Damian Koh

Busan (부산) - Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장)

Mon, 28 May 2012 12:20:55 +0900

Jagalchi Market (자갈치시장), the largest seafood market in Korea, representative of Busan and famous throughout the country. If you love seafood and can stand the powerful odour, you’ll be treated to delightfully fresh seafood. Simply point to what you want and the ajumma (middle-aged, or married women) will prepare the dish for you.

One can easily spend a couple hours here enjoying the variety of seafood topped with beer or soju.

A meal like this (actually this isn’t all as there’s also soup and fried fish that came after) costs about ₩30,000.

How to get there: Take Exit 10 at Jagalchi Station (Line 1) then turn right onto Jagalchi 3(sam)-gil street. Walk for 5min, then turn left to arrive at Jagalchi Market.

Busan (부산) - Beomeosa (범어사)

Mon, 28 May 2012 12:04:00 +0900

Tucked away at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan, is the Beomeosa Temple (범어사). And probably one of the best sights of Busan.

Below is the legend of Beomeosa, copied from on-site:

“The Geumsaem (literally, Gold Spring) legend reveals how Geumjeongsan Mountain in Busan has been a great spiritual site since ancient times, how the mountain and Beomeosa Temple earned their names, and why the temple was created.

The legend is recored in Dongguk Yeoji Seungnam (Augmented Survey of the Geography of Korea as follows:

‘On the summit of Geumjeongsan Mountain, there is a rock which is as tall as three people standing one on top of the other, and at the top of the rock, there is a fountain. The fountain is always full of water of a golden hue, and never runs dry even during periods of drought. A certain legend says that a golden fish once rode on five-colored clouds and descended to this fountain from the Brahma heaven to play there. Thus the mountain on which the fountain was located was name Geumjeong (Gold Spring) Mountain, and the temple on the mountain was name Beomeo (Nirvana Fish).’

A similar yet more specific tale relating to tBuddhist Supreme Master Uisang is recorded in Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms).

‘The Japanese military was preparing to invade Silla via the East Sea with 100,000 warships. Then, a troubled King Munmu had a dream in which a deity appeared and told him that if he went to Geumsaem together with Buddhist Supreme Master Uisang to pray for seven days, he would be able to defeat the Japanese. He follow the deity’s advise, where upon the earth shook, and Buddha, the Heavenly King, and the Munsu Child Buddha appeared. They went to the East Sea together to defeat the Japanese troops. Greatly delighted, King Munmu promoted Uisand, and erected a Beomeosa Temple below Geumsaem.’”

From the Beomeosa website:

“The One Pillar Gate is the first door that leads to the temple and represents the boundary between the secular world and the spiritual world where a visitor has to leave your complicated ideas and sufferings. It is named as One Pillar Gate as the pillars are built in a row to support the roof, but generally two pillars are built side by side to support the roof on top. However, at the Beomeosa Temple, exceptionally four pillars support the roof with three kans in the front.”

The temple was decorated with beautiful paper lanterns with wishes from devotees in prepartion for the Buddha’s day on May 28. Though it’s located in the city, the Beomeosa is a world away from the urban jungle and offers the tranquility a city dweller may crave against a majestic mountain backdrop.

The path leading to the temple is also the northern starting point for trails across Geumjeongsan.

And for those who wish to immerse themselves culturally, the temple offers a Temple Stay program to experience a Korean Buddhist monastic life and to understand Korea better.

How to get there: Take Exit 5 from Beomeosa Station (Line 1) and walk up the slop for about 5 minutes. Then take Bus 90 from the Samsin bus stop to the foot of the temple. The bus ride takes about 5 - 10 minutes.

100 random trivia about living in Korea

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 23:29:00 +0900

In no particular order…

1. There are no commercial breaks in Korean drama serials.
2. Koreans are conscious are recycling efforts.
3. Shuttle buses to ski resorts are almost always on time.
4. Spring and autumn seasons are getting shorter.
5. Urban action variety show Running Man is really entertaining.
6. A bottle of soju costs about 1,000 won.
7. My colleagues all know about Bee Cheng Hiang.
8. Koreans have good dress sense.
9. Oversized people in Korea is a rarity.
10. Korean barbecue is super awesome.

