South Korea (2014): Accommodation in Busan & Seoul

Choosing accommodations in South Korea are practically quite subjective, most of the times depends on the locations and needs of one own preferences. Some might travel in tight budget, whereas some might don't mind splurge themselves in finding better accommodation. For me, I'm in between, depends on which cities and countries I visited. I often received email from blog readers asking where to stay in Busan and Seoul. So, this post I share where I stayed before and which area I personally like. 

Accommodation in Busan: E-Fashion Hotel





Date of Staying: 20 March - 22 March 2014 (2 nights)

Room Rate: RM83 per night for standard double bed room without breakfast. Booked via Agoda.

Location: Conveniently located in the center of popular Haeundae area. Less than 10 minutes walk to the Haeundae Beach and Market. 

Facilities: Air-Conditioning Room attached with Private Bathroom

Advantages: Spacious and very close to metro station (Choryang Station)

Drawback: Weak WiFi within the room and the lights inside the room were too dim. 

Note: I tried to search high and low of this hotel again but I think it has been permanently close down.

For Busan city, two areas I would highly recommend to stay:

• Jung-gu, area closer to Busan Main Station like Toyoko Inn 1
• Hauendae-gu, an affluent beach area and home to Korea's most famous beach.

Accommodation in Seoul: Namsan Guest House 3

I stayed in this guesthouse before during my maiden trip to South Korea and I personally love it so much that I return to stay here again with my family. I found out this guesthouse is popular among the Malaysian and Singaporean cause I met quite number of visitors from these two countries throughout my stays there. 

My Old Post on Namsan Guest House, Seoul

Date of Staying: 22 March - 26 March 2014 (4 nights)

Room Rate: 65,000 won (approx. to RM202) per night for private twin room. No upfront fee and pay upon check-in

Location: Less than 5 minutes walk from the Myeongdong Subway Station. And just opposite of the road, it's where the Myeongdong Shopping Street situated. 

Facilities: Private style room attached with Private Bathroom with free WiFi connection, 

Advantages: Friendly Staff, Excellent and Great Location, Free Breakfast in the common kitchen

Drawback: Small room with limited space and bathroom is significant small. 

Direction: Myeongdong Station - Exit 4. Walk on the right side road of Pacific Hotel and walk up the hill, Namsan Guest House is on the left side. 

For more information about Namsan Guest House, check out their official website:
http://www.namsanguesthouse.com/

No doubt my favourite area to stay in Seoul would be none other than Myeongdong itself. Some travellers prefer to stay in Insadong, Dongdaemun and latest one in Hongdae for more youthful ambiance. 

Disclaimer:

This review is truly based on my own personal experience and is my genuine and honest opinion of this hostel, and that I have no personal or business relationship with this establishment.

Leaving South Korea & My Shopping Loots

Date Visited: 26th March 2016 

Right after we done with spending time and hanging out with furry felines at Cat Playground Cafe, we went back to Namsan Guest House to pack our bags and immediately proceed with check-out process. Instead of taking public bus or express train, we rent a van for 65,000 won (approx. to RM202) straightly to Incheon International Airport. Of course the first two means of transportation are much more cheaper, but it's more feasible by taking van especially when we carried quite number of luggage bags (the consequences of shopping too much). 

Fun Facts of Incheon International Airport (ICN):
Do you know ICN has a golf course, spa, private sleeping rooms, ice skating rink, a casino, indoor gardens and a Museum of Korean Culture? It also has been rated the best airport worldwide every year since 2005. Apart from that, it is rated as the world's cleanest airport and the world's best international transit airport. Talking about duty-free shopping, I notice that the cosmetic and beauty products here are relatively cheaper than the rest airport I ever visited. Twice I flew into this airport, twice I bought fragrances and they were indeed cheaper.

