Spring Waltz in Seoul 2012 – Day 2

06^th April 2012

Where the adventures start ……………!!!! but with a price to pay. Why is the weather so icy cold??? *Chanting teeth*

광화문 Gwanghwamun (光化門) 

We went back to Sejong Belt again to make some changes to the tickets. We overlooked and booked the tickets on the day we were supposed to meet a friend for dinner.

After changing the tickets, we walked around Gwanghwamun and even visited King Sejong’s Museum. The museum displayed his life and history on how he founded Hangul (Korean language) and introduced to his people. It’s not a big one but it is definitely interesting for Korean lovers.

King Sejong 

Don't really know what is this call....!!!

Rain measurement container

Time machine 

King Sejong Museum 

Take off your shoes if you want to sit on the throne 

Korean Traditional musical instrument

Hmm........!!! 

Hangul 

Hangul in style

Lunch @ 고궁 Gogung (古宫) – Insadong

We continued our way to Insadong for the Nami Island Shuttle Bus Tickets. Before we purchase our tickets, we decided to settle our lunch @ Gogung for their famous bibimbap.

Gogung 

Gogung 2 

The set lunch we ate 

Our side dishes 

Side dishes 

Cold bibimbap 

Hot stone bibimbap 

Seafood pancake

After lunch, we walked to Gallery Sang Building and that was when I realized I left my camera in the restaurant. *Running like a crazy woman*

Nami Island Seoul Center is located on the 3^rd floor of Gallery Sang Building which is right opposite Starbucks Insadong. It is a glass window building, you cannot miss it.

Gallery Sang Building

Now, let’s start the tour for our itinerary today.

압구정동Apgujeong-dong (狎鷗亭洞)

Apgujeong-dong is a residential, fashion and shopping district in the Gangnam district of Seoul. The area contains upscale department stores, shops, boutiques, cafes and restaurant.

It is also the location for headquarters of entertainment agencies, such as S.M. Entertainment and JYP Entertainment. We came across S.M. Town (they are right on the main road) but not JYP Entertainment. Anyway, it doesn’t matter much because AM is in Bangkok.

Residences in Apgujeong

Rodeo Drive

Hmm…….. What should I say about Rodeo Drive? I have never been to the one in States so I don’t know what to expect. *Scratching head*

Rodeo Drive in Seoul is basically like a ghost town to me, or is it because we are too early? Can someone enlighten me, is 11am too early for Rodeo Drive? The shops are open but the street is quite empty with only the wind blowing (“newspaper flying”) and a few lonely souls like us.

Street of Rodeo Drive 

Street of Rodeo Drive 

Street of Rodeo Drive 

Street of Rodeo Drive

가로수길 Garosu-gil

Garosu-gil means “tree-line street”. This street is filling up with more and more cute fashion boutiques, art galleries, music bars and cafés. French food, wine and style are much in evidence, but mixed in with the usual Italian and Asian styles. The street’s trendy newcomers are now spilling over into the side streets.

Personally, I think the street will be very beautiful in Autumn as it will be filled with ginkgo trees and yellow leaves.

Cute little shop

European style building - 8seconds Boutique

Street of Garosu-gil

Green cafe 

Why are you giving me your backside??? 

Cute big bear outside a cafe 

Street of Garosu-gil 

Street of Garosu-gil 

Purple cafe 

Beautiful restaurant

After a short stay at Garosu-gil, we next proceed to Express Bus Terminal Station to purchase our bus ticket to Sokcho for our Mount Sorak trip. When we arrived at the train station, we were LOST!!! We weren't sure which line Sokcho belongs to and which line/exit to go. Luckily, we meet a good samaritan who helped us and leads us to the right place. After getting the tickets, we went to Han River as we planned to watch the Rainbow Fountain at Banpo Bridge.

한강 Han River (汉江)

The Han River is a major river in South Korea and the fourth longest river on the Korean peninsular after Amnok, Duman and Nakdong rivers.

Along the banks of the river, especially in Seoul, pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths are available on both sides of the river. Various restaurants and cafes located on these paths. While most bridges crossing the Han river are for motor vehicles or subways only, citizens may cross selected bridges on foot or by bicycle.

As mentioned earlier, our main purpose of coming here is to see the Rainbow fountain at Banpo Bridge. According to our research, there are a few shows per day and we were trying to catch the 8pm show - the first night show. 

* Credits : Korea Be Inspired

It was supposed to be lighted up with splashing water, something like a musical fountain. However, there was no splashing water from the bridge. This is just not our day. Once again, the park was freezing cold with nothing but only STRONG WIND (this time is REALLY STRONG) and a few walking souls.

We managed to get some help from a very kind young boy (another kind samaritan) who called the authority to ask about the fountain show. We were told that due to the bad weather, there will be no event on the bridge until the weather gets better. The kind boy told us that he didn't see any fountain show these few days since he lived around Hangang area. *RICH BOY*

After saying our thanks and bidding farewell, we have to walk through the icy cold park and back to where we came from.

Banpo Bridge 

Han River

On the way, we passed by a small E-Mart and we bought some drinks.

Banana milk, Cass beer and Lemonade

Dinner @ 东华饭店 - Dongdaemun

We head back to Dongdaemun area to have their yummy Jajangmyeon and Shrimp fried rice. Initially, we only wanted to eat these 2 dishes. However, while waiting for our table, I overheard the owner telling some customers that their Sweet and Sour Pork is very famous with a history of 20 years. This is definitely worth a try and indeed, it was super delicious. If you ever wanna eat there, these are the 3 MUST try dishes.

Radish Kimchi 

Pickle and onion 

Sweet and sour pork 

Jajangmyeon 

Yummy!!!! 

Shrimp fried rice

This is where you can find the restaurant.

We went back to the apartment after a long day and satisfying meal. Good night!