Day 11 - Namiseom and Insadong

How to get to Naminara Republic

Catch a subway to Cheongnyangni Station then change to Gyeongchunseon Line leaving to Gapyeong Station (KRW 5,200) that will take approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Once you arrive at Gapyeong Station, grab a taxi which just in front of the station (taxi fare is approximately KRW 3,500 - 4,000 and it takes about 5 to 10 minutes) or take a bus to Namiesom Island-Gapyeong Wharf (Fare is KRW 950 and double check with the bus schedule before depart). Then purchase the ferry ticket and entry visa at Namiseom Island Ticket Centre (ferry normally runs every 15-20 minutes).

If those sounds terrified, don't worry I got another much easier solution to go to Nami Island. Eventhough, it's a bit more expensive but it guarantee a piece of mind and away from those hassle bustle.. We only need to catch this direct bus from Insadong to Nami Island

Direct bus: Insadong - Nami Island (return) only once a day, 7 days a week

*price as per April 2011

Adult: KRW 15,000 (return trip) or KRW 7,500 (one way)

Child: KRW 13,000 (return trip) or KRW 6,500 (one way)

Bus departing from Insadong near Tapgol Park at 9.30 am

and departing from Nami Island (parking lot in front of ticket office) at 16.00 - The bus actually stops at Gapyeong wharf

Then we need to catch the ferry departing from Gapyeong wharf every 10 - 20 mins that will bring us to Nami wharf. The last ferry will depart at 21.45 from Nami wharf.

To get in to the Island, we have to pay for entree fee or it's called visa fee

Regular: KRW 10,000

but until 31 Dec 2011, foreigners only pay KRW 8,000

Visit this site for more information

https://www.namisum.com/_ver01/_bbs_iw2000/?link_code=090107





Nami Island is famous not only because of their magnificent looking pine trees but also for this famed Korean drama series - Winter Sonata (It stars Choi Ji Woo and Bae Yong Joon). Have anyone ever watched it? Sssttttt..., I haven't even watched it myself. By the way, it doesn't matter we still can enjoy the beautiful and romantic landscape and plenty of sightseeing.



Enjoying Korean Instant Noodle from 7Eleven



Nami Island map



Top: Korean sausages stuffed with rice cake. Bottom: Fish Chips from Myeong Dong Market

The two best snacks that I've tried in Korea but unfortunately I just discovered them on the last day otherwise they gonna be my regular snack every single day like the waffles.  


Insadong
In here, Insadong is famous for their hanok-style house restaurant and plenty of traditional tea house as well. The government tend to preserve this area to remain its Korean traditional condition for tourism.

Sinpo Woori Mandoo, Insadong
Insadong 37, Jongno, Seoul
Many branches across Seoul, incl Myeongdong and Dongdaemun
Hours: 10.30am - 11.00pm

Side dishes



Twigim Mandoo KRW 4,000 (about AU$ 3.60)

This seductive deep-fried dumpling on the hot pan is just a perfect starter for my appetite. It is actually deep-fried gyoza which crispy on the outside but yet keeping its own texture in the inside.



Top: Sogogi Busut Dupbab KRW 6,000 (AU5.45) and Bottom: Sinpo Kimchi Jigae KRW 5,500 (AU$ 5)

Sogogi Busut Dupbab is a rice dish with special dressed beef, mushroom and vegetables with a little sweet and spicy sauce (bimbimbap sauce).



Old Tea Shop, Insadong

We didn't have a chance to try this nice-looking tea shop, but I couldn't resist myself to take photo from outside this lovely tea house.


Insadong Chatjip Teahouse
Seoul-si Jongno-gu Gwanhun-dong 196-5 1F
Anguk Station, Seoul Subway line 3, Exit #6
Hours: 10:00 - 22:50



Bottom: Pine Needle Tea

The tea has this exotic smell and sweet taste, which would sooth the throat and keep you warm in this cold wintery day. And those sweet rice cakes are just the right compliment to go with the tea. Another plus side was the traditional tea house's decoration that will make you feel like having tea in the old ancient time. No doubt.. if you want to call it a night, this could possibly be the one you looking for.


Sticky rice cake with roasted bean powder



Out of the concept.. But just find this interesting for me. If you guys going to Korea, please be prepare for heap of stairs to climb.

Here's come the end of journey in Korea. We had so much fun and full of great moments to cherish, whether it be friendly people, beautiful landscape, clean city and of course yummy food. Definitely I will return again, but now lets move on to Hong Kong. So, Octie Appetie guys...



