South Korea Trip 2013: Day 4 in Seoul (N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Garosugil & Go-To Mall)

N Seoul Tower

My fourth day in South Korea was a mixture of sightseeing during morning and shopping during the later part of the day.

Seeing as we're in Seoul, my travel partners and I couldn't miss out on going to N Seoul Tower. We took the subway to Myeongdong Station and from there, we took a walk up a steep little hill to reach the Namsan Cable Car station.

Finally reached Namsan Cable Car station... and more stairs!

We paid 8500 won (approximately RM25.50) for a round trip per person up the cable car to N Seoul Tower. For those faint-hearted, do prepare yourself for a ride up the mountain. Try not to stay close to the windows if you're afraid of heights though! 

After the cable car stops, we enlightened at a small platform where some pictures of Seoul city can be taken. Alas, the day was foggy and I could not see much.

The pretty pavilion that greets visitors atop the hill after the climb

A little climb up another few flights of stairs (no wonder Koreans are so fit!) and a pretty pavilion comes into view. Once you see it, N Seoul Tower is just another 5 minutes walk away! 

Young children on a field trip

While I was there, I spotted a group of young elementary school children out for a field trip posing for a group photo. They were too cute and I could not resist taking a photo of these happy children!

Trees full with locks of love

If you are here with your special loved one, don't miss out on leaving a lock of love as a symbol of your never ending love!

Artsy chairs for photo-taking sessions

There are also plenty of artsy chairs for you to take photos with. Each one has different graphics, so there's many for you to experiment with!

Spotted a huge poster for TvN's Reply 1994 drama

I also spotted a huge poster for TvN's Reply 1994 drama, and I couldn't help grinning because I'm a huge fan of the series. Reply 1997 too!

Sculpture atop the observation deck

Go up the observation deck for a better view of Seoul city. It was foggy, so my pictures didn't turn out good. I forgo the trip the N Seoul Tower because of the weather. I didn't want to waste my money anyway. But then there's another reason for me to return to Seoul again another time....

Ride down on the cable car

On the ride down in the cable car, this time I managed to get a window corner. When going up I was stuck in the centre and since the cable car was full, I couldn't take any photos. On the way down, I finally managed to get a few of the city skyline amidst the fog.

Old men weaving at Namsangol Hanok Village

Next up I went to Namsangol Hanok Village. To get here, take the subway and stop at Chungmuro Station, take Exit 3. Behind the petrol kiosk is the entrance to Namsangol Hanok Village. Admission is free, so do make this one of your stops if you want to experience Korean traditional folk culture.

Another pretty pavilion at Namsangol Hanok Village

This place is as traditional as it gets, even the houses here are actual houses of aristocrats from the Joseon era which had been moved from various places all over the country to its current place in Namsangol Hanok Village. There is also plenty of pretty spots here for photo taking sessions during fall as the fall foliage is quite pretty here!

Outside H&M outlet in Garosugil

Time's up for sightseeing for the day and I wanted to go to Garosugil in Gangnam to see the pretty gingko tree-lined street in autumn, so I took the subway to Sinsa Station. After exiting, I couldn't find any signs leading to Garosugil so I had to ask some locals for directions. Thank goodness they were helpful and kind and I finally find myself among international brands such as Forever 21, H&M and Zara.

French-inspired Eight Seconds store in Garosugil

From walking the streets of Garosugil, I could tell that this where the hip and trendy crowd shop and hang out. As well as do their plastic surgery appointments, since there a few with masks and even white tapes all over their faces shopping away in international brand outlets.

The famous Deux Cremes Tart store in Garosugil

I also passed by the famous Deux Cremes Tart store which I read about in a few blogs. It's in the same row with H&M, so you can't really miss it, especially with the huge grassy lawn in the middle of buildings.

As my travel partners are still full after having our lunch (Korean portions are huge) we decided to skip this one. Now I'm regretting not having gone in since they are touted to serve the best tarts in Seoul.... :(

Go-To Mall in Express Bus Terminal Station (pic credit: budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com)

Later I headed to Express Bus Terminal Station via subway for the next shopping destination. To get here, take the subway and stop at Express Bus Terminal Station and take Exit 8.

