Hot Spots
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Heure Vert, With the View of Namhan River!!
Yangpyeong City has been always popular for its peaceful views and many couples visit this place for driving their cars. We actually didn’t mean to visit Yanpyeong but it was on the way heading back home from where I visited for my personal business. And it’s not very far from Seoul so if you want something to refresh your mind then this place can be recommended. We dropped by a coffee shop on the way and we realized the view of the river was very impressive and beautiful.
I found out that the river near the coffee shop was Namhan River which means Southern Han River. The total length of this river is about 375 kilometers and it flows all the way through Gangwon, Chungbuk and Kyonggi Provine. By the way, this coffee shop also sells their own homemade bread and according to them, they use 100% organic flour for their bread. We already had lunch before but I couldn’t help it. I grabbed some.
This is funny. I didn’t know M&Ms were welcoming us. I got those photos from my wife. You can see a sign of their organic bread as well.
They looked so delicious but I was also shocked when I saw the prices. It was too much. Luckily, I was already full so I grabbed only some.
This is what the whole coffee shop looks like and we could see the view of Namhan River from upstairs.
As always, I ordered Americano and she ordered Latte, it was green tea Latte this time. I took a sip of hers and I just frowned, ha.
The bread was so fresh. Bread is always right!!
Please check the below for more information if you’re interested in this coffee shop.
Address : 3096, Sansu-ro, Ganghwa-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Kyonggi-do
Phone Number : 031-774-2021
Operating Hours : 09:00 ~ 21:00
[Menu and Price]
Americano : KRW 5,000
Cafe Latte : KRW 6,000
Mango Latte : KRW 7,000
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Another One Melting In Your Mouth, Gopchang-gui!!
Gopchang-gui means grilled beef small intestines and this menus is also expensive in Korea. I don’t know if I can call it 'meat' but this could taste better than the normal meat because of its texture. I already introduced Gopchang Jeongol which is stewed in a hot spot but I definitely prefer Gopchang-gui and it’s much more recommended.
I was told that gopchang was a popular and cheap dish for the public in the past. But it is considered as a rare food today and it’s more expensive than the regular meat of the same weight. It is also one of the most popular anju (food served and eaten with soju or beer). We visited one of the popular gopchang restaurants near the station and it was literally melting in my mouth.
They serve it a bit cooked already and we can just grill it more before we eat it. Doesn’t it look so appetizing?
You have no idea what it tastes like before you put it in your mouth. Gees, my mouth is watering again.
Each gopchang restaurant has its own sauce so it also matters what kind of sauce they serve for your gopchang. This one was much better than the others.
You can order Fried Rice after you finish your gopchang. Most of them have their own recipe and I definitely liked this fried rice.
If you have some leftover gopchang, just put it on your fried rice. You’re going to love it.
Please check the information below if you’re interested in visiting the same restaurant that we visited for gopchang gui we had.
Address : 49, Cheonhodae-ro 159-gil, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
Location : Near exit 4 of Cheonho Station, Line 5
Phone Number : 02-487-7942
Operating Hours : 16:00 ~ 03:00
[Menu and Price]
Modum Gui : KRW 16,900 (for each)
Hanwu Gopchang : KRW 16,900 (for each)
Makchang Gui : KRW 15,900 (for each)
Gopchang Gui : KRW 14,900 (for each)
Food
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Anyone Who Needs a Workout? Bouldering Gym!!
One of my colleagues recommended me to try indoor rock climbing, called ‘bouldering’ for exercising. He used to love it but he’s probably getting too heavy and old to do it. Rock climbing has become a popular sport since Kim Ja-in has earned her fame for her great performance in the world. And I’ve been told that indoor rock climbing could be such a good workout since you use your whole body.
I remember that I saw a place of indoor rock climbing before but I never cared. I tried to look it up again and found out there is a good bouldering gym near my house. I also found out its definition. ‘Bouldering is a form of rock climbing that is performed on small rock formations or artificial rock walls without the use of ropes.’ I feel like I’m getting older since I’m aging. I better start something, anything to stay healthy and indoor rock climbing could be such a solution.
This is what it looks like when you get to the bouldering gym. It looks very… tough.
I wonder why all the sides of walls are tilted. Isn’t it too hard to hang on the walls like that?
This is what I was talking about. Is he really hanging on there with only his arms? How’s that possible?
Oh, students and kids can do it? That is embarrassing.
Looks like they have normal gym facilities for leisure time.
Here’s some more information about this place.