11. Credit card use, even for small ticket items, is common.
12. You can get almost anything at Homeplus, Korea’s equivalent of Target.
13. The ears are the first part of the body to get cold during winter.
14. It’s common to knock into people while walking.
15. Traveling one hour to get to the city is considered a short distance.
16. Winter makes you fat.
17. There is no interest charge when you choose to pay via installments with the KEB credit card.
18. Korean language is efficient and similar to Yoda speak.
19. Naver and Cyworld are big names in Korea.
20. Korean pop stars are making inroads overseas.

21. Incheon airport is one of the best airports in the world.
22. Korean Air has excellent inflight service.
23. Buses are the most common and probably most efficient mode of transport.
24. Taxis are very affordable especially for short commutes.
25. Fried chicken and beer is a very popular combination.
26. Delivery for Gmarket purchases typically takes between 2 - 3 days.
27. High-definition TV broadcast is awesome.
28. It’s easy to learn to read Korean, but memorizing verbs, adjectives, etc, takes determination.
29. Coffee culture is huge in Korea.
30. Reel life is different from real life in Korea.

31. Talk To Me In Korean is a good online resource for learning the language.
32. Korean cuisine can be very elaborate.
33. Spray mist that gets rid of food odor is quite an essential.
34. All taxis in Korea have GPS.
35. Fares for black taxis are a lot higher than the regular ones.
36. The PA system in Korean apartments can be rather annoying.
37. Hiking is one of the favorite outdoor activities in Korea.
38. Korean weddings are a lot more affordable to attend compared with Singapore.
39. Pepero Day (Nov 11) is as important as Valentine’s Day (Feb 14).
40. Young adults celebrate a special occasion on the 14th of every month.

41. Kim Yu-Na is the first female skater to win the Olympic Games, the World Championships, the Four Continents Championships and the Grand Prix Final.
42. Long traffic stop lights means you stand waiting at the kerb for quite a while.
43. Newer apartments feature electronic locks, so you never have to bring your keys out.
44. Karaoke rooms are every where.
45. Train platforms are marked with information such as the one closest to the exchange line.
46. Traffic in/out of Seoul on the highways can get really bad on Friday evenings.
47. Korea is hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics.
48. Some people listen to music with their headphones while snowboarding.
49. You can eat and drink on the subway.
50. There are a few music programs such as Inkigayo and Music Bank dedicated to K-pop.

51. Most of the foreigners living in Korea are language teachers.
52. It is polite to pour drinks for others and let others do the same for you.
53. Korea is 9 hours ahead of GMT.
54. Most department stores close early taking into account the time needed for the staff, who typically stay outside of the city, to travel home.
55. Kimchi is available at every meal and you can ask for more helpings.
56. It is normal to eat kimchi (napa cabbage) barbecued.
57. Tipping isn’t required in Korea.
58. Drinking in public is legal.
59. Most homes in Korea are equipped with heated floors.
60. The number “4” is an unlucky number.

61. Jjimjilbang (a bath house) is where one can not only enjoy the spa, shower and sauna, but also sleep overnight at an affordable price.
62. Korea doesn’t have daylight savings.
63. The national flower of Korea is the mugunghwa (무궁화), rose of sharon.
64. Korea is often referred to as the Land of the Morning Calm.
65. Apparently, there’s such a thing as “beer can chicken”.
67. Family Mart, GS25, Mini Stop and Buy The Way are convenience stores you see everywhere.
68. You can shop till you drop at Dongdaemun.
69. Apgujeong is the plastic surgery capital of the world.
70. For the rock, scissors, paper game, scissors is represented with the thumb and first finger resembling a gun.

71. Water and napkins are free at all eateries, big and small.
72. All the small side dishes you see at every Korean meal? They are called banchan.
73. There are hundreds of varieties of kimchi.
74. Pororo is apparently mega popular with kids.
75. It’s normal for people to ask about your personal life, for e.g., if you’re married or seeing someone. They are just trying to “place” you in their society and see where you fit.
76. Modesty is important.
77. Koreans are very sensitive to subtleties.
78. In Korea, girls wear some of the shortest skirts, but refrain from baring cleavage.
79. Scissors are used as utensils here to cut kimchi, meat, etc.
80. 119 is the emergency number in Korea.

