Category: Travel

Categories
Review Travel

OraeGage: Discovering The Culture Gems in Jongno District, Seoul.

Seoul is the most popular tourism city among the foreigners who make their travel to South Korea. As foreigners, we often take reference from travel blogs and social media to typical tourist attractions, but we have missed the core culture that exists in the city for a very long time.

This morning, I attended a virtual tour by Local Travel Lab in Trazy with the title ‘Seoul Virtual Tour – Step into the Bukchon Hanok Doors‘. I chose this virtual tour because I have been to Bukchon Hanok Village once, and I’m curious on what did I actually missed in that beautiful village in Seoul.

For your information, OraeGage series of virtual tours are still available in Trazy, with free of charge promotion! Dony, the host is a professional tour guide with excellent English and bright personality. So, please don’t hesitate to join the free virtual tours from now until November 2021!

SPECIAL PROMO CODE: ORAEGAGE1
Join now!

Seoul City Council specially selected stores with huge cultural values and great history in the Jongno district region, and these stores are called ‘Oraegage’, meaning the olden stores. Many of them are art and cultural masters who are widely recognized by the people of Korean. In this post, I’m going to summarize a small part from the tour of Oraegage in Insadong and Bukchon Hanok Village of the Jongno district.

Full tour please sign up for the virtual tour here: sign up now!

Get your stone stamp here at Myungsindang Pilbang

Pilbang literally means ‘pencil gallery’, therefore it is not surprising to see many different calligraphy brushes in this traditional store. The beautiful experience you can get from here is to make your own stone stamp! This is a great souvenir for yourself and your loved ones.

The price is very worthy from 30000 to 50000 KRW and you can get your stamp specially hand crafted with your name. Even the Queen Elizabeth and Pope Francis came to this store and get their special Korean stamp!

Enjoy a traditional tea session at Jidaebang Tea Cafe

If coffee is not something you look for today, how about a peaceful traditional tea session in beautiful hanok interior cafe at Insadong? This special cafe serves different types of Korean tea which can bring you peace in inner minds. You can experience the tea ceremony together with the experienced tea master while having some traditional Korean desserts and red beans shaved ice!

Experience natural dyeing experience at Haneulmulbit Traditional Natural Dyeing Lab

It was such a surprise to know that even natural dyeing still exist in this world! The items we used today many are colored with synthetic dyes, but at this OraeGage called Haneulmulbit Traditional Natural Dyeing Lab in the area of Bukchon Hanok Village, you can get to experience how to dye cloth in natural plant coloring of starry blue color. Bring home your own dyed scarf and clothing as a souvenir of this wonderful trip in Seoul.

Learn Korean Traditional Knot at Donglim Knot Workshop

If you are an art lover, you must not miss this experience in learning the Korean traditional knot. Traditionally, the knots were used primarily to hold hunting tools around the waist and their usage was initially limited to royal families, spreading later to common people in their jewelries, accessories, and decorations.

Learn the Korean knot with the Master Park Jin Young and bring home as a souvenirs. Don’t worry if you scared you can’t catch up, as it is not that complicated as what we think!

I hope this post truly helps you in planning your experiential trip in Seoul later!

Please catch up more free virtual tours in Trazy and win prizes as you participated and give reviews!

Join Now

Visiting the Largest Seafood Market in Busan City with Busan Cooking Class X Trazy!

I’m so fortunate to join the Virtual Tour organized by Busan Cooking Class available in the Trazy website this afternoon, exploring the largest seafood market in Busan City, Jagalchi Market! Busan Cooking Class is offering free virtual tours in this month of October to bring you different authentic experience of the local Busan foods, places…

by Melvin Tan 🇲🇾
Categories
K-foods Travel

Visiting the Largest Seafood Market in Busan City with Busan Cooking Class X Trazy!

I’m so fortunate to join the Virtual Tour organized by Busan Cooking Class available in the Trazy website this afternoon, exploring the largest seafood market in Busan City, Jagalchi Market!

Busan Cooking Class is offering free virtual tours in this month of October to bring you different authentic experience of the local Busan foods, places and cultures! Don’t miss the chance to grab your free experience with very friendly Korean speaking tour guide!

