Korea/Seoul Apr’19: Goblin Jumunjin Beach, Raramuri & Playground Brewery

A32A9473

Annyeong! Omg I’m so embarrassed that this actually took ages for me to blog about. Finally blogging about the last day of our Korea 2019 trip!

A32A9475

Since we were driving, we made a pretty long 2.5 hours journey to a very famous and popular Korean drama filming site!

A32A9439

JJA-JAAAAAN! Yeah it’s none other than Jumunjin Beach, which is the original filming location of Goblin, starring Gong Yoo, Kim Go-eun, Lee Dong-wook, Yoo In-na and Yook Sung-jae.

A32A9447
A32A9419

The Korean drama was really popular when it was released in December 2016 and Jumunjin Beach was flooded with throngs of Goblin fans. Since we were there about 2 years later, the beach was pretty empty so we kinda had all the time in the world to take photos. The downside was that it was difficult to get people to help with the pics but luckily a Korean guy was there with his mother and we managed to enlist his help.

A32A9416
A32A9414
A32A9428
A32A9451
A32A9434

Bringing a tripod is a good idea too!

A32A9466

Heard that this restaurant along Jumumjin Beach used to do very well due to the high amount of human traffic.

33798664728_ed87a63ff8_o

We then made our way to another Korean drama filming site, Raramuri along Deungmyeong beach. This place can be seen in dramas such as Encounter, Goblin and Legend of the Blue Sea.

47623241982_e79acdc4da_o

It was a pity that it was not like what it seemed in the dramas. This place looked kinda run down and deserted. Nevertheless, it was nice to make a trip here.

47623241922_96004c2b07_o

Had a simple lunch to warm nearby and the food was quite good.

40790170943_2d6807368c_o
46967450294_f0d40db432_o

On the way back to Seoul, we stopped by Playground Brewery for some drinks and bar bites.

A32A9489

Love the tap handles! So unique!

A32A9490
A32A9493
A32A9487
A32A9486
A32A9498
47625276852_a5422c0b3f_o

We loveeeee the Korean bbq at Wang Bi Jib and decided to return for a meaty feast with some soju bombs!

47688874321_0ee9788e36_o

Just sit back and relax while the servers would do all the magic.

32735030247_f60800a198_o

Click here to read more about our Korea 2019 trip!

Korea-Seoul Apr’19: Hanbok Rental and Photoshoot

EQ7A3787

Dressing up in a traditional Korean hanbok was the first thing on my must-do list when I was planning our Korea trip. I think it is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the culture and get a unique experience especially if you visit tourist landmarks such as the royal palaces while wearing the hanbok. If you like watching Korean dramas or movies that portray traditional Korean culture typically in the Joseon Dynasty, you will definitely find joy in this hanbok experience.

EQ7A3790

There are many hanbok rental shops and we highly recommend Hanbok Girls for a number of reasons. Firstly, the rental price is very affordable, at prices starting from 10000 won only. Prices depend on the type of hanbok (traditional or special) and also the length of duration of the rental (2hr or 4 hr). There are no hidden prices and everything else is FREE. Lockers are provided at no extra cost so you can leave your bags and clothes in the locker while you walk around freely in your hanbok. Hair service and accessories are also provided. If you need a bag (for ladies) or a head gear (for men), or even footwear, these are all provided for your use. Secondly, the location of Hanbok Girls is superb! It is just a 3-minute walk away from both Gyeongbokgung station and Gyeongbokgung Palace. This means you spend less time travelling and can have more time for photos at the palace.

EQ7A3797

Thirdly, Hanbok Girls has a decent selection of hanbok although everything is on a first-come, first-served basis. You need not worry about not knowing how to put on the costume as there are a few staff who will go around helping customers at the fitting rooms. Lastly, if you want some professional photos taken, there is a studio located inside Hanbok Girls! Speaking of convenience, you can have some photos taken indoors before you head outdoors for more photos!

EQ7A3838

We met Joon, the photographer from INT Studio and he took some photos for us in his studio before we walked over to Gyeongbokgung Palace. It was a good idea because we were already warmed up and got to know one another a little before the outdoor shoot. Joon told us that the weather was not so good but I guess that is from a professional photographer’s point of view. Apart from the weather, I was also a little worried about the crowd but photographers always have this magic (no I’m not talking about Photoshop here) and most of the photos seem to portray misterchewy and I in our own world lol.

