Traveling Ree

Full Time Photographer, Part Time World Traveler. All photos posted are owned by me. All rights reserved.

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Last Day In Korea | Day 15 - Siloam Spa (Jimjilbang) & Travel Day

Siloam Spa is located behind Seoul Station.  

When you are in front of Lotte Mart and Zara (to the left of this photo), walk in between the two towards the back side.  You will go through the parking lot entrance in the back and down some stairs.  Once you are down the stairs, look to your right and you will see a big building that says Siloam Spa and has the little sauna symbol at top.  Turn right and walk under the over pass and you will cross the intersection towards the spa.  Once you’re across you will see an LG shop on the right and shorly after a little slope and some steps.

Go up the steps here and then swing left, then right.  Just follow the path and signs to the entrance.

During the day, the bath only is 8000 won and access to fomentation and baths are 10,000 won.  Prices will be a little higher at night.

When you walk in you will see a lady where you pay and she will give you your clothes and two towels.  Then you’ll go into the women’s (or men’s) locker room and immediately take your shoes off then find a shoe locker to store them in.  Take your locker key and receipt to the attendant and she will take both from you and give you another locker key in return.  This is where you will store your belongings and keep the key around your wrist.

All the fomentation rooms are mostly on the 4F.

The Jade Room.  It’s quite hot, but feels so good on a sore back!  This room is supposed to be good for the women’s reproductive area.  

Salt room.  Good for the metabolism among other things.  I think this is now a Loess room.  This picture is from when I went last year, and this time it was different.  There used to be two salt rooms, now there’s just one.

This is the salt room now.  That window to the left, is the Loess room.

The ice room where you can cool off.

Cafeteria where you can eat :) Nom, nom, nom.

I’ve been here 3 times, twice last year and once this year.  It’s a good place to go and spend several hours to relax.  Each time I go I spend at least 3-4 hours there.  It can get quite crowded on the weekends and I would guess at night, too.  But this spa is clean and well taken care of and I prefer this over Dragon Hill Spa.

After most of the day at the spa, I headed back to get my bags and head to the airport for a long journey back to Hawaii.  Had to stop and take a picture of Hyunbin at the store right outside exit 4, because this will be the last time I walk past his sexy ass. LOL

At the airport I saw Eunhyuk from Super Junior, in line behind me at airport security.  There were some Chinese girls who were freaking OUT and I didn’t understand it.  lol  He looks a little different in person... Basically I don’t see what the big deal is. O_O Haha.  :X

Got some peach iced tea from the Charlie Brown cafe before my flight...

And 8.5 hours later... HELLO HAWAII.  

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Korea | Day 14 - Bukchon Son Mandu 북촌손만두 & Rain

I woke up at 10AM and thought it was maybe 8AM because it was so dark.  I was shocked when I saw it was 10AM!  It was cold and gloomy and I didn’t feel like leaving my bed.  But I wanted dumplings so I found Boukchonson Mandu online and got ready to leave for lunch and headed out at 12:30.  An HOUR AND 15 MINUTES LATER, I found it.  ㅠ.ㅠ

First I went to look for the one by Hongik exit 8.  I found it’s no longer there.  So I headed to the one near Sang Sang Madang.  But the way the girl marked it on my map, well, the map itself was wrong.  So FINALLY, I went to the info booth and they marked it on THEIR map for me, and I found it in a breeze.  Basically, if you started from the info booth, walk straight down the main shopping street directly across, heading towards Picasso Street.  Cross Picasso Street and it will be on your right hand side.  To the left you will see 7-11 and it will be on the right corner.  You can’t miss the steam coming out of the place :)  

It’s a very cozy spot, a few counter style seating options and that’s it.  No tables.  I imagine if the place is busy, it could get quite cramped in there.  You can see the two rows of seats infront of where you order.

And two more rows as seen here, on the other end of the “room”. 

Because I was walking for so long, by the time I left the place it was 2pm.  So I had my order as take out and ate it at my guesthouse.  Mainly because it was just pouring off and on outside - mostly on.  And even with the umbrella, my shoes were soaked (totally not for rainy weather) and my right arm was soaked. And my backpack.  Soooo....yeah.  I just wanted to go dry off and be warm and eat my dumplings in peace and cozy warmth. 

I got the assorted mandu option.  There are two sizes.  A smaller size for 8000 won and a larger size for 12,000 won.  I got the 8000 won option.  The only ones I did not like were the ones with kimchi in it.  Usually I like kimchi...and I don’t have a problem eating spicy foods, but I just didn’t want my dumplings to be spicy and I didn’t care for it.  So in the plate, the two outer dumplings, the large ones, were the spicy ones.  The middle one is a normal one, the small balls are made with tofu to hold them together, minus the wrapper, and then of course the fried ones.

