I left a piece of my soul in Seoul (Part 1)

It's been 6 months since Korea.

Admittedly, much of my memories of discovering Korea are slowly dissipating. A post left in the draft for waayyyyyy too long! Eheh, since declaring today a chillout day (but feeling quite inspired to write, surprisingly), here's a peek into my touristy experience of Seoul.  

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I love new experiences. I love trying new things.So it wouldn't be strange for me to find excitement traipsing around in a foreign country during different seasons of the year. And boy, was I squealing with joy to have a chance to catch a glimpse of the city of Seoul covered in a blanket of snow. It was somewhat magical. 

We had 4 days to explore the nooks and crooks of Korea. What I clearly remembered was how cold the weather was, touching -20 degrees on the coldest days. Covered with four layer of clothings, we still felt shivers down our spine walking along the streets. Winter can be so unforgivingly brutal. 

But winter landscape is too breathtakingly beautiful. The picture above depicts Seoul covered in snow -- taken at dusk atop N Seoul Tower. 

Coincidentally our last sunset of 2012. 

Seoul is like a successful man wearing a tailored made suit, but pairs the suit with a classic old tie (a gift from his mum 20 years ago). Ok, my metaphor isn't that great, but all I wanted to say is I'm impressed by how Seoul managed to keep its traditional culture throughout the years modernising. 

Me with N Seoul. Freezingly pale.

Thousands of love locks along the walls of N Seoul. Each bearing a special meaning to a certain couple.

Spot ours! That's my boyfriend being corny. 

Quirky decorated cafes can be found at almost every corner of the streets. We were quick to comprehend why it was so. Nothing beats the feeling of sipping a cup of latte in a heated coffee joint watching the snow fall outside.

And of course, we had our fair share of coffee during our stay there. Our very first cafe was BEANSBIN coffee, a famous coffee chain around Seoul. 

... with waffles to pair.

Grand entrance of Changdeokgung Palace (창덕궁).

Very surreal to see a palace covered in snow.

We also made a pitstop at Bukchon Hanok Village. 

This is the one of the main street, where traditional hanok rooftops are juxtaposed against the skyscaper skyline of modern Seoul. 

Samcheong-Dong with Bakaksan (부각산) in the background.

Hehe, think I could totally fool people to say that this was taken from Switzerland instead.

That said, Samcheong-Dong is a hipster street filled with hipster coffee joint / bakeries. We wanted to try so many of the coffee places, but so many of them were fullhouse. Speaks of the level of coffee consumption in Seoul during winter. 

It was wayyyyyyyyyy too cold, as usual. So we spend a couple of hours sipping coffee, people watching. From my observations, Koreans dress impeccably well!

Z was very enthusiastic to ice skate at the City Hall skating rink. On a Saturday night, this place was filled with happy Korean kids, dating couples and even tourists were spotted! Romantic Korean ballads filled the air as people skated around the ice rink (or at least, attempt to! :p).

To our dismay, only a limited amount of people were allowed to skate in the rink. So you had to book your time slot, and wait in line. We decided to scrap this activity given that next available time slot was at least an hour away. But it shall remain on my bucket list!

We ended up in Lotte Mart to grab some souvenirs and local delights. Ermerged, the human traffic inside Lotte Mart is insane. Typical Asians are everywhere blocking every lane possible with their filled-to-the-brim carts. Not gonna reommend Lotte Mart unless you're kiasu and really like to get some cheap Lotte stuff.

Half an hour later, we were battered. Decided to have a quick bite instead, so we had my favourite Tteokbokki (chewy rice cakes) ! I LOVE TTEOKBOKKI!

Remember to catch Nanta' when in Seoul!

It was SOO funny and entertaining!! No dialogues, only rhythmic banging of knives, pots and pan. Highly recommended.

Note - Buy your tickets online for more discounts!

Ending this post with my favourite picture of the lot!

Taken with the frozen fountain behind us at Cheongyecheon Stream.

Part 2, coming soon!

Jeju Island, Korea

One of our main mission visiting Jeju Island was to hike Mount Hallasan, well apart from visiting the obligatory tourist destinations in Jeju Island itself. Afterall, it is known as the "Hawaii" of Korea. We stayed in Yeha Guesthouse, a clean and nicely decorated backpackers. 

Guests were given one complimentary beer each night!

We chilled at the common room, enjoyed how homely backpackers can be. No hotels can ever give you that awesome experience of staying in a backpackers. 

The walls stairs were lined with happy pictures of tourists from around the world. 

The next morning, we hired a cab driver to bring us around Jeju Island. Manjanggul cave was our first tourist destination, known as the longest lava tube in the world. We thread through the icy cold cave, avoiding puddles of water and uneven rock formations.