Wonderful explanation from Ms. Hee-young Jang

We were welcomed by the friendly Korean, Ms. Hee-young Jang who teaches Korean cooking to foreigners in Busan! She interacted with us through the chat section and she had a very friendly ‘unnie’ vibe to me. Through the virtual tour, you can ask any questions and express your thoughts along the 1-hour session!

Introduction to Busan

We started off with brief introduction of the Busan city. As we all know, Busan is popular with its beautiful beaches, fresh seafoods, and of course the birthplace of many popular Korean artists like Gong Yoo, BTS Jungkook and Jimin! Ms. Hee Young recommended two must-eat cuisines as we visit the city, which are Dwaeji Gukbap (Pork Soup) and Milmyeon (Cold Wheat Noodles).

Into the Largest Seafood Market: Jagalchi Market

We came to the highlight of the tour, which is the Jagalchi Market. Jagalchi Market is ‘humungous’ as described by Ms. Hee Young as the market spans up to 3 kilometers along the coastline, selling different fresh and dry seafoods indoor and outdoor.

Normally, wholesalers will bid for fresh seafoods from the sea in the midnight, while they will be available right away in the morning for public to purchase any seafoods and fishes you desired. There are many weird seafoods that I have never seen before along the tour, while truly open up my horizon! From this market, you can easily purchase some of the most common seafoods that are being cooked in the local Korean cuisine. One of it will be the grilled mackarel!

Grilled/Fried Mackerel that truly stimulating my taste buds!

Dip into the seafood paradise

A tour can’t be completed with a wonderful seafood meal if you have a visit to Jagalchi Market. You can hand pick what seafoods you will like to have for your meal in the freshest condition! The most popular cuisine will be raw octopus (moving ones) and fish (something like sashimi)! It might sounds scary at first, but Ms. Hee Young reassured us that we will like it very much as we try them!

Fish soups are must try as well, eating together with rice and other side dishes like white kimchi! Korean rice wine (soju) will be always the best drink to fit into this meal.

Explore yourself the Virtual Tour with Ms Hee Yong!

Make a booking through trazy.com and enter promo code ‘busancookingclass’ for 4 selected virtual tour to experience live explained tour experience in the city of Busan! Exclusively on October only!

REDEEM YOUR FREE TOUR NOW!
Categories
Travel

Summer in Jeju Island : E-Travel to Experience the ‘Sizzling’ Fun! 🌞

Jeju Island is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and also the first selected UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in South Korea.

Jeju Island (제주도) has been the all-time favorite for native Koreans and foreigners to have their getaway in this island full with natural wonders. According to Wikipedia, the island was ‘formed by the eruption of an underwater volcano 2 million years ago’! At the center of the island sit a dormant volcano and also the tallest mountain in South Korea, called Hallasan. The mountain area is developed as Mt. Halla National Park which is preserved well in nature with hiking paths and facilities attracting visitors to witness the beauty of Jeju.

Baengnokdam | A crater lake that sits at the top of Mt. Halla (Source: Korea.net Flickr)
As the season has getting warmer in South Korea, the temperature in Jeju Island can hit up to 32/34°C. The heat doesn’t stop the island from her nature’s beauty with more lushes of greens and baths of sunshine.

In this post, we will be e-visiting some of the attractions in Jeju Island in summer! If you are able to visit them yourself in South Korea, remember to take a picture and tag us in social media!

The beaches’ sunshines and waves

Surrounding the coastline of the volcanic island, there are numerous attractive beaches for our leisure. You can do different water activities near the beach, while lay back and enjoy the stunning view of sceneries.

Read more on The 8 Best Beaches in Jeju Island!

_ Gwakji Gwamul Beach _

_ Woljeongri Beach _

_ Iho Tewoo Beach _

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPzchZgrhYF/

A stroll to enjoy the breeze

Summer always gives the best weather for a walk and to get some vitamin D for your skin. There are many outdoor tourist spots in Jeju Island that is perfect for a walk to enjoy eyeful of sceneries with perfect weather for your OOTD!