I am feeling quite homebody today, and I just want to rest and watch tv and youtube.  I have the day here tomorrow and my flight is tomorrow night.  I’m ready for Hawaii weather!

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Korea | Day 13 - Davich Optical & Thanks Nature (Sheep) Cafe

A few days ago I had went to Myeongdong looking for either Davich Optical OR Glass Story.  I couldn’t find either and I remember looking up a store (I really thought it was one of these stores) before coming here and it was across Forever 21. So I looked ALL around Forever 21 and elsewhere.  NOTHING.  But Stephanie from Hallyuback said it’s for sure there (Davich) so I looked it up and found it was across from Shinsegae Department Store.  I did NOT go that far, but I remember looking down that way and not seeing any optical store signs.  

So here are the directions!  From exit 5, walk straight towards Shinsegae and turn the corner and Davich Optical is there on the right hand side.  I believe Hoehyeon exit #3 is also right outside of the store as well.

This is the first floor, where you are immediately greeted.  There were people who spoke flutent english and I’m sure there are some who must speak Chinese or Japanese as well as Korean (obviously).  To the left of the store, are the 10, 20, 30, 50 and 60 dollar frames and then infront of you it has the 80-100 dollar frames.  They also will have you do an eye exam first if you need prescription glasses.  Since I came in with contacts on, I had to take them off and let my eyes adjust to nothing for 10 mins before my exam.  While thats happening, you can wait on the second floor in the cafe, and have a complimentary tea or latte, or whatever beverage they have on the menu.

This is the second floor where the eye exams are done for contacts or glasses, and the cafe and restroom is up here as well.  The service is outstanding and the fact you DON’T need to pay for an eye exam is even better.  So long, Costco Eye Center!  

Although there were taken later in my room, I bought two pairs of glasses.  I think they are both the same style, but two different colors.  This is the black one, and the frame was 10,000won and the lenses are 50,000won.  So that’s about $55USD for ONE pair of glasses, and FREE exam!

And the tortoise shell colored (brownish) frames.  Same price.  The guy asked me if it’s fashionable at the moment in North America, for people to wear big frames like this.  I said yes.  Just as it was in the 70s. LOL   He really didn’t understand it, which I’m not sure because it’s very fashionable/trendy in Korea as well.  Also those big circle frames are really popular here, too.  Which not everyone can pull off.  I haven’t tried it, but I doubt I could.  I feel like I barely pull these off.  He shook his head at me for wanting such big frames and I took this as him thinking they don’t look well on me.  Well, it’s a good thing I’m wearing them and not him, huh? ;)  I can live with it, I hope he can, too.  Bahaha, no but he was really nice.

They also offer Global Free tax refunds, so make sure you GET your receipt for that.  I left the store without it and had to go back for it.  

NOW.  If you come out of the store and go right, then make your next right into the “Myeongdong” shopping street towards all the tons of skin care stores, you will eventually come to...dun, dun, dun... GLASS STORY.  Yes, I saw it before I had to turn around and go back to Davich for my receipt.

I saw they had some 1+1 and SALE signs up, so I was kind of bummed I didn’t find them first.  BUT, I loved Davich and I love what I got.  I will check this one out when I return in October.  And right across from that store is another optical store, that I didn’t take note of the name.  So I hope if you’re on this blog post because you’re trying to find these stores, you find them much more easily than I did. ^^

By now I’m getting kinda hangry, and there were NO food stalls in Myeongdong.  Why?!  I really wanted sausages with tteok.  ;_;  So I went back to Hongdae, dropped things off at my room (I had bought two shirts in Myeongdong station, oops) and went for lunch.  First I got tteokbokki and then headed to Thanks Nature again to try something else. 

Bingsu!! ^^  Look how cute these cheesecake bingsu is.  As my friend said, it looks like an ice cream hamster :3 haha

Green tea latte.  Love the designs they make. Although I really wanted to finish everything, I did about half the bingsu and half the latte.  But so good!

The sheep were also out today.  And they both came up to me and smelt my shoe... :/ But yay, so I could pet them.  They’re so soft.  BAH!

After, I stopped at Banila Co. on my way back to pick up a gel liner and some rose gold liner for my water line, per Bubzvlogz’ suggestion.  Can’t wait to try them out.  

Now I am back in my room, strangely exhausted and disgustingly full, but so content.  Time for a nap. Zzzz....

