We then exited through Gwanghwamun, crossed the road, walked for about 5mins and we reached the statue of King Sejong the Great who is the one who created the written language of Hangul, the native phonetic alphabet system for the Korean language.
You can read more here.
Flowers along the way
We then continued walking for another 2mins we came by the statue of Yi Sun Sin, a well respected commander by both Korean and Japanese.
For the full story click here.
A nice hut just opposite the road which we will be heading to In-Sa Dong.
We actually asked a policeman for directions. We were told that we would need to take a subway for another 2-3 stations there and need to walk for another 15mins. We then asked him if we are able to walk there, "it will take 1hour," he replied. From what we can remember it's just about 15mins walk away. We the decided not to listen to him and walked straight just to try our luck. We wanted to look around the area anyway.
We saw bus stops that have glasses in front of them i presume it's to prevent dust and water puddles for those waiting.
A golden guy doing a break-dance on top of a buffalo
After about 10mins walk, wallah, we reached at a familiar fast food chain and thought of trying it out. We were also quite sure that we are already near our destination as the place seems to be familiar with what we researched earlier.
So, we went in and ordered a burger set
Toys for Happy Meal
But it turn out they provided me with a snack wrap, but still it's different, so...Whack!!
Nice coffee house along the way
Entrance
Finally,
New way of advertising
And all cosmetics/skin care shops have some one standing in front providing samples BUT with a condition that you must enter their shop even for window shopping
Starbucks with Korean signboard, told by one of my friends that it's the one and only in Korea
Busy streets
Sweet coffee houses. Man, every shop has a different and i mean EVERY one.
Korean sign board, but what's with the Korea Traditional Ghost??
Another nicely designed coffee house, every one is designed so nicely. This is a recommendation from my friend that it is a must go, but was only told when i was back. So any one of you planning to go, tell me your experience when you are back OK? TQVM
After wondering round the streets and checking out the shops, we reached Ssamziegil, special Insa-dong within Insa-Dong. There are only a set of staircase to the first floor, then you can proceed up the the forth floor WITHOUT a single stairs.
More info here.
Special stall selling 'shit cakes'
3 for W2000
Didn't know 'shit' actually taste this good. The fillings are filled with red bean paste and the texture of the cake is so soft that it actually melts in your mouth.
View from the second floor
Sets of photos for display, wondering when will my photos be up there..
Rooftop passage
Managed to snap this but did not have time for my free treat. Maybe next time if it is still valid
You can leave through the same way or you can take the staircase in this case, shortcut.
Garden passage with photo exhibitions.
Is the doll so ugly that they need to hide under the stairs, BTW that's the stairs to the first floor
Dungeon, kitchen or restaurant??
Subway passages, do Koreans like to exhibit their master pieces?? Seems like it to me
Transfer between lines
Cheeky grandma advertisement on the subway although i don't understand what it says
63 building that appeared in 'We got married,' Nichkun and Victoria couple on the first episode.
It is also the worlds highest art gallery and even have an observation deck for visitors.
Flood water
We then reach our next destination that is Bupyeong underground shopping mall. Bupyeong station(Line 1)
Once you exit the station you will see it right away
Such a long stretch...
We went to their food court located on the top floor. Once we reach, we saw that all the menu was written in Korean. So we acted smart and look for stalls with pictures so we could point and order...Smart right??
For all Korean meals, water and side dishes are provided for free. Heard that it is refillable but we did not because it is enough for both of us.
Bibimbap, a signature Korean dish, which means mixed meal
After mixing
Another Korean signature dish
Tteokbokki (Kathy's favorite)
Full meal photo
Once we are done, we went back to our nest, dropped our haul of the day, have a quick rest before we depart to our next shopping destination that is Myeong-dong
Flood water that has still not subside(taken inside the subway)
On the way back to our nest,
Namsan tower half covered with mist
Grabbed some drinks from the convenient store, I have to admit the the printed Korean wordings interest me more instead of the contents
After we dropped out stuffs, we set out to Myeong-dong that is about 7 mins walk away
Most of the people here carries umbrellas, even macho guys in their suits. Each morning they would listen to the whether forecast to prepare for the day
First shop that we visited, SPAO, Korean house brand with Hot Korean ambassadors such as, Girls' Generation, Super Junior and SHINee just to name some
Girls' Generation with Felix collection
Felix collection, although some are sold out because it is the end of summer now
T-shirts with the birthdates of Girls' Generation and Super Junior
One more photo when we exited the shop
Another Korean house brand, Bean Pole. From what we observer for the past 2 days, one in every three Koreans uses things carrying this brand, be it a bag, belt shirts etc.
If you are paying with a credit card, there is no slip for you to sign, just pick up the stylus and sign on the touch screen. An eye opener to us Malaysians
Street outside the shop, people mountain people see all the time
We grabbed a snack on the way, sausage and rice cake teppanyaki. Recommended to all although it is a bit pricey.
W3000 each
To end our day, perfect combination. The sausage teppanyaki was so good paired with the hot noodles. Completed with a refreshing can of Korean Cass beer and La Best strawberry ice-cream. (I felt the ice-cream is the best i ever tasted,strong strawberry taste with such smooth texture)
That's all for a long day. Till then...
Next up..Everland
Blogged by
Jason
