Exploring Gyeongbokgong/ Anguk Station

Historical/Culture Exploring Day in Seoul

If you are going Korea for the first time, you have to visit the palaces! 

Basically there are 4 main palaces in Korea:

1) Gyeongbokgung Palace (경복궁) 

2) Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

3) Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁)

4) Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)

You can visit all 4 palaces for 10 000won:

Four Palaces (Changdeokgung Palace (including Huwon, Secret Garden), Changgyeonggung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace) and Jongmyo Shrine - ticket may be used within a month after purchase.

From the Visit Korea website, it was stated that tours are being offered in different languages but I'm not sure it it is free. Check it out here: Visit Korea

Interpretation Services Offered Tours depart in front of the Information Center at Heungnyemun Gate (흥례문). Duration: 1hr - 1hr, 30min Tour Schedule: English: 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 Japanese: 10:00, 12:30, 14:30 Chinese: 10:30, 13:00, 15:00

If you are planning to visit only one palace in Korea, I recommend going to the Gyeongbokgung Palace due to the close proximity of other historical sites/attractions nearby. The Gyeongbokgung palace is also a popular filming location for a lot of Korean dramas such as Jumong, Dong Yi and Queen In Hyun's Man.

How to get there:

By subway: Gyeongbokgung Palace Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 5.

Opening hours: 09:00-18:00

*Closed on Monday

Entrance fee: 3000 won (Adult)

Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization 
As mentioned earlier, several other attractions are pretty near by the Gyeongbokgung palace. You might want to go around in this order (walking distance):

1) Gyeongbokgung palace (exiting from Gwanghwamun)
2) National Folk Museum
3) Samcheongdong (Chill and have a cup of coffee)
4) Bukchon Hanok Village

Of course there are other awesome museums along the way such as the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) and Seoul Children's Museum (서울상상나라) so it's really up to you to you to choose.

# Within the Gyeongbokgung Palace

This place is pretty big. On the top of the map, you can see "Cheong Wa Dae (청와대)" which is the residential area of the Korea's president. Around Bukchon area, you will see a lot of police patrolling not only to safeguard the president but the various embassies in the zone as well.

Korean drum - which is used during cultural ceremonies to co-ordinate movements of guards.

More exploring.

You might get a chance to see young princesses in Hanbok walking around too.

Geunjeongjeon Hall

Within the main palace, there are also several other smaller palaces, halls and pavilions to be seen. For instance the Geunjeongjeon Hall (Throne Hall), located in Gyeongbokgung. The hall was used to hold important state functions such as court officials' audiences with the king and receptions for foreign envoys in the past. I was able to visualize guards standing in neat rows on the left and right and the resonance of the voices to greet the emperor!

Looking inside the hall. Unfortunately, a lot of the areas are sealed off so you couldn't enter them. (This quick shot was taken from the outside as I try to squeeze through the crowd)

Gwanghwamun (광화문) 

Near the entrance of the Gwanghwamun, there were parades going on, re-enacting the traditional Korean royal court cultural ceremony. I was immersing myself in the surrounding: colours, smell, sound and the people. I would definitely recommend you to check out the historical sites and know more about Korean culture and heritage!

One of the guards, at the entrance of Gwanghwamun.

# Exploring Samcheong-dong

This area is filled with cafes and restaurants that are traditional Korean houses (Bukchon Hanok) Interesting infrastrature. A good pit stop for food and drinks!

Really lovely structures - When traditional houses meets modernity.

Sipping on my strawberry smoothie (5000 won) while walking

The Bukchon area is huge and you might take up to an entire day to explore!

Read More

Korean Food Hunt (2014)

Here are some of the must try Korean food / food I'd tried in Korea.

#1 Naengmyeon (냉면 - Cold Noodles)

There are different kind of Naeng Myeon available and the one I chose was Mul Naengmyeon. (물냉면) If you like it hot and spicy, I would recommend the Bibim Naengmyeon.(비빔 냉면) In Korea, all your meals comes with Banchan (반찬), which are small side dishes that can be refilled at no charge at all. I was being served with some picked radish and kimchi as side.