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Korea | Day 12 - Yeti Restaurant, O-Lens, and Rainy Hongdae Shopping

It’s been a cold and rainy day in Seoul.  I didn’t get out of bed until 11AM, even though I woke up at 9AM.  Headed out to lunch at Yeti again.  Perfect warming food on a cold and rainy day.

DIRECTIONS: If you are walking down “Picasso Street” from the main shopping area of Hongdae, you will end up at a big intersection of Picasso Street and Wausan-ro.  If you’re walking from the Hongdae shopping area, or the “Hello Kitty Cafe” side, this is the intersection.  You want to cross and to be on the diagonal side Benigan’s Republic (hopefully that’s still here, as the businesses are always changing quite often.)  Next to Benigan’s is Monster Pizza and upstairs is the Eat Your Kimchi studio, just for reference.  I think at least EYK should be there for a long time.

You will also be directly across from Toni & Guy salon.  If you are facing the Toni & Guy Salon (Benigan’s wiil be on the right - diagonal  from you).  Look to your left and you will see...

This street.  Turn Left here. *Sidenote* If you walked straight for about 5 mins, you will eventually reach Sangsu Station, exit 1.

And walk straight to that blue sign on the right hand side.

You’re here!  It’s on the 2F.

I had the same thing again.  Vegetarian Curry and butter naan.  This time they brought sweet pickles and some kimchi onion?? It’s very “Korean” to bring as a side dish, even if the restaurant doesn’t serve korean food, they most likely will have something similar.

They brought me a free cup of tea again :)  This time, he said it was because today was Nepali New Year.  So I said thank you and wished him Happy New Year. :)

Then I stopped at O-Lens in Hongdae.  I got the color “Gold Mint” as it was the closest color to my natural eye color.  I wanted something natural looking as far as color and the size, but also something a little enhancing.

Excuse the poor quality picture, but it was on the “selfie” front camera which is lesser quality.  I like that there is no black ring around them.  It’s pretty much my same eye color, but they are circle lenses so the diameter is a little bigger than my normal diameter, but not weird and alien looking big.  They are comfortable and each pair lasts up to 2 weeks.  Each box has 6 lenses, so 2 boxes should give you 12 weeks if your eyes are the same RX.  Each box was 28,000 Won, but there was a discount so it came to 50,000 won even,  so about $45USD.  I think that’s a good deal in comparison to my Freshlook Daily lenses that come with 10 in a box, and so if your eyes are the same strength then 1 box will give you 5 days for $17.99, or 2 boxes will give you 10 days for $35.98.  Also you do not need a written prescription for lenses in Korea.  If you already know your RX, then just let them know or they will check it for you, free.  Yep, FREE.   I just got my annual exam done in November and already noticing my left eye has changed.  So I got -3.25 (bumped it up from -3.00) for my left and -3.50 for my right (which is what it was when it was last checked) and now my eyes see evenly again.  Didn’t even have to wait for my “annual exam” at Costco!  Luckily I will be coming back in October, so I can fill up on lenses then, AND if I don’t find glasses this time, I can do that then as well.  Point, Korea.

And one more close up on my regular camera, just so you can see more detail and the true color.  If you look closely, you will see a brown “ring” around edge. That’s what is usually black on many circle lenses, but looks quite natural as brown in these.  

Then I  stopped at this store to buy a souvenir for a friend back home.  Can’t post what it is incase that person might see it. :)  But it’s totally something I’d keep for myself if I was that selfish. lol  Luckily, I’m not.  This store is just before O’Sulloc Cafe and past O-Lens.

And lastly, I picked up a hat for 5000 won, a sweater for 19,000 won and two socks for 1000 won each.  But tip: you can find them cheaper for about 950 won in Myeongdong and underground in stations.  If 5 cents means that much to you, lol  I guess if you’re buying a LOT, it can add up to a dollar maybe :) I did stop at Look Optical, which is next to Daiso...but didn’t find any glasses that I wanted.  I have something specific in mind.  Bigger than my current ones, and chunkier.  Hopefully I can find some before I leave.  It seems there is no ALO in Myeongdong or Hongdae, and I also could not find Davich Optical in Myeongdong either.  :(  

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Korea | Day 11 - Seokchon Lake, Jamsil Station & Express Bus Terminal Underground Malls

Decided to head to Jamsil to check out all the cherry blossoms.  I walked the entire lake and the whole thing was covered with cherry blossom trees.  It was so pretty.

This is the start of what I’d like to call, the couples collection - south korea edition.

Lotte World!  Someone needs to come with me to Korea so we can just be 5 and go to all the fun places like Everland and Lotte World.

Looks like Sleeping Beauty’s castle. :)

Couple #2!

Couple #3 off in the distance.

It’s so much prettier in person.