Address : B1, Yes Bld., 435, Baekjegobun-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul
Location : Near exit 1 of Songpa Naru Station, line 9
Phone Number : 02-418-8848
Fee : KRW 30,000 (One day experience)
Operating Hours : 11:00 am ~ 11:00 pm / 11:00 am ~ 06:00 pm (Weekend)
Homepage : http://www.rockstarclimbing.co.kr/
Entertainment
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For Those Maniacs, Kukje Electronic Center!
Warning : Please note that the contents on this video can be disturbing to some people.
A friend of mine asked me to come with him to a place which is located near Nambu Terminal station in Seocho area, Seoul. It is called Kukje Electronic Center and the whole building is known for electronic shops. Most of shops were actually for computer parts and smart phone sales but we could find an interesting place on the 9th floor.
You can see shops for digital cameras, audio systems, smart phone sales, computers or laptops and even CCTV devices. It wasn’t very tempting when we saw them on each floor but when we got to the 9th floor, we finally encountered exactly what we expected. I didn’t realize that I was one of those maniacs, haha.
The whole building is for electronic shops but the building doesn’t seem to be very new. You can see so many electronic shops inside.
If you’re a fan of old pop and classic music then you better visit the 4th floor. They have various kinds of music albums and most of them are really rare and hard to find. They also have DVD titles of movies.
When we ended up to the 9th floor, we could see something different in the beginning of the hallway. We started wondering what this place could be for.
Wow, what a lovely place here! All those figures and items reminded me of the time that I was still a boy. I was a huge fan of Toriyama Akira. I loved his works so much and you know Dragon Ball is the best. And look at the detail. It looks exactly the same as Tony Stark.
And this shop is known as a sacred place for Play Station users. I don’t know why but it’s probably because of their competitive prices. And we bought the games that we wanted.
Who you gonna call? Ghost Busters!! I ain’t afraid of no ghosts!! I really loved this movie and I noticed that I was grabbing this game in my hand.
Below is some more information about this place if you’re interested in visiting there.
Address : 304, Hyoryeong-ro, Seocho-gu, Seoul
Location : Near exit 3 of Nambu Terminal Station, line 3
Inquiries : 02-3465-0114
Homepage : http://www.kecday.co.kr/
Shopping
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The Most Popular Singer In The Memory, Kim Kwang-seok!!
There is a post-death popular singer still living in the memory of so many people in Korea. His name is Kim Kwang-seok and he was such an influential folk rock singer. He was born in 1964 in Daegu, South Korea. He debuted in 1987 as a member of the folk band and released his solo album the following year. Unlikely many other singers, he earned his fame by singing at concerts rather than showing up on TV music shows.
As I stated above, his hometown is Daegu city. Near the house of his childhood, you can see an alley which is called Kim Kwang-seok Alley. It was built and designed in 2010 with the memory of his life and songs. And 11 artists participated to make wall paintings in this neighborhood. If you’re interested in someone’s biography who was a very popular singer in Korea then you should visit there. It’s going to be a special and unique experience for you.
Does he look familiar? I didn’t know him and his songs very much but now I can recognize his face because he’s been famous for a long time, even more after his death.
There is a radio station in this alley. It’s not a fake. It is really broadcasting his songs every day here.
I love this wall painting. It looks like he’s still singing right in front us. I think his songs are reflecting something indescribable from deep in my mind.
This is the title of his mega hit song, ‘The Private’s Letter’. He performed this song while playing his acoustic guitar and harmonica.
You can see a statue of his figure there. Wow I didn’t realize that he’s been that much admired. The people in Daegu must be really proud of him, I guess.
Please check the below for more information if you’re interested in visiting this place.
Address : 2232, Dalgubeoldae-ro, Jung-gu, Daegu City
Inquiries : 053-661-3328
Open Hours : 24 Hours
Admission : Free
Travel
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You Want Some Fire In Your Mouth??!!
Basically I don’t like spicy foods. No matter what, I just don’t like them. If I eat spicy foods, then it’s because I don’t have a choice when I eat outside with my wife. What a tragedy. But there’s still one thing I like about spicy food. I didn’t know what to call but it’s Jukkumi in Korean. I found out its binomial name is Amphioctopus fangsiao. It’s just a small octopus. And it’s often stir-fried in spicy gochujang in Korea.
This restaurant is near my wife’s office in the Seongsu station area. I have tried other different jukkumi food at another restaurants but this is the best that I’ve ever eaten. Yes, it is spicy. It’s like burning in your mouth. But when you eat it with dongchimi kimchi they provide, it turns so good spicy. Yes it does.
They are all served raw and it doesn’t look very great at first. It’s so much red.
Does it look yummy now? You can add some cheese as topping. Trust me. Girls are crazy for this.
You’re going to get a big bowl with some vegetable and dried seaweed in it. What are you supposed to do next?
