Seoul Girl

Tis the season of flus, holiday parties, and one too many eggnogs and Godiva Chocolates. Which ultimately only leads to one too many calories and hangovers. Let’s rejuvenate our bodies, minds, and spirits as we ring-in the new year!!. In Itaewon, an instructor has begun these following classes.

Schedule as follows: Yoga

9am, 7:30pm, 9pm on Mon - Fridays

Meditation: 8pm on Wednesdays

Taichi: 10:30am on Saturdays

Hangover yoga: 2:20pm on Sundays

Location: Itaewon Station Exit 3. Walk up. Pass the first intersectiong street. Before Rocky Mountain Tavern or Sortinos Restaurant, you will see a set of steep long Staircase. Head up. On top, go to your left. You should see a yoga studio sign

For further info: contact the instructor, Rebecca emptyform@hotmail.com

 On World AIDS Day Dec 1st, a charity concert will be held at Mike’s Cabin Bar in Sinchon, Seoul.  A few local foreign singers/bands are expected to perform.   As part of the fundraiser, the guests are encouraged to purchase Little Traveller beaded dolls for 5,000won, which are made by the HIV infected women of Africa.  100% of the proceed goes to combat against HIV/AIDS.  For the full story on the dolls, please read: http://littletravellers.wordpress.com/2007/09/20/little-travellers-fight-big-problems/lease. 

Performers:  Mark Barker, Mia Zepeda, and The Bellows

Location:  Sinchon Station Exit 1.  Pass Hyundai Dept Store and KFC.  Turn right when you see Bank of Korea.  Straight ahead passing 7/11 store and a school.  When you see second 7/11 on your right, turn right at the upcoming street.  You should see Mike’s Cabin on your right.   

Although I usually avoid Hongdae like the plague, recently I  can’t help myself but to wonder if there are new great bars to be found.  Let me tell you, this is no easy task.  It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack!  But lucky for me, I am fortunate to have some great friends with a great taste and took me to a new bar last night, T-Bar.    It’s located in the basement.  The ceiling is high and looks very impressive as you are descending down the staircase.  The ambiance is dark and has a modern pub feel.  It’s located near Gold Bar III, which is on a corner.  Turn into that alley street and look to your right.   (FYI:  Goldbar II and Goldbar III are across the street from eachother.  So try not to get confused.)

Direction: From Hongik University station, walk down parking lot street and make a left at the Buy The Way intersection. Then look for Goldbar III, which sits on a corner.  Turn into that alleystreet and look to your right. 

As the name implies, an ice-made bar, which first originated in Sweden.  I am sure most of you have seen the film, James Bond’s Tomorrow Never Dies, which features an ice-bar as one of the ”cool” scene backdrops.  If you don’t mind the little cold, then check it out for the novelty. 

The cover charge is 15,000 won which includes a vodka cocktail in your own ice glass.  Refills are 10,000won.  and a cap and gloves to keep you warm. 

Business Hours:  1pm - 2am

Further info:  http://www.icebarseoul.com/

Though I don’t recall the name of the coffee shop, I really enjoy going there located in Samcheong Dong.  It’s quaint and the owners are charming and hospitable though they speak a very little Enlish.  But a little they know, they still make the effort of welcoming you with a warm smile and of course, a great cup of coffee. (In my opinion, there is a lack of good coffee in Korea) .  Unfortunately, the menu is written in Korea.  Look around and see what others are eating and ask what they are.  They are very gracious and helpful. 

Direction:

Location: Reminder: there is no direct subway line connecting to Samcheungdong. The best options are:
1. Get off at Ghwanghwamun (Purple,line 5) and Exit 3 or 2. Take a taxi and tell the driver “samcheungdong ka ju say yo”. Drive straight ahead and at the deadend intersection, will turn right. at the first left, turn into Samcheungdonggil Street. The road splitts into Y.  Stay to your right.  Then on the first intersecting street, get off there.  Turn right.  Half way down the street, it’s on your right. 
OR
2. Get off at Anguk (Organge, line 3) Exit 1. Catch a cab and tell the driver “Samcheungdong ka ju say yo”. Pass 2 streets. turn right on the third street, Samcheungdonggil. Then follow the same direction as above.