That ride looked fun :3

So many cherry blossom petals already fallen.  Sad it only happens once a year.

Couple #4!  There were SO many more couples, and a LOT of them had self sticks AND did this same pose.  ALL OF THEM.  This was just the end of what was my seemingly creeping on couples lol  But don’t let that fool you into thinking there were only 4 couples.  I even saw 3 couples in wedding outfits, taking photos with professional photographers.  If you think Paris is the city of romance, think again.  It’s definitely Seoul.

Jamsil Station Underground shopping.  You can definitely find some really good finds here.  I got a couple shirts, $5 each. :)

Then I stopped at the Express Bus Terminal station, which is also known for their underground shopping area.  I scored a sweater for 19,000 won, a shirt for 5,000 won & 2 other shirts for 10,000 won each.  They were all really good quality, made in Korea and all were on sale.  I think the sweater was marked down 50%.  Everything is cash and you can’t try them on.  You can hold them up to you infront of a mirror.  Also, it’s all just one size (mostly).  Labeled “F” for free size or “OS” one size.  A lot of times when there’s an overstock of items, they go real cheap like $5-$10.  You might see the same thing in Hongdae for much more.  Always check out Dongdaemun and these underground shopping malls first!

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Korea | Day 9 & 10 - Sick Day #2 and World Cup Stadium/Hanuel Park

Yesterday was another day in, as all I did was sneeze like there was no tomorrow and just think of everything disgusting when it comes to your sinuses, and that was me.  Thankfully after two days of essential oils and sovereign silver, I can breathe again and finally made it back out into the world.  Decided to check out Hanuel Park first.  I spent about a good 45 minutes at least, being lost in the stadium area alone, figuring out which way was to Hanuel Park.  Everyone I asked either didn’t know, or didn’t know well enough and pointed in the wrong way (but I knew it was the wrong way so I didn’t follow their instructions).  Online directions said to exit at exit #1, and everyone kept pointing me towards past exit 2 and 3.  What’s the point of coming out of 1 if you’re going to walk past 2 and 3?!  So I knew it wasn’t right.  What I found out 45 minutes later, was that you need to go up the stairs to the stadium that you see immediately infront of you coming out of exit #1.  When you reach the top of the stairs, go left.  Continue walking until you see a bridge type walkway going to the parking lot.  You will see the stairs leading to Hanuel Park across the street from here.  When you reach the bottom, swing right and then make your way to the corner intersection.  Then just head in the direction of the stairs.

These two photos were taken on this little pathway to the left of exit #1.

This leads up to some “forrest” park area, past exits 2 and 3, near the soccer fields.  I just went this far as my main mission was to find Hanuel Park. :)

Finally!  I’ve reached the bottom of Hanuel Stairway.  There are about 300 stairs to the top.  I took like, 3 breaks, while elderly people passed me.  Yep.... I’ll just blame it on my cold.  >_>  Even though I know without it, I’d still be stopping 3 times.  XD

From the top of the stairs.  If you look on the left hand side, you will see the stadium way up in the corner.  That is where I came from.  Just to the right of the stadium is the bridge walkway from the stadium, and just below the stadium you can see the intersection I crossed to get to this side.  

At the top of the stairs, this pathway is to your left.  But you need to go right for Hanuel Park.  This way leads to a different park (there are 5 small parks all in the same area).

So THIS is what I was expecting.  ALL OVER.  But...

This was the reality. :( :( :( They cut it all down and left that ONE little patch as a tease!  WHYYYY.  I felt like, “I came all this way and its all gone. RAWR!” It looks so much prettier and fun with all the tall grass.  Le sigh....So I took a few pics and turned back around to leave.

Bye, empty Hanuel... -_- 

Heading back to the stairs....  I decided to head to Myeongdong, to look for this eye glass store that is across Forever 21 and I could NOT find it.  I walked around forever, and I looked all around Forever 21, so it must have closed down. :( :(  So I headed back to Hongdae, and stopped at Mr. Pizza for take out before going home. :)  Yes, when I walk 10 miles in a day, I will eat a pizza with NO regrets!  And ok...I ate two slices, which was disappointing, but it was still good!  Usually I can put 3-4 away! ^^;;;;

Right out of exit #9, Hongik Station.  On the 2F above the GS24.  

Korea pizzas are so interesting.  Some are really weird and some, I’ve heard, make no fricken sense with what they’ve thrown together on it.  Which is why I wanted one so badly lol  I got a pretty normal ish one, although different from an American one.  This had corn, potatoes, bacon, and whatever else.  I don’t even know... maybe mushrooms.... and whatever that white sauce was.  At least I have left overs for tomorrow. :)

[travelingree]

Korea | Day 8 - Sick Day! Bon Juk, Sleep, & Food Delivery

So that sore throat turned more into a cold today.  I woke up, and very lethargically walked to Bon Juk to get juk for lunch.  Walking felt almost painful and requiring much effort.  But the food was just what I needed.

