FIND THE CODE, COLLECT THE CLUES, AND ESCAPE! Special Escape Room Experience in Seoul

FIND THE CODE, COLLECT THE CLUES, AND ESCAPE!
Special Escape Room Experience in Seoul

If you are a fan of puzzle solving movies such as The Da Vinci Code and Indiana Jones, or if you like brainstorming experience, do not miss Escape Room in South Korea!
All you need to prepare are keen observation, patience, calm, creativity, logical thinking, a good memory, teamwork spirit and sometimes flexibility.
Even though it sounds uneasy, this could be an amazing and exciting plan for your friends or partners. In this blog, I will share my experience with on of the most interesting and mysterious Escape rooms in Seoul.

[What is Escape Room?]

The origin of Escape room is a Japanese video game named ‘Crimson Room’, which was developed in 2004. Players have to collect clues and solve puzzles around the room in order to escape with limited time. This brain-teaser game was so exciting and enjoyable that it became so popular across Asia. After that, the idea of breaking out from a locked room spread through Europe then around the world. The video game version turned into live Escape room nowadays, which could be found in any city. The live version of Escape room is a group game, which requires more than 2 people to be locked in a room and try to figure out the codes to escape, by utilizing their teamwork and puzzle solving skills. The game become more and more interesting when creators came up with so many creative scenarios, together with various kinds of stories and characters. The role playing part is fascinating, the action part is so thrilling and the puzzle solving part is so intensely joyful that participants would want to come back for more new adventures. There are over 30 Escape rooms in Seoul, among that over 10 that have English version of every scenario. The stories varies from horror, thriller to action. Therefore, either you are traveling or living in Korea, this would be one of the coolest memories you should have.

[Breakout Escape Room]

I have been to quite a lot of Escape rooms, but last weekend was the first time I had a chance to try a new way of playing this game. I found Breakout Escape Room website when I was trying to look for a good scenario to play with my friend, who is also an Escape room expert searching for a good game to play in Korea. We decided to try this one because as being said on their website, we could choose among 8 characters/or ability to help us get through the whole game. The abilities including extending time, using flashlight, breaking code, killing and healing, and foreseeing the future. Each player can have one to two ability which help us getting hints and solve the codes. Unlike any Escape room I tried before, the scenarios that we played, required also physical skills and contacting through a walkie talkie. One scenario would include 3~4 rooms with tons of difficult puzzles to challenge your team. We chose the Cerebrum scenario, which is the most difficult story there. The story required us to enter separately in different rooms, and use the walkie talkie to communicate the clues we found in order to unlock the doors for each other. The most difficult thing about this is when you have to describe what you see to the other person and figure the codes out together. The puzzles were also very creative and uncommon in most other places. After the game, we were left with the joy of successful and achievement, even we could not finish to the end. Apart from Escape room experience, you can also take a lot of interesting pictures by putting on the accessories for free. I was so in love with the time bender necklace, which is not only beautiful, but also made me feel so powerful. If you are an Escape room fan, Breakout should worth your try.

For more information, I will leave their website here: https://breakoutescapegame.com/

It is located in Hongdae area, which is close to Hongik university.

Also, there are some Escape room chains with English scenarios that you can try below:

http://seoul-escape.com/ (Seoul escape room)

http://keyescape.com/web/home.php (Key Escape)

 

 

 

 

NICE HIKING SPOT IN SOUTH KOREA – Hike at Namhansanseong Park

NICE HIKING SPOT IN SOUTH KOREA – Hike at Namhansanseong Park

 

Summer is coming, weather is getting warmer, I guess it’s time for some outdoor activities in order to enjoy the sunlight and regain your summer body as soon as possible. As being said, I found a nice spot for you to put on your shoes and train your legs this weekend!

[THE STORY OF NAMHANSANSEONG PARK]

The park’s full name is Namhansanseong Provincial Park, which is located at the southeast of Seoul. The history of this fortress dates back to the 600s of Korea, that is known as the Three Kingdoms period (namely Baekje, Silla and Goryeo). The fortress was built on the western edge of Namhansan mountain to protect Silla from Tang China and has been fortified in Joseon period in the 17th century. There used to be nine temples, various command posts and watch tower on this area and many of those have been restored for visiters and hikers to pay a visit. This place was designated as UNESCO World Heritage in 2014.

[THE HIKING TRAILS]

The amazing thing about this place is not only you can visit some historical heritages, you are also be able to enjoy the fresh natural forest, scenic views and various hiking trails of all levels. Below are 5 main hiking courses that I have collected for your reference.