81. There are mirrors every where, in elevators and restaurants, so you can make sure nothing is stuck between your teeth and you look prim and proper.
82. Press the wrong floor button in the elevator? Fret not. You can cancel it by holding down the button.
83. Senior citizens in Korea can probably outlast the average adult hiking up a mountain.
84. Koreans brush their teeth after every meal.
85. Peddlers on the subways sell all sort of items from socks to toothpaste.
86. Bus M5107 has phone charger cables onboard.
87. Most cafes have power outlets for you to charge your laptop or phone.
88. Apparently in older Korean restaurants, the washroom for ladies is inside the gents.
89. Again, apparently, after midnight, you can watch soft porn on cable TV.
90. You can do a lot of things with your smartphone, from booking movie tickets to checking your bank accounts.

91. Koreans believe that kimchi is the best cure for everything, from flu to fever.
92. Eateries deliver to your house without extra charge even if your order is just $5.
93. Almost everything can be bought online. Case in point, Gmarket.
94. It’s common for couples to wear couple tees, have couple mobile phone plans, etc.
95. Buses don’t necessary stop at red traffic signals. So, watch, before you cross the road.
96. You can subscribe to a mobile phone plan without buying a handset.
97. Karaoke rooms are one of the places where Koreans go to relieve stress. By screaming their lungs out.
98. Yummy Kampong sells Singaporean food.
99. Visitors are required to submit their fingerprints and facial information at ports of entry in Korea.
100. A taxi with the its LED on means it’s available.

* With some contributions from Jean, Jimmy and Peichi.

Tosokchon (토속촌) samgyetang 삼계탕

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:06:38 +0900

A trip to Korea is never complete until you’ve had samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup). Traditionally served in summer for its nutrients to replace those lost through physical exertion during the sultry months of the year, the dish is made with a whole young chicken stuffed with glutinous rice and boiled in a broth of Korean ginseng, garlic, dried seeded jujube fruits, etc.

The recipe at Tosokchon includes a garnish of pumpkin and sunflower seeds. The obligatory kimchi and ginseng alcohol are part of the course and included in every meal. Located near the Gyeongbukgung Palace in Seoul, Tosokchon is one of the most famous places to have samgyetang in a traditional Korean setting. Apparently, it was frequently visited by former President Roh Moo-hyun.

Tosokchon is typically crowded during lunch hours, so arrive early. That said, the place has a maximum seating capacity of 420, so the queue moves pretty fast. Inside, Tosokchon is a flurry of activity as the staff moves around quickly bringing trays of ginseng chicken soup to patrons. The chicken used isn’t greasy or oily, so it makes the dish as healthy as it is tasty. Definitely worth a visit if you are in Seoul.

What you see when you first step in.

Within Tosokchan are many areas of different sizes to accomodate the crowd. Shoes are left outside.

Here’s the menu, and bill.

How to get there:
From Gyeongbokgung Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), take Exit 2 and go 200m north towards Seoul Tongui-dong Post Office (서울통의동 우체국). Then turn left onto Jihamun-ro 5-gil and go straight for 10m.

So not a clubber

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 02:43:04 +0900

My first time to a club since I moved to Korea more than half a year ago. First, it was Eden. Then it was NB. I hereby conclude that I’m not (much) a clubber, regardless of location. I love my whisky, and the chill-out places.

Snowboarding at Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort (엘리시안)

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 00:01:19 +0900

The ski resort closest to Seoul, accessible via the Gyeongchun Railway Line from Sangbong Station to Baegyang-ri Station. Resort is nestled within a beautiful valley with a relatively open layout where all slopes are 1km in length.

There are separate learning slopes for beginners to use as practice grounds. The ski resort has 6 lifts, snowboarding facilities and 10 slopes for beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers. The Dragon course, probably also the more interesting one, starts from the peak with an intermediate zig-zag course before connecting with the beginner course for the remaining one-third of the slope.