This was what we were rewarded at the end of the cave, a unique formation nicely lit. Given that neither of us were really interested in structures and formation, we were not very impressed, and were eager to turn our backs and head back to the cab. 

Our cab driver also became our photographer of the day! He was nice enough to stop at a few scenic locations along our journey to take a few pictures for us. There were two cute little kiddie chair placed there, so we took a few shots, and I personally like the one above a whole lot. 

Made a short climb up Seongsan Ilchubong Peak, supposedly a famous place to observe the rising of the sun. The view of the top was quite magnificent, you could get a bird's eye view of most part of Jeju Island. Very scenic. 

 (: 

Lunch! at some restaurant where the cab driver brought us to. We had seafood pancake, abalone porridge and some seafood soup alongside the condiments. The meal was truly worthy. We loved how fresh the seafood were, and how the soup warmed our cold bodies up.

That's Seongsan Ilchubong behind us! 

Seopjikoji, filming location of many a Korean drama. Would have looked more picturesque in spring, when the grass is green and flowers bloom. 

 Steep narrow stairs down the lighthouse.

Oh we also visited Jeongbang waterfall, the only waterfall in Asia that falls directly into the ocean before calling it a day.

Monday Runs

For the past 20 years of my life, I've never taken fitness seriously. Things started to change sometime last year, where I decided to start healthy living, for several obvious reasons. So I joined a gym, and started going for group classes, which were fun and effective.

It was going all fine, until I noticed that some of the classes were so packed! I hardly had comfortable spacing to move around freely without worrying that I would accidentally kick someone (during body combat). So I decided to get on the treadmill and just jog / run.

Ok, yes, I admit I used to have bad stamina, and I used to hate running. So the first 10 minutes on the treadmill  running at the speed of 8, I was out of breath. I wanted to give up, call it a night and just head home to the comfort of my bed. But somehow, I managed to continue running on for 40 minutes, and that's when I experience the runners high. OMG I felt so good after the run!

So I inserted a new routine in my weekly schedule, to run every Monday.The end goal would be to able to comfortably run 21km by the end of this year. Gonna be tracking myself to work towards it!

Hiking Mt Hallasan, Korea

So both me and Z bid goodbye to 2012 and said hello to 2013 in Korea. 

With 5 layers of clothing bracing the -20 degree cold plus the crazy wind chill. 

But it's all good cause it's our first time seeing snow! 

One of the crazy things we decided to do in Korea was to hike the highest mountain in South Korea, Mt Hallasan (1,950m). Seriously don't know what got into us when we slot Mt Halla into our itinerary. 

But no regrets, it was an awesome decision at the very end! 

We started hiking at 7.30am via Seongpanak trail.
It was pitch black and drizzling. Thankfully there were many hikers with us, which lifted our spirits a little.
On the flipside, 99% of the hikers were Korean who barely speak English so we couldn't really communicate in the end.

Most pictures were taken only with iPhone 4. It was too much hassle with the rain plus gloves to pull out the DSLR.
Self shot of us when we hiked around 8% of the mountain.
Forced smiles. Our boots and socks were soaked wet already, and our feet were numbed.
Rain + Hiking in snow is never a good combination eh?



The first shelter in sight! God we were so happy when we saw this shelter.
By this time the rain has subdued, so we packed our raincoats up and latch on our crampons.
We also brought hot brown rice green tea with us and happily sipped them to warm our bodies up.

Our cool crampons, which costs around RM100.
Best investment ever!
If it weren't for these crampons we would have fell a million times in the snow.



Reached Jindallaebat Shelter feeling so hungry cuz we only had two pieces of bread in the morning.
Happily slurped brimming hot instant noodles sold at the shelter.
Z even had second helpings and extra Snicker bars for booster to continue our journey.

Yay at least we have one nice shot for the album!

Iphone pictures do not justify how pretty the scenery was throughout the way.
Dead trees covered in white snow.
Snow everywhere, so serene.

Obligatory feet shot! (:
With our colorful crampons.




At 1,900m. At this point we were quite eager to finish it and get back for a good hot shower and food.
But nope, we had the toughest last 50m to go and another 10km journey down.

Every step after 1,900 m was crazy because of the strong wind. It was so strong it kinda blew me till I lost a little of my balance. Everyone had to cover their faces to protect their noses from falling off (haha, ok I kid, but my nose was pinkish red already).

And then we made it!!
HAHA LOOK AT OUR FACES OF PURE UNADULTERATED JOY.

Mind you, the wind was still blowing like mad, and the fog was so thick we had no pretty scenery to see (like the ones from google image). No crater view, all we see is white, white fog / snow everywhere. 

It was still cool though, to hike in snow. A totally different experience from hiking in summer. 

