COEX Aquarium, Seoul

Date Visited: 25th April 2014

Right after we done with the free traditional Korean costume experience, we proceeded to Coex Mall, the largest underground shopping center in Asia containing convention centers, exhibition halls and various malls in Gangnam area. But our main purpose is not for shopping but merely for Coex Aquarium which is housed within Coex Mall. It's time for under the sea again! 

#1: Coex Aquarium is housed within Coex Mall

Being recognised as one of the largest aquarium in South Korea, Coex Aquarium showcases more than 40,000 sea creatures from over 650 different species on display. Just like any other aquariums, Coex Aquarium features distinctive unique of theme areas in order for the visitors to view species of fish indigenous to the theme location. 

#2: Took photos before start the tour 

The uniqueness of Coex Aquarium is where it has been designed according to "Water Journey" theme. Upon entering into the museum, visitors were embarking on an adventures by following the water on its journey from the high Andean mountains, through the Amazon tropical rain forest to rivers, swamps, seashores and finally reach to the depths of the ocean.

#3: The map of COEX Aquarium [Source]

#4: Story of Korean Fish 

The tour starts off by displaying the uniqueness of Korea where the exhibit area is filled with different types of Korean fish. Slowly then we proceeded into the Garden of Korea, where it reminiscent the garden of Gong, the Korean Palace. This is where I found it's pretty fascinating where they were doing their best to promote the beauty and charming of Korea eventhough it's within the aquarium.    

#5: Garden of Korea 

#6: Look closely. Real fish display inside a painting 

We came upon an interesting and catchy exhibition by the named of "Fish Wonderland". It was literally blew our mind instantly where instead keeping the fish living in typical fish tank, these fish were swimming in a collection of eccentric fish tanks which one never though of, such as telephone booth, bath tub, toilet bowl, refrigerator, computer monitor and more. 

#7: Fish Wonderland where fish are keeping in a collection of eccentric fish tanks

#8: Besides fish and sea creatures, other local animals are also included in the exhibit such as birds, Egyptian Fruit bats, otters, Squirrel monkeys and more at the Amazonia World theme area.

#9: A special area for the Korean couple to display their love 

#10: Ocean Kingdom where visitors can view sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and more sea creatures swim in all directions

#11: Always my favourite part when comes to aquarium - watching jellyfish

#12: We ended our tour at the Happy Feet's playground

Fun fact of penguins: Do you know that the clear line on the chest indicate that it is adult penguin whereas without clear line is a young one. 

Is it worth to visit? If you are in tight schedule over your South Korea trip, probably you could just skip this tourist attraction cause it almost similar to the rest of the aquariums. But if you have little children with you, perhaps bring them along and I believe they will having more fun here than the adults. 

How To Get To Coex Aquarium
Samsung Station - Exit 5 or 6 connected to the Coex Mall. The aquarium is located at the end of the Ocean Walk section. It is next to Megabox Cinema on the Basement 1 arcade.
Admission Fee: 22,000 won for adult and 19,000 won
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 8:00 pm

Free Traditional Korean Costume Experience in Seoul

Date Visited: 25th March 2014

Have you ever thought of experience the traditional local costume whenever travel foreign countries? What's more when you can experience it for free, without any additional charge? Yes, you can do so when you're in South Korea.  

My family and I got the opportunity to experience Hanbok, the traditional outfit for the Korean when we're in Seoul and it's absolutely free of charge. Thanks to Kampungboycitygal, one of my favourite blog when relating to travel for sharing this, or else we will going back Malaysia with regret and disappointment. 

#1: M Plaza of Myeongdong Street 

Where to experience this? It is located at Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center on the 5th floor of M Plaza in the hustle and bustle of Myeongdong Street. It is easily to spot M Plaza once you saw Zara and Forever 21 in between. Although the center starts at 10.30 am, but it is advisable to go early for registration purpose. First come, first served basis and advanced registration is not available. 

#2: Registration counter. First come, first served basis. Advanced registration is not available

For each time slot which takes about half an hour, only two groups (maximum 6 per group) are allowed to enter for free hanbok experience and phototaking. Luckily us as we got the second time slot, which was at 11 am or else, we might need to wait for another few hours before our turn. Like they said, the early bird gets the worm. 

#3: Not just for free hanbok experience, there are also traditional art classes available here

#4: Various of hanbok to choose from 

Now, let the photos do the talk:

#5: Love the combination of these hanbok colours adding with simple accessories

#6: Yours truly and baby sister

Although it was kinda rush for the phototaking, but I glad and delightful to see both my mom and sister enjoyed this fun moment experience to the fullest. Do we wanna try for second time again? Of course yes! Afterall, it's free. 

How To Get Here

Myeong-dong Station - Exit 6. Walk straight until you see M Plaza on right side. Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center is located on the 5th floor of M Plaza. 