The only problem was, it felt more like iceboarding than snowboarding today. Season’s nearly over. Bummer.

Doing the touristy thing.

Hey look!

In Korea, the 14th of every month...

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:55:00 +0900

Marks a different, usually romantic, and sometimes humorous, occasion. These “special” days target the younger generation and are typically commercialized, especially Valentine’s Day.

Here goes the calendar:

14 January, Diary Day: Couples exchange calendars in which they mark important dates such as anniversaries, birth dates, etc, at the beginning of the year.

14 February, Valentine’s Day: Valentine’s Day in Korea is celebrated the same way as in Japan. On this day, women give chocolates to the special someone and confess their love.

14 March, White Day: In return, on White Day, it’s the men’s turn to express their love for that special someone with candy.

14 April, Black Day: This day is for singles to console each other for surviving two months without a significant other. Singles, and those not in a relationship, will get together on this day to eat black bean noodles, 자장면.

14 May, Rose Day: Couples exchange roses on this day.

14 June, Kiss Day: Kiss everyone you meet on this day.

14 July, Silver Day: People exchange silver accessories.

14 August, Green Day: Another love month, couples get together to enjoy the nature, while singles drown their sorrows in soju (bottle is in green).

14 September, Photo Day: Couples take a picture at a romantic place on this day and place it at a special place.

14 October, Wine Day: Drink wine with a special someone.

14 November, Movie Day: Couples go to the cinema to catch a movie.

In fact, November has 2 special days. The other falls on 11 November, also known as Pepero Day. Word has it that young teenage girls exchanged pepero sticks as a wish to grow tall and slim in the past. Today, Pepero Day is almost as popular as Valentine’s Day where couples, friends, family and relatives exchange peperos.

14 December, Hug Day: On this day, couples hug to keep each other warm in the winter month.

Disclaimer: I’m not sure if all of these are correct. I’ll find out on the 14th of each month and update.

Why I will choose to fly Korean Air over Singapore Airlines

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 11:56:00 +0900

For as long as I can remember, I’d fly Singapore Airlines whenever my budget allows. But now that I’ve flew on Korean Air a few times since I moved to Korea last August, the Seoul-based airline is now my preferred carrier.

True to its “Excellence In Flight” motto, I’ve witnessed and experienced great service with the airline. Here are some examples:

1. The cabin crew is ever so attentive. When they realized I don’t understand Korean, they made it a point to switch to English in our conversations that follow.

2. Even on a red-eye flight, the cabin crew would walk the aisles regularly to make sure those who are asleep are tucked in properly. On the Singapore Airline flights that I’ve been on, cabin crew disappears once the lights onboard are dimmed.

3. But what really impressed me (the main reason why I’m writing this post) was that this particular cabin crew went around discreetly switching off the in-flight entertainment screens for pax who were asleep. When I had a chance to speak to her later, I told her that her actions were very sweet, and that was something I don’t recall ever seeing on a Singapore Airlines red-eye flight. She replied that if she hadn’t done so, it’d be difficult for the passenger to rest due to the brightness of the screen.

Of course, that’s not all. The cabin crew on the Korean Air flights I’ve been on seem genuinely nice. You could tell from their smiles and the lengths they’d go to make sure you have a comfortable flight.

A simple gesture like switching off the screen, or the quickening of pace when delivering a drink to a pax, makes you feel like the Korean Air crew truly believes in their airline’s motto, Excellence In Flight, even though you’re flying Economy.

Welcoming the new year in style at Phoenix Resort. Watch skiers...

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 22:43:16 +0900

Welcoming the new year in style at Phoenix Resort. Watch skiers bearing fire torches ski down the slopes in formation, then usher in 2012 with a brilliant show of fireworks.

Snowboarding at Phoenix Resort (휘닉스파크)

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:41:00 +0900

With a total of 22 slopes, from beginner to advanced, skiers and snowboarders are naturally spoilt for choice at Phoenix Resort. For snowboarders, the Extreme Park has a half-pipe, tabletop, round quarter and rails. (I mistakenly went for this slope during my first run and subsequently spent my time avoiding all the obstacles. Ugh.) For beginners, the Penguin and Sparrow courses are ideal. And when you’re ready to go for the next challenge, the Hawk1 run has a steeper incline.

