Korea: Autumn (Family Trip)

Posted on January 12, 2016 by serenatan

My second Korea trip. This time, with my family. We went during end of Sept til early Oct to Seoul and Jeju Island. So its Autumn this time.

I have pretty much explained all the places visited in my previous Korea post so I’ll just do the newly visited places in this post instead. As many of the places and attractions are mainly for my family that visited for the first time.

Seoul:

LINE FRIENDS Store, Garuso-gil

This huge signboard must not be missed!

You will see this HUGE Brown bear just right in front of the entrance.

Buy all you want! Its too cute to just ignore.

2. Dark Han Ma Ri, Restaurant near Sinchon.

My second visit to this awesome restaurant that serves chicken in soup and many other dishes of cause. I brought my family here and they all loved it! Too hard to not include it here in this post, too.

3. Hongdae

Hongdae is a university district that has so much to offer not only on food, fashion, beauty but also its unique ambience that draws so much attention in the country to check out their street performances by students and street artists.

Strolling along Hongdae.

FOOD!

Street performance, daily.

4. Ewha Womans University

Ewha Womans Univeristy is famous in Korea and it is one of the best university in the country. Despite its name Womans University, it is not restricted to only women, but men who wants a taste of Korean culture and the feeling of being in a womans university are also welcomed. Oh yes, only foreigners though.

Its famous library. Even Runningman filmed a few of their episodes here. Walk along Ewha street, you can find many stalls like Banila co, Innisfree, fashion brands are all available. Some stalls are open for bargain too.

5. Guard changing ceremony, Gyeongbokgung

Its Chuseok festival, we’ve seen many locals dressed up in Hanbok (traditional Korean costume) taking pictures at Gyeongbokgung.

I managed to hunt down a pair for a shot.

6. Korea Ginseng Chicken Soup since 1960

7. Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)

On the way to DDP, the outstanding Dongdaemun Gate.

The astonishing view.

Award-winning architecture.

A shot with DDP.

8. Gwangjang Market

Variety of food.

Visited this Ajumma’s stall. The best Mandu ever tasted.

9. Myeongdong night strolling

Bro with a cat mascot.

Egg bun.

Cheeseeeeeeeee!

10. Nami Island + Bungy

This time, its AUTUMN.

Beautiful.

Encouraged and dared both brother and sister to try out Bungy as I did it before at the same spot here in Nami.

TADA!

Jeju Island:

Yongduam Rock

2. Neul Bom Black Pork Restaurant

Jeju black pork is very famous worldwide. To my surprised, it was really very good.

3. Teddybear Safari

There are 2 different companies of Teddy Bear Museum. I was at the other one during my previous visit.

So cute!

4. Manjanggul Lava Tube [UNESCO World Heritage]

It took us about an hour to complete the tour.

5. Mysterious Road

Click on link to read more about this Mysterious Road explanation.

6. Jeju National Folk Museum

To be honest, nothing much here. There’s tour guide that will brief you a little about Korean history and wine making and so on. In the end, if you do not buy any products from them, they show temper.

7. Seongsan Ilchulbong [UNESCO World Heritage]

This place is beautiful beyond words.

Le bf and I.

Wanted to check out the woman diver performance but it was cancelled due to inappropriate weather.

Managed to climb up the peak and the view was priceless.

8. Jeju Stone Park

9. Hallasan Horse Ranch

Til then.

Annyeong x

澳 Macau 门

Posted on September 25, 2015 by serenatan

Often when many think about Macau, casino came into their mind.

But for me, there is only one thing that attracts me to the heaven of gamblers – Bungy Jump.

Not only being the highest bungy in the world, but also with Guinness Book of Records with “World Highest Commercial Bungy Jump” at 233M.

It all started when I was browsing through the AirAsia web for promos and caught this good deal to Macau.

I quickly check with my adventurous partner, Kah Mun to see if she wants to join in the fun.

Guess what, she said YES!

We started our journey from Kuala Lumpur to Macau International Airport on the 4th June 2015.

Booked hotel and stuff beforehand so there is no rushy.

Our hotel: Ole London Hotel (not bad actually despite the rude receptionist.)

After checking in, both of us went on to explore the small city of Macau with scorching hot weather at about 35 degrees.

