FOOD

@ Seoul, please do go visit these places for food: 1) All the korean street snacks can be get here under one roof - Gwang Jang market 2) Sariwon - For yummylicious Bulgogi 3) Singdangdong - for spicy tteokbokki with noodles, fishcakes, eggs, etc..(good for a late night supper especially in cold weather - missed this) 4) Myeongdong Gyoja - for spicy cold noodles 5) Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken soup) - near the Palace (Gyeong Bok Gong). 6) Crispy Duck near KBS station...forgot the address, can go eat and try to catch if can see some korean artiste..hahaha 7) Fish market - for korean style fresh sashimi and other seafood.

1 Samgyetang (Ginseng Chicken) Restaurant Name: Tosokchon How to get there: Take subway Line 3, stop at GyeongBokGong Station, exit # 2. Turn left and walk along main street. Will see a row of small houses, it is located about 100m from station. Recommended Dish: Black Chicken Ginseng Soup 2 Bulgogi (Korean BBQ) Restaurant Name: Sariwon How to get there: Gangnam Station, Exit #4. Go past Samseong Tower, and turn left at a major intersection. Gangnam Building is to your left, Sariwon is next to Dong-a Tower. Recommended Dish: Bulgogi, Kalbi and Cold Noodles (Naengmyeon) 3 Roasted Duck Restaurant Name: Not sure?? At KBS Headquarter Rear Entrance How to get there: At Yeouido Station (Seoul Subway Line No.5) exit 3, walk straight for about 400 meters until you see the KBS Headquarters. The restaurant is in the basement of the Haetae Jeonja Building in front of the rear entrance of KBS Headquarters. Recommended Dish: Gaseumsal Heugimjagui (Roasted Black Sesame Duck Breast), Maneul Origui (Roast Garlic Duck) 4 Korean Fried Chicken (a street full of such shops) Restaurant Name: Recommend HotSun or KyoChon or Two Two Chicken How to get there: At Gangnam Station, exit #6. Walk straight until you see Kyobo Building. Cross to the other side of the road, and turn left. Row of restaurants about 100m up the road. Recommended Dish: Salt Baked, Spicy, Garlic Baked, Ice Cold Beer 5 Korean style sashimi Restaurant Name: Nori-rangjin (Fish Market) How to get there: Fish market station Recommended Dish: Find any restaurant and walk in to order a set deal on sashimi (comes with seafood soup, fish sashimi) 6 Myeongdong Gyoza Restaurant Name: Myeongdong Gyoza

How to get there: Get out from Myeongdong station and ask anyone for direction. Recommended Dish: Chicken soup noodle, spicy cold noodle, gyoza 7 Andong Jjimdakk (Boneless chicken sauted) Restaurant Name: Andong Jjimdakk How to get there: It's nearby to Myeongdong Gyoza restaurant. Recommended Dish: Only sell one dish, just need to order how many person's portion 8 GwangJang Market Restaurant Name: None, all stalls How to get there: Take subway line 1, Jongno 5-ga station, exit #8. Recommended Dish: All the type of street food you can eat, personally like the spicy chicken feet (deboned), fried bean pancake + makgolli (rice wine), tteokbokki + kimbap, roasted sweet potato.

From experience, the food is pretty decent in any restaurant we stopped in. If in doubt, look for a restaurant chain called Nol Boo that serves barbeque meats (just like we get here) and they are decent enough Also, make sure you try makgeolli (korean rice wine) which is very light and a little fizzy but is a delicious accompaniment to barbequeues

Examples of some itinerary that I found online. This one got lots of food related stuff.
Day 1 (8/10/11) Sat * * * * Incheon International Airport (10pm) Collect SKroam phone rental x 3 pax (apply BBB for free rental phone) Arex to Hongik University area Dinner (Tteobokki, sundae- Hongik Area)

Ddeokbokki (): Cylindrical rice cakes cooked in a chili paste with pieces of fish cake. Usually cost between W2,500 and W3,000. Sundae (): Korean blood sausage. Served in pig intestines, it is filled with rice, noodles, and meat. Served hot, it has a rich and full flavor. Around W3,000 for a serving. * Come Inn Guesthouse (11pm Hongdae, Hongik University area)

Day 2 (9/10/11) Sun * Breakfast provided by Come Inn hostel * Sunday church service (Kwanglim Methodist Church, Apjugeong 11am- Korean/English service), subway to Apjugeong station, exit 5 http://www.klmc.net/eng/index.asp World largest Methodist congregation Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness. Psalm 29:2

* Ho Ddeok () : The flour shells are filled with cinnamon and sugar. Lorryman on the way to museum * Korea National Museum (2.30pm-English tour ~ 1hour) * Korean currency exchange at Dongdemun, Dongdemun station exit 6 (1USD for 1170WON) yellow shop * Heading to Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal (by bus at 6.55pm, from Dong Seoul Bus station, journey 3`~2hr), reach Sokcho ~9pm * House Hostel, Sokcho http://www.thehouse-hostel.com/ * Korean instant noodles for dinner (GS25, near House Hostel)

