With the popular K-pop trend recently, I have always wanted to visit Seoul to witness its breathtaking scenery, beautiful people and delicious food. I am not a fan of K-pop though, just I am attracted to the beautiful-ness of this country. I believe it must be the effect of k-drama!!!
So I finally booked a flight with AirAsia-X and made my dream came true. I managed to bought the air ticket at MYR 700++ per pax which is considered cheap. However, cheap flight means low season. My trip was in March which the weather was still close to 0°C.
Finally I touched down on this dreamland! For those who planned to visit without knowing to speak the local language and without a tour guide, homework is utterly important. It was easier for me as I could speak minimal basic korean.
The first few days were so windy with low temperature. I wasn’t expect the coldness until I stepped out from the airport. OH MY GOD! I can’t bear to to expose my hands and ears!
I was proud that I managed to make my first purchase by understanding the words written on the product. One of their famous milk (우유) drink 바나나 (BA-NA-NA) I was holding.
The BF was mad with my purchase as he don’t think the milk is nice and I bought a simple white bread with strawberry jam I thought it was special but it tasted bad when he is hungry and craved for nice food.
#FailedGirlFriend
The moment to be proud when you walked around alien country like a boss! Bus tickets checked ✓ Headed to bus terminal number 6002 ✓ (our accommodation was at Jong-ro 3 ga 종로3가 thus this bus to take). You can check Airport Bus Guide for the bus number to your destination.
The bus fare was 10,000 won per person. You can choose to take taxi or AREX (express train line from Incheon airport to Seoul) but taxi will be expensive and train couldn't fit big luggage.
The trip was pleasant until we missed the stop we supposed to get down (MY MISTAKE TO BE PRECISE) #UnpleasantMomentWithBoyFriend We were 2 stops away from our destination and this is terrible as we were not familiar with the place and people. I had to communicate with the people around with my limited Korean conversation asking for the route. The worst is the weather was freezing cold I had to hold a paper to ask around without wearing glove! It drove me nuts!!! Also the bf followed me around with rage I had to avoid from looking at him. Lastly we made the way to the hotel but the day was totally ruined.
OUR STAY: HOTEL THE DESIGNER JONGNO
The hotel smells good as I walked into the lobby and this is what I love about the hotel. It’s a small and tastefully designed hotel located behind main road. The staffs were friendly and spoke good English. The only thing I dislike was the material of the bed and bedsheet. It was uncomfortable to sleep in.
They have a library liked public area which was pretty comfortable. You can check the room rate here. I WANTED TO GO BACK SO BADLY!!!
After unpacked our luggage and settled down our mood, our stomach had roared for food. It was quite lost on the first day as we were not familiar with the surrounding. Hence, the best solution is to walk around and drop by any restaurant we think it fits our taste. Hehe.
As we stepped in this restaurant nearby our hotel, frankly speaking I felt a bit uncomfortable because we see no young people inside except for ajjuma (aunties) and ajjushi (uncles). However the boss greeted us warmly.
I ordered beef soup and the bf ordered bibimbap. The soup really tasted delicious although it looked simple. The price is reasonable which it cost 5000 to 6000 won per a la carte equal to RM15 to RM20. At first we still can't feel the burn in our pocket but after few meals it really made much difference.
After a satisfied meal, time to explore the beautiful city. It was quite challenging to travel around when you are not familiar with the surrounding. I had to flip over and over my travel book to search for the route and at the same time exploring the subway lines. ALL ALONE! LOL! Our first stop was shopping heaven for girls, Myeongdong. Ooh, I love this place except for the staffs working in those cosmetic stores. The reason being is they speak Chinese and not local. You get what I mean? No offend ya!
Myeongdong is a MUST VISIT place in Seoul. Apart from shopping, they have street performances and street food! Too many to count here, scroll down for more understanding. However as this place is a tourist spot, food prices are not cheap. Most of the food are selling 3000 won per item. Travel meant to be spending right?
For dinner, we found a very nice 부대지개 (budae jjigae) around Jongro 2-ga area which nearby our hotel. It's called 박가부대 (Bagga Budae). It's a army stew based soup cook with toppokki, meats, hams, kim chi, korean noodles. So delicious!
박가부대 (Bagga Budae Korean Restaurant)
13-16 Gwancheol-dong,
Jongno-gu, Seoul.
(You may take subway to Jongno 2-ga station)
After a satisfied meal, time to explore the beautiful city. It was quite challenging to travel around when you are not familiar with the surrounding. I had to flip over and over my travel book to search for the route and at the same time exploring the subway lines. ALL ALONE! LOL! Our first stop was shopping heaven for girls, Myeongdong. Ooh, I love this place except for the staffs working in those cosmetic stores. The reason being is they speak Chinese and not local. You get what I mean? No offend ya!
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| This is how the subway station look like! Haha! |
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| Shopping heaven!!! They have everything girls need here! |
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| Honestly the BF doesn't like here! Sad! |
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| Myeongdong is a tourist place where they have street performances especially on weekend |
Myeongdong is a MUST VISIT place in Seoul. Apart from shopping, they have street performances and street food! Too many to count here, scroll down for more understanding. However as this place is a tourist spot, food prices are not cheap. Most of the food are selling 3000 won per item. Travel meant to be spending right?
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| I love toppokki the most! |
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| Even this strawberry dipped with choc was selling 3000 won. But the sweet strawberry is a plus! |
For dinner, we found a very nice 부대지개 (budae jjigae) around Jongro 2-ga area which nearby our hotel. It's called 박가부대 (Bagga Budae). It's a army stew based soup cook with toppokki, meats, hams, kim chi, korean noodles. So delicious!
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| I am drooling already!!! |
박가부대 (Bagga Budae Korean Restaurant)
13-16 Gwancheol-dong,
Jongno-gu, Seoul.
(You may take subway to Jongno 2-ga station)
