USD 92.65 of Sim Card Sold in Los Angeles Airport Terminal 3

December 17, 2015Leave a comment

This is one of the important thing many have asked while travelling to U.S, whether or not they sold Simcard and data plans?

In my case, I bought myself a prepaid simcard with 1 GB of 4G, unlimited 3G data plan, and free text and call within U.S region for 30 days.

Expensive? Yes it was, some told me that you could find that kind of deal with only half price in downtown. So i bought the simcard for 85+tax so total 92.65 dollars.

But the thing is I am a solo traveler and I desperately need internet, as much as I could, so I do not mind paying more.

Once you get out of the arrival hall, you can ask the officers where you could find a simcard, and the stall is on the left side of our arrival hall (still inside the airport building).

Fyi: There are various of data plan depending on what you needed, free wifi are available in the airport.

Subway Experience in Seoul with T-Money and M-Pass!

October 16, 2015October 16, 20152 Comments

Subway is one of the most convenient public transportation service in Seoul, it consists of Line 1 to Line 9, also additional lines in the metropolitan area.

Seoul Subway Map taken from Cyber Station

In addition, each subway station has a name, number, and a color representing the subway line. Although taxis are not really that expensive in Seoul, subway is still one the cheapest and easiest option for Solo traveler.

T-money

Seoul Card T-Money

T-money is just like EZ-LINK mrt card in Singapore, PASMO or SUICA in Japan. However, it can only be used on public buses and subways in several different metropolitan cities and locations (Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, Daejeon, Incheon, Daegu and Busan).

T-Money Vending Machine in Seoul Subway Station

We purchased T-Money in this machine with the price W 2,500 (W 2,000 balance, with a W 500 nonrefundable service fee). You could recharge with amounts ranging from 1,000 won to 90,000 won (maximum value the card can hold is 500,000 won). The credit will be deducted each time we use it.

Deposit Refund Machine in Seoul Subway Station

Note: You could refund your remaining balance in T-Money at convenience stores, such as GS 25, CU, 7-Eleven, Mini Stop, With Me, Buy The Way (bearing the T-money logo with remaining less than W 20,000). But, if the remaining balance exceeds 20,000 won, you may receive a refund at the T-money Headquarters (1F of Korea Smart Card Corporation Ltd.*), so it’s better to recharge only as much as you will need. T-Money is not returnable, so you could keep the card for a momento!

T-money fare is slightly cheaper compare to cash, so here is a comparison table of T-Money and Cash.

Table taken from english.visitkorea.or.kr

T-Money card could be used in subway, buses, taxis, and transaction at convenience stores (must have T-Money Logo) as long as you have sufficient fund in the card. Also if you forget to tap your card on the sensors as you get off the bus or exit the subway, you will be charged double the next time you use it, so beware!

T-Money Tap Machine in Subway Station

So, after you had this magic card, the next thing you shall do is to decide where to go and knowing where you are at the present time.

Example: How to travel from Hongik University to Seoul Station?
Get on the subway at Hongik University, take the Green line (Line 2) and get off at City Hall station. Then change to Deep Blue Line (Line 1) and Seoul Station is the next stop!

M-Pass
If you would be taking more than 5 rides a day, I suggest you to have yourself an M-Pass. According to korea site, M-Pass offers 20 rides a day for the duration of the pass in the Seoul Metropolitan City area and Jeju, including Seoul Subway Lines 1-9, Incheon Subway, AREX’s (Incheon Airport Railroad Express) standard train (i.e. not the express train), metropolitan trains (except the Sinbundang and Gyeongchun (ITX) Line), and Seoul buses (except red buses).

There are five types of M-Pass, check the table below:

Types and Prices taken from english.visitkorea.or.kr

M-Pass will expire at midnight on the last day of validity. M-Passes are available for purchase at Seoul Travel Information Centers in the Incheon International Airport Passenger Terminal (Gate 5 & 10 at 1F), Jeju International Airport and Jeju Tourism Information Center.

