Bau House, a dog cafe in Seoul

Doggie Lover? Wanna go on a date with your dog? You definitely should try this unique and perfect cafe for dog lovers in Seoul: Bau House, a dog cafe in Hongdae.

Bau House not only allows you to sip your latte while your pooch share the same table with you, they even got their own pooches ready to be your companion, just pick your desired breed, spaniel, maltese, lassies, huskies or other cute puppies. This cafe open from 1.20 pm to 11.30 pm.

Here are picture and map from their website

(Pictures courtesy of Bau House)

Odeng

This is not a Korean city so don't expect to come across Pojang Macha on the street but if you want a bite of Korean delicacies to eat while catching up with friends in Sydney, try this 'Heaven and Earth Korean restaurant'. It's not a fancy resto though, just a small yet authentic Korean restaurant on Liverpool street just across the World Square complex in Sydney. Last weekend we went there to catch up with an old friend and we picked 'Odeng', it's made of processed fish cake, some of them placed on a long wooden stick and dipped in a hot and spicy soup, while another version cooked in a light soup.

This nice hot odeng soup is a perfect match for Soju

This restaurant also serve some others 'Pojang-macha's style delicacies' like sundae (Korean sausage), mandu (dumpling), kimchi pancake and hot and spicy noodle soup.

Lee Young-ae got married!

This news may break your heart! Lee Young-ae finally walked down the isle with Mr. Jeong, a Korean-American businessman secretly in the US on Monday, her legal consulting firm said on Tueday. News reports said Mr. Jeong, 54, studied at University of Illinois and is currently engaged in IT-related telecommunication business. Lee, 38, is planning to settle in the US but will continue her activities as an actress in Korea, Dongin said.

(Picture courtesy of Korea Herald)

Those who love Korean drama would definitely know Lee Yong-ae, one of Korean Top acctress who gained popularity for her performance in Korean famous drama 'Jewel in the Palace (Dae Jang Geum)', which drew attention not only from Asia but all over the world.

(Source: Korean Herald)

The Jindo Moses Miracle

The Jindo Moses Miracle is one of the world's most amazing natural phenomenons happens twice a year in Jindo island, the third largest island in Korea next to Jejudo and Geojodo island. It's nearly the end of February and mid of June, during low tide, a land path of 2.8 kilometers long and 40 meters wide is revealed, connecting the islands of Jindo and Mondo for about an hour before being submerged again. This amazing phenomenon resembles 'The Splitting of the Red Sea' in the Book of Exodus in the old Testament, that's why this event is called "The Miracle of Moses".

A festival called The Yeongdeung Festival is dedicated to celebrate this natural wonder. During the festival, original folk plays of Jindo are performed and would draw tourist from aroound the world into Jindo island.

(Picture courtesy of : Korea Tourism)

For local transportation from Jindo-eop bus terminal, take a bus to Jindo island or Heodong-ri

You can read the full history and the legend behind this amazing natural phenomenon on Visit Korea web. (Source: Visit Korea)

Seoul Open Night

Seoul Open Night is a night festival with a range of cultural events held across Seoul's major districts on August 22. From stage playing musical concert, sightseeing to handicrafts, people will be able to enjoy the various cultural events the city has to offer under the moonlight.

'Culture Pass' is all you need to visit Palaces, Museums, art galleries, concert hals and other facilities without limit and it's available on interpark.com.

At Jeong-dong, the center of the city, people will able to visit Deoksu Palace, Seoul Museum Jeongdong Theather and enjoy a performance by the famous non verbal performace 'Nanta' among other activities.

At Daehangno in northern Seoul, visitors will be able to watch various plays from the afternoon until midnight. Fee showcases and exhibitions by up-and-coming artists will be held and several Korean movies will be screened for free at Maronoe Park.

In the Bukchon district, 60 art galleries, studios and museums will be open until midnight.

Jindo of South Jeolla Province joined hands with Seoul for the events and will perform Jindo Drum in Insa-dong.

Spirits will be high in the Hongdae district of northwestern Seoul, where 40 underground rock bands will hold all-night performances at 1 different clubs.

