WANderlust - South Korea 2015
My first free and easy visit to Korea was with the girls back in Spring 2012. It was so enjoyable, I came back with the intention of going back every year, and even took up Korean classes. Alas, life got in the way and it took 3 years before I managed to return.
This time, not only did I revisit old favourites, I got to pick up some new ones too. Many of these are food, which makes Seoul perfect for a food lover (like me).
- Wander around Samcheongdong, a stylish quaint neighbourhood characterised by cafes and boutiques, with a blend of traditional and modern buildings. Bukchon Hanok Village is also close by, and like the hordes of tourists, I just cannot get enough of these extremely charming, traditional Korean houses. I've spent an entire day strolling around the little alleys, lost in the odd corners…Be warned that there's a lot of walking, AND the area is quite hilly so wear comfortable footwear!
- Have a leisurely stroll along Cheonggyecheon, an 11km long stream running through various attractions downtown. Illuminated with beautiful lights at night, it's perfect post-dinner.
- Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Garosugil have nothing on Goto Mall, Seoul's largest underground mall with over 600 shops. I walked for over an hour and still couldn't see an end in sight. It's similar to Dongdaemun where it's more rewarding for people who buy in bulk, but everything is so affordably priced and trendy, it is definitely worth a few hours of your time, if you can extricate yourself from it.
- Take a day trip out to Paju's Heyri Art Valley, Korea's largest artistic community integrating galleries and museums, cafes and restaurants, bookshops (there's a HUGE one where you can while the afternoon away), boutiques and creative spaces that were also very architecturally interesting. An hour by bus from Seoul, it was a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city.
- I stumbled upon Hamheung Myeonok on my first visit and kept going back. The cold noodles were delightfully chewy, and that warm broth they serve (which I still haven't figured out what exactly it is since they only speak Korean) is irresistible. They only serve a couple of items on the menu and is in an obscure corner of Myeongdong, so you know it has to be 맛있어요 given how many customers it has.
- Being a tteok (rice cake) addict, I am always up for a round of traditional snacks at Ogada or Bizeun. I am always spoilt for choice and end up ordering a bizarre amount to satisfy my curiosity.
- If you're a fan of tteokbokki, then you must have heard of Mukshidonna. It's perpetually filled with tourists, so go at an off peak time. There's so much variety to pick from, you really have to exercise self-restraint or you'll end up with a ginormous pot that is impossible to finish.
- For alcohol lovers, makgeolli would already have been on your radar. My favourite type is Jeonju Moju, makgeolli brewed with cinnamon, jujube and other herbs and spices. Though the alcohol content is low, its aroma will leave you gulping down more than you should.
- Before it was featured on Netflix's Street Food, Gwangjang market was already on my food radar. And the must eat is without a doubt, bindaetteok MUNGBEAN PANCAKE. We saw a queue for Soonheenae Bindaetteok and of course we had to join it, even if we didn't know initially what people were waiting for. :p . This is a classic Korean dish, irresistibly crispy and goes beautifully with makgeolli. A recipe for a perfect afternoon.
- The famed samgyetang is a must try and where else to get your fix but at Tosokchon. I always go first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and am rewarded with the deep satisfaction from a warm hearty broth that comforts my soul.
- Besides ginseng chicken, there is another chicken soup you must not miss. Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari. A whole chicken cooked in a pot of broth which looks deceptively ordinary, the soup will surprise you with its flavours, not to mention the juicy and tender chicken. Perfect if you have a group of three (since the serving is pretty big), do be prepared to wait since there was a queue even at 10pm.
- Rice porridge may be a dish for the sick to some, but to me, it's comfort food and I have missed Bonjuk so much. The sheer variety can be overwhelming so it'll be good to go in a group so you can share a couple. Else, go for the bulgogi octopus. You will not regret it.
More related photos on Flickr and Instagram.