Seoul 101 Part 1

Third time's a charm actually. Perfect weather would be fall (around September-October). 

FAQs:

1. Shopping

Ewha University:

What's a shopping destination with food gotta do with this post? I was too busy shopping my heart out that I have no photo "buying:, Eto ang mentality mo ay "go broke", :) Loads of cheap tops and bags. :D During my latest spree here, I bought a pair of shoes, 4 tops, 3 bags and loads of makeup bauls.

Now back to the photo post, this place serves the best street food I had in Seoul. 

I'll do a separate post on food but I have to emphasize that these babies are the best. Meal set for 5,000 KW composed of potato tots, chicken and deokbokki. The place is near 711 right outside the station's exit. It is across Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf. You need to walk a few steps to reach to the best barbecue I had in Seoul. Order the spicy version :) 

Gangnam Underground Market

My go-to-place for dainty tops and dresses under Php400. :D

Myeongdong

2 H&M, Forever 21, and the best Gyoza in town :D

2. "Must See" Places

Namsan  Tower

I am not a fan of Koreanovelas, but I was told those bunch of "locks" on my back was a famous setting of (Boys Over Flowers?!). But anyway, inside the tower there's the Teddy Bear Museum. Cutesy. I've been to Madamme Tousaud's Wax Museum and I think bears are cuter than actual versions of celebrities. The teddy bears are also quite different from those in Jeju. Still, worth the photo-ops (if you are into those sort of things). And do me a favor, Please do not have your picture taken on top of the Manila sign. Its so..passe.

Hongkik University (Weekend) Market

Everytime I go to Seoul, we always head off to Hongkik University Market on the weekend. Drop by Trick Eye Musuem for fun photo shoot with the barkada. There's also a Hello Kitty Cafe. 

Samcheongdongil and nearby Hanok Houses

 

This has to be my favorite Seoul destination. It has local cafes, breakfast nooks and themed shops. Really great for photo-ops or if you are just craving for Western food. It reminds me of a quaint French town with all the pretty cafe and trees surrounding the area. 

After a short hike, you'll get to see old Korean houses (Hanok Village). Get a detailed map online since it is quite hard to find. well worth it as you get to witness Seoul's old houses with the urban landscape in the backdrop. 

I'll let you in on a secret? Slow Garden has to be my favorite breakfast place. They have generous servings of waffles, pancake, salads, etc. Yummy. (Note: please do not try the famous place that's famous for their Korean pancakes, not worth it).

Other Touristy Stuff:

If you have an extra day to spear, I suggest heading off to Nami Island. It's around 2 hours away from the city. Quite accessible through train. Most people would drop by Le Petit France before heading off to Nami (not me). :) The place is the setting for the Korean drama, Winter Sonata (and no I am not a fan). 

I super love the place because the trees just before autumn provides a wonderful yellow-ish hue. (Definitely looks better than just the normal pine trees you see in Baguio).

How to go there: 

Option A: Subway: Gapyeong Station in Gyeongchun Line. 

If you are travelling in a group, you can take a cab directly or if you are in a budget mode, you can take the local bus. 

Option 2: Direct Bus

I heard you can also take a shuttle bus from Nami Island Seoul Center in Insadong (besides Tapgol Park). This leads you directly to the Nami entrance gate. Too bad the bus is on a schedule: Bus from Seoul departs at 9.30 and bus going back to Seoul departs at 16.00.

To go or not to go to Lotte World? If you have an extra day to spare, its better if you head off to Everland instead. The long queue is not worth your few days in Seoul if you spend it on Lotte World. Mag-Enchanted ka na lang :D

The "In-flight" Seoul Guide

If you have 3 days where will you be?

1. Day 1- Visit the three majestic temples: explore the gardens, have the usual changing of the guards (personally I do not get this I prefer the former). Hit everything in one go? Go to the  Gwanghwamun Square, here you will see the ff: Tourism Office, the gigantic statue of King Sejong, the Presidential Office,   Cheonggyecheon  at night

Plus its very near YMCA. You can stay here for a) convenience- very near the metro and the underground market b) 24/7 food c) shopping- at the heart of the city- highlight: the big-ass Artbox store across the street.

2. Day 2- Where to stuff your heart out? and the non-so toursity trip if you are "feeling like a local"

b. Samcheongdonggil and the Hanok Village

SO pretty for pictures. Plus it has the best place for brunch.

Dinner/Late Lunch

                                       

a. Insadong

Unlike the antique and souvenirs sold in the area, this place serves one of the BEST BIBIMBAP (Gogung, in B2) I've tasted and the whole place reminds me of a better and bigger version of Cubao X: Hand-made artsy cutesy stuff. So cute for pasalubong.

c. Rodeo Street, Samsung Museum and Namsam Tower

Right in order, head first to Samsung for WONDERFUL selection of contemporary art around the world and get a glimpse of Korea's well-renowed exhibits across the globe. 

Take a short bit of detour to Namsam (I've been here once and that's all there is to it). I'll only go here for two things: the famous locks and the Teddy Bear Museum. Do me a favor and DO NOT GET YOURSELF A SHOT OF MANILA in the tower. It's been overdone already.

So if you have your Western food fixation, fulfill your cravings with those so called FOod trucks. It has a plus-size market as well. Prices not so cheap but I go here for the food truck. Period.

So, if you have energy to spare for shopping, I suggest heading of to Nangdameun and Dongdaemun for shopping. A bit expensive but sabi nga nila you get the better selection here. If you are too tamad to haggle.

Day 3: SHOPPING DAY!

Assuming, you still have energy (and cash to burn). Head off to Myeongdong. 

Brunch: Myeongdong Gyoza: Back entrance of Forever 21. Meh selections.ours here are better (and cheaper).It houses almost all Korean brands (esp. the makeup brands!!!). Go get your freebies and watch out for sales!! Last April, I went gaga: 70% for H&M goodies and 30% on Etude House. Plus tons of lootbags from Tony Moly, Skinfood etc.

Gangnam Underground

Yeah, the place I burned my cash. Bought myself 3 pairs of shoes, 5 tops. Score those goodies for 200-400 Pesos.

                                 

Ewha University

Feel like a local. I'd buy my bags and t-shirts here. Go for those cutesy stuff for Php200 Pesos or less. 

Best dinner: This kuya with potato tots and barbecue near Ministop just outside Exit 2 (where Coffee bean is).

                                    

If Day 3 turns out to be a weekend, you can also head off to Hongdae Flea Market right in the park of the famous university. You get to buy personalized, hand-made items. You can also visit the Trick Eye Museum for more photo ops. :)"