'Seoulites and tourist will all able to enjoy cultural aspects of the city without worrying about time or money', Kwon Hyuk-so of City Hall said.

(Source: Koreatimes)

Relax yourself at Jjimjilbang

Got a long tiring day? Relax yourself at Jjimjilbang!

Jjimjilbang literally means 'sauna room' or you can call it Korean sauna. Jjimjilbang normally are large public bathhouse complete with sauna, hot tub, shower room, pool, massage room, and a lot more. Most of them open 24 hours and also have restaurants, wide-screen TV's, noraebang (karaoke room), and napping area where people can sit or lie around sleeping or just relaxing and watching TV.

The speciality of Jjimjilbang is sauna room. There are several different saunas with different themes and benefits, such as rooms made from a certain type of rock known in Korea as 'maekban' are good for rejuvenating skin, amethyst for improving blood circulation, and yellow mud are good for digestive system.

After you sweat your stress out in the hot room, drink a cold glass of 'misutgaru' (ground mixed grains mixed with wather or milk), or 'sikhye' (sweet drink made from fermented rice) and you will be fully-recharged!

(picture courtesy of Korea.net)

The admission fee is considerably inexpensive with less than 10,000 won or about $10, so when you are traveling around Korea why don't you stop by at this uniquely Korean sauna and relax yourself at Jjimjilbang!

(source: Korea.net)

Made in Korea

Made in Korea? which one or which part?..... :)

It's a picture used to promote Lee Hyori's third album 'It's HYORISH' released on July last year.Yes.. I am one of her big fans!

Lee Hyori or Lee Hyolee is one of 'Korean Divas', fell for her most famous song 'Just ten minutes' in 2003 which was nicknamed as "The Year of Hyori" when she won more then seven including three of the four most prestigious Daesangs (Korean awards for 'Artist of the Year').

In February 2006, she released her second album "Dark Angel" and the first single 'Get Ya' with its raunchy MV has labelled her as a 'Sexy Popstar' since then. In Novemver 2006, she signed a three-year contract with M-Net Entertainment for 2.2 billion Won which made her the highest paid female singer in South Korea.

In 2007 she starred in If in Love.. Like them and one of the sountrack 'Toc Toc Toc' released in digital in March 2007 was the best selling album of the month, the song itself still is categorised as 'sexy R&B'. Despite all the controversy and penalty on the movie due to some advertising gudilines, one of its ballad song has proved that Lee Hyori is not only good on sexy dancing but she also could make you cry with her voice.

Here is her touching song from If in Love.. Like Them:

Maesilju or Bokbunjaju ?

I am not a heavy drinker but when it comes to my favorite wines, Maesilju and Bokbunjaju , they are just simply irresistible! Talking about Korean wine, there are six varieties of Korean alcoholic drinks:

Yakju, literally means medicinal alcohol, is a refined rice wine made from steamed rice that has gone through several fermentation stages.

Cheongju, literally means clear wine, is a clear rice wine familiar to Japanese sake.

Distilled liquors. Korean distilled liquors include Goryangju made from sorghum, while Okroju made from rice and Munbaeju, a traditional aged distilled liquor made of malted millet, sorghum, wheat, rice and nuruk (fermentation starter). It's believed to be originated from Pyongyang region, with a strength of 40% alcohol and noted for its fragrance.

Soju, a clear and slightly sweet distilled spirit. It's the most popular one and also well-known as Korean liquor. It's made from grain or sweet potatoes and generally inexpensive. Soju from Andong is famous as the the best soju in Korea and priced as much as 20 times more expensive than ordinary soju.

Takju or better known as Makgeolli is a milky, off-white, sweet alcoholic beverage made from rice.

Fruit wine, it's produced by combining fruits or berries with alcohol. The most popular fruit wines are Maesilju (made from maesil or plum), Bokbunjaju (madef from bokbunja or blackraspberry). These two are my favorite ones.

Flower wine, some made from chrysanthemum, peach blossom, acacia and wild rose.

Yagyongju or medical wine made by combining medicinal seeds, herb, and roots with alcohol, such as:

- Insamju, made with ginseng and is the most popular medicinal wine among older people.

- Dosoju, is a popuarl herbal wine and traditionally served on New Year's Day.