#1: Korean Air - Our official airlines for trip to South Korea 

#2: In-flight meal - Korean spicy chicken 

As we're flying in Economy class, the maximum weight per bag is 23 kg only (unlike Malaysia Airlines where the maximum weight is 30 kg). However, most of the time I didn't exceed the maximum weight given except for my trip to United Kingdom and Europe 8 years ago. Are you ready with what I bought throughout 8 days and 7 nights from South Korea? Get ready! 

#3: My shopping loots from South Korea (Compare with my first trip - here) 

#4: Korean snacks is a must! 

#5: I'm a big fan of hand cream. Don't ask me why. Probably I love their packaging 

#6: Quilt fabric pencil case from Insadong Street. Each cost 2,000 won (approx. to RM6) 

#7: All these accessories in South Korea are freaking dirt cheap. Majority of them cost 1,000 won (approx. to RM3). Can be found is most of the shopping streets such as Myeongdong, Insadong and more. 

#8: Starbucks tumbler - Free drinks for every purchase

#9: Couple passport cover and luggage tags from N Seoul Tower 

#9: Backpack for only 10,000 each (approx. to RM31) 

#10: The one and only a set of fridge magnets I bought from N Seoul Tower 

#11: Fragrances from Incheon International Airport 

I have to admit that South Korea is one of my favourite countries when comes to shopping, after Thailand, Japan and Taiwan. 

Cat Playground Cafe Myeongdong, Seoul

Date Visited: 26th March 2014 

As it was our last day in Seoul, we decided not to travel further and just loitering around Myeongdong Street, which not far away from Namsan Guest House. Oh well, it's another last minute shopping activity again especially for my mom. In the midst of wandering around, we spotted a cute orange colour mascot, to be precise it's a cat looking mascot with a signboard hanging around his/her neck. Approached the cat mascot closely and we saw it's written Cats Cafe and the rest were in Hangul. 

All these while I knew about this interesting themed cafe existed but never in my life visited this before. Hence, we're thinking why don't give a try since we still have plenty of time before our departure time. 

#1: Cats Cafe in Myeongdong 

We're greeted by the staff who politely requested us to take off our shoes and wear the slippers they prepared for the visitors. And upon entering the cafe, we had to disinfect our hands with a sanitizer to prevent from bringing any hidden gems to the cats. Just when we thought it's free to enter and what we need to do is just order the drinks we wanted, we're so wrong at all. Each visitor is charged with admission fee of 8,000 won for adult and 7,000 won for the kid. Although the admission fee is included a cup of drink with the choice of coffee or tea, I still found it's pretty pricey if covert back to Ringgit Malaysia - it's approximately to RM25. Since we had stepped inside the cafe and no choice but to proceed with paying the admission fee and ordering the drinks for four people. 

#2: The kitchen 

While taking our order, the staff briefly explained to us few things we should take note of, such as:

1. The cats with the blue scarf signify they are pretty sensitive. So, it's advisable not to get too close to them.
2. Camera flash is not allowed as the eyes of the cat is quite sensitive.
3. Put all the belongings into the bag as these cats might be naughty. 

#3: Almost 20 cats within the cafe with different breed 

There are like almost 20 cats within the cafe; some were indeed playful and naughty and some slept throughout our visit there. We were in our best to avoid those with the blue scarf and play with those keep approaching us. 

#4: Playful cat on the barista 

 #5: My drink and the cat 

 #6: Yoga cat?

It's funny when my family and I are not really into cats, it's not like we dislike nor we hate but we are more into dogs (my family owning 5 dogs currently) but in this cafe, we just can't help ourselves with the cuteness overload by these furry little one. All of these cats were indeed being well-taken off and the cafe is exceptionally clean from any of their pee and poop around. I guess this is an ideal spot for us to kill the time before leaving to the airport. Meow Meow! 🐾 

How To Get To Cat Playground Cafe in Myeongdong

Myeongdong Station - Exit 6. Walk straight until spot New Balance shop and turn right. The cafe is located on the 3rd floor. 