_ Shinchang Windmill Coast Road _

_ Join Jeju Olle Trail _

Jeju Olle Trail covers 425KM around the island, crossing 135 villages, numerous nature attractions through 26 designated trails. Visitors can refer to the trail and plan an ultimate walking trip on the island!

More information about Jeju Olle Trail

Jeju Olle Trail Official English Guide – Trip planning, travel guide, news, and information about Jeju Olle's 425km walking trail around Jeju Island, South Korea
26 Routes in Jeju Olle Trail

Enjoy a quiet afternoon with a sip of tea in cafes

Jeju Island is famous for its cafes and restaurants as well. These places are best to escape from the outdoor scorching heat. It’s time to open up a book to read and enjoy a quiet relaxing afternoon with the perfect local made tea and desserts.

_ Cafe Mustache _

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJC36iUDzyo/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CQImyIAAMOe/

_ Jeju Manor Blanc _

More cafes recommendations please read here!

I always love watching Jeju vlogs from some of my favorite YouTubers!

Watch below some Jeju trip videos that I loved from some Korean YouTubers that I always follow ❤️

Have you participated in #RUNtoJeju Virtual Run organised by Korea Tourism Organization Malaysia? Remember to complete your run and join the contest!

https://www.instagram.com/p/CPz0WPwh5xS/
https://www.instagram.com/p/CP9_gIwhjvu/
Categories
Travel

Trip to Haedong Yonggung Temple in Busan!

Haedong Yonggungsa is a majestic Buddha temple located in Gijang-gun, Busan. Its name, Haedong Yonggungsa [해동 용궁사] translates to Korean Dragon Palace Temple and is well known for its architecture which lines by the coast of Busan whereby visitors can have a relaxing trip here.

How To Get There?

Check out the location of the Yonggungsa Temple below.

86 Yonggung-gil, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea

On your way to Yonggungsa, you can find this sign by the road.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

Upon arriving, you can find local hawkers selling Korean snacks such as tteokbokki, eomuk. One of the must try snack in Busan is Ssiat Hotteok [씨앗호떡] which is similar to the normal hotteok, but it has various types of seeds filling in it!

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

After passing through, you will see these beautifully-carved statues of the 12 Korean zodiacs which are also called the 12 Animal Gods. Each sign is named after an animal; Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig.

The root of the animal zodiac is said to be based on a legend.
Just 12 animals turned up when Buddha invited all of the world’s animals to meet him. Then, in their honour, he named the year after them, in the order in which they arrived. And each year was symbolised by 12 animals.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

Below is the zodiac dragon’s statue 🐉. It is called yongtti [용띠] in Korean.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

At the end of the zodiac statues, you will also find Buddha’s statue.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

After passing by the 12 zodiac statues, you will see this seven story stone pagoda with the tire shrine at its base. It is said that locals come and pray here to avoid accidents.

Shrine in front of the seven tier stone pagoda. After going through here, you will head downstairs to the main temple by climbing down exactly 108 stairs that symbolizes 108 delusion of minds in Buddhism.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames
©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

Beautiful fountains and Buddha and other statues surrounding the little pond.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames
©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

At the end of the trail, of course you will arrive at the picturesque bridge to facing to the breath taking view of the East Sea.

©mydaehan.wordpress.com via Yuko Adames

Would you go on a relaxing trip to Yonggungsa after this pandemic? 😍

Categories
Do you know? K-culture 101 Travel

Buddha’s Birthday in South Korea Special | About & The Beauty in Jogyesa

The birthday of Buddha (the founder of Buddhism) or in Korean 석가탄신일, is a major public holiday in South Korea which falls on the 8th day of the forth month in Lunar Calendar each year. For this year of 2021, the celebration will be on 19th of May.

According to The Culture Trip, millions of South Koreans will celebrate this holiday with many special events that were actually customs practiced through many decades. Temples will be decorated with colorful lanterns and decorations, while having special blessing events and giving out complementary vegetarian meals. A visit to the Buddhist temples is a must as part of the agenda during the holiday.

