tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11913061257125351342024-03-13T03:57:19.923-07:00Sense and Seoulability Another foreigner in SeoulMiss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-78529672422622670252015-12-27T16:04:00.000-08:002015-12-27T16:04:09.950-08:00[REVIEW] Innisfree Bija Trouble Facial Foam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been meaning to review a product that didn't work out well for me for a while, so here it finally is! Today I want to share my experience trying out <span style="font-size: large;">Innsifree's Bija Trouble Facial Foam</span>. I tried this cleanser out while in Korea over the summer (July/August) and took notes on its effects during that time. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Review summary</b>:</span> I can't recommend it to anyone with sensitive or dry skin. It did not help my acne and instead inflamed it while making my pores appear more noticeable and made my skin feel <i>too</i> "squeaky clean."</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Brand Marketing</b>: 5/5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Packaging</b>: 5/5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Scent</b>: 1/5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Effectivity</b>: 1/5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Overall</b>: 2/5</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mO5wwN5asRs/ViQPnhEsbOI/AAAAAAAACYI/eplFMvvLiHM/s1600/iftc3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mO5wwN5asRs/ViQPnhEsbOI/AAAAAAAACYI/eplFMvvLiHM/s640/iftc3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Skin Profile</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Type</b>: Combination</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Good points</b>: Moisture (at the time of using this), no longer prone to cystic acne</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Trouble</b>: Mild breakouts, acne scarring, whiteheads, blackheads, large pores</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 25px; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Product Information</h2>
<b>Brand</b>: Innisfree<br />
<b>Name</b>: Bija Trouble Facial Foam<br />
<b>Type</b>: Foam Cleanser<br />
<b>Amount</b>: 150ml<br />
<b>Boasts</b>: 4/5 rating on Innisfree's site (so it must be working for other people!)<br />
<br />
<b>Buy internationally </b><br />
<a href="http://www.innisfreeworld.com/product/productView.do?prdSeq=10211&eventSeq=0&catCd01=UA">Innisfree</a>: $10 + shipping<br />
<a href="http://jolse.com/product/Innisfree-Jeju-Bija-Anti-Trouble-Facial-Foam-150ml/604/?cate_no=220&display_group=1">Jolse</a>: $12.31 discounted price, free shipping<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
WATER, GLYCERIN, STEARIC ACID, MYRISTIC ACID, PEG-32, POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, LAURIC ACID, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, COCAMIDOPROPYL BETAINE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, TORREYA NUCIFERA SEED OIL(750mg), SALICYLIC ACID, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, DEXTRIN, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, DISODIUM EDTA, MENTHOL, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, ROSA CENTIFOLIA FLOWER EXTRACT, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, PEG-100 STEARATE, THEOBROMA CACAO (COCOA) EXTRACT, SODIUM BENZOATE, FRAGRANCE</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMYegFBolw0/ViQPpwKLsUI/AAAAAAAACYU/zNYQSa_SRVs/s1600/iftc2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JMYegFBolw0/ViQPpwKLsUI/AAAAAAAACYU/zNYQSa_SRVs/s640/iftc2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
*The <a href="http://www.innisfreeworld.com/DirectPage.do?pageName=inni_brandStory">Innisfree Green Promise</a> is threefold:<br />
<ol>
<li>Contributing to reducing carbon emission</li>
<li>Using 70% natural ingredient in skincare</li>
<li>Returning 1% of annual profit to neighbors</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Brand Marketing</h2>
</div>
<div>
<br />
I absolutely love Innisfree's brand. I wish more of their skincare products worked for me (that's why I prefer Skinfood), but I still have more to try, so there's hope! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CONCEPT</b>: As you saw in Innisfree's Green Promise, they are an ethical company who cares about using natural ingredients, leaving a low carbon footprint, and helping "neighbors" (not sure who that is though!).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>INGREDIENTS</b>: I also like that the natural ingredients come from Jeju island, which is both luxurious and helps the Korean economy. However, I almost wish the products were more than 70% natural. Then again, I guess not every brand can be like <a href="https://www.lush.com/">Lush</a>!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>DESIGN</b>: I love Innisfree's simple, minimalistic branding design, and especially that their packaging is recyclable. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 150px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brand Marketing</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</center>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Packaging</h2>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PUx4Tmyh8I/ViQPpebO8yI/AAAAAAAACYQ/7tw3DL5UltY/s1600/iftc1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2PUx4Tmyh8I/ViQPpebO8yI/AAAAAAAACYQ/7tw3DL5UltY/s640/iftc1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmT94Kb4sCA/ViQP1lMiDOI/AAAAAAAACYw/tWLxM8y5Plg/s1600/iftc4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fmT94Kb4sCA/ViQP1lMiDOI/AAAAAAAACYw/tWLxM8y5Plg/s640/iftc4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Packaging is simple, functional, and recyclable. No complaints here! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 150px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Packaging</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</center>
<br />
<br />
<h2 style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
Scent</h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">Horribly strong herbal smell. At least it went away after a while. 1/5 instead of 0/5 since the smell didn't stick around.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; line-height: 18.48px;">
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 150px;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Scent</span></div>
<div style="font-size: 13.2px;">
♥<span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span></div>
</div>
</center>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 22px; margin: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center;">