Just put your rice and the stir-fried jukkumi in your bowl and mix them all. And now you can enjoy your food. Remember you better eat it with dongchimi because it’s going to burn in your mouth, haha.
Please check the information below if you’re interested in visiting this restaurant for the spicy jukkumi.
Address : 48, Seongsuil-ro 4-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Phone Number : 02-465-4569
Operating Hours : 11:00 ~ 23:00
[Menu and Price]
Dakgalbi : KRW 12,000 (for each)
Jukkumi : KRW 12,000 (for each)
Jukkumi Rice : KRW 7,000 (only for lunch)
Food
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Fancy Automobile Exhibition, KIA!!
This could be my personal matter but I recently had a chance to visit a KIA center in Gangnam because I’m planning to purchase a KIA car for my own. They also provide you a test driving service as long as you make a reservation. And of course you must own your driver’s license. That’s why I ended up there.
But it doesn’t always have to be for test driving. You can just get there to watch the cars displayed in their showrooms if you’re interested in fancy and new cars. They have various models displayed but I took some pictures of only 2 models that I’m considering to buy. I know that most likely the guys would be interested but if you want a chance to kill your time then go for it. And of course there are many other automobile brands that you can go visit.
This model is the facelift (minor update) version of K7 and they named it K7 Premier. K7 series must be quite a high-end model and very suitable for a family sedan. Look at this huge and aggressive front grill.
The rear design is very unique with its long dotted line tail lamp. You may or may not like it but it’s definitely my type.
This is the 3rd generation full change of K5 and it’s the newest and hottest model now in Korea. It looks very sporty and it has probably the most advanced technology.
The rear design is very similar to K7. It has a sportback design so that is popular especially for 20~30s young people.
It has such a beautiful and fancy sideline and I was more into K5 but considering my age, K7 could be better. I don’t know. I’m going to make my decision eventually.
Here’s some more information about this place.
Address : 417, Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
Location : Near exit 2 of Apgujeong Rodeo Station, Bundang line
Phone Number : 02-544-5421
Homepage : https://www.kia.com/kr/experience-center/test-service/default.html
Entertainment
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The Biggest Flea Market in Korea, Dongmyo Market!
You might not like it. It might look like a mess on the street. There’s not even a proper shop there. They’re selling their goods out on the street. And I would say most them are very rare, antique, used items. Yes, I’m talking about the flea market which is one of the biggest in Korea. I can’t even imagine where these stalls and things all come from. They must have been stuck somewhere for long, ha.
Dongmyo Flea Market was opened in the late 1980s and earned such a reputation. The prices are most likely 1 dollar for each and surprisingly, the most popular item for buyers is second-hand clothes in the market. This flea market literally has everything you need. This traditional market has become an unusual hot spot in Seoul.
I don’t know about the style. They must be for old ladies, haha. You know they’re all for 1 dollar.
Oh these might work for youngsters. I guess I might want to buy one of these.
It’s always busy out there with so many people trying to purchase something.
This is a Korean style sandwich. My mom used to make me a sandwich like this when I was little. Try this if you have a chance. You’re going to love it.
Wow! Are they really selling these for sure? I have no idea where they came from and what they’re for, ha.
Below is some more information about this place if you’re interested in visiting there.
Address : 243, Nangye-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Location : Near exit 3 of Dongmyo Station, line 1
Shopping
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The Most Well Preserved Palace, Changdeokgung!!
Changdeokgung is known as one of the Five Grand Palaces built by the kings of Joseon Dynasty. Since it’s located east of Gyeongbok Palace, Changdeokgung is also referred to as the East Palace. When you get there, you’re going to realize that it is a huge palace where the kings lived during Joseon period. It is surprising to see that they’ve been preserved for such a long time.
Changdeokgung was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997. They stated that it is an outstanding example of Far Eastern Palace architecture and garden design. I didn’t know this but portions of the palace were used to film the popular Korean drama ‘Dae Jang Geum’. It is absolutely beautiful that makes me feel proud that I’m Korean.
It says Jeonghwamun in Chinese which is one of the gates in Changdeokgung. You can always see a lot of visitors including foreigners. You can also see some of them in Hanbok.
This is one of the pavilions in the palace. I couldn’t remember the exact name so I looked it up. It’s probably Buyongjeong Pavilion.
It is magnificent. I always wonder how their lives could be in this place. It must have been really peaceful. You can see everyone is busy with taking pictures now.
During the fall season, it is colorful everywhere in the palace. They must be really good at preserving the shapes including its nature..
Please check the below for more information if you’re interested in visiting this place.
Address : 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Inquiries : 02-3668-2300
Open Hours : 09:00 ~ 18:00
Homepage : http://www.cdg.go.kr/default.jsp
Admission : Free
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