One thing we all know about Seoul, it’s definitely not a cheap place to live in. But budget travelers need not worry that they’d have to starve themselves just to get by. Myeongdong is one of the city’s shopping Meccas, and let me just say that simply walking around – yes, even without buying a thing – is enough to fill your senses. Here are some glimpses of this bustling city that we managed to catch during our too-short stay in this photodiary.
Many would think that the “Nami Experience” will not start until you set foot on the actual island. But that’s not the case. For me, it started when we arrived at the Gapyeong Station, and the excitement just upped tenfold when we were on board the ferry that will take us there. It was hella cold that time, and while most of the other passengers went belowdeck, we stayed abovedeck, cold winds and all, just to savor every second of it!
You need not be afraid of “getting lost” in Seoul (and even if you do, let me just say it’s one of the most fun places to be lost in!). Just make sure you have a map, as well as a map of the subway lines. And you have an idea where you’re headed, of course. Wandering around below ground is just as interesting as aboveground, because you never know what you’ll stumble upon! Just like these stairs.
And you’ve already “met” Haechi in a previous post I made while we went to Namsan Tower. We bumped into him again at the subway station at Gwanghamun Square.
We totally stumbled into this. The IRIS location at Gwanghamun Square, with standees of the two main leads, Lee Byung-hun and Kim Tae-Hee (although Tae-Hee’s is waaaaay off to the side).
Another subway find! I love how there’s an entire mall at every subway station we go to. Arashi presence, ftw! LOL.
This was while waiting for our train after grabbing a late dinner. Indulging the Donghae fangirl in me.
I’m not really a 2PM or a DBSK fan. However, I liked Nickhun from his guestings on “Running Man”, and I really like Missha products, which DBSK endorses. Pretty shallow reasons to have these photos taken alongside the standees, but hey, I think we’re all allowed more than a few moments of shallowness in our lives, don’t you think?
Now THIS is an entirely different story. One night, we wandered around the Myeongdong shopping area (A COSMETICS HAVEN. SO OVERWHELMING. And shopping for cosmetics is a joy, because you get more freebies than you actually buy!!!! That became my favorite phrase from the sales ladies at the stores: “This one…. free!” then they put stuff in your shopping bag.)
…Ok, I got sidetracked there for a while.
So. G-Dragon is an endorser for cosmetics brand SAEM. We didn’t purchase anything from the store, but took photos still. Haha!
These two life-size statues are standing guard at one of the buildings we visited on our DMZ Tour.
Taking a drive through the streets of Seoul is a feast for the senses. Everywhere you look, there is definitely something to see.
This building, for one, caught my eye. What’s with that red thing?
This was taken after our Trick Eye jaunt. As I mentioned before, Hongdae is a university area, so it caters to a younger demographic. Therefore, cosmetic shops are also everywhere. This explains the presence of JYJ on the walls.
Street food time! More than hungry, we were curious about the barbecue sold at this stand we passed by on our way from Trick Eye. We were actually on our way to have dinner, but we could not resist giving this a shot. I don’t think any of us three were brave enough to try the Strong Spicy one, though. I forgot what we each tried. I do remember it being SO YUMMY.
Another reason why you shouldn’t worry about losing your way in Seoul: there are lots of these small buildings/structures around. I also remember grabbing whatever brochure or flier I can see that will help me in these Tourist Information centers. This one below is the one at the Gapyeong Station.
Remember the couple I mentioned in my Nami post, the couple that were taking photos at the heart structure that we waited on, and helped take a picture of just so they’d, err, let us have our turn? Here they are.
And walking around Nami will also bring you in contact with some island pets, as I called them. Rabbits, bunnies, dogs, and, yes, squirrels.
This was while waiting at the Gimpo Airport. The lady in that red coat, red hat and black boots? She directs traffic and that is her post. So glam, huh?
Of course, I couldn’t wrap up my Seoul experience without giving props to our temporary home. What I loved best was the bed. So big, soft, AND HEATED!!! So many power outlets, too, so charging laptops, cameras, phones, and other devices is a breeze. Our only beef was the absence of an elevator, but that’s really a non-issue, even if we were three-four flights up. 🙂
With this post, I draw a (temporary) close to my Seoul experience. Something I wish to repeat (and add to!) maybe at the end of this year, or next year. *crosses fingers*
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