EQ7A3834

Joon is very friendly and easy to talk to, which makes us feel very much at ease throughout the photoshoot. He also gave us many ideas and guided us with the various poses. We also noticed that Joon used a variety of camera gear, which looked very heavy for him to carry around, but it also shows that he is committed to delivering a dynamic set of photos for his customers.

EQ7A3821

Joon also has a keen eye for detail and knows where are the good spots for great pictures. We expected the crowd to be scattered all around the Gyeongbokgung Palace but Joon hows how to avoid and prevent unwanted photobombers.

EQ7A3827

Photoshoots are usually quite tiring, especially if you are looking at anything more than one hour. However, Joon did not rush through the shoot and the pace was pretty comfortable and leisurely. We actually enjoyed the photoshoot and it was really fun!

EQ7A3831

There are just too many photos to share so here are some of my favorites. Let me know what you think! 🙂 Joon is very popular and his sessions get filled really quickly. You can contact him at intstudio.seoul@gmail.com if you have any questions or want to book a slot!

EQ7A3887
EQ7A3891
EQ7A3886
EQ7A3905
EQ7A3932
EQ7A3926
EQ7A3948
EQ7A3959
EQ7A3966
IMG_1660
IMG_1672
IMG_1704
IMG_1605
IMG_1609
IMG_1639

Hanbok Rental Shop:

Hanbok Girls

Address: 8, Jahamun-ro 2-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
It is on the 3rd floor of the blue building on the left alley at exit 3-1 of Gyeongbokgung Station.

Hanbok Photography:

INT Studio

Email address: intstudio.seoul@gmail.com

Korea-Seoul Apr’19: Ikseon-dong Hanok Village, Ihwa Mural Village & Namsan Tower

Untitled

After 5 years of parenthood, misterchewy and I decided that it was time we go on a couple trip! We share a love for Korean dramas so it’s a no-brainer that Korea would be our holiday destination! Actually, the hubs wasn’t keen on watching Kdramas as he thought that all Kdramas were soppy love stories until I managed to convince him and then he got hooked when he first started watching “Familiar Wife” starring Ji Sung and Han Ji-Min in August last year. Through numerous Kdramas, we picked up some Korean words and phrases, learned a bit about their culture and also got drawn to their food and soju. As we had to trouble our parents to take care (his on weekdays and mine on weekends) of the kids, Korea is also an ideal choice of destination as one week is sufficient to cover a few tourist attractions and activities. In fact, we managed to visit Seoul and Busan over our 8D7N trip.

Blossom Airport Lounge

Even before we boarded our plane, we treated ourselves to some hot food and drinks at the airport lounge. Access to airport lounges is no longer restricted to just business flyers, priority pass holders or travellers who purchase annual membership. Through Ready To Travel app, travellers can now book a single access lounge entry to SATS Premier Airport Lounges! Some facilities of the airport lounge include buffet spread, massage chairs, widescreen cable TV, shower facilities, workstations with internet access, free flow of beverages and extensive selection of newspapers and magazines.

47574074712_bab7037518_o

Since we checked in two hours ahead of boarding time, we indulged in the yummy spread. The piping hot laksa was so good that we went for seconds!

46902527934_546368c042_o

We even concocted our own whisky highball drinks. Hehehe.

A32A8536

Perfect space if you want to have a quick nap and do not wish to be disturbed.

46902481084_92f771744d_o

Our flight was scheduled to take off at around 1am but there was a slight delay. Somehow, we were assigned the last row of seats and it got kinda irritating with many passengers visiting the washroom throughout the entire flight. Thank goodness for these Kakao hooded travel pillows which helped to block out the light and noise around us.

46902482404_c51650d549_o

We had a pretty restful sleep (not travelling with kids, that’s why!) and soon, breakfast was served! A pity the food wasn’t that fantastic.

32684011247_f8ac6c5dd0_o

Happy to know that we have landed safely in the Land of Morning Calm!

32708385407_6cf3728f19_o

No queue at Shake Shack in Incheon International Airport!

