Seoul Girl

Please click on the map picture to enlarge.  For those who don’t read Korean, the direction as follows:  Gangnam Subway Station(green Line 2) Exit 7 and then follow the map. 

Taxi:  Tell the driver:  Gangnam Yuk(station) chur (7) bahn (exit)

I don’t usually venture out to Gangnam district too often, but I think the winebar, Sideway, in Gangnam is worth checking out.  I am sure all you winelovers didn’t miss the name reference to the  great independent film that was released 4-5 years, Sideway, about two bestfriend’s journeys on life and passion for wines, which just happens to costar the famous Korean-Canadian actress, Sandra Ho, who is currently starring on the huge successful sitecom, Grey’s Anatomy. 

The interior appears modern yet causual.  The owners/management appear to have a true passion for wines and always searching for the next best wines for their customers.  Which show that they aren’t compromising on the quality and service they are willing to provide. 

Please checkout the site http://www.sidewaybistro.com/Sideway.html for further info

People are always asking, where do you live again? Huh, where’s that? I live near Sookmyung Woman University campus but closer to North of Hyochang ParK. Unlike other major Univ campus areas, this one isn’t known for their bars. But more for the Duk Bukgi stands, boutiques, restaurants, coffeshops and nail and hair salons.

Some of the places that I recommend. I don’t know the names of the most of the following places (sorry):

1. Japanese Sushi Restaurant (sign written in Korean but with the word Jamchi=tuna) : From Sookmyung Woman Station Exit 8, take the first left. After walking through the tunnel, turn right. On that corner is the restaurant. There is a mural of a giant tuna and sea displayed on the windows. Sashimi sets starting at 17,000. But I promise that you won’t go home hungry. Or From Namyeong Station Exit 1, across the street to “Sandwitch” shop and then turn left. Walk through the tunnel, and then turn right. Walk about 2 blocks and it’s on your right.

The following places are all located just outside in the Sookmyung Univ campus area. So on the map, follow the red dotts either from Namyeong or Sookmyung subway station. From Namyeong Station, it can be a bit nippy walking in this lovely time of the year. So take a green bus 0016 from the nearest bus stop. Get off at the last stop(3rd stop) before entering the designated university campus on the map. OR from Hyochang park station exit 2, take green bus 0015 and get off at the 2nd stop. and start walking downhill.

1. Once off the bus 0016: look directly across the street and uphill 4th building from Starbucks. You will see dessert place called ” CAN MORE” They sell great Bing Sue’s: Shaved ice topped with ice cream, fruits, flavored syrups, and other goodies. Very yummy!!

2. Or, continue start walking downhill. The road splitts into a Y but continue staying to your right. You will see a Thai Restaurant: Siam Sunset. They have good affordable Thai food. I recommend the phu soup and Tom Tom soup which is only 3,000 won if order with a main entree.

3. Continue to walk down and you’ll see a dessert place called ” Waffle House”. The main sign is written in Korean, but they also have an English sign slightly to the left which may not be noticable at a first glance. Waffles are eaten as a snack in Korea. Many different toppings are available. Unfortunately, the menu is in Korean. So ask if they have an English menu or all else fails, look at what others are eating and ask what they are.

4. continue walking and you’ll see a Duk Galbi (sign written in Korean) restaurant towards the end of the road. It’s chcken stir fried with cabbage and red pepper paste and cooked on the table on a giant pan: adding rice as an option=which will look like korean version of paella. It’s more ideal to go with friend(s).

5. OR off Bus 0016, walk uphill. at the first interesting street (there is a bakery on that corner), turn right. Immediately, look to your left and you will see Shabu Shabu restaurant. A giant bowl of broth with added veggetables, seafood or shaved beef, and noodles cooked on your table.

JUN WON GARDEN Review found on http://www.seoulstyle.com/itae_jun_won_garden.htm: This Korean Barbeque place in Hannam Dong has average food. There’s the typical Kalbi and bulgogi with side dishes etc..The main draw to this place is the outdoor seating area. The atmosphere is unpolished and raw, but charming nonetheless. It`s a great place to drink loads of soju with friends and enjoy the balmy summer evenings.

I feel the food is better than your average Korean BBQ found in Itaewon/Hannam district. As most local Koreans can tell you that good Korean food doesn’t exist here . Unlike most BBQ restaurants, they offer the option of beef (So) or pork ( Dway gi ) or (Sam Galp Sal= like bacon cut) kalbi.

Location: HannamDong. From Cheil Building in Itaewon (Itaewon Station Exit 3), across the street from Itaewon Hotel, get in a cab and ask the driver to take an immediate right turn. Stay on the taxi for about 3-5 minutes. After passing a hospital on your left, get off at the next red light stop.  Across the street to KB Bank  and turn there. The restaurant is on your left and the second entrance. If your taxi passes Dunkin Donuts, you went too far.

A great place to dine out on the terrace on a nice summer day!

A great chill, drinking bar in Cheongdahm, Seoul before heading out to a club.  A mix crowd of mid 20’s to early 30’s  foreigners, Foreign Koreans and Korean nationals are the regulars. But the crowd is very much the jet-setter, globe trotter types. The music selection is minimal alike its decor.  They have a live DJ playing some minimal and ambient dub tech and house. I believe it’s open til 3-4 am.

