A while back, I wrote a post about cafes and Koreans and the subject of breakfast. This is a followup on some of the cafes…
There’s nothing half-hearted about Korea.
When Koreans stage things like festivals, theme parks and museums… they do it enthusiastically and with full explosion!
You can add cute cafes to that list too.
Hanok houses are absolutely sublime. It’s a shame that Koreans are replacing them with bland high-rise apartments. However, there are places where you can stroll through the walled mazes and see them well-preserved .
Once a village of aristocrats during the Joseon Dynasty, Bukchon Hanok Villages rests in the hub of Seoul, connecting to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and downtown Seoul. Many of the houses are still inhabited with families, while others have been converted into art shops and restaurants vibing with a soul, both trendy and ancient. You can take an embroidery or knot-making workshop (of the many courses) or simply follow the streets and let them (more…)
This post is for my expat homies in South Korea. I haven’t given you much love these days, but rest assured you’re still on my mind …
Some things are meant to be. Like second chances. They come around, staring you in the eye, even when you don’t know they’re there.
On my last food walkabout in Seoul, I reviewed a restaurant– Petra Palace (read my review)– that crafted falafels amongst other mediterranean dishes. My experience was not… so great– the owner was less than friendly and the falafels lacked character, flavor and spice. When I take a bite of a falafel, I feel like I’m inhaling the Middle East; my tastebuds on the other hand, still felt they were in Korea.
So the next time I hit Seoul, my quest was on again– find decent falafel sandwiches, the way I remember them! I strolled down Itaewon’s main street. Of all the middle eastern signs, there had to be a falafel somewhere — the whiff of roasting shwarmas was heavy perfume. But the handful of Middle Eastern joints I visited stocked only shwarma sandwiches… no falafels.
(Really? How can you have shwarmas but no falafels?) (more…)
Seoul makes my blood race. Sometimes there’s an ongoing list of things of events taking place or sometimes, I just have to create my own ways of having fun.
For a first timer to Seoul, this is the #1 recommend. As simple as it sounds, Korea’s city bus tours make (across the land) make a budget vacation possible. It’s easy to get around and see the main sights within a day with this tour. And above-ground travel is a perfect springboard for getting your perspective of how the city spans!
The Seoul City Bus Tour is cheap, quick and the fastest way to see the city’s highlights. A hop-on/hop-off course (city, palace or night) tours, it hits almost every tourist area you’ll want to see from your guidebook. Best of all, it costs only 10,000W ($9 USD), which is cheaper than a cab and less annoying than figuring out subway routes; not to mention, it’s foot-friendly. I threw my family on it– knowing my parents are old and don’t like walking much, the tour made their getting around more efficient and easy.
The entire course (without getting off) takes 2 hours. Buses run every 40 min and there are headsets aboard if you’d like a short summary (very short) of each place as you pass by. The tour is smartly offered by the Korea Tourism Organization (more…)
(Seoul, South Korea)
Dear Love,
By the time you read this letter I will have left…
I’m writing this as you talk, as you laugh, as you eat, as you sleep. I’m writing this letter still…
People have said goodbye to me all this week but farewells are for death, so I’ll not say them to you just yet.
Let’s just say,
Until…
I’m not certain as what the future brings for us, but this love story isn’t over.
… Not until I say. But this separation will surely change us both.
I’m nervous, scared and …exhilarated.
Fortunately for avid K-drama fans, you don’t have to waddle up the steep cash for a tour guide. The Korean Tourism Organization helps Korean drama addicts connect to the film locations of their favorite show.
Full Story »Shahrukh khan.
He was the first person that greeted me when I walked through the door of our Indian restaurant. I let out a partial shriek…
Full Story »Within the past few months I’ve successfully satiated various comfort food cravings- from hummus, soy chicken nuggets and edamame; however, it’s the falafel that’s remained elusive. My deep-fried chickpea craving has become a delight gone unfulfilled. Thanks to Seoul Eats and their post, “Vegetarian restaurants in Seoul”, I finally got to cross falafels off my list (well, sorta…).
Full Story »October seemed to be the month for festivals and… scintillating art. Perhaps this country isn’t just all world heritage sites, bundegi (my silkworm arch nemesis) and traditional crafts. Maybe it can swing with the likes of New York City, Los Angeles, Venice, Basel, etc… jet-setting continents to bring together brow-raising shows.
If last month was a sample of the future, then Korea might be on the rookie list of international contenders. I took in three world-class international art/performance exhibitions; one of them was even in.. (gasp) Daegu!
Full Story »
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