Samgwang Temple in Busan during Buddha's Birthday
Samgwang Temple in Busan during Buddha’s Birthday | © Mimsie Ladner (from The Culture Trip )

Jogyesa Temple – The Perfect Place to Experience Buddha’s Birthday in Seoul

Jogyesa (or known as Jogye Temple) is the chief temple of Jogye Order of the Korean Buddhism. The Jogye Temple is among the oldest Buddhist temples in Korea which was built since year 1395. It is located in Insadong, Seoul which makes it the perfect tourist spot for many foreign visitors.

The Buddha’s Birthday celebration is organized grandly every year by the Jogye Temple with different festivals celebrating the teaching of Buddha. The highlight of the three-day-long festival is the Lotus Lantern Parade, with thousands of participants holding the lantern, walking and lighting up the center of the Seoul city!

Lotus Lantern Parade in Seoul
Lotus Lantern Parade in Seoul (previously) | © Mimsie Ladner (from The Culture Trip )

The day before the Buddha’s birthday, visitors can participate in the ‘Buddha Bathing’ ritual (gwanbul). This is a symbolic ritual based on the story in which the nine dragons bathed the baby Buddha with fragrant water as he was born. It also brings meaning to wash off our impurities and negativity in our mind.

The Buddha Bathing Ritual in Jogyesa (from Korea.net)

During the week, different colors of lanterns, hanging wishes from the people form a ‘sky view’ above the heads in the Jogye Temple. These paper made lanterns bring blessings to the people and hope their wishes written on the paper of the lantern can come true!

In this special holiday in South Korea, we all hope everyone in this world can have good blessings and all our wishes can come true.

Learn more about the Buddha’s Birthday Celebration in South Korea through these wonderful articles!
Categories
Travel

Muslims in Korea: Celebrating Eid Al-Fitr in South Korea (2017 version)

After 1 month of fasting, the awaited victory day finally arrived, the Eid Al-Fitr. Muslims all over the world look forward to celebrating this holy holiday. It reminded me of my experience celebrated Eid Al-Fitr in Korea.

4 years ago, on June 25, 2017, which coincided with early summer in Korea, after fasting for 17 hours, Eid Al-Fitr was celebrated in Korea. Anyway, for me fasting for 17 hours during summer was super challenging.

The Eid experience in Korea itself can be divided into 2 types. If the Eid Day falls on weekday, usually workers and students need to get a permission from their campus or workplace. But usually, the permission just for one day or even half a day only. Just for Eid prayer and then back again to your normal activities. ㅠㅠ. By the way, you can ask a permission letter from your embassy or from KMF (Korea Muslim Federation). However, if the Eid Day falls on a weekend that was a bless. You do not have to ask a permission and after the Eid prayer you can attend so many interesting events. Usually, the embassies of each country hold an Open House Day on the Eid Day, and you can eat your hometown foods and meet your fellow friends from your country.

The hype of Eid AL-Fitr in Hoegi Mosque on the night before
The hype of Eid AL-Fitr in Hoegi Mosque on the night before

Well, the unique thing is, the implementation of the Eid prayer in Korea, not only about the times, but the Mosque also usually served a variety of foods. For example, at the Hoegi Mosque, near Kyunghee University and HUFS, prayer time held at 07:30 KST and Middle Eastern food menu was served. Meanwhile, in a field in Yongdeung-po (like a basecamp for Indonesian), it was held at 08:30 KST with a menu of Indonesian meatballs (bakso). At the Seoul Grand Mosque, Itaewon, is held at 09:00 KST, sometimes bread and milk are given also.

I decided to go to Yongdeung-po because I missed bakso so much. After praying and eating bakso, round 2 already waited ㅋㅋㅋ. Time to go to Indonesian Embassy. They served rendang, chili fried potatoes, chicken opor, etc. There was also a food bazaar served such as fritters, pempek (Indonesian fish cake), martabak, etc, so delicious. While eating, visitors can also enjoy the events presented by the committee. There are modern dances, Indonesia traditional dances, singing, stand-up comedy, well, all visitors can perform there. Not only for Indonesians, foreigners from another countries and Koreans can join this event too. Everyone can join on this event.