Location: Cheongdahm. It’s located behind Gucci store. Gucci is located on Fashion Saw-gul-ri near Galleria in Apukjeong.   Turn into Gucci street alley. Then turn right at the first street. Walk for 1-2 minutes and start looking for the sign on your right. It’s in the basement so look for the sign closer to the ground, not up.

For those prefer to travel on a budget, consider renting a home. I feel it’s the best solution to being economically sensible. Often, these homes have 2-3 bedrooms and the costs can be divided by traveling with friends or family. I came across a few rental homes that I feel are either cute or on a great location like on the beach. The following homes are located in Limon, Costa Rica on the far South of Caribbean Sea. Please click on below sites for further info:

http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/29163.htm

http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/7745.htm

http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/7433.htm

http://www.perfectplaces.com/vacation-rentals/15567.htm

Or take a look at the following site for bamboo constructed bungalows. It’s a great way to enjoy and escape to the nature. These bungalows are nested between the ocean and the jungle. They are on the Osa Peninsula, on the most southern tip on the Pacific coast. For further info:

http://www.casabambu-beach-house-rentals.com/index.shtml

The following is also located on the Osa peninsula on Playa Zancudo. This is the one Jon and I chose to stay during our vacation. I will update on the official review afterwards.

http://bestcostaricavacations.com/

The architectural design is minimal and modern. For those who apprectiate the values of aesthetics and high luxury, this is definitely a way to travel and lodge. For further info:

http://www.costarica-beachrentals.com/mphouses/march/beachhouse.htm

As I am researching for my upcoming trip to Costa Rica, I came across information on a beautiful spanish colonial architectural lodge on the Coyote Mountain towards the Pacific Ocean from the capital city of San Jose. Though it’s located on the secluded mountainside, it appears to be an ideal hideaway for those seeking for nature and escape from everyday hustle and bustle, and yet don’t want to compromise on the luxury, style, and comfort. It also specializes in cooking classes and food culinary. For further info: http://www.cerrocoyote.com/id1.html

For a casual night out, check out Casa Del Vino in Cheongdahm. It has an extensive selection on wines and a limited selection of tapas. They are not made like traditional tapas found in Spain, but served more like small appetizers.  The ambiance mood is dark yet still intimate with soft lighting and modern decor with dark mahogany wooden tables and floor.  The prices tend to be on the higher end, after all, this isn’t just another neighborhood in Seoul. It’s where the celebrities and rich live and party.

Direction: I don’t know where the subway station is from here. But I took the taxi: Cheongdam Saw-gul-ri. On that intersection, there is a Sk Gas Station. On the same side of the road, look for new Michael Kors Store. Then heading the same direction, start looking for the bar.

141-13 Cheongdam Dong Seoul
02-542-8003

http://www.clubanswer.co.kr/

Note: Click on map to enlarge. Club Answer across from Hotel Prima.

Taxi: CheongDahm Sa-gu-ri, Hotel Prima

A new club in Cheongdahm will officially open this Saturday, November 10 with the electronic act, The Rabbit in the Moon, as the headliner. For further info on the talented act and the club, please see the following site :

http://www.02pro.com/?mid=party&search_target=user_id&search_keyword=suhena&document_srl=73965.

In my personal opinion, I feel there is a lack of quality clubs in Seoul. Most are commercially driven with a limited music selections and homogenized vibes. Also the sound systems are poor but the covers and drink prices are outrageous like on the party island of Ibiza (Evissa for the purists). At least in Evissa, you can compensate the prices for the quality in sounds, talents, and vibes and energy.  Let’s all hope the Club holds the Answer to saving all Seoulites from further bad music and falling asleep.

Naos Nova Restaurant/Bar is unlike others. The architectural style is very chic and modern and to fully appreciate the experience of dining and wining, one must really appreciate the interior designing of the lighting and minimal decors and furnitures that have assembled to compliment each other.

The food and drinks are overpriced. Food is presented well, but the taste and quality aren’t compatible. I feel the beef can be fatty and other selections are prepared mediocre at best. The menu is only written in French and Korean. The story has it that the owner is a former resident of France and he wanted to recreate a piece of his Parisian life in Seoul by opening this bar. The wine and champagne list is quite extensive,  particularly the selections on French wines. But they do not offer full cocktails/bar service. They only offer Mojitos. Odd.

Personal note: This is a great place to gather with friends who have a finer appreciations for good designs, architecture, and wines. And also who don’t mind splurging. The place typically does not get packed, so it’s an ideal place to chill and engage in a great conversation with friends, etc.

Direction: Get to Millennium Hilton Hotel near Seoul Station. From the main entrance, look straight ahead across the street on your right side of the street and look for Uncle Cho’s Sausage neon sign on top of the building. Walk to the sign and then after passing it, start looking for a building with a full glass face facade.

Direction: to get to the hotel

http://www.7luck.com/en/7luck/hilton/map.jsp

http://www.naosnova.com/