There are 3 shopping malls at Express Bus Terminal Station, first is Central City Underground Mall, secondly Shinsegae Departmental Store, and lastly Go-To Mall. All three are interconnected, so just walk around and you'll find it. While Central City and Shinsegae are closer to each other, the walk to Go-To Mall from the subway exit is further. Do walk further past Central City after coming out from the subway exit and continue walking till you see the Go-To Mall sign like the picture above.

Go-To Mall in Express Bus Terminal Station (pic credit: budgettravel2korea.blogspot.com)

Trust me, the choices here in Go-To Mall is way better than most underground shopping centres I've been to. It's even better for younger ladies like myself compared to Dongdaemun since the prices here are quite competitive (5000 won tights and sweaters are abundant) and the quality of most clothes here are better too.

Come here with plenty of cash to spare because you'll never know what catches your fancy. I bought a 10,000 won dress (approximately RM30) which will probably cost me double in KL. I am thankful I found this place while doing my research for my trip. Thank you Budget Travel Guide South Korea! Click on the link to read more about the mall!

And that ends my fourth day spent in Seoul. Stay updated for more on my trip to South Korea!

Read about my experience in Nampodong, BIFF Square and Gwangbok Street (Busan) here!

Read about my experience in Chungmuro, Namdaemun and Myeongdong here!

Read about my experience in Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City and Dongdaemun here!

Read about my experience in Gyeongbukgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, Changdeokgung and Insadong here!

Read about my experience in Busan (KTX and Busan City Night View Tour Bus) here! 

The author is swamped with too many clothes after shopping at Go-To Mall. Make sure you have sufficient luggage space if you intend to go shopping in Seoul!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

South Korea Trip 2013: Day 3 in Seoul (Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City & Dongdaemun)

Beautiful autumn colours greet me in Edae

My third day in South Korea was spent in Seoul, exploring the beautiful autumn colours. It's my first time travelling during autumn and the coldest so far I've experienced, so before heading out every day, I check the weather forecast for rain or drastic drop in temperatures.

No cars on an early morning at Edae

On the day I was headed to Edae (short for the area surrounding Ehwa Womans University), it was a chilly morning. Bundled up in scarves and a thick coat to last me throughout the day, I was ready to go. Tip: Check out what the locals are wearing before you head out. Usually they'll bundle up enough to keep them warm till they go home at night.

To get to Ehwa Womans University using the subway, stop at Ehwa Womans University Station and take Exit 2 or 3. After a short 5 minutes walk you will come to the university campus.

Ehwa Womans University main entrance

Finally I'm at the main entrance of Ehwa Womans University. What a great place for scenic shots of autumn... How I wish I could be a student here!

The 3 colours of autumn at Ehwa Womans University campus

The great thing about this campus is that admission is free and there is no restriction on entering the campus grounds. Just follow the tourists though and don't attempt to enter lecture halls!

Maple leaf :)

It's also the first time I'm experiencing autumn leaves up close. The beautiful red maple leaves make a great photography prop, many tourists were taking photos among the fiery red trees that line the campus.

The magnificent church on Ehwa Womans University campus

There was also a church up a hill on the campus grounds which can be seen from the entrance. A couple was seen taking their wedding photos using the church as a backdrop. Together with the pretty autumn colours, it was a romantic place to be. I wonder if I can one day have this as my wedding photoshoot venue? ;)

Blacksmith endorsers: Spotted my fave idol! :)

After taking plenty of beautiful shots, I headed to Edae street for shopping. But after coming out of the campus, the first thing I noticed was a Blacksmith outlet, and I finally got the first glimpse of my idol Park Yoochun! I can imagine those girls coming out of classes everyday and walk past just to get a glimpse of him everyday...

Cheap deals on Edae street

If you are a female under 30 and want to shop on a budget, then Edae is the place to go. There are plenty of cheap deals around here, from 10,000 won bags (approximately RM30) which looks like something I would have paid 3 times for in KL. And the cheap clothes from 5,000 to 10,000 won (approximately RM15 to RM30) which are surprisingly of pretty good quality is abundant over here. 

My only grouse is that it's autumn clothes and most are either long sleeved or sweaters for tops, or long pants or tights for bottoms. For Malaysian weather, I could only buy back lots of bottoms and some too good to resist sweaters and hoodies.