 

  1. Sanseongjongno(Rotary) – The North Gate – The West Gate – Sueojangdae – Yeongchunjeong – The South Gate – Sanseongjongno(Rotary) (5km, take 1hr 45mins)
  2. Sanseongjongno(Rotary) – Yeongwoljeong – Sungyeoljeon – Sueojangdae – The West Gate – Gukcheongsa Temple – Sanseongjongno(Rotary) (4km, take1hr 20mins)
  3. Administration Office – Hyeonjeolsa Temple – Beolbong peak – Janggyeongsa Temple – Mangwonsa Temple – Jisudang – Administration Office (5km, 1hr 35mins)
  4. Sanseongjongno(Rotary) – The South Gate – Namjangdaeteo – The East Gate – Gaewonsa Temple – Sanseongjongno(Rotary) (4.5km, 1hr 30mins)
  5. Administration Office – The East Gate – Dongjangdaeteo – The North Gate – The West Gate – Sueojangdae – Yeongchunjeong – The South Gate – The East Gate (8km, 3hrs 5mins)

 

( Namhansanseong Park Map)

[WHAT TO SEE]

Since this is a huge area and there are many ways to explore, I could not visit everywhere on the map. I and my friend decided to go along the wall from the East Gate to pass Janggyeongsa temple, then we kept walking to The North Gate before we gave up and went down due to our hunger and exhaustion. Seemingly we picked the wrong way to hike for the first time but we enjoyed it very much. While hiking you can stop by many watch towers to enjoy the great view from Namhansan mountain. There are 4 gates called The West Gate, The North Gate, the South Gate and the East Gate whereas you can observe Kwangju city from above. You can also visit the temples and Haenggung Palae – which used to be designed as an emergency capital of the Joseon dynasty. The entrance fee for this palace would be 2,000won and it is closed on Mondays.

[SOME TIPS YOU SHOULD KNOW]

  • Research and choose your hiking course in advanced so you won’t get too tired and spend too much time to figure out directions and miss some worth-seeing attractions
  • Bring lots of water and maybe some snacks. For people who wants to explore the whole place, it would take you hours of walking and climbing stairs, so make sure you are well hydrated and have enough energy for the challenge.
  • Restaurants: there are many Korean traditional restaurant at the bottom of the mountain to enjoy various kinds of food. I would strongly recommend the Han-jeongsik, which is the Korean style full-course meal with everything you ever demand after the hike. Noted that it is a little bit pricey to eat here since the food would start from 10,000won per person.

[HOW TO GET THERE]

  • By  Subway – Get off at Sanseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 8), Exit No. 2. Take City Bus No. 9, and get off at Namhansanseong bus stop. (Travel Time : 20 Min., Interval of Buses: 20 Min)
  • By Bus – Take 13-2 bus at Dongseoul bus terminal Gangbeun station and transfer to 15-1 bus at the entrance of Namhansanseong, get off at the last stop.

 

   

 

 

DESSERT! Getting the sweetness of Seoul

DESSERT! Getting the sweetness of Seoul

 

Korea loves beauty. Fashionable clothes, trendy accessories, pretty cosmetics, glamorous shops, and of course, unique looking desserts! Let’s get a sugar overdose this week ?

 

[Cafe Tape] GALAXY CAKE

Have you ever tried galaxy cakes? Yes, this tiny cheesecake looks just like a mysterious planet in the universe. And moreover, it’s delicious ♡. The cafe also pays attention to display. Reflective tables and walls combine with specially designed plates create colorful and mystical cakes for you to enjoy. The price is only around 4,000won.

Address: Cafe Tape, 63-5, Yongsan-gu, Itaewon

Ig: https://www.instagram.com/tapeseoul/

 

 

 

[DESSERT LAB] CACTUS CAKE

Digging up a plant to find some sweetness? That is totally possible in Korea! Come to Dessert Lab(디저트 연구소) to be amazed with a yummy chocolate cheese plant. Except for the pot(which is real), you can totally shovel this plant down to fill up the craving for sweets. I hesitated a bit when I saw this cake because ur looks so real. The shell of this cactus was made of white chocolate with the filling of cheesecake inside. The dirt-like cookie crumbles can also please your tongue with butter sweet chocolate flavor. You can also try the cute little peach cake together with various menu of drinks at this cafe. A perfect place for sweet dates in Seoul. Drinks are from 3,000~ 6,900won including smoothie, coffee, tea, latte and so on. There are various kinds of cakes starting from 8,900won to 10,900won.

Address: 332-32 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Hongdae area)

Ig: https://www.instagram.com/dessert_lab1/

 

 

 

[KING CROSS CAFE] HARRY POTTER BUTTER BEER

The next candidate for this sweet experience would be Butter Sweet beer from King Cross cafe in Hongdae. King Cross cafe is famous for its theme as Hogwarts in Harry Potter.  Lots of tourists and local come to this cafe everyday for beautiful pictures. But one of my favorite things about this place is its special menu – sweet butter beer! As the name suggests, it delivers the sweetness and dairy flavor of butter, but unfortunately, no alcohol 😉 The beverage is actually caramel coffee, but it keeps making you want more after every sip. The price is a bit high as 8,500won,but it is reasonable for free background of Hogwarts academy for your pictures. You can also try the cheese pretzel with just 3,500won.

