Seoul Girl

Gramercy Kitchen is a fine-dining, western cuisine restaurant located in Cheungdahm. Alike its decor, the food is exquisite and understated. Which I find it refreshing in Korea. The ingredients are fresh, and the chefs wonderfully balance the natural flavors and added spices and sauces. The wait staff is professional and courteous. They definitely made my friend’s birthday celebration memorable by offering a complimentary port to go with our cakes. But I felt, the bread was a little tough and dry. The wines are overpriced. Never the less, it’s a worth a visit particularly on those special occasions. I recommend the Lobster Risotto.

For further info: www.gramercykitchen.com

On November 30, a veteran yet continuously innovative Chicago House DJ, Derrick Carter, is expected to perform at Club Answer in Cheundahm.  As you may not know, I am particular about my House musik.  From my experience of partying in Chicago and Detroit in the early days of late 90’s - early 2000’s,  I can tell you that not all House musik/DJs are created equal.  Derrick Carter as a DJ/Producer/Artist has proven to be beyond exceptional again and again and never failed to meet my expectations and standards.  So put on your dancing shoes , get your groove on and get ready to boogie woogie on the dancefloor.  It’s destined to be one helluva night!!

For further info:  www.clubanswer.co.kr

 Click to enlarge

Courtesy of www.seoulsounds.com

December 1st 2007 Saturday @ O.I hongdae.Eden: last hurrah of 2007 has taken the cue to get dimensional.

To start the eve off, a screening of Tim Burtons???Mightmare Before Christmas -3D will take place at 10pm. Then spoken word poetess the dialectic will speak her words to beatz.For early comers: sushi and sake will be served while you enjoy the film.Daoine Sidhe enters with her delicious Mandala Danannce performance in between sets.Also: 2nd Hand store wil do a fashion show with all vintage Japanese clothing.Eden? lady DJ? provide the beats with hip hop, downtempo, drum&bass, deep house, electro and a hint of disco. Jiyoung makes a first time appearance at Eden with underground house later in the eve.FEATURING:
Chen Lie.
A staple to Eden? visual atmosphere, Ms Lie presents her latest film ?Half Light??in a special last appearance before she leaves the R.O.K. Don? miss experiencing her own CinemaUnderTheStairs!Directions:
Hongik Station exit 5. Up to the University entry and turn right at the lights. Go through the park. About 30 metres past (in direction of Hapjong Station). ?Catchlight??building. 3rd floor.
Ph: (KOR) 010-8983-8490 (ENG) 010-5777-1978

10 000 won = glasses/food/drink/fun

www.myspace.com/secondfromthesun

http://forum.seoulsounds.com/viewforum.php?f=2&sid=48ec757cbbe3a122eb8650b1302c48f9

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

Update on October 26, 2008: anyone inquiring about yoga and other related classes in Seoul.. Please contact a certified instructor named Jema Abbate : Jemarama@yahoo.com. or http://www.myspace.com/sparrow7  or facebook info:  http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2377248248

 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 left 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. The sign is written in Korean, but look at the photo sign I have provided above. 

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