I got the beef and vegetables juk.  It was so soothing to my throat and very bland and easy on my stomach.

Came back and slept for a few hours, woke up and had some grapes and then about 1.5-2 hours later, went back to sleep for 3.5 hours.  I woke up at 8pm, although I could probably have slept till tomorrow.  But I made myself get up and eat something else. 

Thank GOD my guesthouse will order food for me.  I had tteok and dumpling soup in some yummy bone broth.

Again, pretty bland and easy on the tummy, but very delicious and soothing for my throat.  Which btw, is feeling better since this morning.  Mostly just really tired and lethargic and a bit congested.  Letting my food digest a bit and then back to bed I go.  I hope it’s just a 24 hour bug and I can go out tomorrow. 

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Korea | Day 7 - Bongwonsa Temple/Sinchon, Dinner & Club Evans (Hongdae)

I really wanted to go to a temple this morning, so googled ones that I hadn’t already been to in Seoul and found Bongwonsa, which is near Yonsei and Ewha.  So I headed there via subway, then bus.  Woo hoo, I didn’t get lost on the bus. ^^;  

Also, I forgot that people don’t say hello to people passing by them, like we do in America.  In America, it’s just polite and friendly.  In Korea, it means you’re crazy.  So, when I saw this old lady who was looking at me as I was walking towards her direction, I said, “Annyeonghaseyo” with a lil bow as I continued to walk, and she looked at me like I was insane and didn’t acknowledge me back. Hum.  Forgot about that cultural difference...So strange to me!

This was one of the trails behind the temple.

Where’s Waldo?  Those two were so cute and chasing each other around, and made me miss my dogs.

He licked my hand :)

Main area in Sinchon.

Went to A Twosome Place by my onesome. :P  I poured that shot of whatever in my green tea ice cream.  Oh my...BOMB DOT COM, yo.

Decided to walk back from Sinchon and found the most random thing.  I followed a sign that said Seoul Temple, and it was actually an LDS temple.  Tricksters.... totally NOT a Buddhist temple like I was expecting.

My throat started feeling weird at the cafe, so I came back to do laundry and relax until meeting up with someone later for dinner.  The rooftop of my guesthouse...so neat :) I want a rooftop.

View towards Hongdae from my guesthouse roof.

I have no idea the name of this place, but we had such YUMMY food,  and it was an all you can eat buffet, $13 a person. :)

Then we headed to a jazz lounge called Club Evans.  The band was really good, and all originally composed songs.  The drummer is actually the leader of the band, who composes the songs.

He was super amazing on the guitar.  And that pretty much sums up my day.  Now my throat is on fire and I haven’t had a sore throat in like two years.  FML, I blame the air and a poor diet :(  I usually eat really healthy.  Oh well, I live once.  Bring on the carbs!

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Korea | Day 6 - Yeouido/Yeoinaru, Hello Kitty Cafe & Shopping Hauls

So last night, I DID end up ordering chicken delivery.  I’ve always wanted to do it, because I’ve seen it in KDramas and I’m a KDrama nerd like that.  The girl working at my guesthouse pretty much ordered it for me.  I didn’t realize it would be so much chicken, so I had left overs which I actually reheated up for today’s dinner as well. ^^; Yay Left overs...  I did the half and half, half regular fried chicken and half chili and garlic sauce.  Oh my word, that was spicy, but so good.

This morning I headed to Yeoinaru Station, per the same girl who ordered my delivery’s advice.  She had gone yesterday and said the trees were in full bloom and since the weather today was fantastic compared to previous days, I went for it.

Actual blue skies!

The Conrad (Hilton) Hotel.  Le Sigh.... I wanted to stay here ever since I saw Krystal and Jessica Jung stay there.  But alas, I would rather stay in a guesthouse where I can stay for 2 weeks, for the amount I’d only be able to stay two nights at this hotel.  #BudgetTravelerProbs

There were lots of street food stalls right outside of Yeoinaru Station, exit 2.  After I was done walking around, I headed back to Hongdae to shop and check out the new Hello Kitty Cafe location.  Cause why the heck not? :)  I keep wanting to go to You Are Here Cafe, but it’s way on the opposite side out from exit 1, so...eventually I’ll get there.

