Reminiscing Seoul - Hotel Room tour / Night Walk (Seouloistic Jesse- 24 hours stay in Seoul)

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...

OOTD mirror inside my room

Cabinet/Closet

Dressing table

 
Coffee  table/TV desk

Double bed / Single Bed (used for my shopping stuff)

My Bathroom...  Also, my first time to use this automated toilet! Daebak!!!

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.

Tornado Potato

Hweori Gamja (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.

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.

  And then I walked again till I reached the subway.

Behind me, LOTTE department store

Subway Entrance

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.

LOTTE YOUNG  Department Store (forgive the blurred shot)

What about this?

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!

Reminiscing Seoul - The Day I travel (Seouloistic Jesse - 24 hours in Seoul)

Well, I was thinking should I go or not , to Seoul?
In my fifteen years (yes, 15 years in the Airline Industry) never I travel alone.
It's not because I am afraid , It's just that, for me it will be no fun at all.
I believe seeing new things, different cultures,different places need to be shared with someone .
It can be with your partner, family,  friends, pets and so forth ...
Due to circumstances I need to use the visa because maybe Korea will not grant me anymore.
I am sure to myself that I am coming back in this place..
So I travel, called this journey Seouloistic Jesse..

I am a K drama or Korean drama addicts for so many years now .Even sometimes I sacrifice my sleep for a really good drama, waiting for the english subtitles  to upload.. And there are instances that I couldn't wait, so I watch it raw. Just by  looking, at the facial expressions and movements of the characters playing each role makes me happy.  That's  how much  i love the korean dramas , actors, actresses, the place, cultures,food and their way of life.
Because of all these, I really wanted to see the country and the city itself. So join me and let's  see what will happen on my 24 hours stay in Seoul, Korea.

Haggardness look

Me landed at Seoul (still inside the aircraft).. After 8 hours and 15 mins flight .Don't get me wrong I'm used to this long hours flight, it's just that  I didn't sleep properly due, I took this flight after my night shift and I guess too excited about it. All that mixed emotion cooking up inside my stomach.

To begin with, just been receiving all good vibes so far. Got onloaded to the flight with a very good seat almost like business class without the premium  food service. I have three seats all for me, in the front row just like premium cabin as the flight was not full. This flight has a goody pouch or grooming kit even in the lower class cabin. And the crew surprisingly have a genuine smile on this sector. So grateful for all this blessings .

Grooming pouch
It has eye mask, socks, tooth-bush and toothpaste.

For me as a traveller, I want comfort like a good seat on the flight and a good air hostess that will make me at home and secured (while I'm inside the aircraft). And even I got a bonus, this aircraft is the best in the region with high technology keep me busy like the ICE entertainment with movies, games, podcast , collection of playlist or CD's.
Lastly, I love the food they serve  in this sector ,most of the airline food doesn't suit my taste bud but this is delicioso.

While landing there was super hyper cabin crew on our galley or aisle, so helpful to everybody ( I'm guessing his korean from the  his skin and eyes  features). He saw somebody was trying to get up and told him to wait and please don't stand up while the seat belt sign is on. Still, this passenger didn't listened and wanted to open the overhead locker. The crew stood up and eventually slide down on the galley. All in our cabin was shocked and asked him if he's okay?
He stood up, and still smiling. And that passenger apologized for not listening to him.
Yes, it is a small gesture but we saw the dedication of this crew and everybody appreciated it.
Would to have a crew like this onboard every time I travelled.

Next  my transportation worries..  Although researched about it, I'm still undecided  what to ride.
What to ride  going to the hotel  at Myeondong?
Should I choose this..

Transportation Choice 1

or

Transportation Choice 2

Guess what did I choose?

I asked Kim Soo Hyun  for assistance since he is the man from the stars (Kdrama addict will understand me). And  also because he is the one who welcome me in this beautiful city (just kidding). After reading all pointers or guides how to go around the city. Found the bus signage is the best to understand and the last stop will be in front of the hotel I booked.

Tada.....

Smile of assurance    

Yes, his welcoming look told me all will be okay and just follow the easiest instructions for me. And I find taking bus is the coolest way to travel to my Hotel as I can see beautiful sights as well.

Me on the Airport bus to Myeondong

Bought a ticket to and fro to the airport as I know I will not have time to buy  tomorrow.The Airport Limousine Bus from Incheon International Airport is one of the easiest and most comfortable ways of getting to destinations in and around Seoul. There are other ways of transportation A'REX airport Express and Commuter Line trains and Airport taxis.

There are two types of buses, the first one are the deluxe and KAL (Korean Air Lines) buses , I believe was the most comfortable and spacious and travel from the airport to major hotels in Seoul.

The second type is standard buses. They are not comfortable as the deluxe and KAL (Korean Air LINES) buses but they do cost a lot less. They also make more stops along the way to Seoul. Maybe for tours or sight-seeing this buses can get you closer to your final destination.