Top Ten (bottom floor) and Kosney (first floor) in Edae

I was lucky to come across some great deals in Top Ten, which is the Korean equivalent to Uniqlo, as I bought a pair of legging tights which costs 19,900 won (approximately RM60) at only 9,900 (approximately RM30). It was so comfy yet warm in the cool weather, so I bought another one before heading back to Busan. Top Ten can be found on almost every major shopping street, so you don't need to specifically come to Edae.

The giant pink shoe outside Kosney

If you spot a giant pink shoe from afar, then you know that you have found Kosney. Kosney is a lifestyle store that sells cute and pretty stuff which targets the ladies, and they stock accessories, stationery and home decoration goods which make you want to cart everything home! Beware though, their prices can be a little high, so only buy if it's within your budget or you think that it is very unique.

Jammy Cake, where you can decorate your own cake

In Edae you'll also find shops where you can decorate your own cake. You don't have to bake the cake as they have ready cakes for you to start decorating right away. Definitely something I'd like to try the next time if I'm here again. 

Hongdae, the artsy and cool street

Next up I headed towards Hongdae using the subway since it's just a stop away from Edae. Hongdae is cool and artsy as opposed to the cutesy Edae.

Art displays on the streets of Hongdae

If Edae has more stores selling cosmetics, clothing and accessories, then Hongdae has more food shops and artsy shops. There are plenty of art displays along the streets, and the occasional graffiti, so if you're game for a photo of yourself with an artsy background, look out for these.

Stylenanda, epitome of chic and cool

I happened to pass by Stylenanda, which seems to be one of the hottest brands in South Korea these days. Their store sells clothes and the make-up line 3 Concept Eyes, also another hot brand of cosmetics. The human traffic seems to be more focused on 3CE when I was here though.

Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae

Hongdae is also home to the famous Hello Kitty Cafe! As a huge Hello Kitty fan, I could not miss out on this cafe. Since it's tucked in an alley, if you have trouble locating it, try asking the volunteer tourist guides in red, and they will give you a map to guide you here. Another similar cafe can be found at Incheon International Airport, for those who could not make it here.

Hello Kitty merchandise for sale

Though I expected the desserts and drinks here to be on the pricey side since it's a specialty cafe, surprisingly it's not. The prices here are those of the average cafe prices, so it's a great stop for afternoon tea break. 

Their merchandise here is a bit pricey though, if you have time to shop around elsewhere for those, please do so. If not, be prepared to pay slightly more for a piece of Hello Kitty to bring home.

Hello Kitty waffle and drinks

My travel partners and I had some Hello Kitty waffles and latte drinks for our tea break. I had sweet potato latte while my travel partners had vanilla latte and black bean latte. While the waffle was just okay, the sweet potato latte was good. Creamy yet not too sweet. Apparently the vanilla latte was good too, but not the black bean latte. Actually it's black sesame, but unless you're a fan of it, try to stay away from this!

Pororo Theme Park at D-Cube City

Since I had some time on my hands, I headed to D-Cube City to get a glimpse of Pororo Theme Park. I was fairly disappointed when I found out it was closed for the day when I reached. I then went for dinner at the food court here.

Migliore and Hello aPM in Dongdaemun

Since I wanted to maximise my day, I went to Dongdaemun which is just a subway stop away from my hotel in Chungmuro. If you're taking the subway here, stop at Dongdaemun Station and take Exit 8 or 9.

First I walked around Migliore, but I felt that the stores here were unorganized and every little store is owned by a different proprietor. I missed KL's department stores where everything is under one roof and the cashier is centralized.

Somehow I felt that the clothes here in Dongdaemun is more backdated compared to those in Edae, but maybe because I'm the target age group of the stores in Edae. 

And there were also many small stores in Dongdaemun where they don't display prices, which made me having to ask the price if I like a certain piece. Most likely the prices quoted are very high, maybe since I'm not a local. Even when I start bargaining by slashing down the price to half, they don't want to give in, and eventually I walked away.