People had gathered in the front yard of the Indonesian Embassy
People had gathered in the front yard of the Indonesian Embassy
Rendang (left) and pempek (right) was served at the festival in Indonesian Embassy
Rendang (left) and pempek (right) was served at the festival in Indonesian Embassy
Rendang (left) and pempek (right) was served at the festival in Indonesian Embassy
Reog Ponorogo was shown at the festival
You can also watch the excitement of the open house on the YouTube channel of several Korean YouTubers such as Kimbab Family and Rosakis. I miss celebrate Eid in Korea, but I hope to celebrate it on weekend, because it is fun ㅋㅋㅋ.
Written by

Fitri 🇮🇩

Jakarta, Indonesia

Korea.net Honorary Reporter 2021
Daegu-Gyeongsangbuk-do Online Supporter

Follow me in Instagram: @f.amal289

Categories
Travel

Where to Go for a Leisure Walk in Korea: Korea.net Picked Best Urban Parks in Korea

As the season has gone warmer in South Korea, it’s definitely perfect to plan some outdoor activities for some fresh air and nature’s touch. Korea.net recently shared a list of 7 urban parks located around the cities for our reference, which is perfect for anyone who is residing in Korea or soon-to-be visitors!

Do you know what is an Urban Park?
‘Urban park’ is a park in cities and other incorporated places to offer recreation and green space to residents of, and visitors to, the municipality. (by the Wikipedia)

Here, let us bring you a virtual tour to some of these wonderful parks!

Yeouido Hangang Park | Seoul

Yeouido Han River Park is among the most popular destination among the visitors. Since it’s located at Yeouido where is the center of finance and politics, the park is easily accessible with subways and busses. It might get a bit crampy with the overwhelming crowds, based on The Soul of Seoul, but there are also perfect spots for outdoor activities like picnicking, cycling, flower blossom sight-seeing and some water activities.

The Yeouido Han River Park also has one of the largest I SEOUL U sign in the city, which is perfect for some instagram-able photos. Best time to visit is definitely during the time when the sun is rising or setting from the horizon.

GET TO YEOUIDO HAN RIVER PARK NOW

Songdo Central Park | Incheon

Songdo Central Park is located at the Songdo district in Incheon, inspired by the New York City Central Park, which is designated like an oasis sit in the middle of the Korea’s first international city. The park is the favorite place for leisure among the residents of Songdo and Incheon, even many from the Seoul. Another very special modern art architecture called the ‘Tri Bowl’ is among the spotlight in this destination, adding more colors of modernization into the urban park design.

The Tri Bowl is a center of art and culture managed by the Incheon Foundation for Art and Culture funded by the city hall to promote culture and art in the region.

Worth to mention, the Songdo Central Park is also among the favorite shooting places for Korean movies and dramas! Some of the popular K-dramas that were featuring the modern park are Sisyphus: The Myth (2021), Angel’s Last Mission (2019), Hwayugi (2017), Goblin (2016) and School 2015.

Songdo Central Park [송도센트럴공원] – Korean Dramaland
Hwayugi
GET TO SONGDO CENTRAL PARK NOW

Seoul Olympic Park | Seoul

Seoul Olympic Park, shortened as OlPark was built back then when Seoul host the 1988 Summer Olympic, located in Bangi-dong, Seoul. One of the landmark of this park is the World Peace Gate, designed by the local architech Kim Chung-up to cheer for the spirit of Olympics in promoting peace and unity. The mural of the wings alongside the two pillars was drawn with the ‘four spirits’: phoenix, turtle, tiger and dragon, representing the strength and freedom of Koreans.

Another attraction is the ‘One Tree Hill’ where just a tree stands tall in the wide flat grassland of the park. This scene will definitely remind you of the desktop wallpaper for your vintage Windows XP.

GET TO SEOUL OLYMPIC PARK NOW

Ilsan Lake Park | Goyang

Destinations by Region : VisitKorea Destinations by Region Ilsan Lake Park (일산호수공원) | Official Korea Tourism Organization

Ilsan Lake Park sit in the city of Goyang in the Gyeonggi-do Province. In the center is the largest man-made lake in Asia, with 300,000 square meters of area since it was finished in the year 1996. Amidst the largest artificial lake, there is also an island called Dal-ma-ji island (달맞이섬). There are many fun activities you can do in the park with the facilities provided, such as bicycle path, inline skating, walking and jogging trail.