If you are a Hello Kitty fan (I don’t really consider myself one.  She’s aight, tho) then you will be in heaven here.  The second floor is way more Hello Kittyfied, and even a room that is her bedroom.  And there’s an attached gift shop on the first floor.  This place used to be Aloha Table, which I wanted to check out the last time I was here.... :(  And the old Hello Kitty Cafe location is now a clothing boutique.

Prior to reaching the cafe, and also after, I did some shopping in Hongdae.  A couple boutiques along the main shopping street and then Forever 21 and H&M.  I also added in my Art Box & Beyond haul from Edae yesterday... :)  

How About...NO. #TotallyMe

Bottom sweatshirts are from H&M, as well as the hat.  I don’t really have warm clothes here, and my jacket as you see above, is super thin.  So, I’ve been terrified to go out after dark because it drops into the 30s and I can’t.  But maybe now I can (lol).  Also, there’s a bunch of boutiques in Hongdae, a lot with just “Free Size” clothing, and that’s where I got the two items above the sweatshirts.  Shirt was 8000 Won and sweater was 20,000 Won.  The two sweatshirts and hat from H&M were all 17,000 Won each.

Got a few makeup bags and pouches because, I NEED them.  Like really.  I have so much makeup and skin care stuff and my bathroom at home doesn’t have cabinets or drawers, just a vanity type sink...so I need these to store all my stuff so it’s just not everywhere.  Anyway!  I was looking for some before my trip and they were all so expensive (like I saw a super small one at Sephora for $40! No thanks!  And when I go back to the airport, I plan to get my tax refund for some stores that offered the tax free global tax refund.  And it’ll be easier to pack all the things I need to show customs in these bags/pouches since they tell you “not to pack them away”.  But uh, I kinda need to pack them away!  So yeah...this will help.  Best part, the biggest one was under $15, the smaller black one was under $11 and the pouch was under $9.  So YES, so much cheaper than anything I found back home and much nicer.  All were from Forever 21.  And the others are what I got at Artbox yesterday in Edae, and the cleanser with some free masks from Beyond. :)

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Korea | Day 5 - Edae, Ewha Women’s University & Deoksugung Palace

So today I woke up and decided to check out Ewha Women’s University since it’s supposed to be an amazing campus.  And it was.  But when I got to E.W.U Station, what was the first thing my eyes saw?  Sigh...yep...Artbox.  Did I go in?  Yep!  Sure did!  Got a few things I didn’t see in the other stores.  Then I saw there was a Beyond store.  I had gotten a sample bottle of the Phytoganic Cleansing Liquid at the Hongdae store, and planned to go back to buy a bottle. I had to ditch my makeup remover wipes here, cause I totally had a crazy reaction (that thankfully went away).  And since this is an oil based cleanser, it took off my makeup perfectly, and it doesn’t feel super dry after like other cleansers.  So, so far, I love it.

I was happy to find a handful of Cherry Blossom trees in Edae.

And this interesting (i’m guessing it was a salon?) building.

The campus is SO pretty.

Being here made me wish I had gone here when I was an undergrad. I guess that’s what kids are for.  To live vicariously through.  My future daughter will have to go here.  No ifs, &s or butts.  (lol jk...kinda...)

And lunch!  I skipped breakfast at my guesthouse today, so I came here with an appetite.  Actually, after I stopped at Beyond, I got an egg bread.  Then I got this as I was leaving.  This was SO yummy, especially the ones stuffed with tteokbokki.  I’m going to miss this kinda food when I go back home.  Which btw, I totally don’t feel guilty at all eating when I’m averaging 5-7+ miles of walking per day.    

Then I got back on the subway and last minute decided to get off at City Hall, and hoped I’d find something to do lol There’s seriously NOTHING planned for this trip.  It’s really just random.  Anyway...saw that Deokgung Palace was near, so headed there.  It was only $1. :)

And there were more cherry blossoms!

And pink ones!!! :D

And more white ones!

This is a museum, which I found the art to be boring. lol  SorryNotSorry :/  But at least I checked it out.  And YAY, they had a restroom! ^^  That’s the main reason why I went in.

After I was done checking the palace out, I stopped at a nearby Dunkin Donuts for a green tea latte to go.  I needed something to warm me up, since I really didn’t pack for this weather.  Last year it wasn’t this cold at this time.  But it looks like the rest of this week will warm up into the 60s more.  Thank goodness.  My tropical weathered blood is done with the cold.

Every time I get out at Hongik exit 4, I always want to take a picture of this.  So today I did.

Now that I’m back in my room, I’m debating if I want to order delivery tonight, and/or go to a cafe to chill later.  I love that you can walk anywhere here, or easily hop on the subway.  Another thing I will miss when I go back to Hawaii. 