Mul Naengmyeon. (물냉면) - 5000won.
I think this is one of the best thing I had eaten in Korea in summer. This is so cold and refreshing! The cold broth comes with half an egg, thinly shredded cucumber, radish, buckwheat noodles sprinkled with sesame seeds. There is also some mustard. (green wasabi on the left edge of the bowl) I added a little too much and it cleared my nose! Honestly, there won't much ingredients in it but it tasted so delicious. The buckwheat noodles are so chewy and savory! Yum.

#2 Bibimbap (비빔밥)

Bibimbap (비빔밥) - 5000won

#3 Bulgogi Dolsot Bibimbap (불고기돌솥비빔밥)

I love bibimbap. This one was alright. I'd tasted better bibimbap in Singapore though. Filled with seafood, leafy greens, beansprouts, black fungus and sprinkled with sesame seeds. However, I really love the potato side dish.

Bulgogi Dolsot Bibimbap (불고기돌솥비빔밥) - 6000won


This one is really worth it! With an additional 1000won, the dish was served in a hot stone bowl and comes with various side dishes and a bowl of hot soup. Additional gochujang bottle was given in case it wasn't spicy enough.

Sizzling deliciousness. I think the hot stone bowl gives it a slight charred taste to the rice. The ground beef, leafy greens, fungus, egg and Gochujang fusion. I think in the future I will only order dolsot bibimbap as it makes a whole lot of difference!

Kimchi and some corn and carrots in generous amount of mayonnaise

Kimchi Dubu soup (Kimchi and Tofu Soup)

#4 Tteok Manduguk (떡만두국 - Rice Cake and Dumpling Soup)

Tteok Manduguk (떡만두국) - 5500won
If you love dumplings and rice cake like me, why not have both? It is basically a warm bowl of egg drop soup (beaten egg in hot soup) with vegetables, dumpling and tteok (rice cake). I love the generous portion of flavourful dumpling (like seriously tons of dumpling with a lot of chives and meat) and chewy tteok topped with seaweed. Highly recommended!

#5 Korean Fried Chicken

Korean fried chicken with a bottle of coke, pickled radish, sauces (chilli and mustard), and a bowl of korean crackers. - 27 000 won. In Korea, you have to try the korean fried chicken. Chicken and Meokju (beer) However, we didn't really like beer so we had some cola.

A really huge portion of fried chicken on the left with the the sweet and spicy sauce and on the right plain. I don't know what they use in the sauce but it taste like sweet and spicy chilli sauce with a little marmite. I like the plain one dipped in mustard.

#6 Lotteria

Bulgogi burger set meal - Bulgogi burger, french fries and coke - 5300won

I figured I have to try some Korean fast food while I am in Korea. I don't really like the burger though, the meat patty is kind of slimy with a lot of mayonnaise (does not taste like the mayo I used to eat) French fries are really dry too. It is kinda of a disappointment. Maybe it is just that outlet. I'll be sure to try it a second time before concluding it is bad!

#7 Have cup of tea or coffee while chilling in a cafe!

I was chilling in Chloris Tea & Coffee cafe (second floor) in Hongdae! Really great ambiance and the ladies at the counter were polite. My cup of Lemon grass tea (I can't remember the price but I think it was around 5000won?) The prices of coffee and tea in Korea is about the same in Singapore. Around 5-7bucks. I really love this lemonade like drink with subtle hint of lemongrass fragrance! If you have time, chill here while reading a book.

#8 Krispykreme

Yes you read it correctly, Krispykreme! As many of you know that the Krispykreme donuts in Singapore is way overpriced. An original glazed doughnut will cost you S$2.60 and even if you buy in a dozen (you might not want to eat so many), it still cost you around $1.90. In Korea, you can get a doughnut for 1000won. (Around S$1.10-S$1.30)

Original glazed - 1000won
Fluffy fried goodness with sugar. Sinful but heavenly!

Fifa World Cup is ongoing and how about a chocolate doughnut with some icing? Soccerball - 1200 won
This is a little too sweet. However, I do love the lemon gooey filling in the middle. Adds a little sourness to neutralize the sweetness.