Destinations by Region : VisitKorea Destinations by Region Dalmaji-gil Road (해운대 달맞이길) | Official Korea Tourism Organization
The octagonal pavilion in the Dal-ma-ji Island
GET TO ILSAN LAKE PARK NOW

Busan Citizen Park | Busan

https://www.instagram.com/p/CN1FIq1J99B/

A former Imperial Japanese Military Base, was after that redeveloped into Busan Citizen Park opened in the year 2014 at the Busanjin district of the Busan City. The park was established with 5 themes of Memory, Culture, Pleasure, Nature and Participation. The park is also home for over a million tree with up to 97 different species, definitely the best place to get in touch with the greenery in the bustling Busan city.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CN3lBThpHrm/

Across the Busan Citizen Park, a 450-meter-long Jeonpocheon stream flows with the clearest water along the way. Besides, there are also many play areas with different sport and leisure facilities to ensure the visitors feel relax and safe in the park.

GET TO BUSAN CITIZEN PARK NOW

For more updates and information about beautiful destinations in South Korea, do visit the official website for Korea Tourism Organization or follow the Instagram account for @koreanet_official.

Written by

Melvin Tan

Online Supporter for Mission of Korea to ASEAN 2021


Bio-science student in Universiti Teknologi Malaysia
Korean Enthusiasts
Korean learner for 10 years, but still amateur

Instagram: @tanmawen
YouTube: Jom with Mawen

Categories
Entertainment Travel

2021 Spring Time with K-pop Idols: As South Korea Blooms 🌸 #BTS #BLACKPINK #STRAYKIDS

Spring time starts from March to April in South Korea

Spring is Coming in South Korea 2021 & What You Should Get Ready

Spring season is blooming towards the north hemisphere very soon. Everyone is excited for spring because the winter coldness is finally ending soon, while what await us are growing trees and blooming flowers. Spring season generally falls on March until May in Korea, which is always the most popular time for foreigners to enter the…

by Melvin Tan 🇲🇾

What happens during spring time? The weather becomes warmer, trees starts growing leaves, animals breed with the perfect weather, seeds planted by the farmers breaking into plantlets, animals wake after a long hibernation.

South Korea blooms every year, what is so attractive?

Big trees are loaded with beautiful flowers everywhere, different parts of South Korea are famous for different blooming of flowers.

  • Goryeosan Mountain in Incheon
    Flowers:- Azalea
Goryeosan Mountain filled with Azalea during spring time

  • Sidewalks in Seoul
    Flowers:- Cherry blossom
Cherry blossom can be found in Seoul, Gangneung, Jeonju, Daegu, Hadong, Gyeongju, Busan, Jinhae, Jeju
  • Gurye village
    Flowers:- cornelian cherry flower
Gurye village covered with Yellow Cornelian flowers
  • Gwangyang village
    Flowers:- Plum blossom
Gwangyang village also called Plum blossom village for it’s abundance in the plum trees
  • Jeju island
    Flower:-Yellow canola
Bright yellow canola fields in Jeju island

You can see members of different K-pop groups flaunting with the spring time charms.

RM aka Kim Namjoon from BTS posted a picture on Weverse on April with the beautiful flowers “Gaenari”!

Jenny from BLACKPINK with yellow, white tulip flowers 🟡⚪

Jisoo from BLACKPINK with Cherry blossom tree on a sunny day

Lisa from BLACKPINK posing under the beautiful blossom tree

Seung-min from STRAY KIDS with different kinds of flowers

Bang ye-dam from TREASURE on Weverse “What comes to mind in spring is the flowers that have just begun to bloom & the fragrance of spring”

  • Daffodils
  • Daisy
  • Cherry blossom

Mark Lee from NCT

Song Kang in spring

Soyeon from (G)I-DLE

‘Hello April’ – Yesung, Super Junior

https://twitter.com/shfly3424/status/1377481996746641411?s=19

I’m Zeba

From India 🇮🇳

I like BTS and K-dramas. My favorite song is “We are bulletproof eternal”.