Opening Hours: 12 pm to 11 pm (Close on Sunday) 

Admission Fee: 8,000 won for adult and 7,000 won for children including one drink 

Foodie Friday: My Favourite Korean Local Delights

Kimchi - Nay!
Bibimbap - Nay!
Tteokbokki (Spicy Korean rice cakes) - Nay!

Although I dislike the above food which are indeed authentic Korean dishes but thank goodness for their diverse cuisine, Korea has wide array of food to explore ranging from traditional dishes, Korean BBQ to finger licking good street food. So what were my favourite local delights when I was in Korea two years back? 

1) Korean Spicy Chicken 

#1: Street food in Haeundae Market - Korean spicy chicken, my favourite

I'm so addicted to Korean spicy chicken lately. Probably I love the spicy and sweet sauce coated with chicken. One bite and you want more! 

2) Jjim dalk

#2: Jjim dalk, a hidden gem of Korean cuisine

Jjim dalk is a dish originated long ago in the city of Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. Normally, this dish is served on a huge plate of steamed chicken with sweet and sauce based mix along with potatoes and veggies over a bed of glass noodles. This is the second time I had this after my Korean friend introduced to me. Guess what, even my family enjoyed this meal. 

#3: Something different from the norm - Hot Curry Jjim dalk in Bukchon Hanok Village 

I spotted two restaurants in Myeongdong that serve delicious Jjim dalk: 

#4

#5: Bongchu Jjimdak 봉추찜닭
Address: 33-9, Myeong-dong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 

3) Yoogane - Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice

#6: There are more than 130 branches in South Korea. Even in Myeongdong alone, I spotted two

More than 130 branches in South Korea, Yoogane is well-known for Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat with an unique sweet and spicy sauce as the main dish and served with either Tteokbokki (Korean rice cake), sweet potatoes, fresh vegetables, noodles, rice, cheese, chicken and even together with seafood and stir-fried all together on the pan. Although they are not Halal certified restaurant but I found out plenty of Muslims dine-in here. 

#7: Yoogane is well-known for Galbi, a pan-grilled marinated meat

#8: There even have free flow salad bar serving kimchi, pickles and sliced cabbages and you can take as many as you want

4) Gimbap

Looks like sushi, taste like sushi but somehow there are two significant differences from the authentic Japanese sushi rolls in terms of the rice and the filling. While Japanese sushi rice is seasoned with vinegar, gimbap is cut with sesame oil and sweeter. As for the fillings, most of the time Japanese filled with raw fish such as salmon, tuna whereas Korean filled with the inside layer with cooked or preserved items like canned tuna, kimchi, grilled bulgogi, ham and cheese. Despite the differences, I never missed out to have gimbap whenever I saw selling by the vendor street food. 

5) Budae Jjigae

Budae Jjigae is a thick soup mixed with modern ingredients like instant ramen noodles, sliced sausages, canned ham, sliced of American cheese, garlic, onion, kimchi along with with traditional spicy soup flavoured with red chilli paste. Absolutely suits to my liking as spicy food is what I'm looking forward. Again this is the second time I had when I travelled with my family but we need to reduce the amount of red chilli paste cause my mom unable to bear the level of spiciness. The shop is located in Myeongdong too. 

6) Korean BBQ


Obviously a trip to South Korea is incomplete without having Korean BBQ. The best way to enjoy these meaty goodness is wrapped the marinated pork galbi together with garlic and onion in lettuce leaves. 

7) Garlic Bread by Paris Baguette 


It's hard not to miss out any cafes in Seoul and Busan cause they are like almost everywhere. Among all the cafes, I personally like breads and pastries by Paris Baguette especially their crispy bite of garlic bread.



8) Banana Flavoured Milk


This is one drink that shouldn't miss by anyone when visiting South Korea. Some said it's too sweet but it is one of the best seller drinks in South Korea. Besides the banana flavoured milk, there are even other flavours available such as honeydew and strawberry.

Well, so what's your favourite Korean local delights? By the time writing this post, I'm seriously craving all the food above now and wishing I will be back to South Korea again, for the third time.

[Credit To: Food Republic] 

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