Spotted a GALAXY Nexus booth at the resort! So fitting! Ice Cream Sandwich. The panoramic feature on the GALAXY Nexus camera would come in useful at the peak.

Crowds usually thin out in the evening, so if you’re staying over at the resort, it’s best to hit the slopes at night and also in the early morning.

At the starting point of Hawk1 and Penguin, you can find a cafeteria and an aromatherapy shop. Beats me why the latter is there, but it sure feels good to step in after a long day at the slopes. If you can brave the cold, the alfresco area provides a good view of the upper and mid-level slopes.

Oh, and one of the best snacks to have in between runs are these fishcakes. At 3,500 won a bowl, it feels oh-so-good to have something steaming hot in the cold.

Here’s the crowd, or lack of, in the early morning session. Best time to work out the technicalities of your runs.

Snowboarding at YongPyong Resort (용평리조트)

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:31:00 +0900

Widely known as a filming location of the famous drama “Winter Sonata”, YongPyong Resort was the setting for my first snowboarding escapade. About 3 hours from Seoul, YongPyong Resort is very popular with tourists and most of the staff speak basic English, so it wasn’t too difficult to figure my way around.

To get to the resort, first you’ll need to book a seat on the shuttle bus (15,000 won) which leaves at Jamsil, although if you know Korean, you’ll be able to find out if the bus makes any stops along the way to the resort. Typically, the 6am bus from Jamsil will reach the resort at about 9.45am.

Once there, you can either buy a return ticket before you alight the bus, or make a separate reservation at the Tourist Information counter at the Tower Condominium (the building where you alight).

It’s a short walk to the Dragon Plaza where you can sign up for ski/snowboard lessons, rent equipment, etc. Lessons in foreign languages are at cutthroat prices (2-3 times more expensive than lessons in Korean), so if you are a beginner or haven’t snowboarded before, it’s best to go with friends who are experienced enough to teach you the basics.

Depending on how much you want to board, the price for the equipment rental and access to the slope/lift/gondola varies, but be prepared to spend about 100,000 won for a decent amount of riding time. During weekends, you can also expect to wait a while for the chair lift which takes you up the slopes. Which is why I say snowboarding is a sport with a low ROI. It take about 5 minutes to go up, but less than a minute to board down the slope without stopping.

Most of the staff at YongPyong (at least those I’ve encountered) are friendly and willing to help you out. There are other miscellaneous expenditure you have to factor in, such as locker rental (1,000 won), board storage (1,000 won), food and drinks.

In total, for a day trip, you can spend upwards of 100,000 won, which is why it really makes sense to purchase a season pass if you intend to go fairly often.

YongPyong season pass:
1. 400,000 won (lift and gondola)
2. 490,000 won (lift, gondola and shuttle bus from Seoul)

Other benefits include discounted prices for accommodation at Tower Condominium, free rental of equipment except clothes on weekdays, discounted prices for purchase of snowboard equipment, 30-40% off equipment rental on weekends, etc.

If you’re comfortable wakeboarding and can do simple tricks like air grabs and turns, then snowboarding would be relatively easy for you to pick up. The techniques are similar, such as edging on the heelside and toeside.

The biggest difference for me was placing equal weight on both feet, in fact, a little more on the leading foot. It took me about an hour to get the fundamentals, rules and safety issues sorted out. The same do-nots apply, such as never let the snow catch the edge. Otherwise, you’ll end up face-planting.

Regardless, being properly attired is also key to enjoying the sport.

You need to wear clothes that can keep out wind, retain body warmth and are waterproof. A good pair of gloves is also essential because you’ll use your hands to support yourself on the snow, or to balance when you’re doing quick, hard cuts on the snow.

As you lose the most heat from your head, a beanie (or helmet) and a neck gaiter are also highly recommended. If you are going to snowboard frequently, investing in a pair of snow goggles would make your ride more comfortable as you don’t have to deal with the wind and snow in your face, and it lets you see better.

Overlooking Seoul from 남한산성.

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:48:00 +0900

Overlooking Seoul from 남한산성.