Categories
K-foods Travel

Popular Korean Foods that I’ve Enjoyed During My University Time in South Korea #foodguide #kfoodie

SONY DSC
Hi guys! It’s Christine here again! Today I will be sharing what I ate as a student in Seoul, South Korea!

Just a quick intro, I enrolled into Sogang University as a Korean Language student back in 2015 and had spent a total of 1 and a half years in Seoul, South Korea. Studying in South Korea may be a dream for most, however the cost of living and the food expenses are an important thing to keep in mind if you are planning to study in South Korea!

So without much ado, let’ start!

Bongus Bapburger | 봉구스 밥버거

These are a true life saver for students! They are burgers made with rice accompanied with various toppings that you can choose. You can choose from stir fried kimchi, ton-ka-tsu and even spicy fried chicken! The chains can be found near school campus to cater for hungry students who are also tight on budget.

Cochon Tonkatsu | 꼬숑 돈가스

IMG_7107
Source: https://blog.mykoreatrip.com/%EF%BC%8A3000-won%EF%BC%8A-tonkatsu-set/

As my university is located in Sinchon area, Cochon Tonkatsu was super popular among the international students and working adults too! Each serving only costs 3,000 won (~RM10). The serving is literally the same as the above picture and you can even ask for extra rice or tonkatsu with an extra charge.

Pojangmacha | 포장마차

pojangmacha3
Source: https://pinayseoulmate.com/2014/11/25/pojangmacha-date/

Pojangmacha, is also known as ‘tented wagon’. These stalls are famous among tourists and locals alike, and there will be tents selling spicy rice cakes, fried snacks and even blood sausages.

It was a great way for me to socialize with the ahjumma (korean auntie) or ahjussi (korean uncles) there and to further brush up my Korean. Also, you will get to learn about the names of the Korean ingredients. One can choose to eat there on the spot or have it to go.

Korean Department Store | 백화점 

Dining at Daegu's Department Store Food Halls
Source: https://myrotravel.blogspot.com/2020/03/dining-at-daegus-department-store-food_17.html

You may be asking, why would you recommend a broke student to eat at a department store? Well, almost all department stores in Korea have a food hall section, where 1 hour or 30 mins prior to the closing time, all food item will be sold at a discounted price!

Yeap, you heard it right! So when you are craving for sushi, or some high end food items but is not willing to pay for full price, do drop by the department stores when it’s about closing time to snag all the delicious foods/snacks at a discounted price! PS: this tip works for tourists who are on a budget trip too!

That’s about it for now. Let me know if you enjoyed this article and who knows there might be a PART 2?

Christine Yeoh

  • K-Foodie
  • Online Supporter of Korean Embassy in Malaysia
  • Enjoys showing// introducing Korean Food to everyone
  • Aims to have a collection of Korean cookware (like the gold ramyun pot in k-dramas)
  • Graduated from Sogang University, Seoul in 2017, with a Diploma in Korean Language

Follow me here on IG: @dearqwistine

Categories
Travel

Spring is Coming in South Korea 2021 & What You Should Get Ready

Spring season is blooming towards the north hemisphere very soon. Everyone is excited for spring because the winter coldness is finally ending soon, while what await us are growing trees and blooming flowers. Spring season generally falls on March until May in Korea, which is always the most popular time for foreigners to enter the country for spring flowers and comforting weather. Korean residents also have waited this season for these wonderful sceneries and some community will eventually organized spring events!

According to Trazy, Seoul is expected to filled with pinkish spring blossom the earliest by 1st of April! Check out the Spring Blossom Blooming Forecast in South Korea this year!

It is also fascinating to know there will be up to 5 type of spring flowers get set to bloom in this wonderful season in different places of the country. You can always planned your trip to respective spots across the peninsular to witness the blooming of flowers.

↑ | Jeju in Yellow Canola of Spring
Seoul street during spring | ↑

If you want to know more spots/events for spring flowers sceneries in South Korea:

guide of spring in korea

One of the largest spring event in Korea is Jinhae Gunhangje Cherry Blossom Festival, but due to coronavirus, the event is cancelled this year. Let us witness the event last year through this video.

Are you all ready for spring season? Do follow us in MyDaehan to receive latest ‘blooming’ updates from us this spring!