#explore korea

[wheresanne]

More photos of rural Korea on Where’s Anne? South Korea

[wheresanne]

More photos of Korea on Where’s Anne? Naju, South Korea

[wheresanne]

More photos of Korea on Where’s Anne? Busan, South Korea

[wheresanne]

More photos of Korea on Where’s Anne? Damyang, South Korea

[traveling-couch-potato]

Korea Day 4

I had the morning to myself today so I decided to grab some breakfast at the corner Ministop. Unfortunately the ready to go takeout food in Korea hasn’t been great but it got the job done.

I will always call these rice balls onigiri but in Korea they’re known as Samgak Kimbap. This one was filled with a Cho-Gochujang (vinegar-gochujang) sauce, the type you would put on a bibimbap. The other items were from my friend but gotta keep track of all these snacks somehow.

Since this was my last day in the area, I had to try the shop I’ve been eyeing for days, Bukchon Suje Mojji, a handmade mochi shop. Korean mochi is known as chapssaltteok, it has a slightly salty taste and bouncier texture compared to Japanese mochi.

The inside is filled w/ a slightly salted red bean paste and a chunk of kiwi.

I didn’t have too solid of a plan today but everything worked out great since I got to catch the changing of the guard at Deoksugung Palace.

The act is a reenactment of the traditional ceremony complete with traditional costumes, instruments, and weapons.

The inside of the palace is interesting compared to the others in the area mainly because you have several more traditional buildings contrasted against a Western style garden and buildings.

Junghwajeon (main throne hall of Deoksu Palace)

The Seokjojeon Area consists of neoclassical style buildings designed by JR Harding)

The rear garden of the palace.

I found this to be one of the more interesting palaces to explore but I had to leave the area to meet my friend so I had to go bus-hunting. I took some wrong turns but saw endless rallies and protests against the impeachment of President Park Geun-hye. I didn’t quite know what was going on but I got the overview from my friend later. Of course with all the protests there was also a large share of street vendors taking advantage of the crowds so I had to pick up more street food.

Bungeoppang & Gyerranpang from one of the street stands.

I took the city hall bus up toward the Gupabal station where my friend met up with me to take me to her aunt’s place for a nice homemade meal.

She just made what they had in the fridge and it was still quite delicious. She used to make me Korean food in college and I missed her cooking so much!

Once we finished lunch we headed out to our next major destination, my friend’s hometown of Icheon. As we left we caught a view of Bukhansan, a mountain/national park that’s very popular amongst hikers.

Bukhansan in the distance. Glad there’s not too much air pollution today.

Did nothing today but eat so I might as well continue that journey in the car with some Japanese snacks.

An hour and a half later we arrived at my friend’s place out in Incheon. This place is so much quieter. Somewhere between the countryside and a small city. We then dropped by the Lotte Outlets where my friend’s family owns a popular 7-11 stop.

My friend’s apartment complex is quite modern compared to the surrounding area.

We picked up my friend’s students/friends before heading to the Duhejin Showroom and Cafe. This is a showcase area for various sculptures, pots, and more. There’s also a gorgeous cafe inside with some really delicious bread options and even a small garden to walk through.

Absolutely stunning cafe in the most random spot.

Carbs, carbs, and more carbs. I just can’t help myself. The pollock bread was absolutely the best one though! The garlic bread was good too but the sugar glaze around it was too much for me.

We spent some time in the cafe so I could help my friend’s student practice conversational English. It started getting a bit chilly though so we decided to head to dinner at local restaurant called Jangsoon Wha cause I was dying to try cheongguk-jang, a heavily fermented soybean stew. 

This is basically all you can eat cause they’ll refill all the dish components.

You make a bibimbap-style bowl and spoon the smelly bean stew on top and mix it all. It’s so so delicious.

To finish the meal there’s a set of Jocheong by the door where you can self serve yourself the various syrups that you can eat with a small spoon or dissolve with some hot water.

We dropped off my stuff at my hotel at Hotel Yam, a new hotel in the area with cheap rates and great amenities, before heading out to the park Sulbong Park which is just a short walk around. There’s a large lake in the center, tons of twinkling lights, and even 2 mini libraries for people to share books.

Cute and fairly cheap room in a very newly renovated hotel. Small area but free drinks, snacks, parking, and other amenities.

The lake at Sulbong Park is gorgeous even at night and the staircase leading to the level below looks practically magical.

Felt like a fairy walking amongst these lights. There’s still some kids running around but that just adds to the atmosphere which is otherwise very peaceful.

I got to meet my friend’s pastor and her family before we dropped everyone off and turned in for the night. Unfortunately the night ended with my friend not being able to sleep due to a severe stomach ache and us ending up in the ER until 5am. No photos of that whole experience but it was quite a memorable way to end the night.

[driverguidekorea-blog]

Driver Guide Korea offers best licensed Korea tour guide with private taxis for your joyful Korea tour. We have many travel local guides that will help you finding places easily and also communicating with local peoples.

[goyounha]

140912 Explore KOREA - Ep.8 Fantastic K-pop Stars: Younha

[goyounha]

140912 YouTube - Explore KOREA - Ep.8 Fantastic K-pop Stars: Younha