Seoul Searching

Myeong Dong is filled with every single girls wish. From food, make-up and very very pretty clothes that are so cheap I wish I could buy every single piece of my desire but I was on a tight budget.

Address 37, Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 계동길 37 (계동) Bukchon Village is a heritage area in Korea but there is still residents living in the houses. I felt like I was invading their privacy at first but later I realised I was getting a glimpse of how their lives were in Korea living in such beautiful and culturally rich houses. I was in heaven.

Address 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 종로구 율곡로 99 (와룡동) Chang Deok Gung palace itself was really pretty but not really big but what was amazing was the tour they have in different language into the secret palace that is truly amazing. Everyone who is going to this specific palace should not skip on this 1.5 hours tour with a guide to bring you through. The guide would tell you of what each place is specifically for and how the kings, queens and official spent their time here.

Address 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 용산구 남산공원길 105 (용산동2가) I went to N Seoul Tower twice on two different day. Once on the second day of my trip by bus opposite Myeong-Dong. The second time was during my trek on Namsan mountain which led me to N Seoul again. I kept asking around how I could go up to N Seoul tower by walking but no locals could understand what I was trying to say and secondly I tried with the internet but all that I've read lead me to the bus route. I was really happy when I was up to N Seoul Tower when I was trekking Namsan Mountain.

Address 1063, Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 가평군 청평면 호반로 1063 I find this place really pretty and a magnificent view they have at the top but it is really catered to the young and more to those who understand Korean. But everyone should go there to enjoy the pretty structure and breath in the air and imagine your favourite actors and actresses who was there before for their show that was shot here. *Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island have a specific shuttle bus which you can buy a single ticket and move to all 3 stops from just outside Cheong Pyeong station.

Address 432, Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do 경기도 가평군 상면 수목원로 432 (상면) Prettiest and biggest garden I've been to till today. I found a quiet spot up a climb where very little people actually go to and had my lunch on a bench. It was so quiet I could reflect and submerge myself in this serenity. The breeze and the cool air made me feel like I was in the best place ever. I love solo trip but this is one place I wish I could bring everyone I know so they can enjoy this beautiful place. I actually wish I could build a small cottage up there so no one could disturb me. Okay, I think I might have went a little too far but this is one place I urge you to squeeze in your itinerary *Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm and Nami Island have a specific shuttle bus which you can buy a single ticket and move to all 3 stops from just outside Cheong Pyeong station.

Address 231, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 삼일대로 231 (예장동) One way to reach N Seoul Tower ! The climb can take up to minimally 60 mins depending on your speed.

Address 28, Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 서울특별시 중구 퇴계로34길 28 (필동2가) 일대 I randomly found this place when I walked to Chungmuro. It is a place with 5 houses to show the different living space from peasants to kings. They were rebuilt so that we can understand the past a little better. There are also shows like a wedding ceremony held that day and also a Teakwondo match/practice going on that day.

1. From Myeong-dong Station on line 4, go out of exit 6 or 7 and walk down the hill into the Myeong-dong neighborhood about 150 meters until you reach the M plaza building. 2. Pass the M Plaza building and go into the alley on the right (between M Plaza and the Body Shop). You should see the building with Seoul Kimchi Academy on the left. Seoul Kimchi Acadmey is located on the 4th floor of the building. (Address: 21-7 Myeongdong 8-gil). There is Kimchi, Tteokbokki making and hanbok for you to put on and take pictures in. This place is a little tricky to find but you can ask around and locals might be able to guide you through.

Best place to shop for clothes, bags and street snacks. Trust me, it is filled with the most fashionable and also at the lowest price. Hence, the amount of students shopping in this area. It's damn affordable. I left with my backpack filled of bags and with both arms carrying loads of clothes to fill my wardrobe. I told myself to resist but when I was there... I lost control.

I'm really big when it's grocery shopping in Korea. Yongsan's E-mart is located near a shopping mall. You can also shop there but it's slightly pricier but really pretty and I was impressed because they were all designed by locals. I chose Yangsan's E mart though it was slightly further from where I stay, it's a really big mart hence my choice. Grocery shopping in E-mart consist of 3kg of Kimchi minimally, loads of ramen, seaweed for sushi and seaweed for sushi ball. Loads of crackers, Korea's real brownies etc etc. All those radish were also in the bag. Korea's food are the best. I can eat them all day all night.