Tag: Seoul

The hip and trendy Hongdae
Hongdae is a university neighbourhood known for its cool and trendy urban scene. I have to check that out as itâ€™s often being cited to be the hippest in Seoul. The funky name is a fusion using the first two Korean syllables of the massive Hongik Daehakgyo, or Hongik University. And with the other major Universities like Yonsei and Ehwa Womanâ€™s in close proximity. Hongdae has become a thriving hangout place for many young Koreans and that energetic youthfulness around the streets is unmistakable. Itâ€™s like a edgy pacesetter of the diversity trends and tastes of Seoul.
Trickeye Museum Seoul
The first place of visit was the popular Trickeye Museum Seoul. This unique art gallery has two-Dimensional (2D) paintings created with â€˜trompe lâ€™oeilâ€™ techniques that gives flat picture a 3-Dimensional (3D) illusion. And this optical illusion brings loads of fun to the visitors posing to be part of the pictures. There are also guiding instructions and sample photos to those who has zero clue on how to pose! Therefore, itâ€™s a great place to spend some fun time with family and friends with all the silly poses.
The ticket price covers the Ice Museum but honestly, there isnâ€™t really much to see inside.
Castle Praha in Hongdae
Next up was my reunion with the beautiful Prague astronomical clock, in Hongdae! However, I am referring to the replica of Pragueâ€™s infamous Tower clock and Old Town Hall. But the attention to details is impressive, from the nice medieval dÃ©cor to those Czech Marionettes hanging above the bar. Castle Praha is a brewery and restaurant that serves authentic Czech cuisine. And that would be plenty of delicious meaty food!
Meanwhile, hold my Soju. Itâ€™s time for some Pilsner! LOL!
Hongdae Mural Street
The alleyway of Wausan-ro 22 gil is commonly known as Hongdae Mural Street or Picassoâ€™s Street. This is the street art gallery where the graffiti is constantly being refreshed or replaced by newer ones. And thatâ€™s a mixed bag altogether as some of fantastic works can get replaced by duller ones (hopefully itâ€™s vice versa!). In short, the visit here is kinda underwhelming…
Hongdae Free Market
Hongdae Free Market takes place on Saturday afternoon from March to November between 1 pm to 6 pm. The art theme market has always been held at the park in front of Hongik University. Here’s where the local artists showcase their handmade items and creative artwork. It’s easy to spot various products such as accessories, unique handicrafts, postcards, bags being displayed in this market. Above all, do support these talents!
In addition, there are live music performances to hype up the marketplace which is definitely a nice touch.
The historical Hangang Bridge at night
Han River is one of the most notable landmarks in Seoul and has been pivotal towards the nationâ€™s building. The large waterway cuts through the city from east to west, which explains why there are more than twenty bridges spanning across Han River. Hangang Bridge is one of them and it interests me for the significance It bears amid with a sad tragic history. This oldest pedestrian bridge in Seoul was blown up in an attempt to delay the advancing North Korean troops during the Korean War. The hasty decision was made with no warning or consideration to the innocent civilians commuting on the bridge that faithful day. Seriously?
The bridge has since been restored and reconstructed to what it is today. There is a quiet park which overlooks the beautiful Hangang Bridge near to Nodeul Subway station. The elevated ground would have been a good place to capture the well lit Hangang Bridge at night, if not for the tall trees blocking most of the views.
Finally, it’s time for dinner at Yoogane Myeongdong. I know itâ€™s available in Singapore where I have visited a few times. But somehow the spiciness and ingredients in Myeongdong seems to be better by a few notches.
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What are your thoughts about Hongdae? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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June 4, 2019
Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong
We made our way towards Myeongdong Cathedral after getting the daily fix at Isaac Toast. The eat-as-we-walk breakfast was such a delightful treat to start the day. Myeongdong Cathedral is located along the busy streets of Myeongdong and itâ€™s said to be the first Western-style building in the country. Its Gothic design is indeed a standout in the area. And the high ceiling interior is fitted with nice stained-glass windows like most Gothic churches. The quiet St. Maryâ€™s garden behind the cathedral is where the believers stop by for quick prayers.
Stepping back in time at the Gyeongbokgung
Visiting Gyeongbokgung (æ™¯ç¦å®®) is easy, being a short subway ride away from Myeongdong. Gyeongbokgung was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty and known to be the largest of its kind. The palace suffered the ill fate of several destructions due to previous wars and Japanese invasions. Thankfully, the Koreans saw the need to retain this cultural heritage and began a painstaking process for the past 20+ years in restoring Gyeongbokgung. And it will probably take some more years to fully restore all of the buildings.
The main entrance is Gwanghwamun Gate (å…‰åŒ–é–€) with three arched doors and a double roof. We arrived just in time to catch the changing of the Royal Guards which happens twice daily (except Tuesday when the palace is closed). The re-enactment showcases to visitors on how the traditional handover was done in the past.
The ticket counters will be on the right upon entering from Gwanghwamun Gate. Thereafter, we have to pass the Heungnyemun Gate (èˆˆç¦®é–€) to the inner courtyard where Geunjeongjeon Hall (å‹¤æ”¿æ®¿) is located.
Geunjeongjeon Hall is the throne hall where the king would handle states affairs and hold meetings. The elaborated ceiling really stands out but itâ€™s a pity that visitors can only admire the grand hall from the outside.
Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (æ…¶æœƒæ¨“) sits peacefully on a pond and was used for grand banquets in the past.
There are way too many halls to be explored so we decided to move on to the National Folk Museum due to time constraints. The museum provides a glimpse of the Koreans living in traditional times.
Old Seoul at Bukchon Hanok Village
We continued to Bukchon Hanok Village after a brief lunch stop at Samcheong-dong to fill our stomachs and rest our feet. The uphill village is home to Hanoks, or traditional Korean houses, that are dated back to the Joseon Dynasty. It is well-preserved to showcase the living environment back in the days.
The houses are now mostly filled with tea rooms, cafes, restaurants, guesthouses despite being a residential area for some. There are signages and elderly Koreans being deployed to request for quietness in the neighbourhood. I suppose this is necessary especially with the influx of tourists roaming around here.
The Arty-farty Insadong
Insadong is commonly known to be the old school art district in Seoul. The street along this Artsy place sells anything from art pieces, traditional Korean paper, paper fans, handicraft, wooden toys, Hangul stamps and more. Similarly, there are plenty of souvenir items which can be found here too.
We also visited the famous Ssamziegil mall which has nice quirky shops and cafes in it.
The roof garden on the top floor is another interesting place where many round-shaped love notes are.
Our dinner was at Sinpo Woori Mandoo restaurant which is famous for their handmade dumplings.
Thereafter, we went over to Gwanghwamun square to take some touristy shots before heading off to Ewha Womanâ€™s University Fashion Street. It is, after all, a shopping street caters mainly to the female students from the famous University. Hence, the things sold here are seemingly much more affordable.
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What are your thoughts about Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon Hanok Village or Insadong? Leave a comment and share it with me.
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May 20, 2019