The restoration of Cheong Gye Cheon (청계천)

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 19:36:47 +0900

Decided to drop by Cheong Gye Cheon (청계천) after Christmas brunch with the Singapore Club at Millennium Seoul Hilton this afternoon. The Cheong Gye Cheon, popular with city residents and tourists, is a creek flowing through downtown Seoul before emptying in the Yellow Sea.

Republished from the plaque along Cheong Gye Cheon:

The Cheong Gye Cheon Restoration

“The Cheong Gye Cheon is a stream running through central Seoul from west to east.

During the Joseon Dynastry (1392 - 1910), housewives gathered at the stream to do laundry, while their children played together. Around 1760, major renovations were carried out along the stream. Thus the Cheong Gye Cheon developed the appearance that we see today.

From the 1900s until after the Korean War (1950 - 1953), people who left their homes in rural areas to find jobs or a better living in Seoul built one makeshift house after another alongside the stream, making the area a shantytown.

In 1958, efforts to improve the poor aesthetic condition of the Cheong Gye Cheon began by covering the stream with concrete and this work continued for the ensuing 20 years. In 1976, an elevated highway was built over top. Consequently, the Cheong Gye Cheon, which was one regarded as a symbol of the nation’s development and growth, had vanished.

A few decades later, the citizens of Seoul were faced with such grave issues as the decreased aesthetic value of the city coupled with concerns for safety and security. As a result the citizens of Seoul who were more sensitive to environmental-friendly ways of thinking agreed that it should be restored as a clean stream.

Finally, the Seoul Metropolitan Government made a decision to restore the stream with the objective of forming a human-centered, ecological-friendly urban area in a city that has been the nations’ capital for 600 years.

On October 1, 2005, the restoration work of the Cheong Gye Cheon was successfully completed after the historical commencement on July 1, 2003. Storeowners and street vendors that operated small businesses along the stream initially objected to the project. However, they finally understood that the improvements would help create prosperity and make Seoul a nicer place to live. With the completion of this historical project designed to restore cleanliness, culture and tradition to the stream, Seoul is finally reborn as an international city that values its environment and human life.”

Seoul’s flooding!

Just kidding.

Korea’s version of fairy tales.

This was taken earlier in the day at Millennium Seoul Hilton. Love the decor!

Learning Korean

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 23:39:46 +0900

The other day my colleague saw my textbook and worksheets lying around on my desk and said all that look very familiar. Because his 5-year old kid is learning the same stuff. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

Guide to taking a taxi in Seoul

Sat, 26 Nov 2011 19:48:48 +0900

Guide to taking a taxi in Seoul:

I’ve had one too many friends who had mistakenly hopped on one of the black deluxe taxis in Seoul, and complained later that the fare costed an arm and a leg. So this guide to taxis in Seoul by Min-young Jang from CNNGo is a must-read.

4th Kimpo International DMZ Tracking Festival 2011

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 23:59:29 +0900

The DMZ (demilitarized zone) is one of the more enigmatic places around the world, which is why I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to join the 4th Kimpo International DMZ Tracking Festival. I figured some 200 people took part?

It was a crowd at the start of the hike, but the number of people thinned out shortly after. At one point it became like this:

I was actually impressed by the two girls up ahead for they went at a constant pace non-stop, beating out many other men. It was only about an hour later from here where the hike involved some pretty steep slopes then I overtook them.

And this is what greeted visitors to 爱妓峰, perhaps the closest place where you can get a glimpse of North Korea. It was a mixed bag seeing the northern peninsula for the first time: one of natural grandeur as continuous mountain ranges dotted the plains, yet it brought about a wave of sadness to see the barren land on the coast. You could tell the stark difference between the North and the South from here.

Established 27 July, 1953 the DMZ buffer zone stretches for 248km with a 2km width on each side, south and north. The civilian control line is between 5 and 20km south of the Military Demarcation Line.

(Graphic credit: Koridoor)

Wishing for the reunification of the Korea peninsula?

This looked like a missile launch pod from afar.

Finishing the hike with some performances!

