Sunday, November 24, 2013

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!

Thursday, November 21, 2013

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!

Monday, November 18, 2013

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!

Thursday, November 14, 2013

South Korea Trip 2013: Day 1 in Busan (Nampodong, BIFF Square, Gwangbok Street)

Lotte Dept Store at Nampodong
My dream holiday to South Korea finally came true! When AirAsia first launched their new route to Busan in April earlier this year, I chanced upon the cheap airfares and managed to book a return ticket for approximately RM800!

After months of researching on the internet and tedious planning (since I'm on a self-guided tour) on my maiden visit to South Korea, I was ready to experience the country that I've only been to see on my television and through K-pop songs I loved to listen.
Busan Tower Hill Hotel
I booked a 4 night stay at Busan Tower Hill Hotel in Jungang through Agoda, for approximately RM300 per night. My stay was split into 2 parts, the first night in Busan, then another 4 nights in Seoul, and another 3 nights in Busan before heading home to Kuala Lumpur. They have a luggage storage service too, so that's another brownie point from me, since I left my luggage with them before leaving for Seoul via KTX.
Cozy beds and warm ambience in hotel room
I loved the service provided in Busan Tower Hill Hotel. The beds were cozy and comfortable, and all necessary amenities including toiletries were provided. Counter staff were polite and friendly, and very helpful too!
Clean bathroom and toiletries are provided
I loved that they were generous with their body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Not many hotels provide such huge bottles of toiletries. The best of the toilet was the warm bidet! Never fear of sitting on a cold toilet seat during autumn or winter again!
Gwangbok Underground Shopping entrance just outside the hotel

After checking into the hotel at 4.30pm, I had a stroll around the surrounding area. Since it's autumn, the sun sets around 5.30pm and by around 6pm it's already completely dark. With nothing much to do, I had a walk looking for dinner. Jungang Station is the nearest subway station to Busan Tower Hill Hotel, take exit 1 since it's the nearest. 

Next, I found Gwangbok Underground Shopping Center just a short walk out the hotel. It's somewhere where Lotte Departmental Store is in sight, to be precise.

One thing great about Korea is there are many entrances to their underground shopping centers or subways, so just go down any entrance you encounter because you'll eventually end up in the same place no matter where you enter from.
Nampo Underground Shopping entrance
Nampo Underground Shopping Center is linked to Gwangbok Underground Shopping Center, if you walk along following the signs, you'll end up here from where Lotte Departmental Store is. If you exit from Nampo Underground Shopping Center, you'll find yourself closer to BIFF Square and Jagalchi Market.
Buzzer given when you order food or drinks
I had my first dinner at Lotte Departmental Store since it was Sunday and not many shops around the hotel were open. I had a great first experience with the buzzer! It will buzz when your order is ready. Then you proceed to collect your order at the designated counter. 
Jeonju Bibimbap at Lotte Dept Store food court
The Jeonju Bibimbap (approx 7000 won; RM21) I had was quite similar to the bibimbap that I've tasted in KL, so there's nothing to shout about. What I loved was every other meal I had in Korea came with free refillable drinking water, so that's savings in terms of drinks. Their meals are usually around 7000 won, which means it's a budget of RM20 every meal, (thank goodness food in Malaysia is cheap!) but of course it's a huge portion each round with many side dishes (kimchi!).
BIFF Square entrance opposite Jagalchi Market
Next up after dinner I went to BIFF Square to get a glimpse of night market life. There was a particular hotteok stall that was popular and has a long queue. 
Look out for this hotteok stall with a long queue somewhere outside the Eight Seconds store
The hot hotteok (1000 won; RM3) was delicious and was a perfect snack in the cold weather. 

Hotteok, the perfect hot snack in the cold weather
I also tried the spicy grilled chicken (2000 won; RM6) on a long stick, but unfortunately I was too busy eating to take pictures!
Entrance to Yongdusan Park (Busan Tower) along Gwangbok Street
Next I had a stroll back to the hotel from BIFF Square through Gwangbok Street. This street is quite nicely done up and I find myself thinking that I was in some European country. Many branded stores, both international and local, lined this street.
Hollys Coffee next to Teenie Weenie on Gwangbok Street
There seems to be no shortage of coffee chains on Gwangbok Street too. Hollys Coffee, Coffine Gurunaru, Tom N Toms Coffee, and Caffe Bene are among the coffee shops you can opt to stop for a hot drink here.
Caffe Bene along Gwangbok Street
I stopped at Caffe Bene for a drink before heading back to the hotel. It's endorsed by Crayon Pop in very Christmassy red uniforms, which is sure to put you in the Xmas mood. Next up for Day 2 is the KTX ride to Seoul!

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! 


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

The author was thrilled to be able to step on the grounds of the Land of the Morning Calm. Busan was a pretty much laid back town and next up is the adventurous shopping experience in Seoul! Look out for the next post!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

miss A Is All 'Hush'ed Up


miss A is back with their latest album and single titled Hush! With an even sexier concept this autumn, the girls certainly will captivate more fanboys (and fangirls like me too!).

The most intriguing part of their latest album is that their title track is not produced or written by their boss, JYP. Instead, E-Tribe, who was behind the success of SNSD's Gee and Lee Hyori's U Go Girl. Which also means this is a break of tradition, since they have always promoted using JYP songs. Let's see how they fare this round, shall we?

I was actually in South Korea when the album was released, and managed to track down a local K-pop music store nearby my hotel in Busan. It was a mistake on my part not to buy it on the first day of its release as it was sold out the next day!