Day 3 (10/10/11) Mon * Breakfast provided by House Hostel * Bus no 7 or 7-1 from House Hostel to Sorak Mountain ~30min * Sorak Mountain -Cable Car (5 min) + hike (20 min) (Gwongeumsung Fortress, return trip 2 hr) * Lunch at Sorak Mountain (Bibimbap) * Hiking (Biseondae Course, return trip 2hr) Sogongwon Waseondae Biseondae * Return to Sokcho (bus 7 or 7-1) * Sokcho port (opposite House Hostel) * BBQ buffer in Sokcho as recommended by Mr.Yoo Day 4 (11/10/11) Tues * Breakfast provided by House Hostel * Sokcho (bus 8.30am) - Gangneung (10am) - Yeoryang (leave luggage at bus terminal, aunty chilli shop)- Gujeolli * Korean instant noodle (Gujeolli) * Jeongseon Auraji Rail Bike (1.5 hr) * Jeongseon - Seoul by bus (journey 4 hrs) (direct bus from Yeoryang - Jeongseon - Dong Seoul) * Dinner at Dongdemun (street beside Migliore shopping complex) Jjamppong (Korean: , Chinese name: ), a spicy noodle soup flavoured with onions and chili oil. The noodles are made from wheat flour. * Overnight at Spa Rex Jimjilbang (Good Morning City), Dongdaemun Day 5 (12/10/11) Wed * Changdeokgung Palace (English palace tour 10.30am, English Biwon Secret Garden tour 11.30am) * Lunch at Insadong, downstairs restaurant on left after Ssamzie-gil, direction from Angguk Exit 5. Bindaetteok (also called nokdujeon or nokdu jijim; literally "mung bean pancake") is a variety of jeon, a Korean style pancake. It is made of ground mung beans, with green onions, kimchi, or peppers cooked in a frying pan. * Check in Come Inn Guesthouse

* EWHA * Fish Cakes (): Fish cakes are cooked in a rich broth and are really cheap. After eating two or three, youre completely full. Plus, the broth that is served with the cakes is awesome. Prices between W500 and W1,000 per cake. * Dongdaemun market/shopping

Day 6 (13/10/11) Thurs * Breakfast - Come Inn * Nami Island (subway to Gapyeong, taxi to ferry terminal - ferry) * Dinner (opposite E-mart) Jajangmyeon (Korean: , Chinese: ), steamed noodles served in a lightly flavoured black bean paste, distinctly different from the various types of zhajiang mian served in mainland China and Taiwan. Jjamppong (Korean: , Chinese name: ), a spicy noodle soup flavoured with onions and chili oil. * E-mart (Wangsimni station, exit 5) * Dongdemun (Migliore, Lotte)

Day 7 (14/10/11) Fri * Breakfast -Come Inn * Namsangol Hanok village (free Korean traditional medicine) * Fish Bread (): Fish bread is a nice pastry treat. Fish break is essentially a pancake-like mix encasing a red bean paste. * Namdaemum morning market (lunch- best Mandu dumpling with noodles restaurant upstairs, street food) * Janchi guksu - wheat flour noodles in a light broth made with anchovy and optionally dashima or beef broth. It is served with a sauce made with sesame oil, soy sauce, scallions and a small amount of chili pepper powder. Thinly sliced jidan (), or fried egg, gim, and zucchini are topped on the dish for garnish. The name is derived from the word janchi (, feast or banquet) in Korean because the dish has been eaten for special occasions such as wedding feasts, birthday parties, or hwangab (sixtieth birthday celebration) in Korea. * Mandu (): The Korean word for dumpling is mandu. Like many Korean dishes, there are several varieties on the street. They range from small ones filled with noodles and meat, to giant ones filled with red bean paste. They can be steamed or fried. * Gwanghwamun- The Story of King Sejong and Admiral Yi. (4D movie) * EWHA * Korean Royal Food www.jokumeon.com, Nokbeon Stn. (Line 3, Exit 4) 10min walk * Subway: Get off at Nokbeon Station on Subway Line No. 3 (Exit. No. 4) or Eungam Station on Subway Line No. 6 (Exit No. 4). Bus: Take Bus No. 720, 7722, 7025, or 7730 (Outbuilding of the Seodaemun District Tax Office)

Day 8 (15/10/11) Sat * * * * Breakfast- Come Inn EWHA/Myeodong/Hongik/Free time Dinner at Hongik area restaurant Home Sweet Home, flight 12 midnight Incheon International Airport

Cherry blossoms and cafes

Go to Yeouido (ON A WEEKDAY!!!) for cherry blossoms in late March or early April. They only last a couple of weeks. You can also find blossomings in Gyeongokgung and Biwon ("Secret Garden"). I recommend Queen's Park (quite pricey) in Cheongdamdong for delicious coffee and cakes. Korean celebrities often sighted! Also, many upscale shops in that area and mainstream shops down the hill in Rodeo (in Apgujeongdong).

