghwa Bridge (Yanghwa Daegyo) that runs between Hapjeong-dong & Yangwa-dong, and a smaller pedestrian bridge, Seonyu Bridge (Seonyugyo) which connects the island to Yanghwa-dong.

Seonyu Bridge, as seem from Seonyudo Park, at night. — **Seonyu Bridge (As seen from Seonyudo Park) at night.**

What’re you waiting for? Go ahead and get away to this relaxing hideaway!

Directions: From Hapjeong Station (Lines 2, 6) walk to the Yanghwa Bridge, and cross the bridge to Seonyudo. From Seonyudo Station (Line 9) take exit 2, and walk for 700 meters crossing over the Seonyu Bridge to Seonyudo.

Han River Korea Korean Seonyudo Seonyudo Island Seonyudo Park Seonyugyo Seoul

Vegan Bakery / Cafe in Itaewon – “Plant”

Vegan Bakery / Cafe in Itaewon – “Plant”

It is in between houses and in a small street with no other restaurants or stores around.

Once you get there, the semi-open kitchen will surprise you with nice spices smells and welcome you with a showcase filled with all those healthy – but still beautiful looking and even better tasting cakes. Gluten free and housemade specialties will prove you healthy natural food is quite delicious.

Their menu changes every day as well as their showcase. The day we visited, the menu was like this:

We tried the Lentil Veggie Burrito – the specialty of the day! It was very tasty. Also the Kale Mixed Green and Mushroom Salad, a very light meal. Afterwards, we went for Lemon Poppyseed Poundcake and Carrot Cake.

Everything was very good! If you have a huge apetite and need lots of food to feel satisfied, you might not get that feeling here. What you will instead is try really good and healthy, on top of that very well made food.

The house opens at 11am from tuesday to saturday and closes at 8pm. Around noon, it was full. With people coming and going all times. Well, it is tiny but apparently also popular.

This place was a project by a vegan korean blogger, who lived in many different places around the world and been back to Korea and living in Seoul for almost 10 years. She mostly writes about veg friendly places to eat in the city, recipes and other food experiences. Quite interesting selection!

Super recommended.

Address: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon-dong 63-15, Seoul

Itaewon Itaewon Plant Korea Korea vegan ltaewon cafe Mushroom Salad Seoul Seoul cafe Vegan Vegan Bakery vegan cafe vegan in Koera Yongsan