A refundable deposit of 4,500 won is mandatory while purchasing an M-Pass, and a non-refundable service charge of 500 won. The deposit as well as any remaining T-money balance on the M-Pass is refunded when you return it to any of the aforementioned locations. M-Pass can be returned at either Seoul Travel Information Centers in the Incheon International Airport or Jeju Tourism Information Center at Jeju International Airport.

M-Pass Card taken from source

M-Pass has the T-money function, so it can be used on buses, taxis, and at select convenience stores as long as there is a usable T-money balance. Once you have used all of the M-pass’ allotted subway rides, it can still be used as a T-money card after adding to the balance.

So, if you ask me which one is better, then it depends on what you will need. if you will only need a few rides a day, then you will not need to purchase M-Pass Card. The benefits of each pass will depend on our itinerary.

Simple, isn’t it? Hope you enjoy your subway experience in Seoul, Good Luck!

10 Unique Korean Local Cuisine You Must Tried

October 14, 2015October 14, 2015Leave a comment

Have you wondered what to dine while in South Korea? I have prepared 10 unique Korean dishes that you must tried while you are there, and they are all local cuisine.

Be aware that most Korean do not speak English, especially seniors, so I have also attached the Korean Characters of the food which might probably be a good help for you while doing order. Make sure you tried them all!

Remember to say 잘 먹겠습니다 (Jal moke get sum nida) before you have your meal.

1. Kimchi 김치

Picture taken from source

All of us definitely have heard about Kimchi, it is a fermented korean dish made by various of vegetables. There are over 200 varieties of kimchi recorded according to my source while I attended my class in Kimchi Academy, but the most common kimchi are made from radish, napa cabbage and cucumber. Restaurants will always serve various of Kimchi for complimentary, so don’t bother to order.

The taste of Kimchi depending on the vegetables and seasoning itself, some are spicy, and some taste sour. However, the most favorite kimchi is this napa cabbage kimchi, you could find this Kimchi in almost every restaurants in Korea. How does it taste then? It has a sour and little spicy taste. Kimchi is not only eaten with rice, but some also mix Kimchi in their cookings, such as in pancakes or even soup.

You might find the taste a little weird if you have never had Kimchi before in your life, because Kimchi is not served while hot, mostly are kept in refrigerator, so many exclude kimchi in their meal because they are not used to having cold vegetable dishes. Every restaurants kimchi taste slightly different, so it is worth a try!

2. Tteokbokki 떡볶이

Tteokbokki sold in Myeongdoeng

Tteokbokki is a popular Korean food made from soft rice cake, fish cake with sweet red chili sauce, and you could easily find tteokbokki sold in stalls and street foods. FYI, tteokbokki was a part of royal cuisine in Joseon Dynasty, and the older type of tteobokki is savory, while latter version was much spicier, which then becomes more popular than the traditional tteobokki.

3. Japchae 잡채

Picture taken from source

The name japchae means “a mixture of vegetables” (jap means “mixed and stirred”) and (chae means “vegetables”), and may be served hot and cold. However, Japchae is usually cooked with sweet potato noodles, it was stir fried in sesame oil with vegetables (sliced carrots, onion, spinach) and served with beef, and cooked with soy sauce and sugar.

There are also Japchae without noodles according to source, they are:
Gochu japchae (고추잡채), made with shredded fresh green chili pepper and vegetables
Buchu japchae (부추잡채), made with Korean chives
Kongnamul japchae (콩나물잡채), made with kongnamul (soybean sprouts)
Haemul japchae (해물잡채), made with seafood and vegetables
Beoseot japchae (버섯잡채), made with mushrooms

4. Bibimbap 비빔밥

Picture taken from source

Bibimbap is usually served in a hot stone bow white rice topped with sautéed vegetables, egg, sliced meat, chilli paste, soy sauce, or a salty soybean paste. You will need to stir everything until it evens, then you can start tucking in! The taste might be a little strange to you due to the chilli paste, so I suggest you to have a taste of the chilli paste before you stir them all.

5. Bulgogi 불고기

Combination of Red Chilli Paste Squids with Bulgogi Grilled

Bulgogi means Fire Meat, it usually made from thin slices of beef and marinated before cooking (soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, pepper, ginger). Bulgogi sometimes are served with lettuce, so you could wrap them together with sliced onions, and whole cloves of garlic and eat them all together. You could add chilli sauce or sesame oil if you would like to have more flavors.