Though Myeung Dong is a popular shopping and eating destination for many young Korean people, I find it overwhelming with a mob of people and not keen on the most of the stores which are a reflection of the Korean fashion. But I do enjoy visiting MyeongDong Gyoja which specializes in Karguksue noodles, which is noodles cooked in special chicken broth. After eating these, you’ll never want them again elsewhere. They are so popular that there are 2 locations on the same street (on map: street C). Please do not be disturb by the long queue. It moves very quickly. Please click on the link below for the direction or Myeongdong Subway Station Exit 8. Turn right at the first alley street. Look for the first one on your right or the second location on your left after passing G-Star Store

http://english.tour2korea.com/06shopping/ShoppingInSeoul/myeong01.asp?kosm=m6_2&konum=subm3_1

One of my favorite clothing shops for the basic staples is G-Star, which is a European based company. I first discovered the store when a friend worked for their North American HQ in NYC many years ago. They specialize in a denim wear but also carry other clothing items. The designs are simple yet modern and unique. But still maintains the classic clean look, very unKorean. It’s on the same street as MyeungDong Gyoja, but a block up on a corner heading towards Myeungdong station direction.

http://www.g-star.com/flash/content.html

Also, try the Indian restaurant, Taj. Which is located near Royal Hotel and next to YWCA but in the basement. On Map: Street D. There are a few locations throughout Seoul. Try the sampler platter for about 38,000. It’s a great way to get introduced to many of the different dishes and flavors of India. For further info: www.thetaj.co.kr

An actual coffeeshop in Hongdae as a on-site location for the popular Korean drama, First Shop of Coffee Prince. 

 How to Get There: Take Subway Line 2 to Hongik University, and go out of Exit 4 à Turn right into Seven Springs corner and pass the intersection à At the 3-way intersection, turn left à Walk about 100 meters on the road above the playground and walk towards the road on the right side à Walk about 500 meters until you find the coffee shop on the right

Photo in middle:  A friend and me dining at Ganga in Apkujeong (sinsa location): Apkujeong Stn Exit 2. less than 1 min and look to your left. It’s located on the 2nd floor. 

Ganga Resaturant is an upscale Indian affair.  They have the traditional classic like tandoori chicken, various flavors of curry dishes , samosa, nan bread, etc.  There are numerous locations throughout Korea, but most of them are located in Seoul.  I have only been to 2 of them which are in Apukjeong(Sinsa) and near City Hall (Mugyo) in Seoul.  Though they are on the pricy side, the food and the ambiance are worth the prices.  They also have a great selection for the vegetarians. 

Please check out the following site for further info on the business hours, locations, food, etc.  Each restaurant can be slightly different:  http://www.ganga.co.kr/

Dinner on the 14th Floor!

It’s a hilarious one-act comedy about two dysfunctional relationships. Both couples live on the 14th floor of the same apartment building in Toronto, and we see their lives in the same 30 minute window before they are to attend a neighbor’s dinner party. Chaos ensues as Denise and Marvin literally throw their relationship out the window, and David and David consider the pros and cons of having a ‘poly-amorous’ love affair, as they remain stuck in the elevator with a Christmas tree.
Written by Evan Placey.
Winner of the Clark Lewis Prize and the Lionel Shapiro Award in Creative Writing.

At the Orange Tree in Haebangchon
Sun 11/25 @ 6pm & 8pm
Fri 11/30 @ 8pm
Sat 12/1 @ 6pm & 8pm
Sun 12/2 @ 6pm & 8pm
Fri 12/7 @ 8pm
Sat 12/8 @ 6pm & 8pm
Sun 12/9 @ 6pm & 8pm

Noksapyeong stn (line 6, exit 2): walk for 5-7 minutes. At the 1st intersecting street, you will see lots of kimchi pots. Turn there. Walk for another 5-7 mins and at the first intersecting street on your left, look across and you will see Indigo Restaurant.  Organge Tree is on the 2nd floor. 

Tickets 10,000 won

Cafe Scene:  Across the street from Jongro-3ga  exit 4