My tip for those shopping in Dongdaemun? Make sure you know the prices of clothes in other areas (such as Edae and underground shopping centres) before you go. If you see them displaying the price on a cardboard, most likely that's the cheapest end price and don't bargain further because they can't go lower. Do bargain though if there is no price displayed!

Lotte FitIn is one of the many Lotte branches in  Korea

My last stop of the day was Lotte FitIn in Dongdaemun, where the prices were quite high, like any other Lotte Departmental Store.

That ends my third day in South Korea and look out for my next day's adventure in Seoul!

Read about my experience in Nampodong, BIFF Square and Gwangbok Street (Busan) here!

Read about my experience in Chungmuro, Namdaemun and Myeongdong here!

Read about my experience in Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City and Dongdaemun here!

Read about my experience in N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Garosugil and Go-To Mall here!

Read about my experience in Gyeongbukgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, Changdeokgung and Insadong here! 

Read about my experience in Busan (KTX and Busan City Night View Tour Bus) here! 

Read about my experience in Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Haeundae Beach and Seomyeon here!

Read about my experience in Pusan Int'l University Street, Oncheonjang and Busan Trick Eye Museum here!

Update: Check out my latest account of my trip to Japan in 2015 here. Stay tuned for more updates on this trip!

The author is thrilled to be Seoul and wished to be a foreign exchange student here.

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

2NE1 Releases Latest Single 'Missing You'

2NE1 is back with their latest installment of what I hope will be the last of teasers to their new album. This round they released a ballad about past love, titled Missing You.

It's really refreshing to hear them sing wholeheartedly to a simple piano accompaniment since they mostly do dance numbers where the beats sometimes eclipses their vocals.

As YG's wife reportedly cried after hearing the lyrics, I could only understand after reading the English translations. It's heartbreaking yes, but I guess not everyone could understand unless they have been through a break-up.

If you have to watch the music video for 'Missing You', check it out below! You wouldn't want to miss out on CL's special appearance ;)



The author is still patiently waiting for 2NE1's comeback. It feels like forever since their release of 'I Love You', the supposedly song for their comeback. Now looking forward to their next concert in Malaysia!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

South Korea Trip 2013: Day 2 in Seoul (Chungmuro, Namdaemun & Myeongdong)

Seoul Station, my first stop after arriving from Busan via KTX

My second day in South Korea started by taking a taxi to Busan Station from the hotel. As I had previously booked my KTX ticket online before arriving in South Korea, all I needed to do was present the printed voucher to exchange for the actual train ticket. 

To book your tickets online, here's the link to Korail's English website.

Taking the KTX set me back around RM350 for a return ticket, but the price will vary depending on whether you take up the KR Pass or when you stop at designated stops along the way to Seoul.

View of Seoul city from Seoul Station

After a 300km/h ride on the KTX which took 2 hour and 30 minutes, I arrived at Seoul Station. Since it was around noon, I stopped for lunch at the food court which is connected to the Lotte Outlets next door. Food court prices are about the same of that in Lotte Departmental Store in Busan.

Chungmuro subway station

Next from Seoul Station, I took the subway to Chungmuro Station. I previously purchased my T-money chain in Busan the night before from GS25, one of the local convenience stores. 

Hello Kitty T-money chain

I bought a Hello Kitty one, so I paid slightly more for it, 8000 won (approximately RM24). Normal cards are way cheaper, probably around 3000 won (RM9). Take note that T-money cards are accepted in Seoul and Busan subway stations, so if you're travelling to these 2 places it's best you get this card.

I also had the card charged with 10,000 won (approximately RM30). Everytime you enter a turnstile at a subway station and swipe your card, you'll be charged 1050 won (approximately RM3.15). If you purchase a ticket at every stop, it will cost you 1100 won (approximately RM3.30). So it is more savings in the long run!

Chungmuro Residence (it's a tall and thin building)

After exiting from Chungmuro Station, I got lost finding Chungmuro Residence and had to get help from the local policemen as well as 7-11 store staff. After much walking, I found the hotel and realised that I had gotten out from the other end of the subway station. For those who intend to stay at Chungmuro Residence in the future, please take Exit 8 when you get off at Chungmuro Station.