40663944353_a5782f768c_o

Boarded the Airport Railroad Express Train (AREX) to Seoul. It’s one of the most convenient and cost-effective ways to travel to Seoul from the airport and vice versa. And of course, we whipped out our reliable Ready to Travel pocket wifi as soon as we touched down! Do you know that the pocket wifi comes with FREE delivery? Definitely saves you a lot of hassle especially when you are busy with your trip planning! Book yours here! Btw, please do not use Google Maps in Korea. We recommend Naver Map. You can download the app on your mobile device and input the destinations.

A32A8540

Since we were not travelling with the kids, misterchewy and I decided to stay in an Airbnb! So far our experiences were satisfactory but we also hear some horror stories from time to time, so book at your own discretion! I found this cute Hello Kitty themed apartment on Airbnb and the reviews are all positive! Also, our host is awarded as a “Superhost”, and we can attest to that. She has been very responsive to all our messages and patient with our enquiries.

A32A8548

Although the apartment is small, I feel that it is very cosy and fit for two people with not more than two huge luggages.

A32A8546

The shower head is attached to the sink so it took us awhile to get used to it. Toiletries and bath towels are also provided but this depends on individual Airbnb hosts.

A32A8549

Besides the price (only $60 per night during our period of stay), we loved the strategic location! Only a minute’s walk to the train station and we could also get to Myeongdong by foot in 10 minutes. There are also two convenience stores and many eateries just downstairs.

A32A8553

After freshening up, we went for lunch at Eulji Myeonok (을지면옥). If you like cold noodles or if it’s something you think you will like, do pay this restaurant a visit! It’s very popular among locals. There is also a spicy cold noodle version.

Address: 2-1 Chungmu-ro 144-gil Jung-gu Seoul

A32A8569

Ikseon-dong Hanok Village (익선동 한옥마을) is gaining popularity in recent years. It is a quaint place with a few alleys lined up with shops selling vintage clothings and some bric-a-brac, and also cosy cafes where you can sip coffee and watch the world go by.

A32A8571

We had to wait a while for the crowd to clear before taking this shot. There were throngs of people even on a weekday afternoon!

A32A8578

If you like collecting vintage or cutesy stuff, Ikseon-dong has plenty of these.

A32A8584

I was actually quite tempted to bring Peter Rabbit home!

33751322838_60e6810dbc_o

The crowd at Ikseon-dong was starting to give me a headache so we didn’t spend much time there. We adjourned to Ihwa Mural Village (이화 벽화마을) and had to climb a long flight of stairs. Phew!

A32A8604

The peak of the cherry blossom season was nearly over and we were thrilled that we could still see many beautiful blooms all around us.

A32A8593

Stopping by for an iced cold drink before more walking.

A32A8633
A32A8623
A32A8655
A32A8648
A32A8658

As the name suggests, Ihwa Mural Village has many interesting murals and art installations, revitalized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s public art “Ihwa-dong Naksan Project” in 2006.

A32A8639

Definitely a nice place to visit and capture some unique photos.

A32A8636
40662035183_0340f560f5_o

We did the love lock thingy when we went for our honeymoon in Europe a few years ago and we just had to do this cheesy thing again in Seoul! Yup we travelled to Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워) for this!

40662035193_244213e2d3_o
47628385781_ed46cfd61c_o

Kinda looks like we are exchanging wedding rings right? LOL.

33773468528_4b578d06bd_o
A32A8661

Since we were there and it was still quite early, we paid 10000 won each to go up the Observatory. There is no time limit so you can enjoy the beautiful view of Seoul and snap as many pictures as you want.

A32A8667

Namsan Seoul Tower (남산서울타워)

Address: 126 Namsangongwon-gil Yongsan-gu Seoul

A32A8675

We also made it a point to visit a few craft beer places during our trip. Almost everything on the menu contains beef, so we only had nacho chips to go with our drinks.

The Booth Sinyongsan Station Branch

Address: 100 Hangang-daero Yongsan-gu Seoul

32687846347_dcc2bdb321_o

After a long day, we were too tired to go anywhere else for dinner and decided to settle for a fuss-free one just below our Airbnb. The hubs had jjajangmyeon.

32687845957_f114fbf458_o

I opted for udon as I wanted something hot and soupy after being out in the cold.

47628373641_7a8a9782ac_o

We have come to the end of Day One in Korea/Seoul! Keep watching this page for more updates! 🙂