[travelingree]

Korea | Day 4 - Thanks Nature Cafe, Yeti Restaurant & Bar, DDP

This morning I woke up at 6AM, so that I could be ready to eat breakfast at 7am.  I notice if I go down later, like 8:30, most of the food is gone.  It seems like many of the guests went to Jinhae today, which means they left at 4AM.  So it was only grapes and strawberries for breakfast.  The strawberries were really sour and getting mushy (gross), and I already have my own grapes in my room’s fridge for when I want a snack.  So I made grilled cheese.  Of course the day I go early, there’s nothing but about to go bad fruit.  Sigh.  Came back to my room and went back to sleep until 9:45AM.  LOVED sleeping in.

Once I was ready I made my way to Thanks Nature Cafe, or the “sheep cafe”.  I took a super long and round about way there, because I didn’t realize how close it was to where I already was.  If you’re in Hongdae at the tourist info booth, it’s to the left of that.  Just walk down Hongik-ro and you’ll see it on the left hand side.  They open at 11AM, until 10PM (I think).

I didn’t really want to drink coffee, and I didn’t want to eat one of their amazing looking waffles, so I opted for the Grapefruit Ade, which is like sparkling water with lemon and fresh grapefruit.  It’s really refreshing, but it made me SUPER cold.  It was at that point I regretted not getting a latte or cappucino.

Here are a couple pages from the menu.  The staff speak english.  The owner was there, and another girl was working.  It was pretty crowded and with only two workers, the orders took awhile, because everything is made fresh to order.   You can visit with the sheep in the meantime. ^^

They were so cute.  They didn’t come out of their little pen, which is left open into a bigger pen area where customers are allowed to be.  But you cannot enter their pen. This is so they have their own personal, private space.  If they want to visit with you, they will come out. :)

My drink arrived!  I stayed for a bit to work on some Korean lessons.  After that I headed to Yeti Restaurant & Bar for some Indian/Nepalese lunch (got there about 1:30PM).  I should have taken photos of how to recognize the place, but basically it is across the street from the Eat Your Kimchi studio. But if you happen to come from Sangsu Station, take exit 1 and swing right when you reach the top of the stairs.  Then you should end up at the corner of the street and go left (which I believe this is Wusan-ro).  Walk for about 5 minutes and you will see Eat Your Kimchi upstairs (hard to miss).  There’s a crosswalk just before the studio.  Cross it and go through the little entry walk through that says something like “forte” above it.  When you come out through the other side, you will see Yeti, which is upstairs on the 2F.  

It is so pretty inside!  At first I sat in the front on a regular table by the window, but it was chilly so I opted to move in here, which was quite cozy and I’m glad I did.  Love the atmosphere.

Ordered some type of veggie curry (which ever the server recommended) and got it with butter naan (naan doesn’t come included, you have to pay extra $2 or $3.  Also samosas appetizer.  Everything was so good and total came to 15,000 won (just under $15USD).  I highly recommend it and will probably come back again before I leave.

After that yummy lunch I headed to Sangsu Station and went to Dongdaemun History & Cultural Park Station to check out DDP (Dongdaemun Design Plaza).  I didn’t go in this time, since I’m coming back in October with my mother.  Will check it out then.  

Yes, that is a transformer!

Also, there were a bunch of magnolia trees (tulip trees).  They were SO beautiful and they smelled SO good.  This tree happened to have one growing way low on the tree, so I was able to get a shot from above.

There was also some tv show filming something for foreigners (bc she spoke in english.  Maybe Arirang tv?).  She must have been cold to film in that dress, cause it was a bit windy and I was cold and had more clothes on than she did. lol

Headed across the street to Doota, where there is a Line Characters pop up store, and got a Brown Bear pencil (or eye liners and brow pens!) case and a cushion for my bed.

And that was the end of my day before heading back to my guesthouse.  Dongdaemun seems like something that would take all day, so I will probably go back in October.  

[travelingree]

Korea | Day 3 - Yeouido, Artbox & O’Sulloc Cafe (Hongdae)

Today, I made the mistake of going to Yeouido despite the weather being pretty gloomy.  It felt 10x more colder there than Hongdae and was windy as heck with some misty rain.  I took some photos and gave up when my hands went numb and my umbrella almost flipped inside out.  I hope we have some sunny weather soon, so I can go back on a warmer and clear day.

I headed back to Hongdae since it seemed like outdoorsy photo adventure day seemed like a no go.  So I went shopping... again.  Cause I really needed to. 