6. Budae Jjigae 부대찌개
Budae Jjigae is also known as an Army Stew, due to food scarcity in Seoul after the Korean War, and the surplus foods from U.S. military bases, such as hot dogs and hams, the food were then being consumed together with Korean traditional flavor and cooking style, and this was how Budae Jjigae was ‘invented’ accidentally.

Kimchi is added in this Budae Jjigae

Budae jjigae is often served with instant noodles, ground beef, sliced sausages, baked beans, onions, tofu, chili peppers, macaroni, garlic, mushrooms, and sliced American Cheese. The Stew taste differently depending on the seasonings and flavor added, but my favorite Army Stew is definitely the one with Kimchi.

7. Samgyeopsal 삼겹살

Samgyeopsal is commonly served as an evening meal consists of thick slices of pork belly meat that could be marinated or not seasoned. We could grill the meat ourselves and eat directly from a grill in the diner’s table. You will need to dip the grilled meat into sesame sauce for a better taste of Samgyeopsal!

8. Galbitang 갈비탕

Picture taken from source

Galbitang is a soup from beef short ribs with stewing beef, onions, and other ingredients. Galbitang has a clear soup, the beef rib is cooked in water for a long time and is eaten as a meal. Galbi and Galbitang are different, galbitang is beef short ribs ‘soup’ while galbi is a marinated or nor seasoned grilled beef short ribs.

According to source, “historical records on galbitang are found in records on table setting for Korean royal court banquets held in the 1890s. However, galbi, was assumed to have been eaten since the end of the Goryeo Dynasty (918 – 1392).”

9. Seolleongtang 설렁탕

Picture taken from source

If Galbitang is soup from beef short ribs, then Seolleongtang is a broth soup made from ox bones (mostly leg bones), brisket and other cuts. The process of Seolleongtang making is not different with galbitang, which is to simmer the ox bones for over a period of hours and even entire day in a low flame. The simmering process is to ensure the flavor from the bones could be gradually extracted.

Usually Seolleongtang is not seasoned in the process of cooking, so you will need to add salt or any flavors according to your taste. It has a cloudy and milky appearance on the top of the soup, and is eaten with rice (the rice is sometimes added directly to the soup)

10. Samgyetang 삼계탕

Samgyetang means chicken ginseng soup and usually refered as an energizing soup. Samgyetang is extremely popular during summer days, as nutrients can be easily lost in summer due to excessive sweating. In the making process, a whole young chicken filled with garlic and rice, scallion and spices is boiled in Korean Ginseng Broth.

Also you will need to add some seasoning according to your own preference, such as salt, white pepper. Samgyetang taste slightly the same with our home made chicken broth, only Samgyetang has a distinct ginseng flavor. The dish is also usually accompanied by side dishes and sometimes a small complimentary bottle of insamju will be served in some restaurants.

You could save the names of meat in Korean to help you in ordering the other dishes:
Fish 물고기 mulgogi
Beef 쇠고기 chwi gogi
Chicken 닭고기 dalq gogi
Pork 돼지고기 dwaeji gogi

And don’t forget to say 잘 먹겠습니다 (Jal moke get sum nida) after you finish your meal!

Photos mostly credited to Susi Chen, thank you dear.

10 Must Go Destinations in Seoul, South Korea

September 29, 2015October 2, 2015Leave a comment

1. Myeongdong
Yes, Myeongdong is No.1 Tourist Destination in Seoul, over 1 million shoppers pass this street each and every day. If you are a shopaholic, then you should come to Myeongdong for shopping. Tony Moly, The Face Shop, Etude, you can name all of the Korean Beauty Products easily spotted on Myeongdong Street.

Thousand of brands are sold in Myeongdong, you could also find two anchor department stores there, which are Lotte and Shinsegae. Myeongdong’s history significance as well as the attractions have made it becomes a top attraction for tourist destination.

