Asia
SARANGHAEYO PART 1: SEOUL
January 16, 2016K-culture has grown to be something so phenomenal as the Korean Wave continues to sweep across the globe. K-pop, dramas, outrageously handsome actors, gorgeous actresses, trendy fashion, beauty products, and most of all, Kimchi! All these immediately spring to mind when someone mentions South Korea. It all started when a friend recommended me to watch the TV series 'Running Man'. Since then, I was fixated. Though one could say the Korean Wave isn't something new in Malaysia, it probably started back when the drama 'Winter Sonata' was screened and became the talk of the town (I remember I used to watch it with a box of tissues next to me *sob sob*), but it never hit me as hard as Running Man did. So, I just had to visit the place where it all began.
Upon reaching Incheon International Airport, we took airport limousine bus to downtown Seoul. The ride took about 75 minutes. We got off at Dongdaemun station and checked in at Hostel Beige, which was just 3 minutes away from the station. I got to know this place through a friend and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Though the rooms are a bit small, the hotel is clean, conveniently located and the owners/staffs are very friendly and helpful. We then grabbed our lunch and took a walk around Dongdaemun area before taking the subway to Yeouido Park.
Dongdaemun Gate |
Dongdaemun Gate |
Lunch: Dak Galbi @ Yoogane (Dongdaemun branch) |
Yeouido Park is a large recreational area located on Yeouido Island in the central part of Seoul. Many people in the city come here to rest, stroll around, play sports and enjoy the view of Seoul's modern skyline as Yeouido is home to the National Assembly, Korean Stock Exchange and Korea's three broadcasting stations: KBS, MBC, and SBS. This place is also famous for having the loveliest cherry blossom street in Seoul, but we missed the full bloom by a week :(
Yeouido Park |
Yeouido Park |
Yeouido Park |
Yeouido Park |
Tteokbokki - spicy rice cake |
Sundae - blood sausage |
Twigim - fried snacks |
Gyeongbokgung |
Geunjeongmun (Gate) |
Geunjeongjeon (the Throne hall) |
Gangnyeongjeon (King's Quarters) |
Palace courtyard |
Managed to catch a glimpse of cherry blossoms in the palace courtyard! Lucky ♥ |
Samgyetang (Ginseng chicken soup) is one of the most well known Korean dishes. It is an energizing soup-based dish, traditionally served during the summer, to replace the lost energy and vitamins taken by the summer heat. When searched or asked where to find the best samgyetang in Seoul, the answer would be Tosokchun, which is located near the Gyeongbokgung station. This legendary Tosokchon is a restaurant that was converted from a traditional Hanok. There was already a long line consisting locals and tourists when we arrived, and we waited for about half an hour before being ushered to a table. The restaurant was huge with plenty of open space and tatami style rooms. There were no chairs, just cushions on the floor and guests dine on low lying tables.
One of the nation's best Samgyetang! |
Seafood pancake - loaded with squids and shrimps |
Homemade kimchi |
We ordered both the regular chicken and black chicken soup, plus a seafood pancake. Both soups tasted the same, except the black chicken is probably a premium version of the normal chicken as it is considered to be more nourishing. The soup was really thick and rich that the broth turned milky, and the ginseng taste was strong. Besides the piping hot tasty stew, Tosokchon's homemade kimchi was absolutely delicious and fermented just right (perhaps the best I had on the entire trip)!! The four of us ate almost half the pot that was left on the table. Bbuurppp!
From Tosokchon, we headed to Deoksugung Palace to watch the changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. A tradition comparable to the changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, this is highly recommended for tourists because it offers a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea, as the ceremony is reenacted exactly as how it used to be held during the Joseon Dynasty. This ceremony takes place three times a day (11:00 / 14:00 / 15:30) in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. As each ceremony follows the same procedure and lasts for about thirty minutes, visitors can choose whichever time that is convenient for them. The ceremony is free of charge but there are no ceremonies on Mondays, rainy days, as well as in extremely hot or cold weather.
Changing guard ceremony |
Changing guard ceremony |
Changing guard ceremony |
Changing guard ceremony |
At the beginning of the stream |
The sounds of the water and man-made waterfalls really help to clear one's mind. |
Crowded day and night |
Crowded day and night |
Lotte Departmental Store |
Thumbs up! |
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