And my story continues...
I arrived at around 7 pm as the bus stopped in front of my hotel. So cool!!! :)
I stayed at Sejong Hotel Seoul Myeondong. I strategically chose this place as it's closer to the shopping area for skin care and make-ups. Koreans are very well-known for their good skin and know how to take care of their appearance. As such, I have always been a fan of both their K-dramas (korean dramas) and skin care products.
The skin care products in Seoul is tremendously amazing!!! You can save up to 30% to 50% from the original price from your country of residence. And they usually have freebies! So you go home with not only the product you've been dreaming of (based on the novelas you're watching) plus sooo much more. By the way, their freebies are the same size as the original products. Also, there are some items that you can only find in Seoul- the secret to why Korean actresses/models look so beautiful (besides plastic surgery, of course).
I suggest buying all your skin care needs here in Myeondong. Mainly because of the free samples you get when you buy at any of the Tony Moly, Misha, The Face Shop and almost all the beauty stores. They are quite generous with it. In fact, in some shops, you also get a free facial mask from the minute you enter the door! You won't be alone in your quest to gather up all your facial masks, powder and everything that you need to make yourself beautiful. Just a warning, the shops are usually very crowded and expect long queues to buy your cosmetic products especially over the weekends during late afternoon/early evenings.
It also a place to buy souvenirs and so many other cute stuff. Myeondong is probably the most famous shopping area in Seoul. There are several department stores, huge international labels like Nike, H&M, forever21, etc. as well as local brands. Shopping here though can be a bit overwhelming! But with the endless shops and food options to choose from you'll only have trouble carrying all your packages by the time you leave. Do you have a clearer picture now why I chose this area? (wink...)
And since I was traveling alone for the first time, I wanted a place accessible to all
(transportation, shopping areas and restaurants). It definitely makes it easier for me to navigate and see the places I want to go to.
And things got even better because when I checked in at the reception, they told me that I got a complimentary upgrade on my room. DAEBAK!!! I booked my hotel at Agoda.com (not sponsored). Aside from cheap prices, they will also give you good reviews and suggestions. I wanted to shout from the rooftops because of my excitement at the reception but somehow I still managed to compose myself.
Now, let me take you to my upgraded room...
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| OOTD mirror inside my room |
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| Cabinet/Closet |
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| Dressing table |
Coffee table/TV desk
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Double bed / Single Bed (used for my shopping stuff)   |
After settling in, I told myself the night is still young let me explore the surrounding areas. Behind my hotel was already the shopping areas, street foods, locals sand foreigners walking around and I thank the heavens for all the make-ups and skin care products... My eyes are just sparkling and twinkling being around all of these things.
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| Tornado Potato |
Spriral-cut potato. Amazing to see how a single potato is cut to a long stick (by a machine). Some stalls offer seasoned powders to sprinkle over such as onion, cheese or BBQ. It was popular before, however seen a lot of it lately in some asian countries, as well as in south afirca and also in Dubai.
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| Street foods are yummy
Tried this waffle as well... I just asked them to put a little cream as I saw the customers before me, the cream is a lot and by the look of it, I won't be able to eat it. So just a warning again, waffles are served with really thick cream however you can ask them to put a little (just like customizing your food).
Actually, there are a lot of street foods and it all looks tasty. However, I wasn't able to try it, as after I ate this two and I'm done (full tummy). So my suggestion, come with an empty stomach, shop 'til you drop and then eat as much as you can so you will be able to enjoy and satisfy your cravings.
Some of the foods I've seen in Myeondong are Korean egg toast (queue is long), Korean grilled cheese lobster,Tteokbokki (Spicy rice cake), Odeng/ Emuk tang (fish cake on the sticks), Fishcake (eomuk) rectangular Seafood skewer, Hotteok (Sweet Korean Pancake), Bbopkki (Sugar lollipops) it has a cute imprinted shape, deep fried giant squid, dried cuttlefish, gimbap, Korean fried chicken (Yangnyeom tongdak) comes in a cup, Korean pan-fried dumplings (goon Mandu), cheese butter baked scallops, bulgogi beef and japchae, bacon wrapped sausage, blood sausage, grilled abalone in butter, kimchi pancake, seafood pancake, steamed octopus leg, jjajangmyeon, deep-fried butter shrimp are only a few that I've seen and I know there are still a lot. Their street foods are the best and really filling.
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| Behind me, LOTTE department store |
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| Subway Entrance |
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| Entrance for the underground Shopping area in Myeondong
Underground shopping has to be the best shopping experience if you're on a tight budget. Located underground, usually connected to the subway, these underground shopping areas carry tons of small retailers carrying various cosmetics, clothing, accessories, K-POP CD's and other items at low low prices.
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| LOTTE YOUNG Department Store (forgive the blurred shot) |
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| What about this? |
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| End of the day |
Walked around some more... finished my shopping till my arms were ready to drop due to my shopping bags. I reached the subway as well and saw the LOTTE department stores. I decided not to go there anymore due to very tired legs and kept it for the following day.
Till next blog... GOD bless everybody!
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