Korean Culture Experience: 10:30 am to 6:00 pm daily 

The Day I Wandered Alone in Seoul

Date Visited: 24 March 2014

It all started when my sister and her boyfriend intended to visit Everland Resort, so I brought them to Gangnam Station where the bus station to Everland is situated. Since I went before, I decided not to go and wandering other places with my mom along. However when the bus approaching, out of sudden my mom jumped into the bus together with my sister and her boyfriend and bid me goodbye. I was indeed in state of shock but then, that indicate Seoul is a safe place for a lady to travel alone and my mom believe I could wander independently. 

Since I was alone, hence I took this opportunity to visit the places I've never been before.

Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans University was Korea's first educational institute for women and the largest in the world. Surprisingly, Ewha Womans University area is also well-known to be one of the popular shopping districts in Seoul. Once I got out from the nearest station and on my way leading to the university, I found myself surrounded by various clothing stores, accessory shops, cafes and hair salons. Most of the items there are pretty cheap and affordable.  

#1: Shopping district of Ewha Womans University 

Talking about the university, it seems like anyone whether local or foreigner are allowed to enter into the university without any restrictions. Although it's a private women university, but I spotted some handsome guys within the university. *wink wink* I even went and visited the campus and oh boy, how I wish I could be back to university again. University life is one of the best moment of my life, to be honest.

#2: Ewha Womans University - I wish to be back to university again! 

#3: Ewha campus complex 

How To Get To Ewha Womans University:

Ewha Womans University Station - Exit 2 or 3. From the station, 5 minutes walk to the university.

Sinchon Area

Once again, I wandered aimlessly without any printed map on my hand and soon, I found myself in the middle of Shichon area, a place full with youthful and energy vibes. Sinchon is widely claimed as the Mecca of Young People for its location surrounded by major universities of Korea such as Ewha, Hongik, Yonsei and Sogang. One thing I notice about Sinchon is it's clustered with wide array of chic and stylish cafes to cater the universities' students. This is where I spotted Cafe Bene before they ventured into Malaysia market a year later.

#4: Sinchon area is clustered with wide array of cafes to cater the universities' students 

#5: Any Hello Kitty fans? So far, I found there are three Hello Kitty Cafes in Seoul - Myeongdong, Hongik and Sinchon. 

#6: Shichon area, a place full with youthful and energy vibes

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone

Located adjacent to the main military base of U.S. Forces Korea, Itaewon has a unique foreign flair. It is a multicultural area where more than 20,000 foreigners live and widely recognised by international visitors. The uniqueness of this street is majority of the restaurants here served international dishes and cuisines from around the globe including from Pakistan, Turkey, India, Thailand, Germany, Spain, Italy, Mexico and more which are not commonly found around South Korea. 

#7: Itaewon - a multicural area

#8: Spotted nation tiles in Itaewon but unfortunately I can't find Malaysia

Another interesting features adding to Itaewon's exotic atmosphere include Seoul's islamic mosque - the first one in Seoul. If you are looking for halal food, there are plenty of halal restaurants nearby the mosque. 

#9: Seoul Central Masjid

How To Get To Itaewon:
Itaewon / Noksapyeong / Hangangjin Station


Namsan Seoul Tower

The final stop for the day is none other than Namsan Seoul Tower. It offers the best location from which to gaze down on the panoramic view of Seoul city and the surrounding areas. Built on the mountain side, N Seoul Tower is Seoul's popular landmark and the ideal time to visit at night as it offers spectacular and mesmerising Seoul's night view from the peak of Namsan mountain.

There are two options to go up N Seoul Tower; via cable car or public bus. A return ticket via cable car cost 8,500 won (approx. to RM26) for adult and 5,500 won (approx. to RM17) for children. However, I opted for the latter option which is significant cheaper than the first option - only cost 1,200 won (approx. to RM4) for a single fare via public bus. 

#10: Surrounding at the bottom of N Seoul Tower  

#11: N Seoul Tower Ticket Counter - 10,000 won to go up observatory 

#12: Ideal time to visit N Seoul Tower is at night 

How To Get To N Seoul Tower:

By Public Bus - click here. I took the bus from Myeongdong Station - Exit 3 and board on Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus No. 5 for only 1,200 won (approx. to RM4) for a single trip. 

By Cable Car - Walk about 10-15 minutes following the street of the right side of the Pacific Hotel, after coming out from Exit 3 of Myeongdong Station. A return ticket cost 8,500 won (approx. to RM26) for adult and 5,500 won (approx. to RM17) for children. 

Admission Fee for Observatory: 10,000 won (approx. to RM31) for adult and 8,000 won (approx. to RM25) for children

However, I didn't manage to up to the observatory tower as I need to rush back to our guest house while waiting for my family members to get back from Everland Resort and having dinner together. 

Yoogane, one of my favourite restaurants in Korea serving galbi - a pan grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce served with Korean rice cake, fresh veggies, noodles, rice, cheese and more

Check out my experience of having Yoogane in Singapore - click here. 

Bukchon Hanok Village & Insadong Street, Seoul

Date Visited: 23rd March 2014

Not far away from Changdeokgung Palace, we found that we are not far away from Bukchon Hanok Village by looking at the street map. This district is packed with more than nine hundreds Korean traditional houses known as "hanok".