And it is still very surreal to me to see a bed of snow layering the ground, so pretty. 

After sipping whatever tea we have left (surprisingly it was still hot! super good idea to bring a hot flask), we made our way down. Fun thing about hiking in snow is that you get to slide down, which equates bigger steps and faster speed gliding down. 

The total journey up and down took us around 9 hours, including lunch break. 

Although it wasn't an easy breezy journey, it was an incredible unique experience. 

I will always remember how we hiked through 20km of snow with wet socks & boots. And how we supported each other throughout, mentally especially. So in the future, if  when we ever go through hard times, I will remember this journey, and remind myself that we can make it through. (: 

Our reward for the night! 

Glorious mouthwatering Jeju's famous black pork BBQ. 

Man, we cleared every piece of meat there was, even the condiments.

*Burp* 

2012

23 days into 2013, and I finally have time to sit down and write this reflection post! *pats self on back

Writing and updating this space of mine has been a thing I’ve been procrastinating since... forever. You see, I’d try my very best to minimise screen time when I’m off work. Minimising screen time = No incentive to blog. Hoho, the 101 excuses I create for myself.

But I shall make it a point to blog more in 2013, because re-reading them sometime in the future would bring back all the good memories of the past. So, here’s post #1 for 2013, a flashback of my 2012 highlights! 

#1 Happy shopping days at Chatuchak market 

Made my first ever trip to what most Malaysians acclaimed as “shopping haven”, and it has lived up to its name! Picking out nice pieces of tops, dresses, accessories etc can be so therapeutic! Best part of it is the price tag that comes with it, prices that you’ll never dream of getting in Malaysia. So much win!!

Ok, I do admit, I was quite irked with the weather.

At 35° we had to be pacified by the infamous coconut ice cream!, orange juices and cheap Chang beer.

We also had lunch at one of the stalls and they serve the best Pad Thai everrrrrrrrrrr.

#2  Stoned with the stones at Angkor Wat 

 

After my crazy peak period at work, Esther and I packed up our backpacks for a 10-day trip to Cambodia. Cambodia was all kind of awesome.

We rode horses across the countryside.

Sipped 1 buck beer all day long.

Tried 10 kinds of BBQ meat. Hated crocodile and snake meat. Eww.

Ate happy pizza with beer for dinner, and boy we were giggling and laughing at everything.

Didn’t know the after effect would last till the next day, and we literally stoned with the stones at Angkor Wat.

Man, writing this down really makes me miss strolling down the dusty streets of Cambodia, with a crazy adventure buddy. We need a new adventure, pronto! 

#3 Climbed a step up the corporate ladder 

2012 marks a milestone for me both academically and career wise. God does bless abundantly in His timing. Well worth the sweat and tears working those crazy hours, and burning the midnight oil for CPA papers.

WHEEE, no more CPA papers from now on! Exam woes are gone! Bring on ze champagne and celebratory parties! *cues Madagascar theme song lol

In 2013, the corporate ladder still remains a daunting one to climb since there’s still one heck of a journey to go. But when there are strong waves and crazy undercurrent, I will chant to myself, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming” and remember that I have a big God to rely on. (:  

#4 Laughed till I cried at Redang 

All girls trip to Redang. Most epic trip ever.  

Even before the trip started, epic things were already happening.

It started off in KL. We missed the bus to Terengganu because we were laughing and joking so much in the bus station. Good job! On our defense the announcements were really noisy and unclear. C’mon, don’t shout into a mic! So yeap, long story cut short, we saw the bus left helplessly.

Then Esther said the funniest thing that left Piaree dumbfounded. After we decided that Piaree would drive us all up to Terengganu, Esther quipped, “Well, at least we only wasted RM40 since we can still take the bus back!”

-_________-

Piaree then replied, “OK Esther, you can take the bus back to KL while we drive ok?”

HAHAHAHAH.

So many other epic things happened, but I guess these are the things make the trip more memorable. You girls are crazy, thank you for bringing so much joy into my life. :p 

#5 Joined a gym!

Halfway through 2012 I was constantly depressed with the weight I gain thanks to a desk job plus the many occasionally binge eating and drinking. So I rant and rant about how unflattering my body was turning out to be when I was supposed to be in my prime. Not to also mention my dead looking skin. SOOOOO FINALLYYY I decided to stop complaining since it wasn’t getting me anywhere. Like the saying goes how you should “if you don’t like something, change it”, I made a change by JOINING A FRIGGIN’ GYM.

BEST.DECISION.MADE.IN.2012.

I love how exercising and sweating it out makes you feel as a whole. I feel lighter, happier, fitter, more confident, and less depressed. Group classes are really fun and motivating! Also, getting yourself surrounded with people who live a healthy lifestyle is good for the soul.