2 single beds in the room

I booked the room at around RM280 per night for triple sharing via Agoda. The beds were quite clean but I loved the loft bed more although it's actually for kids. I'm kid-sized by the way :)

The super cozy loft bed

The ceiling's pretty low and I had to crawl on my knees but I had my own space up there and it was fun!

Clean toilet

The toilets were clean but my only grouse was there were no toiletries provided. Make sure to bring your own shampoo and body wash, as well as toothbrush and toothpaste if you're planning on staying here. If you don't mind paying a little extra, there's a little convenience store down at the lobby where you can get these toiletries.

The little kitchenette near the entrance of the room

The little kitchenette is great for those planning to cook their own meals. There is also a huge fridge, so you can buy fresh ingredients and drinks without worrying about how to store everything in it. A huge plus is a washing machine, which I didn't get to use. The instruction is all in Korean though, so you'll need some help to operate it.

The only table in the room with monitor screen as TV

Since the room is half of that of the room I stayed in Busan, I naturally felt that it was a bit cramped since I was sharing it with 2 other travel partners. The TV was a miniscule monitor, but most likely you'll not use it much like I did. Sightseeing and shopping in Seoul will probably take up more time and the room is just a sleeping place, so it's still bearable.

Namdaemun Market

Next up I took the subway to Hoehyeon Station, since I am going to Namdaemun Market. Take Exit 5 and you'll reach at the entrance of the marketplace.

Korean braised pork knuckles on sale

As it's a traditional market, expect to see a lot of ahjummas browsing around for good deals here. Food is abundant here, as well as household wares, Korean ginseng, socks, K-pop goods, and children's clothing.

The Face Shop 50% Sale

Some of the great hauls from Namdaemun include 500 won (approximately RM1.50) spoons and chopsticks which I got from a man selling on a makeshift stall in the middle of the road, 2000 won (approximately RM6) Korean stainless steel rice bowls, and 5000 won (approximately RM15) for pack of ten The Face Shop masks.

I walked from Namdaemun Market to Myeongdong, since these two shopping districts were within 10 minutes walking distance from each other. If you're taking the subway, you can get there by taking Exit 6 at Eljiro 1-ga Station, or Exit 6 at Myeongdong Station.

Shinsegae Departmental Store, where the rich shop

While walking to Myeongdong from Namdaemun Market, I passed by Shinsegae Departmental Store, where the rich wives do their shopping. I saw through the windows that there was a VIP lounge where the ladies were chit chatting while waiting for their drivers to pick them up.

Myeongdong, where the youth shop

If Namdaemun is where the ahjumma shops, then Myeongdong is where the ahgassi shops. Cosmetic stores are along every alley you go. And the promoters here are more aggressive here. Make sure if you're planning to buy cosmetics, come to Myeongdong since they'll most probably give you a free gift to entice you to enter their shop, and more after you make a purchase.

Apart from cosmetic stores, you can get more of the clothing brands Korean youths wear. There is SPAO, one of the most celebrity endorsed brands I've encountered. Since SM artists endorse SPAO, it is fitting that you can take pictures with their posters in-store. Look out for designated photo zones. And best of all, Everysing is located at the top floor of the SPAO building! SMTown fans, don't miss this place out!

Dinner at Gimgane next to SISTAR

I had dinner at Gimgane, where the food was simple but delicious. It's really more to quick and simple food such as ramyun, odeng, tteokbukki and udon, food youths love. The prices here are quite reasonable, ranging from 5000 won to 8000 won per dish (approximately RM15 to RM24).

That sums up my first day in Seoul and I hope you had fun reading my post!

Read about my experience in Nampodong, BIFF Square and Gwangbok Street (Busan) here!

Read about my experience in Edae, Hongdae, D-Cube City and Dongdaemun here!

Read about my experience in N Seoul Tower, Namsangol Hanok Village, Garosugil and Go-To Mall here!
Read about my experience in Gyeongbukgung, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong, Changdeokgung and Insadong here! 
Read about my experience in Busan (KTX and Busan City Night View Tour Bus) here! 

Update: Check out my latest account of my trip to Japan in 2015 here. Stay tuned for more updates on this trip!

The author is still infatuated over all things Korean and thinks she left part of her soul back in Seoul... time to plan for the next trip!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!