2. Namdaemun Market

Picture of Namdaemun Market from the 2nd Floor Local Store

Not only shopping, but visitors can also check out the Namdaemun Market with over 600 years of history. Namdaemun Market is located in the east of Namdaemun and in the area between Seoul Station and Myeongdong. Namdaemun Market is quite large, and the streets could a little bit tricky, so I suggest you to go to Tourist Information Center, around three-minute walk from Namdaemun Market Gate #6 for maps or information.

According to source, Namdaemun or formerly Sungnyemun refers to the southern gate of the four gates leading to the castle town during the Joseon Dynasty. As the oldest remaining wooden structure in Seoul and National Treasure No. 1, Namdaemun symbolizes the history of Seoul from the past to the present. The opening hour is 07.00am to 05.00pm, and closed every Sunday, make sure you come at the right time.

3. Itaewon
Itaewon Street is full of stores, restaurants, and stalls. Different from Myeongdong, the fashion shops in Itaewon specialize in various imported clothes, leather goods, fur goods, and antique furniture. According to source, after the Korean War, American soldiers began to stay in the Yongsan Garrison and over the time, numerous businesses and housing complexes were formed here; Itaewon is in the middle of Yongsan-gu.

Picture of Itaewon Street at night from source

Not only that, Itaewon is also popular with its night life. The clubs, bars, and pubs come alive when the sun goes down and the lights turn on. Itaewon is the heart of many clubs, pubs, and why not having a try here?

4. Hongdae
Hongdae’s name is derived from Hongik University; therefore, it is no surprise seeing many students and youth in the area. Many clubs and cafes could be found in the street, which is why Hongdae is regarded as the heart of the club culture.

The streets around Hongdae are home to shops, cafés, and bars that express the artistic talents of the area’s youth, starting from selling handmade clothes to artistic creations and luxury goods. It is also very common to see students perform and sing on the street as Hongik University is regarded as a top fine art college in South Korea.

5. The Blue House
It is named as The Blue House because of its signature blue tiles that could catch one’s attention upon entering the premises. ‘The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop’ according to visitkorea.or.kr

The Picture of Blue House from eastasiaintel

The buildings all have distinctive shapes, which are unique, beautifully designed, and built in the Korean traditional style. There are approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House, and each were baked individually so that these tiles are strong enough to be used for hundreds of years.

A walk around the path just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are beautiful, and the path would lead us to Gyeongbokgung Palace as well. The Blue House closed every Sunday, Monday and National Holiday, the admission is free but you have to register online as a foreigners or even natives. It is strictly guarded by plenty of MIB (Man In Black) and these guy have a great look btw, so it’s worth a visit! You could click here for more information about tours and other details.

6. The National Folk Museum of Korea

Picture taken from source

This museum is located in 37, Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, inside Gyeongbokgung Palace. The National Folk Museum of Korea presents over 4,000 historical artifacts of Korean people.

The opening hours taken from source

The museum exhibits Korea previous domestic and agricultural lifestyles, also cultural beliefs. It is free to enter the museum, but an admission is needed if you wish to enter Gyeongbokgung Palace (ticket sold in Gyeongbokgung Palace).

7. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace was built in 1395 and commonly referred as the Northern Palace, and is furthest north compare to Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace) Palace.

Picture of Gyeongbokgung Palace

The palace were once destroyed by fire during the Japanese Invasion in 1592-1598, but the buildings were then restored under the leadership of King Gojong in 1852-1919. At the present time, Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most beautiful and the largest of all five palaces. The operating hours of each season would be different, so I suggest you to click here for more information and details.

8. N Seoul Tower

The picture is a courtesy of onedaykorea.com

The N Seoul Tower is commonly known as the Namsan Tower or Seoul Tower. It was built in 1971 and is a communication and observation tower located on Namsan Mountain in central Seoul.

Picture taken from source

Visitors usually ride the Namsan cable car up the Mt. Namsan, and walk to the tower in order to enjoy the beautiful Seoul cityscape. In here, you would find museum, cafe and restaurants, N Seoul Tower Lovelocks, also observatory.

9. Kimchi Making School
One, Two, Three, Kimchiii. Kimchi is Korea’s signature dishes, and there are hundred kinds of Kimchi you would find in Kimchi Making School. There are plenty of Kimchi Academy, I recommend you to find it in the local tour travel, because usually they only teach lesson in groups.