There are definitely more yummylicious food in Korea but here are some of the ones I tried during my short stay in Korea. Do let me know what good food to try in Seoul!

Read More

Travelling/Money Tips - Korea

#1 Be prepared for your flight

Be entertained

• The flight to Korea takes around 6-7 hours for a direct flight from Singapore to Seoul, Korea and 9-11 hours for a connecting/stopover flight. I managed to watch 5 and a half korean dramas on my way to Seoul. Time flies when watching television dramas and the next thing you know, you are in another country.

Give yourself some time

• Be prepared for flight delays. If you are planning your own itinerary, try not to have a tight schedule. After all, it is a holiday and you do not want to rush and experience anxiety. Relax! 2 out of the 4 flights I took (budget airline) was delayed for an hour or so. Thankfully, I have some time to spare.

#2 Know your way through the city

Seoul Subway map

• The font size of the subway map on the train are seriously only for people with perfect eyesight. Having a map downloaded in your phone can save you the trouble of asking for directions. You never know when you will need it. You can download the subway map here: Version 1 Version 2

Get a T money card or the Seoul City Pass Plus

Depending on your needs I recommend getting either getting the T money card or the Seoul City Pass plus card. You can get the following cards from convenience store bearing the T money logo such as: GS25, CU, 7-eleven, Mini Stop, Buy The Way. I got my from the 7-eleven store at Incheon International airport.

T money card (2500 won)

• The T money card is a cash card where you can tap and go so you don't have to buy a ticket every single trip. (Similar to EZ link card in Singapore, Easycard in Taiwan and Pasmo card in Japan.)
• The advantage of this card is that you get transfer rebates. The small amount adds up and who knows you can be saving 10 bucks or so for shopping or food.

Seoul City Pass Plus (3000 won)

• The Seoul City Pass Plus is basically a T money card but with additional promotions/discounts for tourists. You can see some of the discounts they have here: Seoul City Pass plus Discount
• I would only recommend this card if you are planning to visit a lot of tourist attractions like the Palaces, Seoul Tower and museums.

*Note: I would not recommend the M-PASS Card because the korean subway fares are fairly cheap and you might end up paying more than required with the M-PASS Card.

You can check out the rates of the M-pass card here: M-pass card rates

Subway fare calculator

• If you would like to estimate the cost of the transportation to plan out your budget for your trip, you can use this free online subway fare calculator: SMRT Korea
• Simply enter you Departure and Arrival Station or click on the stations on the map for calculations.

Experience the different modes of transport in Korea

Try riding the taxi or public buses!

• I'd watched a lot of Korean dramas and had always wanted to try taking the public buses in Korea! Sadly, the bus stops in Korea only offer information of the routes in hangeul so if you can't read it, you can't ride it. (Thankfully, my Korean friend was with me and I just followed along.) However, similar to the subway, there are announcements made in English at every stop so you will know where you are going.

Last option: Why not try walking?

For backpackers - When time isn't an issue, why not consider walking? Sinchon station, Ewha Women's University station and Hong ik University station (Hongdae) are within walking distance. If you are travelling around these locations why not get a map, walk and explore the entire area?

#3 Wifi is everywhere

• Korea is a wired city so there isn't really a need to buy a prepaid card unless you really need wifi 24/7. Chances are major department store offer free wifi services and there are also various wifi hotspots at places like Hongdae, Sinchon, Namdaemun market etc. 

• Here are some of the Wifi network names I'd connected to for free with no registration required while visiting Seoul: 5G Seoul Wifi, Seoul Wifi, Emart_free_wifi, Shinsegae_free_wifi etc.
• Most of the cafes offer free wifi when you purchase their drinks or food. The password can be found on the receipt or you can just approach the counter.

#4 Get things at a cheaper price!