First, I bought some socks.  I was SO happy that I came upon the french fries socks again, and an even better hamburger socks.  So I got both, and I plan to totally nerd it out and wear one on each foot, so the burg and fries can be together. XD  Had to get the banana milk, because it’s so Korea.  

Then right outside were some street food stalls, so grabbed something quick for lunch then headed to Artbox.  Along the way, I bought this scarf that was on sale for 10,000 won (sale from 18,000).  It’s perfect for spring, especially since I lost one of my favorite light scarfs in Seattle.  It just disappeared, no where to be seen again. :(

Some things from Artbox...

Sleeping cool pack.  Inside the sleep mask are some gel inserts that you can put in the fridge (i’m guessing, haven’t really read it yet).  I’m sure this is to use when you’re going to bed, but I think this would be good to use after you wake up, if you have tired and puffy eyes.  Put this on for 10 mins and then get to your regular morning routine.  Can’t wait to try it out.  And the wooden utensils; I really didn’t need/want chopsticks, but they didn’t sell the spoons separately.  And the places I did see it separately, it was like $5-6 per spoon, and at least this one came with chopsticks for $5.  And a cute little pencil case to keep all the pens I bought the other day. 

A couple luggage tags, since Hawaiian Airlines BROKE my “LIVE ALOHA” one on it’s FIRST USE.  :@!!  More stickers for the “korean diary” and some notebooks for my Korean lessons.

And lastly, a cute big umbrella and a new canvas bag.  I LOVE this bag, because that’s so me.  Just board a plane and see which city I’ll wake up in next. ^^  

Stopped in at O’Sulloc Cafe right around the corner and got a green tea latte.  Got to put one of my notebooks to use and listened to one of my TTMIK lessons on my TTMIK app.  Thank you, T-Mobile, for having one of the best plans; free data roaming and texting in over 120+ countries. xo

[travelingree]

Korea | Day 2 - Changdeokgung, Secret Garden & Insadong

My guesthouse had posted a photo of an apricot colored cherry blossom tree at Changdeokgung, a few days ago saying, “NOW”.  This is pretty much why I went.  I never found this tree.  :(  Maybe I was too late? I got to the ticket booth by 10:30AM and the 11AM tour of the Secret Garden was sold out and the next available tour was 1:30PM.  It was a 30 min trip to get here and I didn’t wanna find something else to do and have to come back.  So I bought the tickets and spent 3 (way too many) hours in Changdeokgung Palace.  I think the last hour I just sat down.  Overall, there’s nothing much to see.  You’ve seen one palace, you’ve seen them all.  

Overall, I felt unimpressed and under-stimulated.  I started to get cold, so went to the cafe to get some hot chocolate and wait around until the tour.  

One tip would be to stay at the back of your tour.  I did this so I could wait for everyone else to vacate, and quickly take my own photos without a billion people in the frame.  You will probably notice an ahjussi staying at the back of the group and hurrying you along when your group gets too far ahead.  

Again...I felt like the garden was lacking a “WOW” factor and like I had wasted my whole day at the place with very unimpressive cherry blossoms.  Maybe it might look better in the fall...?

After the tour was over, I walked back to Anguk Station (take exit #3 to get to the palace) and went back in to come out at exit #6, to get to Insadong.  By now I’m starving since I didn’t eat all day.  Mission: Street Food. Now.  No photos of said street food, because I didn’t have the patience to take photos of it.  I just wanted to get it in mah bellay. ^^  But I saw some drum dance on my way to get food.  

As for the food, I ended up having: tteokbokki, a hotteok, a tornado potato, a long island iced tea (woo! felt that one even after eating all that food), and once I got back to my guesthouse, haribo gummy bears.  Cause that was necessary... ^^;;;

On my way back to Anguk Station to head “home”, I stopped at a $10 everything bag store, and picked up a backpack.  I didn’t get anything else because I couldn’t decide on a color or which style, from two other purses.  And when I can’t decide, I will buy them both.  But I’m trying to not splurge too much, so since I couldn’t choose, I didn’t get either.  The bag on the left is the one I got yesterday in the Myeongdong Station, just before going out of exit #6.

And lastly, I had to get these two socks.  Mostly because I need more long socks for my boots, since the small ones tend to “fall down” with these shoes.  And I didn’t pack enough cause I knew I’d want to buy a bunch here.  Both of these together reminded me of McDonalds.  lol  After paying for them, I THEN noticed a french fries one.  -_- But I didn’t want to go back in to pay for another one.  And of course, I needed to buy more chopsticks and spoons, because this is all I use now at home.  But after putting my chopsticks (only had one pair) in the dishwasher, one mysteriously disappeared. :(  And I could always use more spoons!  Regular spoons are no longer the same.