Picture of Kimchi Making Session

They will provide you to the ingredients and utensils, so all you need to do is to be here and learn how to make Kimchi. The time would be short, around 30 minutes, and as far as I know, we can not bring the Kimchi back home. Usually after the end of the session, they will introduce you the products they are selling, and yes the academy is just a part of their marketing strategy.

Picture of Wearing Hanbok

Not only that, usually they will provide Hanbok (Korean traditional costume) in the academy. Visitors are allowed to take on the costume, have some pictures, before the class started.

10. Lotte World
Lotte World is located on 240, Olympic-ro, Songpa-gu, Seoul, and is the perfect spot for entertainment and sightseeing. The theme park is filled with thrilling rides, ice rink, parades as well as a folk museum, a lake, and many more.

Lotte World Picture is the courtesy of explorerguidebook

According to source, about 6,000,000 visitors are welcomed every year, and about 10% of them are foreigners. Lotte World is open for visitors all year round, regardless of the weather, but closing time may vary, so I suggest you to check on the website for more details upon your arrival http://www.lotteworld.com

There are several kinds of day pass to enter Lotte World, but the normal adult admission fare costs around W48,000. If you use train to visit Lotte World, then get off in Jamsil Station (Seoul Subway Line 2 & 8), Exit 4, the park is directly connected to the station.

There are plenty to do while in Seoul, and you just need to have research, research and more research!

Teddy Bear Museum in Seogwipo, Jeju Island

September 29, 2015September 29, 2015Leave a comment

The Teddy Bear Museum located in Jeju Island shows exhibits that tell the 100-year history of teddy bears including famous scenes, popular teddy bears of different eras, also antique teddy bears; Elvis Presley, Mona Lisa, you named them all.

The museum was opened on April 24, 2001 and contains two galleries. The merchandise shop is on the ground floor, and the museum is on the 1st & 2nd floor. The museum gallery was grouped into three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall.

The History Hall
You can witness the famous figure from the past in this hall, such as America’s 26th President ‘Theodore Roosevelt’, also Teddy bears of the “The Last Supper” from Leonardo Da Vinci. There are also teddy bears featured in some historic events and scene from the past, such as:

Teddy Bears of Terracotta Warriors

The First Man Landing on Moon

The Art Hall

The Michaelangelo Teddy Bear

The latest artworks of world’s famous designers are shown in The Art Hall, such as Mona Lisa Teddy Bear, also the luxurious Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear.

Louis Vuitton Teddy Bear

Project Exhibition Hall
The teddy bears are grouped to suit the theme of each exhibition, also the smallest Teddy Bear in the world at the size of 4.5mm. There is a museum bar opened only for adult, so you can dine or drink coffee at the museum cafe or bar while appreciating the beautiful scenery of Jeju Island. However, it only opens in the summer. There are also other places besides the fancy cafe or bar, such as the museum garden where you can meet the marvelous teddy bear sculptures and models.

The Past of Hanyang

The garden was decorated with various themes such as the Korean bear family and the magical pond.The opening hour is 09.00-19.00 depending on the season, and the admission fee for adults is W 9,500; teenagers W 8,500; Children W 7,500. The price for groups more than 20 visitors are different, you can click here for more details and information.

An interesting way to learn history and art, definitely worth a try!

Autumn, the most beautiful season in South Korea

September 28, 2015September 28, 2015Leave a comment

If Japan is popular with its cherry blossom season in Spring, then South Korea’s main attraction is their golden fallen leaves and autumn flowers in Fall.

Have you wondered what to do in South Korea this October? If you are planning for your autumn’s vacation, then I highly recommend you to choose South Korea for your next destination this Autumn. The most beautiful places to enjoy the fall season are Jade Garden, Mount Seorak, and Nami Island.

Jade Garden

Picture taken from source

Many of popular Korean dramas are shot in Jade Garden, such as ‘That Winter, the Wind Blows’ actored by Jo In Sung & Song Hye Kyo, also the famous ‘Love Rain’ by Jang Geun Suk & Yoona.