Day 10 - Gyeongbok Palace

Gyeongbok-Gung is a royal palace located in the northern part of Seoul. Being the main palace, the compound was the largest of the 'Five Grand Places' built by the Joseon Dynasty. Gyeongbok-Gung Palace means "Palace of Shining Happiness".

Another a must-visit palace in Seoul that also built by kings of the Joseon Dynasty is Changdeok-Gung Palace which is located in the east of Gyeongbok Palace. The literal meaning of Changdeokgung is "Palace of Prospering Virtue". My suggestion is to visit the Gyeongbok Palace in the morning then heading to Changdeokgung Palace through the narrow hidden alleyway (Gahoe-Dong) that full of these old ancient-style houses (Hanok), quirly cafes and restaurants, also contains a number of museums and galleries. Afterall, end your journey with the full-course royal banquets while enjoying the beautiful landscape and ambiance of traditional hanok. Most of the restaurants are located around Angguk.

These are some of the Gyeongbok-Gung palace photos that I took.

Brrrr... It was the coldest day ever while we're there. Apparently, they were snowing in some part of Korea. We thought April its suppose to be spring already. Eventhough before we went, we did check the weather and it said that the weather would be around 3 to 15 degrees. Stubborn me, I just believe in myself and thought it would be like spring in Australia so I didn't bring any thick coats at all.

Early morning today, we caught this free shuttle bus from Ibis hotel (booked in advance) and they drop us at Gyeongbok Palace. Once we got off from the shuttle bus, we knew straight away that its definitely freezing cold here. But we still keep going, bared the chilly weather and sightseeing the palace. After awhile we completely could not stand it anymore, so we decided to change our plan that previously wanna go to ChangdeokGung palace and Angguk to our lovely warm hotel. We just about to put on more cloth and head back out again but our laziness struck us and we just went out for lunch around Myeong Dong instead.. Big mistake !!!! That made me miss the Korean Royal-style meal (Hanjeongsik) that I've been planning for.


Pho' Bay
Around Myeong Dong

Vietnamese Mixed Noodle KRW 10,000 (AU$ 9.10)

We also had the Beef Noodle Soup (Pho' Beef) but the picture doesn't turn out nice. Generally, the food was nice but compare to the one we have in OZ, this one is I think they put too much Korean touch to suit the local taste buds.

Fresh Spring Roll KRW 4,000 (about AU$ 3.60)


Kenzo Ramen, Myeong Dong

Top: Beef Bowl Rice KRW7,500 (about AU$6.80) and Bottom: Kenzo Ramen (spicy) KRW9,500 (about AU8.60)

So, Octie-Appetie guys...

Day 9 - Jump Show and Mr. Pizza for dinner

It's gonna be a short one this time.. So, Octie-Appetie...


Breakfast Buffet @ Ibis Hotel KRW 16,500 (AU$ 15)


It's only been a week since we left home but I miss my bacon and eggs breakie already. As we had no plan on that morning, my instinct instantly told me to have this buffet breakfast in the hotel. Next thing I know, we already seated in the Ibis hotel restaurant and when I went for the first round of food hunting I couldn't see any bacon there. Maybe I just overlooked, so I paid more attention on my second round, still... no sign of any bacon!!! Thus, I ordered the waitress for bacon... Once we got them, I was completely disappointed. Those strips of bacon were totally dry, missing the fatty part and overcooked. What a bacon without the fatty part??? For me, It's called 'Ham'.. Anyway, the unlimited smoked duck and mix-your-own Udon were spot on. Especially, those croissants were champion. They were freshly baked, soft in texture and very rich in taste.

Today been a very lazy day for us, after breakfast we just relaxed and chilled out in the hotel room while waiting for our Jump show tonight. Excited!!!!!

White Chocolate Dream Latte (The Coffee Bean) KRW 5,800 (about AU$ 5.30)

I'm a huge fan of flavoured-latte and this one is so addictive. Big flavour comes from this little latte drink. Yumm...


Jump Show

Ph: +82 2722 3995 for the quick reservation

Admission Fee:

R-seat KRW 50,000

S-seat KRW 40,000 (about AU$36.35)

We asked Ibis hotel concierge to book for us. Luckily, we got special price only KRW 36,000 (about AU$ 32.70).

This a must-watch musical comedy show, especially when you are in Korea. The first shoe hit the stage in July 2003 ever since it has been incredible famous in Korea and also success internationally. The show is very dynamic and innovative that incorporates Korean traditional martial arts, Taekwondo and Taekkyeon. Roughly, its story tells us about 2 unlucky robbers sneaking into the house of a family full martial art experts who have to defend their house from invaders. The show is not only hilariously entertaining but it also contains lots of spectacular high-kicking and back-flipping action.