Seoul is overflowing with cafes. I would suggest visiting Garosugil (in Sinsa-dong) - the street and the alleys are lined with cute little cafes. The coffee is a bit overpriced, but that's true for most nice cafes in Seoul

Best place to try Pajeon & Maggolli is Kyeonghee Dae (Kyeonghee University) Pajeon street. That street is always busy especially on the rainy day. Take a subway to Hoegi station (on line no.1) and exit out to Gyeonghee university direction. You will see the LG25, convenience store and beside it you will find an Pajeon street.

Introduction to certain places

Samcheongdong is a quaint neighborhood of small cafes and shops located within a short walking distance of Gyeongbokgung. Just stroll down from the National Folk Museum and turn left when you exit the grounds. This is a nice place to just wander around and maybe get a bowl of patbingsu (shaved ice topped with sweet red bean, ice cream, condensed milk, rice cakes, and fruit) at one of the cafes after looking at some of the unique shops there. You will also find the Bukchon Hanok Villagehere on the way to Insadong.

Insadong is where you'll find traditional Korean arts and crafts such as celadon pottery and ink drawings.. You can walk here from Samcheongdong and have a nice lunch at one of the

hanok restaurants. Street vendors sell hotteok (pancake with honey and sugar inside) and other traditional desserts and snacks. In addition, the B1 level food court at Lotte Department Store is not to be missed with its delicious snacks (be sure to try some fresh Korean pastry). You can also buy that kimchi or gim (dried seaweed) you always wanted to bring back home here.

Han River Cruise is a nice way to see the city at night. Just a short taxi ride from Noryangjin Seafood Market, you need to go to Yeouinaru (there is also a subway station there) and make your way to either Nodeul Port or Jinseong Port. The ferry does not take reservations. Tickets are only 9,000 won per person. It's not a luxury cruise, but you'll be able to see the 63 Building in all its golden glory and the Banpo Bridge's colorful water and light show.

Garosugil ("Tree-lined Street") in Shinsadong is a street full of trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's got a quasi-European feel to it and is very popular with couples in their 20s and 30s.

Biwon ("Secret Garden") is located within Changdeokgung only steps before from heading into Insadong. It is a six-acre garden, first built in 1623, filled with woodland paths, lotus ponds, and pleasure pavillions. Definitely worth the visit, if you have the time. To visit Biwon, you must be on a guided tour (offered in Korean, English, or Japanese). The three-hour tours start at 10am, 1pm, and 2pm. Closed on Mondays.

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was built in the late 18th century. So it's a relatively new structure in Korea's long history, but provides a good look at what Korean fortresses looked like prior to the modern era. King Jeongjo apparently built this fortress to prepare for a move of the capital from Seoul to Suwon. To get there, take the #1 subway line southbound all the way to Suwon. The total fare from downtown Seoul is only about 1,500 won.

local brands for clothing and accessories (Bean Pole, Zio Zia, Polham, Esquire Shoes, etc.) and cosmetics (The Face Shop, Missha, Etude House, Skin Food, Nature Republic, etc.) For dinner, visit the Korean restaurant Ugaram located downhill from Uniqlo. Ugaram has excellent Korean barbecue (beef and pork) and other dishes.

Dragon Hill Spa is one way to wrap up a full day of shopping. Located next to Yongsan Station, it is a 24 hour spa and hangout place for young couples, families, and some tourists, too. It costs 10,000 won for entrance. First you will take the elevator to the segregated saunas where you can shower, bath, and relax in the hot and cold tubs. Then change into the t-shirt and shorts given to you to join the rest of your party in the main lobby where you can sip iced tea while watching TV with other people. There are also various kinds of steam rooms, some very, very hot. And there is an Internet cafe, DVD theater, massage parlor, restaurants, swimming pool, and BBQ patio. At night, you can rent

a blanket and sleep overnight in the segregated dark rooms above the saunas. But sleeping on a mat on the hardwood floor with 30-40 strangers, some who snore very loudly, is NOT recommended.

Popular Items to Buy Ginseng (the airport has the best prices and quality), celadon pottery (go to a reputable shop in Insadong), wooden masks to hang as wall decorations (Insadong or the airport), green tea (department stores are probably your best bet), kimchi and gim (again department stores- they will package it properly for you), electronics (Yongsan), clothing (Dongdaemun), cosmetics (Myeongdong), soju (convenience store or mart), makgoli (department store or mart), bokbunja (raspberry winedepartment store or mart), and bekseju (higher quality soju- convenience store, mart, or department store). Prices Food Bibimbap (mixed rice with beef, egg, and vegetables) 6,000-7,000 won Samgyeobsal (pork bacon barbecue) 12,000-13,000 won