- Songsunju, is a soju made with glutinous rice and soft, immature pine cones.

- Jugyeopcheongju, is a traditional liquor made with bamboo leaves.

- Chuseongju, is a traditional wine made from glutinous and non-glutinous rice and herbs.

(Source: Wikipedia)

My Maesilju (Plum wine) from Bohae brewery

This Bokbunjaju is claimed to be the world's best by Bohae brewery company. This enchanting purplish color wine won the silver medal at 2005 Dallas Morning News International Wine Competition.

Shop till you drop in Dongdaemun!

It was my last night in Seoul when I jumped on the subway then got off at Dongdaemun station and strolling around the huge Dongdaemun Shopping Mall.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is the largest shopping centre in South Korea. Opened for the first time in June 1905, the market has become one of the most popular markets in Korea especially for clothing and its accesories. With more than 25 shopping malls and 30,000 speciality shops you would find anything you need to dress your head to toe. When you get tired from shopping you would easily find eateries both inside and outside the mall where 'Pojang Macha' stalls lining up along the street and enough to satisfy your craving for Korean food.

The main street divides Dongdaemun Market into two section.

Section 1 is more for retail shops where the atmosphere designated for young people and the facilites such as information desk and money changer make it easy for the tourist. This section open from 10 am till 5 am the next day, you can say that this market is also a night market as well.

Section 2 is more for wholesale and since mostly for wholesaler there are no facilities such as dressing room, the market in this section open about 8 pm till 8 am the next day.

Dongdaemun

Across the shopping complex, you'd find one of Seoul's famous landmarks: Dongdaemun Gate (East Main Gate). Originally called Heunginjimun, this National treasure was built by King Taejo in 1396, renovated by King Danjong in 1453 and its present structure was built by King Gojong in 1896. Although the gate is generally known as Dongdaemun Gate, many people still call it Heunginjimun with the intention of preserving its old heritage. The easiest way to get to Dongdaemun is by subway line no 4 and get off at Dongdaemun station, take exit no 4 and walk for about 5 minutes.

(Source: Korea Tourism)

(Picture courtesy of : Korea Tourism)

Seoul Flea Market

I always love browsing around in flea market, enjoying the weekend's sunshine while making bargains for something unique and you never know what you might find in a flea market.

During our trip in Seoul, visiting the folk flea market was on our list, I was planning to find some unique souvenir for family and friends like Hahoe mask and kid's Hanbok for nieces but my missus ended up buying a hanbok for herself!

The Seoul Folk Flea Market is a downtown market where and contemporary coexist, souvenirs shops sell unique items like Hanbok apron which transform traditional hanbok into a practical apron, Hahoe masks and hand-made natural soap. On the second floor Boradong, handicrafts from Jeju island and North Gyeongsan Province, traditional alcoholic beverages and other regional specialties are on sale. If you are looking for unique gifts for foreigners or the elderly, this is the the right place to go to.

When you get tired, you can take a break in front of the flea market stage which is open to performances by anyone.

(Source: The Korea Herald)

(Picture courtesy of The Korea Herald)

Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken Soup)

Samgyetang literally means 'Ginseng Chicken Soup', it's a famous soup traditionally served in summer for its nutrient to protect the body from scorching heat and excessive sweating. It was a chilling winter night in Seoul when I happened to find Samgyetang quite easy in a restaurant near our hotel in Jongno-gu, the staff said that Samgyetang has been a popular Korean food for visitors so that they serve this healthy chicken soup all year round.

Samgyetang may taste plain to some but it's a healthy and nourishing food especially for those who prespire easily and have weak digestive organs. However, people with high body temperature should avoid the dish as it boosts body temperature.

Samgyetang

(picture courtesy of: Korean Tourism Org)

Here is the recipe:

Ingredients:

- Whole chicken

- Sweet rice (also called glutinous rice or sticky rice)

- Fresh ginseng, medium size

(if use dried ginseng, better to crush the ginseng well)

- Garlic, 3 cloves

- Jujube (Chinese date), 3 (5 gr)

- Green onion

- Salt pepper.