Confused while walking, we were so drenched in sweat until we found these signs.

1. Senado Square

We headed to Senado Square. It is a town square in the small city of Macau.

It was packed with tourists. Mainly from the Mainland.

Had lunch before heading to the MUST-VISITs.

Koi Kee biscuit is everywhere in Macau. Like literally every corner! You can find some located in Hong Kong too.

2. Ruins of St. Paul

The auspicious Ruins of St. Paul! Finally!

It was super sunny. We could barely feel our foot. Nonetheless, witnessing this greatness was all worth-while. We selfie non-stop and figured that was all. Yes, and reading some history as we approached the walls behind.

Then we proceed to our next destination with lots of pictures and sweats.

3. Macau Fisherman’s Wharf

Fisherman’s Wharf has never came to my mind until it was spotted on one of Korean Variety Show “Running Man”. Which happened to be my all-time fav TV program weekly. It looked so beautiful despite the freaking hot sun.

It was very quiet and empty though. We did not figure out why until we asked the lady at a cafe. She explained that usually it is always packed at night because of the casinos available.

We had some drinks at the cafe purely because we couldn’t walk any longer until the cruel summer heat.

4. Venetian

Located on the Cotai Strip, Estrada da Baía de N. Senhora da Esperança.

With an area of about 980,000 square meters (242 acres). Opened on August 28th, 2008, it is the largest single block style hotel in Asia and the second largest building in the world.

It has the function of performance, entertainment, shopping, exhibition, accommodation and large scale gaming.

Venetian, in my opinion was impressive. Mainly because of its very European-style architecture and building design.

5. Grand Canal Shoppe

Name all the brands you like. Its all here!

Grand Canal Shoppe is located in Venetian. Just a few mins walk away from the main building.

You will see Gondola rowing in the middle of the area. Well, yes you will need to pay for the ride!

6. Rua de Cunha

FOOD!

its all about eating here at Rua de Cunha!

The famous porridge: Seng Cheong is a MUST-TRY!!!!

7. Macau Tower

The tallest building in Macau. Macau Tower has so much to offer. Variety of things to commit into.

Head to the observatory deck for a great view of Macau, to be impressed.

Dining at the 360 degree restaurant will give you a spin, beware!

8. AJ Hackett Bungy Jump- Macau Tower

The main reason visiting Macau Tower, or should I rephrase it.. The ultimate reason for the trip is to Bungy Jump at the World Tallest Bungy Jump under Guinness Book of Records.

At 233m, you get a 7 seconds free-fall with your eyes opened.

Caution: Not for the weak-hearted.

Check out my bungy jump video here.

Next: HONG KONG!

Til then.

Korea Spring, Day Four: Jeju Island

Posted on September 24, 2015 by serenatan

1. Arrival At Jeju Airport.

We took Jeju Air directly from Gimpo Airport, Seoul to Gimhe Airport, Jeju-si.

It was an extremely windy morning and foggy too.

The flight was delayed to one hour later. We were so exhausted and slept all the way til we reached Jeju Airport.

View outside from the airport.

Cherry Blosson along the street in Jeju. A view I missed until today.

2. Arrival at Jungmun Log Pension & Resort.

We took an airport taxi to Jungmun Pension.

Here’s how Jungmun Log Pension looks like.

3. Brunch at a restaurant.

Brunch at a restaurant nearby.

Happy Brunch with the bunch!

Especially my Abalone porridge! OMG!

4. Teddy Bear Museum, Jeju.

Address: 31, Jungmungwangwang-ro110beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Operating Hours: 09:00 – 20:00 (Peak season July 18 to August 23)
09:00 – 22:00 (Non-peak season
(Tickets are available for sale until 19:00)

Tickets: Individual – Adults 9,500 won / Teenagers 8,500 won / Children 7,500 won
Group – Adults 7,500 won / Teenagers 6,500 won / Children 5,500 won

A dream-come-true for me!

This is my fav section in Teddy Bear Museum. As a fan of the K-drama “Goong” back in 2004, I was thrilled to be able to finally visit one of my fav place in Jeju! It was definitely awesome!

This Teddy Bear is definitely not stranger to you if you have been to Jeju Teddy Bear Museum.

It is the most expensive Teddy in the World!

