The last I went to Korea for a holiday was when I was 12. So, I was very excited for this trip as I had no idea how is it like in Korea now; it would be a 'fresh' trip for me!
To start off, I took Korean Air and I must say that I was very impressed by the overall experience! The air stewardesses were friendly and offered great service and the in-flight meals were quite tasty. Most importantly, as I had a fear of flying (or more specifically, fear of take-offs!), both flights on Korean Air were extremely smooth; did not have the 'falling' feeling which freaks me out. If you're off to Korea, I will definitely recommend Korean Air. While the airfare is more expensive than the Scoot (to Seoul via Taipei), the comfort that it offers, for a 6 hour flight, makes it worthwhile.
After a smooth and sleepy flight, we arrived at Incheon Int' Airport on early Sunday morning. I was still feeling quite tired and after 'sleepwalking' through immigration, we chanced upon a huge Samsung TV which was broadcasting the ENGLAND vs. ITALY World Cup match live! So we decided to buy ourselves a latte, sit down and watch the match. England was disappointing but overall, the match was quite exciting. After, we rented a portable wifi device (egg) from the SK Telecom counter a the airport. In retrospect, I would not have rented it from the airport, as I am going to find out that my Guesthouse rents it out at a much cheaper price ($6 SGD!). So you might want to check if your guesthouses or hotels rent out these wifi devices. So, I rented the device for $10SGD/day. Next, I took a bus (number 6015) to Namsam Guesthouse, in Myeongdong.
For you guys staying around Myeongdong, there is a bus 6015 (located outside the arrival hall) which stops at Exit 10, Myeongdong Subway Station (just in front of Sejong Hotel). The bus frequency is around every 20 minutes and it costs 10'000 KRW (around $ 12 SGD). The last bus leaves at around 10.45pm so if you're arriving at night, you can check out the AREX (Airport Express Subway) which stops at Seoul Station.
We reached Namsan Guesthouse at 10am but we could not check in yet (was itching for a shower). We decided to do go over to the shopping streets of Myeongdong to have an early lunch.
And we ended up at YOOGANE :D, for out first meal in Seoul.
Prices are so much cheaper than SG!!
Free flow of side dishes :)
We ordered the Marinated Chicken Galbi fried rice. So after ordering, you just have to put on an apron and watch the waiter cook the food for you :P Also take note that YOOGANE (and many restaurants in fact) do not allow sharing. For 2 persons, we had to order 2 portions.
Empty Yoogane, don't even have to queue :P
There are 2 outlets in Myeongdong and it is very easy to spot them. The more convenient one to locate (Branch 2) is located near exit 8. After walking out of Exit 8, turn left and walk straight for about 500m. It is 'un-missable'.
BUT, I would recommend you to visit the Yoogane outlet at Gangnam because they have a special add-on menu which includes this seafood pancake that you have to eat!!
OMNOMNOM. Not every outlet serves this seafood pancake but the Gangnam outlet I went to has it. I visited YOOGANE in Gangnam for a second time (a few days later), because it was so delicious. The pancake was quite big, enough for 4 persons to share and it costs about $10 SG. It's actually one of the cheaper pancakes we have eaten in Seoul; I was surprised to find that pancakes can cost more than $20 in restaurants.
Psssttt, top is an upcoming item on The Wallflower Shop ;)
Shopping along the streets in Myeongdong. Myeongdong is a heaven for cosmetic lovers!! Although my cosmetic can last me like super long ( 1.5 years to finish a tube of BB cream, blusher etc... ), I still go crazy there!! Everything (skinfood, innisfree, etude house, face shop) is so cheap!! Prices can be like 3 times cheaper than in SG!
Everyone seems to be buying face masks when they head to korea but I bought like only 10 pieces? I was more into their lip gloss and I regretted not buying more D:
Shall post a picture of my hauls in the next part of my blog since I have not really unpacked my luggage yet :P
There's a gyoza store at Myeongdong which is a MUST TRY! I went back twice for their yummy gyoza!!
Their Gyoza noodle which is so so yummy!!
Tried this cold soybean noodle during my second time there because on my first trip, I saw the table beside me ordering this and it looks so tempting. I could say this is quite a special dish!
Directions to this Gyoza restaurant:
•Take Exit 8, turn to left and keep walking for 3-5 minutes. Shop is on the right.
Note: All the shops in Seoul are mostly in korean and it's very difficult to spot so you must really pay attention or take a look at their menu :)
Will try to write on part 2 soon :D
P.S. You can find my ig posts on seoul by searching for #katexseoul
xx
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