Download your coupons

• A good thing to know is that Korean tourism board offers a ton of discount vouchers (5-20%) for tourists. So if are planning to buy a ton of masks from shops like Etude House, TheFaceShop, Nature Republic or have some food and drinks at Dunkin Donut or Holly's Cafe, you definitely want to print out the coupons before you board your flight. There are also discount coupon for museums and other performances. 
• 
  

Click here to download the coupons: Visit Korea, Visit Korea Committee

• Also do note that you are eligible for a tax refund when shopping at retail stores bearing the Tax Refund logo, with a minimum spending of 30 000 won. (You are required to present your foreign passport for verification so do bring it along) You can get a tax refund at the airport but do remember to get a stamp of approval before taking the airport train to the departure gate!

• Note*** For those who are planning to buy facial products, do note that it is not always the cheapest to buy at Lotte Duty Free shop! 

The story goes: I was at TheFaceShop outlet in Myeong Dong and the mask pack (30masks in a pack) is going for 1+1 (50% discount) - meaning that when I buy 30 masks, I get another 30 masks for free. So I will get 60 masks for 30 000won and on top of that, I can get a tax refund since it has the Tax refund logo. 

I wanted to kill myself because I only visited the Myeong Dong, TheFaceShop outlet after I bought all my facial products at the Lotte Duty Free department store with only a mere discount of 10% although I don't have to pay the tax (I can get my taxes refunded anyway). The nice lady at the Myeong Dong outlet then advised me that it is only worth it to shop at the Lotte Duty Free Shop if we are buying products in bulk. If you are buying 1 or 2 packs (which is already a lot of masks), you might as well go to the usual outlets for better offers (they give out more freebies compared to the Lotte Duty Free Shop too). So there you go, learn from my mistake. Don't be a noob like me. :(

Know where to shop!

If you are looking for a cheap deal, avoid places like Myeong Dong (except if you are buying masks), Insadong and Itaewon which are designated for tourists and will potentially burn a hole in your pocket. Head down to Namdaemun market, Hongdae (Hongdae Flea Market) and Edae (Ewha Womans University Station) for cheap clothing, bags and souvenirs. Ask for discounts and you will most likely get one or the shopkeeper might just throw in a freebie for you.

#5 An opportunity for you to practice your Korean.

Don't be shy! When learning a language, you need to speak up! I ordered some of my food in Korean and when I was near Ewha Womans University, the Uncle selling Gyeranbang (Egg bread) gave me a thumbs up for my effort!

• If you don't want to burn a hole in your pocket to learn Korean, you might want to check out TTMIK.com. Talk to Me In Korean (TTMIK) is a korean learning website that offers free korean lessons with free podcast and pdfs (Level 1-9 currently under the Grammar section) available for download so you can learn korean on the go. Click here: TTMIK

# 6 Discount Vouchers/ Flight promotion period.

• Airlines usually offer promotions during major public holidays. For example Flyscoot offer great deals during Christmas and Valentine's Day. Do not fall for the Tuesday Morning Glory shiz, you probably will not get anything out of it. Plan your trip early and you might get a good deal.

Photos courtesy of Flyscoot.com

• You can also buy Flyscoot travel vouchers on forums where people cancelled their flight and get a voucher in return. I bought my voucher online and saved S$100 after much negotiation. However, be really careful when doing any form of online transactions. Only buy vouchers when you are ready to book your flight, don't keep it for use a month later. There are reported cases whereby the scammers sold used voucher code.

#7 Save some money with family mart.

Convenience store are everywhere. You can just get a Samgak Kimbap and a drink under 2000won. Check out my GS25 adventure here.

#8 Stay in a Guesthouse to save some money.

There are a lot of guesthouses in Korea and some guesthouses offer cheaper room rates if you stay for 8 days or more. If you don't mind sharing a room with other travellers, you can save a lot of money. I stayed in Ultari House for a week and met a lot of fellow Singaporeans there! K and Allen were really great hosts. Kudos to them.

You can book your hostel via different travel websites. I booked mine through Hostelworld.com It is a pretty long running and trustworthy site and the plus point is that no transaction fees will be charged.


I hope my long post will be useful in helping you in planning your trip. If you have any tips to share with other fellow travellers, do leave a comment in the comment box below! Enjoy your stay in Korea!

*Do note that I am not paid to advertise any of websites or airline being mentioned. It was solely based on my personal experience.