Vincent Van Gogh Teddy!

“Goong” character: Lee Shin (Joo JiHun) & Shin ChaeKyung (Yoon EunHye) Teddy.

5. Hello Kitty Island, Jeju.

Address: 340, Hanchang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do.

Open All Year Round.

Tickets: Individuals – Adults 12,000 won / Youths 11,000 won / Children 9,000 won
Groups – Adults 10,000 won / Youths 9,000 won / Children 7,000 won

Hello Kitty statue situated right in front of the building, how not to spot?!!!

Got our tickets ready!

It was so cute! So happy to be in this place surrounded by Hello Kitty!

You can check out Camellia Hill from the hill top outdoor at Hello Kitty Island.

6. Camellia Hill

Address: 166, Byeongang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Operating Hours: Summer season (June-August): 08:30-18:00
Winter season (December-Februrary): 08:30-17:00
March-May/ September-November: 08:30- 17:30
* Last admission: 1 hour before closing.

Tickets: Adults (ages 19-64): 7,000 won / Group: 5000 won
Youths (ages 13-18): 5,000 won / Group: 4,000 won
Children (ages 3-12): 4,000 won / Group: 3,000 won
Seniors (over 65): 5,000 won / Group: 4,000 won

* Infants ages 3 or younger: Free
* Groups: 30 people or more

Tickets to Camellia Hill.

Such a beautiful place!

OH! Do you know “Love from the star” was filmed here too?

7. BBQ at night, Jungmun Log Pension & Resort

Owner of the pension prepared everything for you at a minimal charger.

We got all the ingredients and meat from the market nearby Jungmun town.

8. Jjimjilbang, World Cup Stadium Jeju.

Jeju Water World (Take the local or intercity bus to the World Cup Stadium and walk around to the south side. It’s in the mouth of the giant, green-lit shark.). Family-friendly water park consisting of a large indoor section quite literally under the south grandstands and a small outdoor section off to the side. Has a sauna and jjimjilbang attached. ₩21,000 for water park admission (₩8,000 for sauna, ₩10,000 for jjimjilbang).

Price list board.

Male: Blue attire.

Female locker room.

Male and female bath places are separately at different side of the entrance.

The bath place was empty when we arrived. So happy to be able to bath all for ourselves without much interruption.

After the bath, you can go up to the common area where every can meet each other (With clothes on of cause!)

Tried on the hot salt bed for a good 30mins! It was so awesome!

That’s all for my Jeju day.

Korea Spring, Day Three: Seoul, Korea

Posted on September 6, 2015 by serenatan

It was a great night before I realised that day three was equally awesome, too.

We kinda printed out a list of places to go accordingly with directions and it was a very detailed itinery all done by me myself and I. I have always been very impatience about going for trips and must make sure all is well communicated beforehand.

Never that I thought this so called “brilliant” itinery will be ruined upside down. Well, not particularly ruined but it didn’t go according to plan at all. We kinda visited places on day one and two that was supposedly for day three and four etc.

But I guess everything happens for a reason!

Day Three was a hectic one as I recalled. We went to some hot spots recommended not only by locals but friends from our home ground who have been here before we did. Check out where we went on day three:

1. Myeongdong

Myeongdong is one of the hottest must-go in Seoul, Korea. Being known for its endless variety of cosmetic and beauty products, street food, snacks, fashion and many many more.

It was about 11 degree celcius in the morning and the hungry me has started hearing signals from my precious stomach. Steven, a friend of mine recommended us to this dumpling restaurant to satisfy my crying stomach.

2. Myeongdong Gyoja, Restaurant at Myeongdong

The dumplings are so delicious! Their portion are quite big too. A bowl of noodle can be shared by two.

3. Hello Kitty Cafe, Myeongdong branch

Everything in this shop is so pinkish. Though am not a fan of pink but we are talking about Hello Kitty Cafe, nevermind. The tables and chairs are all shaped in Hello Kitty. Even the packaging for food and drinks.

Desserts looked super tempting. Too bad we didn’t have any as we were still super full from our lunch earlier.

Souvenirs! I bought a pair of Hello Kitty dressed in King and Queen from Josean Dynasty. You can also get them from Hello Kitty Island in Jeju Island but subject to availability.