1. Wash the chicken well and remove internal organs.

2. Wash the sweet rice and soak in water for about 2 hours.

Garlic and jujube are used whole, wash ginseng and slice green onion.

3. Stuff the chicken with sweet rice, ginseng, jujube and garlic.

Cross and bind the chicken's legs to keep the stuffings in.

4. Put the chicken in the pot and boiled in water for 45 minutes until the broth appears white

5. Sprinkle salt, pepper and green onion.

(Source: Korea Tourism Org)

I also got the pre-packed Samgyetang to be brought as souvenir for my family, it's quite unique and authentic food souvenir from Korea.

Lotte World and Coex Mall

Got back to Seoul from Nami-seom, we spent half of our last day in Seoul visiting Lotte World and Coex Mall.

Lotte world is a big complex with one-stop concept so you'd find anything you need from accomodation (hotel), both indoor and outdoor theme park, shopping mall, folk museum, sports facilities and movie theater in one place. The Lotte world indoor theme park is one of the largest indoor amusement parks in the world. If you are a Korean drama lover, you'd notice some spots used for filming 'Stairway to Heaven'.

If you wish to learn about Korean history and tradition then you should visit the Lotte World Folk Museum. A collection of minature and life-sized exhibition along with performance stages for traditional music and dance would amuse you while learning Korean history and culture. The traditional restaurants are located on the market (Jeoja) street on the third floor of Lotte World Shopping Mall, giving visitors the chance to taste Korean traditional dishes.

(Some restaurants inside the traditional market inside Lotte World)

How to get to there? Take subway line 2 to Jamsil station and take exit no 4 (underground plaza). Admisson fee including performance viewing is 24,000 won and 21,000 won after 4 pm.

Off The Lotte World, we jumped on the subway headed to Coex Mall, a huge shopping arcade located beneath Samsung-dong Trade Centre. It's only 3 stops away from Jamsil station (The Lotte World), got off at Samsoeng (Samsung) station and took exit 5 where we walked down to the end of Ocean Walk straight to Coex Aquarium. This Korea's largest aquarium has 40,000 marine wildlife of 650 species. Once again it's also a place used for filming a Korean drama 'One Fine Day' after the first six episodes were filmed at Busan Aquarium.

Coex Aquarium with posters from One Fine Day

Coex Mall off the Samsung station

Nami island

Nami-seom or Nami island is another 'romantic spot' in Korea, located in Chuncheon City this beautiful tiny island attracts 1.5 million visitors on average year. According to wikipedia, its name originated from General Nami, who died at the age of 28 after falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the seventh king of Joseon Dynasty of Korea. Also known as 'Naminara Republic' since 2006, it's an imaginary country that has invented its own passport, currency, stamps for promoting its tourism. Naminara Republic is fully equipped with facilities including Tourist Info Centre which provide currency exchange for the tourist.

Famous as the shooting place of 'Winter Sonata', a famous Korean Drama by KBS in 2002, the beautiful forest path of pine trees is a must see spot in this island.

(Some snaps in Naminara Republic)

We opted to get to this island by bus from Dong Seoul Terminal headed to Chuncheon, after one and half hours ride we got off at Gapyeong bus terminal. Staff from our hotel suggested to take taxi from this point to Nami-seom wharf which would cost about 8,000 won, just say "Nami seom ga juseyo" he said, but we decided to take our own adventure riding the local bus from Gapyeong station, it took us only 10 minutes to the wharf where we boarded the ferry for another 10 minutes to the island.

If you'd rather take the train, you can take train from Cheongryang-ri station to Chuncheon and then take taxi from the station to the ferry wharf.

Enjoying the beautiful Naminara Republic for about 2 hours wasn't long enough for us but we had to rush back to Seoul for our last day visit in the city and yet to visit another places on our list.

(Our mode of transport: local bus and ferry)

(Nami seom's map, courtesy of Chuncheon City)

All In House

Jeju is the best natural shooting place, many famous Korean drama series or movies were filmed in this island, just name it: Jewel in the Palace (Daejanggeum), All In, My Girl, Goong and the list still goes on.