Read More

Backpacking Alone: GS25 is your good friend

When backpacking alone especially for many days/months, you might just want to crawl into a cheap place to settle your meal. Here comes the convenience store to your rescue. Unlike the convenience store in Singapore, most of the convenience store in Korean has got tables, chairs and tissue paper etc. available.

Ottogi - Ramen Bokki (a.k.a Rappoki) - 475kcal - 1000won

I was craving for some instant noodles that night. Basically Rappoki is ramen in tteokbokki sauce which is a little sweet and spicy at the same time. I like how they put the cooking time on the lid - "4 minutes". This task was number #19 on Seoulistic's bucket list - 101 things to do in Korea - "Eat ramen at a convenience store like in a Korean drama".

In my opinion, all korean ramen taste pretty much the same in terms of thickness and texture. (Maybe it's just me) It is the soup base/seasoning that differs. I was sweating by the end of this bowl of Ramen Bokki. Pretty spicy!

Ottogi - Jin Ramen (Hot) - 480kcal - 950 won.

I bought this because it was on promotion! The only Korean instant noodles I have tasted is by Nong shim and this tasted very similar to the spicy mushroom flavour that they have. I love this soup base.

You can see the mushroom and vegetable bits here. 

During my stay there, I have only seen high school kids eating ramen during the afternoon/night. The lady at the cashier is very friendly and seem to know a lot of kids that popped by.

Haneul -Bokkeum Kimchi - 120kcal. I can't remember how much this cost.

I bought this as a side dish to go with my spicy ramen.This pack of kimchi comes with really soft spam. (a.k.a luncheon meat) The spam made the whole thing really gooey and slimy. I should have gotten the normal Kimchi but I was feeling a little adventurous.

Sahmyook Foods - Black bean calcium (검은콩 칼슘두유) - 140kcal - 900 won

I was curious how black bean milk differs from soya milk. After drinking it, I realized it tasted like thick soya milk but with a burnt smell?  I can't explain it perhaps you might want to try it out yourself. I can taste some bean dregs in it so this is not exactly smooth. However, the most nutritious part of a bean are the dregs that were left behind if you don't mind its texture.


Chicken Patty on Bibimbap - 250kcal - 1000won. I mean what could go wrong with a chicken patty?

The patty is tender and taste like some sweet barbecue/ teriyaki sauce goodness with bibimbap on the bottom. The rice was not spicy at all but a little overcooked. It was delicious though.

Having some Samgak Kimbap (삼각김밥 - Triangle Kimbap) - 2 for 1500won.

Bulgogi (불고기)
Marinated Pork with Gochujang (제육 볶음) - 298kcal

Really thoughtful packaging - I can separate the two samgak kimbap along the middle line of the sticker.

I love the tender bulgogi. (beef) The marinated pork with gochujang was a little spicy.

Woong Jin (웅진) - Honey & Red Ginseng Drink 꿀홍삼 드링크 - 135kcal - 1300 won.
I tried the Honey water drink (1200 won) but it tasted too sweet. This one is not really a pleasant drink as there is a ginseng taste but the sweetness of the honey kind of made it better. I downed a couple of this for the first few days and it helped relieve my bad cough and flu a little. They do have warm versions on the warm rack but it costs 2000 won more.

Maeil - Apple Yogurt. - I can't remember the price of this.

Yogurt with apple bits in it. I personally find it a little thick to be considered a drink.

Petitzel - White Coco - 95kcal
Petitzel - Caramel (Milk & Egg Pudding) -2000won


For those who watched "You who came from the stars", the lead actor Kim Soon Hyun shot a CF promoting the pudding last year.

The pudding comes with a pack of caramel syrup. Pretty classy packaging.

I'd tasted a few custard pudding which are lumpy but this one is really soft and smooth. Sweet pudding with caramel sauce which is not too bitter. Sadly there was only one flavour available in this outlet. I would love to try the other flavours.

Petitzel - White Coco - 95kcal
All I can taste when I eat this was the Nata de coco. The pudding was just sweet and only has a very mild coconut taste. Only if it has a stronger coconut flavour to it. It is pretty smooth though.


That's about it for my adventures in GS 25!

Read More