Classroom under the sea: COEX Aquarium

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:19:50 +0900

With 3,000 tons of water and 650 kinds of living things that total up to 40,000, the COEX Aquarium, coined at the “best marine theme park” is disappointingly underwhelming. Maybe I went with high expectations after I’ve heard some friends say it’s beautiful.

I was looking forward to something like this:

(Credit: Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium)

But what I got were these:

Even the penguins, my favorite, were obscured by frosted glass:

Bummer.

How to get there: Line 2 Samseong station, Exit 5 or 6

The COEX Aquarium is open 365 days a year, between 10am and 8pm.

So not recommended.

Climbing Suraksan (수락산)

Sat, 22 Oct 2011 23:44:00 +0900

After an ill-equipped hike up Dobongsan (도봉산), I came (almost) fully prepared with proper hiking boots and quick-dry, lightweight attire. And unlike the previous climb, there were 9 other Singaporeans on this Saturday excursion which was arranged by Peichi and Jimmy.

Here’s the party of 10.

On the opposite side of Dobongsan is the lesser known Suraksan which is just as easily accessible to anyone. There are various trails to explore and the one we took was the one which begins at Jangam Station on Line 7, with the peak at 637m. Suraksan isn’t as crowded as Dobongsan where you’re typically never alone. And as soon as you embark on the trail, the scenery quickly morphs from urban landscape to dense forest.

The lower reaches of the trail are pretty easy to scale, but as you ascend, it becomes steeper, and occasionally, you get a preview of what’s to come as you break through the thick foliage.

Once you reach the upper peaks of Suraksan, you actually have to do a bit of rock climbing to reach the peak, so a pair of proper hiking boots is highly recommended.

Fortunately, ropes and railings are available for most of the steepest climbs. Optional, but also recommended is a pair of gloves because occasionally you’ll need to grab tree branches (or whatever seems fixed and secured down) for support when scaling and descending the mountain.

From here on, you can pick one of the several peaks (or rocky pinnacles) to climb, but the most popular one is the Suraksan peak which stands at 637m above sea level. One of the more impressive sights aside from the scenery is the enterprising uncle who sells ice cream, snacks and beer at the peak of the mountain. It’s a monopoly here, so prices are noticeably marked up. But chilling out with a stick of melon ice cream after a hike is oh-so-rewarding.

You have to hand it to these uncles who hike up and down the mountain with huge cooler crates like these. The best part? They come prepared with trash bags for everyone’s garbage. Most people pack lunch and have a picnic at the summit, so it can get rather crowded.

Taking a lunch break before we start the descend.

Suraksan is a moderately easy day hike, although it can get rather challenging at some point where you almost have to be on all fours. But if you want to be away from the crowd during the climb, then Suraksan (compared with Dobongsan) is worth considering.

Seoul International Fireworks Festival

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +0900

With the massive crowd, one would have thought the entire city of Seoul had unanimously decided to visit Yeouido Hangang Park this evening. Trains toward Yeouinaru (Line 5) were so packed there was no room for movement. On a typical evening, one would take less than 5 minutes to exit the station. Today, it took 40 minutes.

Today is the Seoul International Fireworks Festival, an annual event of extravagant fireworks display. This year, the show features fireworks displays by professional teams from Japan and Portugal.

I managed to stay only for the first set as it was impossible to remain on the same spot when hordes of people are shoving their way through. Urgh. More pictures of the crowd.

And some highlights from the first set of fireworks display.

TANI Next Door

Sat, 08 Oct 2011 00:33:02 +0900

This has got to be the best meal I’ve had so far since I moved to Korea late August. So I’ll just let the pictures do the talking.

TANI Next Door restaurant is located at the new Avenue L extension of the Lotte department store. Inside, it’s Japanese zen mix with a safari feel. The decor is elaborate with wood-carved screens, stone accents, twisted wood lampshades, high ceilings and, not to mention, two trees. The service is attentive, yet non-intrusive, and most importantly, the food (Japanese-French fusion) is a joy for those with a discerning palate.

Outside is a terrace with an old rustic charm and a unique place to dine, or chill out.

Perfect for a romantic date.

How to get there: Line 2 Euljiro 1-ga station, Avenue L 9F