Address: 417 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul (Hongdae area)

 

 

 

Besides from those above, you can also try some other kinds of desserts such as Indian desserts at Namate – the Nepal restaurant near Dongmyo station, giant ice creams at Arc.N.Book bookstore in Uljiro 1-ga station.

Enjoy your sweet days in Seoul in a super sugary way!

————————————————————————-

Some information about me: Christie Pham

I’m a Vietnamese girl who lives in Seoul for 3 years. ‘Experience, creativity and passion’ are my

three words. I never hesitate to explore every corner of Seoul where not many people know about

and share my experiences with everybody. As an expat, there is no more interesting thing than

experience exotic and local things during your stay right? Check my Ig: bohogirl_christie for more

food and travel information ^^

 

XT (Christie Pham)

 

NEED A QUITE & PEACEFUL PLACE TO STUDY OR WORK IN SEOUL? COME TO HAN RIVER CLOUD CAFE(GURUM CAFE)!

NEED A QUITE & PEACEFUL PLACE TO STUDY OR WORK IN SEOUL?
COME TO HAN RIVER CLOUD CAFE(GURUM CAFE)!

If you talk about Han River, the symbolic river of Seoul, you might think of outdoor bike rides along the river on weekends, cherry blossoms festival in Spring, or a camping trip with friends and family. The beauty and peacefulness of Han River can refresh one’s mind and give you inspirations. As being said, I will share will you my secret spot for a quite weekend on a budget, and of course, with an amazing view!

The name of this café is Gurum café (Cloud café) because it is shaped as the cloud flying above the bridge. It is located right next to Dongjak bridge, where you can observer the river and the bridge from above. It used to be a restaurant, which was more expensive to come. Fortunately, it is now owned by Emart 24, which offers you coffee menu and various kinds of snacks with convenient store prices! Additionally, it is 24-hour open! This Emart 24 café include two observatories on two sides of Dongjak bridge abutment, which is close to Dongjak station.

Therefore, you can enjoy the view of Han River to both Yeouido direction and Banpo bridge direction from each side, as well as Namsan tower from afar. There are 4 floors on each observatory with many seats by large glass windows. Different from other normal Emart 24, there are barista bars in each building with real coffee machines, which offer you fresh and delicious coffee and latte from 3,000won.

The view and the café itself looks beautiful in the daytime and at night. During the day, you can enjoy the vivid and lively colors of the sky and the river while at night, you can immerse in the mysterious neon lights from the buildings and the bridges, as well as their reflections on the river. You can bring your laptop or books there to work, study, or just simply to enjoy the changes of Han River from day till night.

As a convenient store, there are options for drinks, food and snacks with very affordable price. This is also a great place to stop by after a late night party, just to enjoy a cup of instant noodles while calming your mind in the view of this romantic river. If you can read Korean books, there are also many bookshelves with good options including children books, novels and so on, which you can read for free.

The only downside of this café is that since there is only glass windows for observations, it could be too sunny and hot during the summer in the afternoon. Therefore, best time to visit would be after 3 or 4pm, when it is not too sunny and you can stay until the evening to observe the river before and after sunset.

HOW TO GET THERE:

Address: 335 Dongjak-daero, Sadang 2(i)-dong, Dongjak-gu, Seoul

Direction:

  1. Go out of exit 1 from Dongjak station and walk toward the bridge (around 5 mins walk)
  2. If you want to try to cross Han river, you can get off at Ichon station and walk to Dongjak bridge, the café is located at the other end. It would take around 15~20 mins by this way.

 

Gimhae Rail-bike with Wine and Cheese Please

Gimhae Rail-bike with Wine and Cheese Please

Want a cool place to escape the heat this summer?

The wine tunnel at Gimhae Nakdonggang Rail Park is a consistent temperature all year round in order to preserve the wine; which was much better than expected! Get there early, ride the rail bike, and then relax in the wine tunnel with wine and cheese.

Gimhae Nakdonggang Rail Park is accessible from Gimhae via public transport. A tour or a rental car can definitely cut down travel time, but then you can’t all enjoy the wine! Why not make a day of it?

The rail bikes are four-seater bikes that are pedal propelled along a rail course; sorry, not turning options. The course takes passengers over and across the impressive Nakdong river; the longest river in South Korea. It is not strenuous to get the bikes moving and you can take intermittent breaks as your momentum will keep the bikes moving. After crossing the beautiful bridge that straddles the river, the bikes reach a turnaround point and begin heading back toward the wine.

Back at home base there is a cafe and a few photo ops before you plunge into the cool dim of the tunnel. There are various packages for wine by the glass or bottle, coupled with cheese platters and other snacks. Those romantics among you will also find some lovely couple-styled photos settings at the end of the tunnel. For realists there is an amazing collection of photography from around Korea littered along the tunnel.

Ticketing varies from a basic rail bike only ticket for two (15,000w) to the rail-wine package (16,000w for two); larger groups also receive discounts.

LOCATION: