Mummy's Solo Day 9-10 Incheon

We checked out of Metro Hotel and checked into Marriott Dongdaemun Seoul Square. The rate was good and we decided to indulge in some luxury. When we opened the door to our room for an early check-in, we were on cloud nine. I shall let the pictures do the talking. 

Warm and inviting room

Great to soak away the fatigue. 

L'occitane toiletries

Spacious shower area

Staff comes by at 6pm to fill up the ice-box

 

Everything is within our control.

  

I personally like the organic hibiscus, tastes just like hot Ribena.

The view of the historic gate

The next day, it was snowing heavily and I just did not feel like going out anywhere because everything just seemed so cold. We lazed around in the room for another hour before deciding to take the plunge and headed out for an hour's train ride to Incheon in the cold snow. 

While waiting for the speed train to Incheon 

By the time we got to Incheon, it was raining and snowing at the same time. Not the best combination for any outdoor activities. We headed to Chinatown and found the same Chinese restaurant that Running Man filmed in. It was very clear that the restaurant was using that as a selling point. Not only did they have a banner outside the restaurant, the staff highlighted the dishes that the Running Man team had eaten. Well, it worked. We walked into the restaurant because we saw the banner and we ate what the Running Man team ate.

Come out of Incheon Station and you will see Chinatown right in front of you. There was only one exit when we were there as the station was undergoing construction. 

Walking up the slope in Chinatown. 

Running Man banners

Seafood Jjampong. 

Hot plate chicken 25,000won

White jajangmyeon. 8000 won

It was good that we ordered only two mains and one meat dish because we had trouble finishing the dish. We were surprised that the white jajamyeon actually does taste like jajangmyeon. It is easier to eat this dish because there is less sauce than the normal black sauce jajangmyeon. When you make a mess, it is less obvious. It was still snowing heavily when we finished our lunch and to make good use of our time here, we headed to the Freedom Park just up the stairs beside the restaurant. It was really cold and the only freedom I could think of was to get out of there.

Another filming location. Up the stairs to Freedom Park. 

History being painted out on bright red walls. 

Freedom Park overlooking the Incheon Port

Looks like we were not the only ones cold. 

Walked past a meat bun store and decided to try one. Photos of celebrities who have visited the store graced the store front.

After more sight-seeing, we decided to just settle our dinner at a roadside stall. Food was cheap and delicious and more importantly, it was quick so I could return back to the warmth of Marriott's bed as soon as possible. The rest of my family would come to Korea soon so I need to get as much sleep as possible. :)

Our dinner spot. 

Great to be back to Marriott. 

Mummy's Solo Day 8 Seoul

We woke up fresh and early and headed to the 9th floor for breakfast. Breakfast is provided at Metro hotel when you book your rooms with them. Do not expect a big spread but the dishes are sufficient enough to fill your tummy for the morning. The dishes do vary a little daily but one can pretty much expect the basic such as cereals, breads, fruits, water etc. The breakfast area is not big. Most of the seats are lined along the sides and there are only 2 big tables in the center of the room. There are times when the breakfast area was crowded and some guests had to wait a while for seats but most of the time, the guests would not stay long so you do not need to wait long before you get a table. Breakfast starts at 7am and ends at 10am, so set your alarm if you do not want to miss a healthy start to the day.

Children's utensils are provided. 

After breakfast, we headed to Samcheong-dong for some sight-seeing and lunch. We got off at Gyeongbokgung Station and walked towards the entrance of the Folks' Museum. We had wanted to cut through Gyeongbokgung Palace but as it was closed that day, we had to follow the palace wall and around the palace. It wasn't very cold that day so we had no qualms taking a stroll to digest the breakfast. There is a crossing at the entrance of the Folk's Museum. Cross it and walk along the road for a minute, take the left turn and you would be at Samcheong-dong.

Street of Samcheong-dong

An artist making his mark on the wall. 

Wall art along the street of Samcheong-dong

After some sight-seeing, we headed to another highly recommended local restaurant for lunch. This place has been featured on television programs and visited by several celebrities. Our 'leader' was at the restaurant last year and wanted us to have a taste of the delicious food. She has always been very spot-on about food since she is a food-blogger herself. Following her only means that we will have good food to eat and not go hungry.

Turn right into the small lane once you see this sign. 

Turn into the first small lane you see on the left.The small signboard on the floor is an indication that you are heading to the right place. 

You should see the traditional korean hanok house design once you turn into the small lane. That's the restaurant that you are looking for - 55 bon ji ramen

Small and traditional. But big on food and flavor. 

Featured on television programs and magazines. 

Spot any celebrities you know?

Not many tables so do avoid the peak meal hours if you want to be assured of a seat. By the time we were there, it was 3pm so we had plenty of seating choices. 

Budae Jjampong 

Seafood jjampong

Tofu jjampong

We ordered three different jjampongs for sharing and I personally like Budae jjampong the best. The flavour is thicker and the kimchi in the soup is the softest among the three. However, the jjampongs here are very spicy, making our stomachs churn. We were all worried that we would have the runs but after a short stroll, we felt better and were able to continue with our venture. We all had different itineraries on hand so we decided to split up and meet back in the hotel. I wanted to head to Express Bus Terminal to get a sweater before my family join me in a few days time. Shopping is best done when I have the time all to myself. I took the train to Express Bus Terminal station, walked out through Exit 7 and followed the sign to the underground shopping alley.

Doors to shopping!

Rows and rows of shopping. After a while, most of the clothes are about the same. Not sure if it was because I was there in winter. Am sure I can get more clothes during the summer. 

Clothes were cheaper than the ones sold in Myeongdong and Dongdaemum. Definitely a good place to spend your time. And money.  

Nothing really caught my fancy as most of them were suited for winter wear. However, I did manage to get a unique looking sweater for 25,000 won. If only it were summer, there would be more good deals. Perhaps we need to come back again in June? After all the eating and shopping, I decided to head to Korea's biggest book store - Kyobo. They have two branches in Seoul, one in Gwanghwamun and one in Gangnam. I headed for the one in Gwanghwamun which apparently was the first branch, took Exit 3 in Gwanghwamun station and there was a door leading me straight to Kyobo without having to leave the underground passage at all. The smell of books welcomed me once I stepped in and I was swept into the world of imagination. I love books and just could not resist the temptation of buying them. I ended up buying 3 books. Phew. That was really good self-control there. The English section in Kyobo is very limited so you may not be able to find the book you want but if you are looking for Korean books, they have everything under the sun. Very much like our Kinokuniya. The stationary section is also very huge and houses many beautiful and creative items. I ended up buying stickers for the kids and cousins back home. I would have gotten more items if not for the lack of time. If you are a fan of cute stationary, do head to Kyobo. It is big and I am sure you can find something you fancy.

Books!!!

A lot of magazines too. Saw some tourists there buying magazines. 

Mummy's Solo Day 7: Seoul

Time for exploration and of course, more eating. Even though it was cold, my friends had the stomach for ice-cream and so we went in search for Remicone. One of my friends recommended the ice-cream and so here we are. She was the one who led the way so I just followed but I do chanced upon a much more accessible one in Dongdaemun near Doota Shopping Mall so you may want to just head to that one.

One of their best sellers.

Everything looks very clinical. 

One of their best sellers. The fluffy cotton on top of the ice cream carries a slight minty taste. 

Shopping around the many cute cafes and shops along Apgujeong. 

A very popular make-up store. Friends also asked for gifts from here. 

They really brought their shop decoration to every corner. We chanced upon a model having his photo-shoot outside this shop.

Another coffee-joint. The 'leader' of the group loves coffee so she must try the coffee as recommended by the locals. 

Small and cozy interior. Not sure if it is because it was evening, but it was rather dark.

Barista at work.

They sell coffee powder and chocolates too. 

Artistic flair infiltrates the streets of Apgujeong.

Christmas lights up adds to the romantic atmosphere.

Headed to Kyochon chickens! We usually ordered the chicken in but decided to have it straight from the kitchen. The chicken is cooked only when the orders come in so be ready to wait. Still, the wait is worth it. Having tried a lot of fried chicken joints in Singapore and Korea, we still think Kyochon chickens is one of the best. 

Honey chicken combo - wings, drumlets, drumsticks. 

Red chili chicken combo. 

After the hearty meal, we were too tired to walk back to the subway so we decided to take a cab back. Once we were back, we decided to wash our clothes. We chose to stay in Metro hotel because it is not only located right in the middle of Myeongdong but also has a laundry room for us to wash and dry our clothes. An ironing board is also available. All ready to look clean and fresh for tomorrow!

Each wash coast 2500 won and each drying session costs 2500 won as well. You would need five 500 won coins and there is a coin changing machine if you do not have enough coins. Washing powder and softener are also available at 500 won. Each wash session takes 40 minutes while a drying session takes 50 minutes. So plan your time well.