Our trip in Jeju was quite short so we only managed to visit Seopjikoji from All In and the other one was Daejanggeum shooting place. All In House is more like a museum that provide everything about the drama. The All In House opened its door on June 3, 2005 and it's the first drama memorial hall in Korea. The House located in a beautiful shore of Jeju's southern district called Seopjikoji.

(All In House in Seopjikoji)

As for Daejanggeum shooting place, it's hidden in untouched coastal scenery, the beautiful ocean and stunning view of cliffs and surrounding rocks is simply breathtaking, if you are visiting Jeju island, it's one of must see destinations.

(Daejanggeum shooting place)

Tangerine Farm

Tangerine is Jeju's signature fruit, you will find this mandarin orange sold in every local shops and tourist spots across the island. Visiting the Tangerine farm was one of our itinerary in Jeju. Located not far from the Folk Village, the farm allowed us to look around, pick the tangerine from the trees and taste how sweet the fruit is. We found the tangerines hang on almost every branch made a beautiful background to pose on.

Tangerine farm in Jeju

Jeju tangerine sold at a market

Beside the abundant tangerine you'd also find some cookie product made with tangerine including tangerine-filled chocolate. We did try and buy some orange choco as souvenirs, I reckon this Jeju orange chocolate is a must buy product from Jeju.

If you happened to watch Korean drama series "My Girl", some scenes were set in a beautiful Tangerine farm of Jeju, and it's one of many famous Korean drama series I've watched.

Submarine Tour in Seogwipo

Still in Jeju island, Seogwipo is a port city located in the southern part and is the second largest city on the island after Jeju city. It's much smaller compared to Jeju city but you would be amazed by the view from both above and under the sea.

Seogwipo port

There are two options to enjoy the underwater scenery, either scuba diving or submarine. Submarine is the easy way and who would go for scuba diving in winter time? We went down to the very end of the harbour to find the submarie tour desk in a building shared with the cruise tour. The 'feeder boat' took us to the submarine docking are, where the crews escorted the passenger one by one to the submarine boat, given times to take picture nobody missed this chance to pose with the submarine and surrounding rocks. Stepping the ladder all the way down the bowel people settle down in small benches facing the glass windows on each side of the boat. The excitement begun when we saw a diver swimming through followed by a huge group of fish. It really was a unique experience enjoying the beauty of coral reef and colourful underwater life. With the minimum lighting we couldn't take good shots but it really was an enjoyable trip we would love to go back.

The beautiful sea of Seogwipo

The underwater view from Submarine

Jeju Folk Village

Jeju Folk Village is a place where you can see and experience the native's culture of the island as well as species of native trees. Jeju Folk Village has a range of tradtional folk collection from around 1890's, more than 100 traditonal houses and over 8,000 pieces of folk articles are also displayed. The houses on display comprises mountain village, hill-country village, Jeju old administration office, and fishing village including the women diver's house. You can also find the traditional marketplace like restaurant, convinience store, and souvenir shop.

(Jeju Folk Village)

As we joined a local tour, lunch was included so we didn't bother what's on the menu for our lunch. The traditional Korean dishes served on a long table, including the local famous Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge), fried fish, hotpot and not to mention a range of Banchan (Korean side dishes) including kimchi, fried anchovy, and potato salad. Don't expect for a big portion of abalone porridge considering the price, but I was quite happy with a small bowl of this healthy and yummy soup. Lucky that we mingled very well with a lovely family whose daughter speak English fluently so we didn't get lost in translation. This time I didn't manage to take good pictures so no food pictures to share for this post.

Admission fee is 6,000 won for individual, open from 8:00 to 17:oo in winter, and open a bit longer in summer (18:00). Jeju Folk performance can be enjoyed 3 times a day, but better check the schedule beforehand.

Jeju Love Land

Jeju Love Land or Sex theme park is an adult only theme park, the only park of its kind in Korea, featuring 140 works of arts created by 20 artists from Hongik University in Seoul. Opened for the first time on November 16, 2004 the park has become one of top tourist spots on the island. The park is only 10 minutes from Jeju International Airport, open from 9 am till midnight and costs 7,000 won for admission. I do recomend to visit this park in the evening when the naughty yet humorous sculptures lit up by beautiful lightings. The official website describes the park as 'a place where sexually-oriented art and eroticism meet, breaking the traditional taboos surrounding love, and is a place where visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of love'.

Jejudo (Jeju island)

Jejudo or Jeju island, formerly called Cheju island, is a volcanic island located in the southern part of South Korea. This relatively small island has many beautiful and unique tourist spots across the island. If you are Korean drama or movie lover you will find many 'romantic spots’ where many popular Korean drama scenes were taken such as All in and the famous Jewel in The Palace (Dae Jang Geum). This island with its fantastic and mysterious spots indeed is a perfect place for honeymoon.

(Night view from Yong Duam Rock)

Here are the spots list from my Christmas holiday in Jeju:

• Korean drama shooting places (All in and Dae Jang Geum)
• Mysterious road (a road where you can feel optical illusion)
• Osulloc tea plantation
• Lotte Hotel Garden
• Tangerine and mushroom farm.
• Seongeup Folk village
• Seogwipo sub-marine cruise
• Mongolian horse show
• Pony horse riding
• Hapy Town (Chinese circus)
• Dragon Rock (Yong Duam Rock)
• Dongbokri woman diver, a village where you can try all kind of fresh seafood.
• Love Land (Sex theme park)

I am very happy to rate Jeju island as the most beautiful island in the world! During my 3 days only visit, I had tonnes of stories to be cherished and treasured with hope that I'd make it to this island again someday.

Almost forgot, you definitely should try the sweet tagerine of Jeju when you visit this island!

I couldn't fit all my stories of this island full with beautiful nature in one post so I'l update this post in some separate posts later.

Po Jang Macha

Seoul - Third installment: Street food

Po Jang Macha or street food vendor was one of my 'must visits' in Seoul. If you watch Korean drama you would see what they called 'Po Jang Macha' featured quite often in the movie when people craving for midnight supper or just for a bottle of Soju (Korean rice wine). These street food vendor is very popular in Korean cities, from party goers to white-collar workers wouldn't hesitate to end their nightlife session inside a plastic tent alongside the streets.

Most of Po Jang Macha serve many kind of snack on sticks for you to enjoy while standing up or to take with you and some vendors also serve seafoods for you who wish to sit and have some drinks as well. The snacks come in affordable price just don't forget to ask the owner beforehand if you can't eat the hot and spicy sauce.

(Po Jang Machas in Myong Dong, Seoul)

Here are the list of some popular Korean snacks:

Beondegi - seasoned steamed or boiled silkworm pupae, it's the most unique one you won't find it sold elsewhere.

Gimbap - rolled steam rice wrapped in seaweed. It looks like temaki sushi (roll sushi) in Japan but taste slightly different. Normally comes in one bite-size, lightly salted, filled with sausage, meat, radish etc . Gimbap served cold accompanied with kimchi as dipping.

Sundae - Korean sausage made with pig's intestines. It's a kind of blood sausage stuffed with various ingredients such as vermicelli, minced pork, green onion and some variant also made with seafood such as ojing-eo sundae (squid sundae).

Tteokbokki - Stir fried rice cake stewed in thick red pepper sauce with some vegetables. The red color tells how hot is the soup.

Mandu - Dumpling stuffed with mince pork or beef and mixed vegetables, comes with kimchi or soy sauce for dipping.

Twibap - Literally means 'popped rice', it's a kind of puffed crispy cookie made from rice or corn.

Gyeongbokgung (경복궁)

Seoul - second installment: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace literally means 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven', is the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by Joseon Dynasty. The palace was originally constructed in 1394 by King Taejo, the first king and founder of Joseon Dynasty (source: wikipedia).

Gyeongbokgung Palace is also known as 'Northern Palace' since it's located more toward the north while Changdeokgung known as 'Eastern Palace' and Gyeongheegung as 'Western Palace'. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of heungnyemun gate and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

The ticket pass for Gyeongbokgung Palace can also be used at National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum.