So choose the right one for your convenience.

Some of the pretty sights I captured



And by 1900 hours arrived at my hotel.. And guess what happened? I got room upgrade for free.
Booked my accommodation this time through Agoda.com .  And it did not fail me , thanks for Agoda for this. All is going well so far in this trip. Tomorrow is a new day, excited what freebies and good
vibes  I will received. Stay positive and grateful all the time. With this a bid you  all goodnight from the " Land of the Morning Calm". Kamsamida.

My actual booking for my hotel..

Follow me on my next blog about my last Seoul trip.. Hope this will help you guys and gals on your trip to this city.

Reminiscing Seoul - TRICK EYE MUSEUM - 3D SNAPS FAILED (Seouloistic Jesse - 24 hours in Seoul)

It's been awhile since I last blog to you guys and gals..
So many good things had happened ..
I really believe that after the storm there's always a rainbow.
 I guess time to share and update you guys..
I have traveled and stayed in a city within 24 hours alone.

I have been working in an Airline for almost two decade (shhh it's a secret) and never ever that I've done this. I went, I enjoyed and still want more.. Here are some photos I want to share with you all..

I went to trick EYE Museum was amazed.
The Trickeye Museum is an art gallery with paintings created using 'trompe l'oeil' techniques that give each 2D art piece the illusion of being in 3D. Instead of merely viewing paintings (as in a typical art gallery) visitors can interact with the paintings, posing themselves just right so that they look as if they are part of the original work. To ensure that all ages  from children, teenagers, middle-aged and even the more matured ones will enjoy and had fun when they visit this place.
.

Me infront of the TRICK EYE Museum.

Location was not easy to find at least for me I circled around this place three times then finally saw a signed 3D. Plus the fact, that I went there so early where almost everybody was still asleep. I actually, practically open the museum.

I wanted to borrow a Hanbok (korean traditional attire) however it was close.
I went there to early.

Lesson learned "ask somebody to take your photo otherwise travel with someone..
All my snaps or picture shots 3D was an epic fail.


 This picture doesn't click for me, I don't know how to take a pose  here.. Forgive my ignorance        however still look cool so I took a photo. Looks like Santorini for me.

Pouring a wine here , Did I get this right? Look so..

Me and cat inside the boots .

AKA Monalisa when I pump air on her face (almost 3d picture however I took a shot outside the boundary).

Since when an angel wings on the head , totally  3D picture failed.

Ooops, I am supposed to hold  the pretend  wood to kill Dracula here instead my pose is like the hunchback of notre dame.

Almost perfect 3D picture however supposed to be facing the truck here instead i give my back. Money ,please come still hahaha..

Am I supposed to be on top of spider man ?

Almost perfect only my arm becomes so big here.

This photo says the girls envy me because virgin boy want me to see something?

Me not looking although was given a chance ...haahaha.

I guess this  is the most closest to 3D picture shot for me.

Jesse as one of the ballerina.

Huge sushi for me

Escaping criticism.

All alone to eat.

This actually the entrance of this 2D to 3D illusion gallery

I am the type of person who gets bored in a exhibit gallery however this place is really entertaining,
kept my mind busy and body as well. Although all my pictures was an epic fail, still I would like to go back there and this time be prepared ,if ever going to be alone bring a tripod with me.
As I've said before seeing new place it's better shared with your love ones ,you will have more fun, has somebody to laugh with, specially when you make this kind of mistakes, somebody to argue with when looking for a direction and somebody to get lost with.


This is my last stop before I head out to go the airport.
I know 3D museum exist already in some other countries but still this is "DAEBAK".
The attendant told me  that  it is actually a students project turn into city attraction. Who knows whether it's the truth  or not still I enjoyed.


TIPS to have a picture perfect 3D shots.
Be sure your camera is fully charged that you have plenty of space in your card.
Turn off your camera flash and keep still while taking photos.
Stand on the photo points while taking a shots of each art exhibit. Photo points show the best angles and distance that maximize 3D effect on photos.
Close one of your eyes when looking at the exhibit.Lastly ,each art photo has a sample picture just copy it before taking a shot.



Things to know before going there:
Location:20, Hongik-ro 3-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
Operating Hours :09:00-21:00 (Last admission: 20:00)
For Inquiries :  1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) 
• For more info: +82-2-3144-6300

HOW TO GO THERE:
Ride a subway (this is how I went there , don't know by bus..)
Hongik University Station (Seoul Subway Line 2), Exit 9. 
Go straight 150m, cross the road, and turn left onto Hongik-ro Street.
Go straight 120m, and turn right down the second side street (in between TONYMOLY and Holika Holika). 
Continue going 100m to arrive at Trickeye Museum on the right.

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