Check out the music video for 'Hush' below!



The author is back from her 9-day trip to Seoul and Busan and is currently sorting over thousand pictures to post up on this blog. Look out for more updates!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Big Bad Wolf Books Warehouse Sale 2013


Before I leave for South Korea and come back with lots of stuff and pictures to post on my blog, I'm gonna post about the upcoming annual Big Bad Wolf Books Warehouse Sale 2013 in December first!

For those not in the know yet, the warehouse sale will be held at MIECC, The Mines from 6 to 15 December 2013 and the best thing this time round is that they will be open for 230 hours straight. That means 24 hours book shopping! Whee!! Super cool for K-drama freaks like me who hate missing my drama episodes for book shopping!

As always, make sure you have lots of time to spare before you go in, since you'll spend lots of time poring over books to buy (there's 3 million books to choose from!), and bring some recyclable bags, trolleys and water too!

For more info, hit up their website here!

They will also have contests in anticipation of their warehouse sale, so if you are keen to win preview passes to get in the venue ahead of others, make sure you follow them on Facebook or Twitter!

The author is freaking out that she'll overspend her budget this year, no thanks to her South Korea trip and Big Bad Wolf Books Warehouse Sale!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

Friday, October 25, 2013

Kim Jaejoong pre-releases 'Sunny Day' and 'Butterfly' singles



I just can't wait for Jaejoong to release his latest album WWW, so I'll just post about his 2 pre-released singles Sunny Day and Butterfly to let off some steam!

First off, 'Sunny Day' was the typical ballad that I'd expect Jaejoong to sing. It's something like those songs for drama OSTs, so sad yet beautiful. A collaboration track with Noel's Lee Sang Gon, the song pulls your heartstrings at right places, and their vocal delivery makes it all the more emotional.

Check out the audio clip for 'Sunny Day' below! 



Meanwhile 'Butterfly' is a pop rock song, a genre which I think Jaejoong had more fun singing than ballads. It's a fun song filled with electric guitar riffs, and I can picture him singing this song during his solo concert.


Check out the audio clip for 'Butterfly' below!



The album 'WWW' will be released on 29 October, and it's already topping charts in pre-orders. Looking forward to listen to all the new tracks soon!

The author hopes to get a copy of WWW when she lands in South Korea in 2 weeks' time!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

Monday, October 21, 2013

IU and Her 'Red Shoes'


IU is back with her latest album, Modern Times. It seems that she is blossoming into a pretty and sexy young lady with her latest album. Somehow I think she does it in style, sort of in a classy way instead of trashy.

The album has been on loop on my playlist for 2 weeks now, and I still can't get enough of it. Maybe it's just my tendency towards jazz and 1920's music, Great Gatsby style, but I digress.

Nevertheless, IU made a mark on K-pop this season with her out of ordinary music choice. Given that the K-pop is overflooded with similar-sounding songs, as if made out of the same cookie cutter moulds, IU's 'Modern Times' album is a breath of fresh air. Never mind that the album is named 'Modern Times' although it might sound more like 'Old Times' to some people.

The title track, The Red Shoes, is a jazz number that'll get you dancing in no time. With its catchy beat and IU's soulful interpretation, this has to be one of the best tracks on the album.

Catch the music video for 'The Red Shoes' below if you have yet to. Look out for some famous faces!


Some of my other favourites on this album are Between The Lips, Modern Times, and Gloomy Clock (featuring SHINee's Jonghyun).

Great comeback from IU this round. I'm already anticipating her next project and transformation. Can't wait for her next acting project too since she did very well in the concluded drama You're The Best Lee Soon Shin!.

The author hopes that IU will be promoting more of her songs on music shows even after 'The Red Shoes' as most of the songs on the album are really good!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Ko Hyang: Korean Country Delights

Ko Hyang's Yukgaejang is simply delicious!
Yet another food review before my upcoming trip to South Korea in November. This time round I tried Ko Hyang, a quaint little store located at the LG floor of The Gardens Mall

My choice of dish is Yukgaejang, a spicy beef stew with vegetables. Served with a bowl of rice (with beans in it) and 3 banchans (bean sprouts, anchovies and kimchi), the meal was quite satisfying and affordably priced (it was around RM18.90 I think). My mom tried the Dol Sot Bibimbap, while my brother had the Chicken BBQ. 

While the Dol Sot Bibimbap was similar to what we've tried at most places, my Yukgaejang was flavourful and not too spicy. I kept drinking till my spoon reached the bottom of the bowl. Even my mom couldn't resist from stealing a few spoonfuls of the delicious soup. And mind you, she was already quite full at that point!

The Chicken BBQ was the most surprising winner of all the 3 dishes we ordered. The chicken was succulent and juicy, and so fragrant that when the chef started cooking it, we could smell it right away!

Definitely stop by for a taste of Korean country delights (their tagline obviously does not lie!) when you're around the vicinity. Do be warned though, they have few tables only and most of the time they are full at meal times. But staff are quick and we were seated within less than 5 minutes even when the store is full.

Can't wait to try their Bulgogi Bokem next round. Hit up their website for more info!

Update: I managed to try their Bulgogi Bokem last week when I was in the vicinity. The meat was very succulent and tasty! It was so good that I finished it till the last piece although I was practically full halfway through the meal :)

The author is ecstatic to try authentic Korean food in South Korea. If you have any great food suggestions, do drop a comment below. Thanks!

Do follow me on Twitter for the latest updates!