#1: Bukchon Hanok Village, not far away from Changdeokgung Palace 

The meaning of Bukchon literally means Northern Village, came about as the neighborhood lies north of two significant of Seoul landmarks, the Cheonggyechoen Stream and Jongno. This is probably the ideal place to experience and see the truly Korean traditional houses. It's widely claimed as the living museum preserving much of Seoul's tradition and culture. Of course you are not allowed to access any of these hanok unless you booked with any of these hanok which had been converted into guesthouses.

But before we continue to stroll and visit any of these restored traditional homes, I came upon a small tiny restaurant that serve my favourite Korean cuisines - jjim dalk, a huge plate of steamed chicken with sweet and sour sauce based. (Sorry to say that I don't know the name of this restaurant as it's in Hangul and even the exact location too. Probably too hungry) 

#2: Original jjim dalk served with potatoes and veggies over a bed of glass noodles 

#3: Hot curry jjim dalk 

#4: An old antique looking Choong Ang High School at the corner of Bukchon 

As time goes by, majority of these hanoks has been converted into cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants, tea houses and souvenir shops to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. 

#5: Cute little souvenir shop along Bukchon 

However as there are majority of Korean residents still staying in these hanoks, hence it is advisable to respect them by keeping your volume down. Visitors are only allowed to visit this district from 10 am to sunset.


#7: It was traditionally the residential quarter of high-ranking government officials and nobility during the Joseon Dynasty. 

#8: Buckhon Hanok Village is open for visiting from 10 am until sunset. 

#9: Most of these hanoks have undergone minor repairs and restoration 

#10: In case you are lost, do look for these volunteer guides

My family and I were actually wandering around aimlessly without any city map on hand. Most of the times, I just brought along my printed itinerary which indicates the station but not the map cause I believed there are plenty of street maps all over the places around South Korea. And because without any single map on hand, we were continue to walk and walk and soon we came into Insadong Street without we realised it. I noticed if you are in any big cities of developed countries like Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore and even South Korea, there are plenty of walking required. 

#11: Crowded and packed of Insadong Street 

Eventhough I came and visited Insadong Street before with my friends three years ago, somehow I found out there are variety of new things for me to venture around. Plus, this is one of my favourite street to hunt for wide array of souvenirs and handicrafts and therefore, I don't find here is boring anyway. 

#12: Starbucks in Insadong is the one and only outlet using Hangul for their signboard 

#13: Jipangyi - Seoul cane ice-cream 

#14: I can't help myself but bought quite a lot of these colourful Korean pencil box and pouches

My Old Post: Insadong Street (2011) 

How To Get To Bukchon Hanok Village
Anguk Station - Exit 2. Walk straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village

How To Get To Insadong Street
1. Anguk Station - Exit 6; or
2. Jonggak Station - Exit 3; or
3. Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 1

Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul

Date Visited: 23rd March 2014

When comes to travelling, there are two things I love to do and coincidentally, both start with the letter of "S" - sightseeing and shopping. And when in Seoul, a visit to any of these royal palaces is like stapler itinerary for most tourists and travellers. Since I've been to Gyeongbokgung Palace back in 2011 with my friends where I got to experience free trying on hanbok (Korean traditional costume), I decided to try my luck once again by visiting the other royal palace with my family - this time I opted for Changdeokgung Palace. 

#1: Admission fee for Changdeokgung Palace is 3,000 won for an adult 

Literally means Prosperity Virtue Palace in Hangul, Changdeokgung Palace is listed as one of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site for its outstanding example of oriental palace architecture and garden design. It was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace during the Joseon Dynasty. 

#2: Injeongjeon, Mall Hall - It was used for major state affairs including the coronation of new king and receiving foreign envoys. 

#3: Royal throne in Injeongjeon Mall Hall 

Majority of the buildings were heavily damaged during the Japanese invasion. Up to date, only 13 buildings remaining on the palace grounds and 28 pavilions in the gardens. Despite the major damages, Changdeokgung Palace is the most well-preserved among the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. 

#4: One of the hall entrance roof - Certainly fine and outstanding architecture  

#5: Despite the major damages, almost all the buildings are well-preserved  

#6

Right after done with the phototaking, I looked around to see whether they provide any free trying of the hanbok but unfortunately I have no luck in here. Just when we about to leave this place with disappointment, we were in state of shock to spot cherry blossoms, or commonly known as sakura. Well, at least we didn't go back with empty handed. 

#7: Although it's not in full bloom, but I glad to catch a glimpse of sakura once again

#8: The pink sakura

Due to time constraint, we missed out to visit the Secret Garden Tour which lies behind the palace. Guess this gives me another excuse to return to South Korea once again.

How To Get To Changdeokgung Palace
Jongno 3 (sam)-ga Station - Exit 6; or
Anguk Station - Exit 3.
From the station, walk straight about 5 minutes to the palace entrance.

Admission Fee: 3,000 won for Changdeokgung Palace only and 5,000 for Secret Garden Tour. 
However, if you are interested to visit all the Grand Palaces except for Gyeonghuigung Palace , you are advisable to purchase the Integrated Ticket of Palaces which cost 10,000 won only.