Sourced from http://visitkorea.or.k/



Mr. Pizza
Around Myeong Dong
(Its normally shown on the tourist map)

Top: Garlic Bread KRW 1,800/4 pieces (AU$ 1.60) and Bottom: Omiribs Pizza KRW 29,700 (about AU$27)

 Sounds a bit pricey for $27 pizza, but actually quite worthed cos it comes with 1 coke (refillable) and salad bar that heaps of choices, such as chicken caesar salad, sweet potato salad, pasta salad, potato salad, tuna salad, Korean glass noodles salad, kimchi and plenty more. For the pizza crust, we can choose from classic pan, soft cream cheese, mozarella cheese, or sweet potato paste. We had this Omiribs pizza which was basically pizza topped with pumpkin, garlic, pork ribs and BBQ sauce with soft cream cheese crusty-pan.



Day 8 - Namdaemun Market & Myeong Dong again...

Breakfast on KTX train to Seoul

We bought this take-away sushi just right outside the Busan Station. They were really fresh as made to order, also comes with condiments (pickled garlic, radish, ginger and miso soup).

Takeaway Sushi from Busan Station KRW 5,000 (about AU$4.55)

Namdaemun Market, Seoul

I was a bit disappointed here, first the Namdaemun gate was being renovated and the market wasn't my type  at all. We didn't stay there that long and headed back to Myeong Dong to get some dinner.

Deep Fried Hot Dog Bread Sticks KRW 1,500 each (AU$ 1.35)

Myeong Dong, Seoul
Just few foot steps away from Myeong Dong Gyoja Branch No.1
as shown at my previous blog (Day 5-Namsan Village)

Having walked pass this shop for few times and I vowed myself that I have to try this Dak Galbi which is actually a dish that made by stir-frying marinated chicken in a gochujang (chilli pepper paste) with sliced cabbage, onions and rice together on a gigantic cast iron pan.

Chicken Dak Galbi KRW 5,500 each - so 2 sets cost KRW 11,000 (about AU$10) and extra cheese KRW 2,000 (about AU$1.80)

Trouble... Trouble... as usual. We came inside this restaurant, seated and when we about to place an order with one of the waitress, we got this language barrier again. With pointing at the picture, I said 1 chicken dak galbi and 1 seafood dak galbi. Then she replied "No, no... two.. two." We asked what does she mean, but unfortunately she couldn't speak english at all. While we still being confused she then suddenly turned the back to us and walked away like didn't give a damn. We were like "what d hell?? " my hubby was extremely pissed and about to walked off but another waiter just approached us in a better manner and gave us a reluctant service. Later on we found out that actually a minimum 2 sets of the same food should be ordered from one table, I guess!! Once the food arrived, the waiter will come once in awhile to help for the stir-frying for you. So you can sit back and relax until the food is ready. Awful service but surprisingly good food.

O'suloc Tea House
33-1 Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Opening hours: 9 am - 10.30 pm

Walking along Myeong Dong - Ro, it's hard to miss this luxury greeny tea shop from the outside. This tea house is just opposite to the Tourism Information Center. Personally, nothing special for this tea shop, cheesecake was pretty ordinary, the teas were average, no 'WOW' factor here besides their expensive prices.. But on the bright side, Earl Grey Cookies were delicious with strong earl grey tea flavour. I just don't get it why this shop is very busy, probably because people just eat their brand.

Clockwise from bottom left: Green Tea Cheese Tiramisu Cake KRW 5,000/piece (AU$4.55) and Rose Tea KRW 8,000 (AU$7.20), Okro Green Tea Cappuccino KRW 9,000 (AU$8.20), Earl Grey Black Tea Sable KRW 6,000 (AU$5.45) and Double Fresh Chocolate (4 pieces) KRW 6,000 (AU$5.45)

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Euljiro 1(il)-ga station
Underground Subway Station

This incredibly delicious waffle stalls is located in the Euljiro 1(il)-ga station near the exit No.6. The appetizing smell of those waffles made us everytime that we passed by this shop, we always at least bought one. The waffle was light and crunchy, the flavoured-cream filling really lift up the taste. They have 3 different flavours: Chocolate, Strawberry, and Vanilla.

Chocolate Waffle KRW1,000 (about AU$

Fake Food. Believe it or not...

So, Octie-Appetie guys...