Oh right, another perk of exercising regularly is getting to binge on food I crave without feeling guilty!!!

Now the challenge for 2013 would be to stay committed. Bring it on! 

#6 Kindled!

I love reading. I especially love reading in bed.

And you should know that reading hard copy books on bed are very cumbersome, especially when they are thick and heavy. They just wouldn’t stay on your hand the way you want it and my fingers get tired trying to pry the book open.

So, as a working adult with purchasing power (which is probably the best thing about working, if you were to compare to life as a student), I bought me and Z a kindle each from the US, and the meaning of reading on bed has been redefined.

The kindle is SO light!!! SO slim! SO convenient!!! I get to read on bed at any angle I want without tiring my fingers, and flipping a page is as simple as pressing a button. If I feel like reading a new book at 3am I can immediately buy it from my kindle and read it within seconds! Boy, I love technological advancement.

Speaking of books, I am hooked reading 1Q84. I’m halfway through, and it’s getting very very interesting!

All I want to do is to lie in bed and read all day. *wishful thinking 

#7 Watched Train Live!

“Oh I swear to you, I’ll be there for you

This is not a drr-iiiivvv-eee by….”

“Now that the wait is over

And love has finally shower her my way

Marry me, today and everyday

Marry me, if I ever get the nerve to say hello in this café

Say you will, say you will…”

Totally swept me off my feet. <3 o:p="">

Nuff said.

#8 Ran a marathon!   

Excuse my groggy face at 7am in the morning. Not a morning person, you can tell.

In efforts of living a healthier lifestyle, I joined a few marathons this year! I used to think running was boring. Until my first marathon. Running with many others across the city on a Sunday morning can give you a very liberating feeling. The fresh air, the sights, the exhilaration. More runs in 2013? 

#9 Fiji 

My trusty family dog passed away mid 2012.

We cried, and cried, and cried till we could cry no more. He has brought us so much joy over the 9 years, and he was family. A brother I never had, a baby our family dearly loved. Till now I still miss him dearly, and occasionally memories of him would flash by. Miss his welcome bark greeting me when I’m home. Miss his singing to his favourite piano tunes. Miss cuddling him in my arms. He was indeed a great dog.

Now you’re in a better place! One day I will see you again, Fiji.

You live in my heart forever.

#10 Scaled the highest mountain in South Korea, Mt Hallasan 

19.2km both ways, with an altitude of 1,950m.

Zi and I scaled it through the snowy trail!

WHOOP WHOOP *does the happy jig!

Will find the time to write about our journey up and down soonnnn!  

TADAAA, first post of the year done!! 

Urbanscapes '12

Last weekend was jam packed with stuff. YCMS on Saturday morning, and it was Urbanscapes all night. followed by church, Body Step then Urbanscapes. As tiring as it may sound, it was so much fun!! Urbanscapes was such a muddy affair, but it was also an array of colorful creativity splattered around a field, funky dressing, hippy music and good shopping!  

happily buying Sigur Rós official t-shirt. 

straight away proceed to Bee Garden for chilled can beers + finger food. mMm. 

DJ Goldilocks was rocking it when we sipped our beer.

love the creativity and effort all Urbanscapes vendors put in to decorate their booth. bas sekolah selling burgers, colorful umbrellas etc. so trippy!

at dusk. extremely muddy muddy field.

Phyllis!

Z + YB.

macaroons and nutella chocolate chip cookie. yummy stuffff.

Urbanscapes, at night.

tryna' win some loafers.

Yuna sang so well! Love her crisp, beautiful voice. got my heart fluttered.

2nd day at Urbanscapes! Brought a bagful of happy stuff. 

(((((((:

the "to me love is..." black box.

so many cute quirky ways of describing love.

he wrote: "to me love is.. all you need."

on the other hand, all i wrote was "♥♯♪"

the last polka! was craving for cola cherry potong instead. 

says.com! thanks to them we had our umbrellas which came in handy when it started pouring late evening.

Levi's Go Forth was there too. and this was some colorful backdrop painted by some artsy peeps.

the most anticipated moment for Z. thanks to Urbanscapes, Z managed to tick off one of his bucket list item: to watch Sigur Ros live with loved one. ((((((: 

Jonsi singing is mezmerizing.

amazing amazing sounds. fancy playing an electric guitar with a violin bow.

Hoppipola!

we also won a pair of AA tics to Krabi! all we did was build this sandcastle and instagram it. yay! looking forward to a beach escapade soon!! (;

here's to more first with you.

came home from Urbanscapes with mud filled shoes, tired sore feet, colorful funky pictures... and a contented smile. Yes, I think I'm starting to find my life fulfilling.