The 'must see' attraction at this Palace is 'Changing guard ceremony', but unfortunately we missed this so I didn't have any picture to show, furthermore I didn't manage to shoot proper pictures only got a few pictures of my wife with the couple. Talking about these buddies, we just met for the first time in the morning but ended up hanging around together all day exploring Seoul, squeezing ourselves in the huge crowd at Myong Dong and dropped dead tired on the busy buzzing streets packed with people enjoying the city's illumination of Christmas eve!

This Palace is open from 9.00 - 18.00 during summer and 9.00 - 17.00 during winter, closed every Tuesday. Address: Seoul-si Jongno-gu Sejong-ro 1.

Admission fee is 3,000 won for 19+ and 1,500 won for 7-18 and free for age 6 or under.

For detail information about Gyeogbokgung Palace you can visit the official website here.

Changdeokgung (창덕궁)

Seoul-first installment:Changdeokgung Palace

As a I mentioned on my previous post, one of my 'must visits' in Seoul was Changdeokgung Palace, at that time I only knew that this Palace is one of the shooting places for the famous series of 'Jewel in the Palace' or 'Dae Jang Geum'.It was my first visit of the day since it's only a stroll walk from my hotel.

Changdeokgung Palace (literally means 'Palace of Prosperous Virtue) is one of Five Grand Palaces in Seoul built by Joseon Dynasty. Located in a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, this UNESCO World Heritage site can be reached by subway line 3, get off at Anguk station and take exit 3.

Accompanied by three friends from Japan and a new couple friend from Seoul, we decided to take our own walking tour instead of waiting for the next English guided tour. We explored this beautiflul Palace for about 2 hours before heading to another palace called Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Here are some snaps we took in the Palace:

Here are some useful information about this Palace:

	- Address
	1, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
	- Tel : 82-2-762-8262
	- Admission Fee
	Ages 19~64 : 3000 won Ages 7 ~18 : 1500 won Ages 6 and below, Ages 65 and up : Free Closed: Mondays For full information of this Palace you can clik here

Seoul

Korea Trip - Seoul day 1

After several years dreaming of visiting this Ginseng Country finally we made it in winter 2006. Touching down at Incheon international airport early in the morning on December 24, located 70 km from the city of Seoul, this modern airport has been consecutively rated as the best airport in the world and received the full 5-star ranking by skytrax.

Upon our arrival we made our way to the airport coach service and after one and half our ride we got off at Anguk Dong station and took a stroll walk to Seoul backpackers hotel located at Iksun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. The hotel has now reopened as Banana backpackers with a new face-lift. Conviniently located within walking distance to some tourist spots like Insadong and Changdeokgung Palace, the hostel offers affordable rooms with friendly staff, great hospitality, free breakfast and free internet service, which is very important for travelers who needs to find information online.

(Incheon airport-Seoul coach transfer)

The coach was very convinient and the staffs were really helpful, made it easy for us to find the right bus even we don't speak Korean.

(My wife in front of the hostel)

My list for the first day in Seoul was visiting some historical Palaces, there are five Palaces in Seoul:

- Gyeongbokgung.

- Gyeonghuigung.

- Deoksugung.

- Changgyeonggung.

- Changdeokgung.

Unfortunately, we managed to visit only two Palaces: Changdeokgung and Gyeongbokgung. I will write about these two palaces on separate posts.

For some 'must see' spots in Seoul you can visit the official website here.

What is Hallyu?

Hallyu or Korean wave is a term used to refer the increasing popularity of South Korea culture all over the world since around 2000. I still remember the first time I fell for Korean culture was when I watched a popular Korean drama series 'Autumn in My Heart' by Song Hye Kyo back then almost ten years ago. Since then, I become addicted to Korean movies and series as well as K-Pop (Korean Pop music).

Hallyu has been expanding rapidly beyond Asia and Korea has become one of the world's top ten culture exporters. Talking about Hallyu is not only about entertainment industry but also about fashion which known as a trendsetter style icon in the youth-dominated market.

Long story short, I decided to pen down my experiences and sharing my thoughts and anything I come across about Hallyu through this blog.

As for 'Autumn in My Heart', here is the MV I got from Youtube:

Autumn in My Heart, the first installment of Endless Love drama series produced in 2000 by South Korean TV network KBS, starring adorable Song Hye Kyo, Song Seung Heon and Won Bin.