Picture taken from Jade Garden Greenhouse

Jade Garden is designed from the theme ‘Small Europe in the Forest’, and you may choose from three different walking courses, 2 hours in length each around it.

The admission fee is around W8,500 for adult. You definitely should add Jade Garden to your itinerary if you want to see beautiful maples and ginkgo, autumn flowers in South Korea this season.

The direction is taken from visitkorea website

The opening hours are 09:00-Sunset, and the last admission is 1 hour before closing. Please aware that the hours may change depending on weather condition.

Mount Seorak

Picture taken from source

In Korea, we call this mountain as Seoraksan, also usually referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan. According to source, ‘Seol’ meaning ‘snow’ and ‘Ak’ meaning ‘big mountain’ (Seorak) because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white.

Picture of Buddha Statue in Sinheungsa, Seoraksan

There is a big Buddha Statue here in the park as well, named Sinheungsa, sometimes spelled Shinheungsa. Sinheungsa is a head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism located in Seoraksan National Park. While you are here, you can burnt some incense and have your prayers. You can take a cable car to reach the mountain across, and if you keep on climbing, you will reach the Top of Seoraksan.

Picture taken from the Top of Seoraksan

If you are from Seoul, you can take Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Sokcho, it takes around 2hr 30min of travel time. you can click here for bus schedule. Then, took Sokcho Express / Intercity Bus Terminal, take bus no. 7 or 7-1, get off at Sogongwon bus stop (45min travel time).

Nami Island

Picture taken from the source

Can you resist this kind of beauty? I can’t! Yes, Nami Island is popular with its golden fallen leaves, which was shown in most dramas. However, these golden leaves and fiery red leaves could only be found in the late October or early November.

Here is some instruction if you travel to Nami Island from Seoul:

The direction is taken from source

After you arrive at the entrance gate, you need to take a ferry to across Nami Island. Here is the Ferry Schedule
07:30-09:00 (30min intervals)
09:00-18:00 (10-20min intervals)
18:00-21:40 (30min intervals)

There are restaurants and cafe in the island also statues, so you could chill out while enjoying the view and Nami Island atmosphere. There are pretty much nothing to do in Nami Island, but to enjoy the scenery and fresh breeze.

I hope you could witness the beauty of Autumn in South Korea.

Hello Kitty Café located at Hongdae Street in Seoul, South Korea

September 27, 2015September 27, 2015Leave a comment

Are you a fan of Hello Kitty? Why not celebrating the happiest moment with Hello Kitty while in Seoul?

Kitty White or Hello Kitty is a fictional character produced by Sanrio. It was first introduced in Japan around 1975, and was brought to United States a year later. Hello Kitty was pictured as a white kitty-cat with a red bow. Although it was designed to target on pre-adolescent female at first, but then it had received numerous of popularity on young adult consumer as well.

Hello Kitty Cafe, from hellokittycafe.co.kr

Ever since, Hello Kitty could be found on variety of products. From school bags and stationary, fashion accessories and apparel, and even Hello Kitty themed cafe are opened for business as well. The cafes are opened in many countries, such as Taiwan, Bangkok, and currently four of them are located in Seoul, South Korea.

Hello Kitty Cafe main gate, from hellokittycafe.co.kr

The café is easily recognized because the interior and exterior design. From the main gate, cashier, and even the washrooms are Hello Kitty Themed.

Picture of Hello Kitty Cheesecake

The price of their drinks and patisseries are affordable, price range from W3,000 onward. The desserts are standard, so don’t expect too much. The café opens daily from 09.30 until 22.30. Don’t forget to try their new menu while you are here.

Ice Flakes: Red Bean Pink, Cookie Chocolate, Mango Cheese

The most visited Hello Kitty Café in Seoul is located on an uphill alley off Eoulmadang-ro. However, the cafe recently moved to 18, Wausan-ro 19-gil, here is the map of the new Hello Kitty Cafe in Hongdae.

Picture taken from hellokittycafe.co.kr

This blog is dedicated to my beloved friend. ‘Dear Susi, Have a nice trip!

Berlina

Adventure, Food and Travel Diary

Category: South Korea