Part 3: Seoul Series- Insadong & Dongdaemun

We didn't know that Insadong is just walking distance from the hotel we stayed in until we got lost locating the subway to get to Yeouido and saw the signboard that we're actually right in the heart of Insadong.  -- but it was only in our 4th day that we got to explore this famous market. Insadong has a very fresh and relaxing vibe.. it's not as crowded as Myeongdong and a lovely place to wander around for its wide arrays of  interesting shops, modern art galleries, themed cafes and authentic restaurants. At one point, Insadong was used to be the biggest market selling antiques and artworks in Korea. So if you're looking for antique pieces or modern paintings/artworks to bring home or give as souvenir gifts.. Insadong is definitely one you should visit.

the lovely street of Insadong

Famous shopping mall in Insadong full of artworks and antique shops

You could also have your face caricatured by young and talented artists 

Our lunch. :)
 Jan ordered Pork Curry while I ordered spicy squid. The squid is literally spicy more than I could imagined! :P

Gyeranppang (Korean Egg Bread). Yummy!

Jan and the model of Hanbok rental shop. She looks like a doll!

After an hour of exploring Insadong, we had a coffee-break in this art gallery cafe. We super love the contemporary and vintagey concept. 

I  dont know how to call this but I just poured strong hot coffee on top of  Vanilla Ice cream. Perfect blend of bitter and sweet, I love it.

As always, cafe latte for Jan.

Later that afternoon, we went to Dongdaemun via subway line 5 and alighted right in Dongdaemun Design Plaza or also known as DDP which is the newest iconic landmark of Seoul for its futuristic design that is often being compared to a design of an UFO.

DDP by day

We wanted to see how DDP looks like at night so we waited for an hour and had some snack first. We crossed the street to the mall and found Shake shack. Yay!

Doota Mall with handsome Song Joong-ki as model <3

Shake Shack in Dongdaemun!! :)

Yumyum

We also checked the nearby Cheongyecheon Stream before the sunset. The stream was once a neglected waterway hidden by overpass. In 2005, the stream was transformed into recreation place and is now one of the tourist attractions that always pop up when you search for "places to see in Seoul"..  

Cheongyecheon Stream during sunset

And then we went back again to see the beautiful lights of DDP at night.. DDP was also one of the film setting of the famous drama "My love from the star".. 

DDP by night

My perfect K-drama man in real life. <3

Always,

Rica ♡




Part 1- Seoul Series: Cherry Blossoms in Yeouido & Myeongdong
Part 2- Seoul Series: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Part 3- Seoul Series: Insadong & Dongdaemun
Part 4- Seoul Series: Kwangjang Market & Gangnam
Part 5- Seoul Series: Nami Island
Part 6- Seoul Series: Last day in Seoul

Part 2: Seoul Series- Wearing Hanbok in Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village

This is the 2nd part of our Seoul trip series.. click this link if you've missed the first part. 

Seoul is a city like no other. While it is one of the most hyped when it comes to modern technology.. its so fascinating to know that the City is also home to the ancient palaces, traditional houses and old temples which showcase the rich history and culture of Korea. It's a perfect blend of the old meets new. There are 5 royal palaces around Seoul which were built during the Joseon dysnaty around more than 600 years ago but we were only able to visit the largest and grandest among them.. the Gyeongbokgung Palace. From Hotel Atrium (the hotel where we stayed in).. the palace is just a short taxi ride away. 

Gyeongbokgung Palace

We thought it would be a fun experience to rent out a hanbok (korean traditional dress) as we  explore the palace and if you're wondering where we rented our hanbok costumes.. we rented it here in this shop (picture below).

It is just across the left side of the palace.

entrance of the Hanbok rental shop

The hanbok rental shop does not have an english business name but it is located beside the palace. Our rent for our hanbok costumes costs 30,000 won each for two hours. We're allowed to mix and match our hanbok terno as long as it is within the price range. Hanbok rental starts at 20,000 won (the cheapest) upto 80,000won depending on the quality of the hanbok you choose. I also paid additional 4,000 won to have my hair braided to complete the traditional korean look. Hihi. The Korean woman who did my hair can speak English and Mandarin quite well. 

The matchy-matchy hanbok costumes we chose. :) 

The attendant gave us a brief history of the hanbok as well as where we should place our hands for picture-taking while wearing their traditional dress (although we didnt really follow it). We were told that the social status of the people during the Joseon and Goryeo dynasties was determined by the kind of fabric and color they're wearing. The colors red, blue and yellow are exclusive for the royalties only. While the hanbok we chose is for Aristocrat/Diplomat social class.

And because we're wearing hanbok.. we were surprised that our admission fee to the palace was free. Yey!. It was indeed a great experience to try out other country's traditional costume in a beautiful setting of a palace.
And isnt it that Korean traditional costume soooo cute?

This is my favorite picture of me in the palace under the beautiful cherry tree

After lunch, we headed next to Bukchon Hanok village (Korean traditional home) which is just walking distance from the Gyeongbokgung Palace. This village is used to be where the aristocrat resided during the Joseon dynasty. A few more descendants of aristocrats still live here but today, many hanok were already converted into guesthouses, tea houses and restaurants.

I remember Lee Min Ho oppa in this setting. :P

While strolling around the village, we spotted this cute bukchon house offering tea and other refreshment. It reminds me so much of the house from Lee Min Ho's drama, Personal Taste  

It's so cozy in here..

Jan ordered Korean Coffee while I ordered Sikhye (Fermented rice juice). Yeap, it used to be the soft drink of ancient Korean people :)

Inside the hanok house

cars parked in the village

And then we went back again in our hotel for a power nap. Glad we decided to stay longer because we get to enjoy every attraction in our itinerary in a leisurely pace. For dinner, we finally able to dig in for a sangyeopsal. Yey!

I've been waiting for this moment! :D

To be continued...

Always,

Rica ♡

Part 1- Seoul Series: Cherry Blossoms in Yeouido & Myeongdong
Part 2- Seoul Series: Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Hanok Village
Part 3- Seoul Series: Insadong & Dongdaemun
Part 4- Seoul Series: Kwangjang Market & Gangnam
Part 5- Seoul Series: Nami Island
Part 6- Seoul Series: Last day in Seoul