Effectivity</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Innisfree's CLAIMS:</div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<ol>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">This refined, foamy lather thoroughly cleanses pores while preventing and relieving skin trouble.</span></li>
</ol>
<ol>
<li><span style="text-align: center;">Contains natural ingredients, such as salicyl acid, to remove dead skin cells and treat skin problems</span></li>
</ol>
</blockquote>
Let's see how it looks in a swatch test. I marked small patches of eczema I had on my hand, so you can see how it fares during the cleansing. I do not necessarily have sensitive skin on my face, but I did have some acne.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMCZicLAN0/ViQPx_urgCI/AAAAAAAACYg/_KkTIesJ-L0/s1600/iftc5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oIMCZicLAN0/ViQPx_urgCI/AAAAAAAACYg/_KkTIesJ-L0/s640/iftc5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGkS7bbENT4/ViQPyQO95iI/AAAAAAAACYk/YQXkysscVI8/s1600/iftc6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CGkS7bbENT4/ViQPyQO95iI/AAAAAAAACYk/YQXkysscVI8/s640/iftc6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gt-FxeuR24A/ViQP416zc2I/AAAAAAAACY4/ZwnY_GrMrA0/s1600/iftc7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gt-FxeuR24A/ViQP416zc2I/AAAAAAAACY4/ZwnY_GrMrA0/s640/iftc7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2U13KURZ4z0/ViQP5u65EhI/AAAAAAAACY8/KmhLpdLeqdU/s1600/iftc8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2U13KURZ4z0/ViQP5u65EhI/AAAAAAAACY8/KmhLpdLeqdU/s640/iftc8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I think the eczema showed how my acne reacted to using the cleanser. I used it for about two weeks in hopes that the redness and enlarged pores it was giving me was just the product working, but it wasn't. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">PROS</span></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Seems to be working for other reviewers from the <a href="http://www.innisfreeworld.com/product/productView.do?prdSeq=10211">Innisfree</a> site. </li>
<li>Squeaky clean feeling, if some people like that (not me!)</li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">CONS</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Skin felt tight and a little dry, as though it were TOO squeaky clean</li>
<div>
<ul></ul>
</div>
<li>Pores seemed swollen, or enlarged (right after washing, but it would ease up a little after a while)</li>
<li>Acne or trouble areas in general felt irritated and red</li>
<li>A few new breakouts</li>
<li>No positive change after using for two weeks</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Claim 1: "<span style="text-align: center;">cleanses pores while preventing and relieving skin trouble" </span>✘</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I thought my enlarged pores meant they were being cleansed, but that wasn't the case at all. In two weeks, my skin trouble was not relieved and instead got worse.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Claim 2: "remove dead skin cells (and treat skin problems)" ✓</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
It certainly left my skin feeling squeaky clean, so it seems like it's done its job on this account. I put the second part to the skin in parenthesis since I believe it applies more to Claim 1. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Instead of giving it 0/5 hearts, I'm leaving one just because some people might like the squeaky clean feeling it gives, which goes along with the "remove dead skin cells" part of its claim. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<center style="background-color: white;">
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Effectivity</span><br />
♥<span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="color: #cc5c00; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; line-height: normal; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<div class="pinit-wrapper" style="color: #7f4c00; cursor: pointer; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; left: 364px; line-height: 18.48px; opacity: 0; position: absolute; top: 10251.9px; visibility: visible; z-index: 9999;">
<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http://senseandseoulability.blogspot.com/2015/08/review-skinfood-black-sugar-cleansing.html&media=http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif&description=%20[REVIEW]%20Skinfood%20Black%20Sugar%20Cleansing%20Oil" style="color: #cc5c00; display: block; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><img class="pinimg" src="http://icons.iconarchive.com/icons/designbolts/handstitch-social/72/Pinterest-icon.png" data-pin-nopin="true" style="background: transparent; border: 0px; box-shadow: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;" title="Pin on Pinterest" /></a></div>
<h2 style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 22px; line-height: 18.48px; margin: 0px; position: relative;">
Overall</h2>
<div style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b><b>Favorite quality: </b>As I said before, it has good reviews on Innisfree's site, and does leave you with a squeaky clean feeling.</div>
<div style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;">
<b>Least favorite quality:</b> Instead of clearing up my skin troubles, it made them worse :(</div>
<div style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;">
<b>Would I buy this again?</b> Never!</div>
<div style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;">
<b>Would I recommend this?</b> If your skin is not try or sensitive and if you like the squeaky clean feeling, I'd say try it. It's only $10 bucks, which is on the low side for a cleanser, and has good reviews on Innisfree's site.<br />
<br />
Innisfree's branding and packaging saved the day on the overall score! Overall score should be a 3/5, but I'm going to cheat and knock it down to 2/5, because I think it's a better reflection of this product's performance. </div>
<div style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"><span style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"></span></span><br />
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<div style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">
<span style="font-size: medium;">Overall score</span></div>
<span style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♥ ♥ </span></span><span style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">♡</span><span style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan;"><span style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> ♡</span></span><span style="color: #7f4c00; font-family: Puritan; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;"> ♡</span></div>
</center>
</center>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-40838741089275045312015-12-08T11:11:00.001-08:002015-12-27T14:48:42.348-08:00Going to Concerts in Korea with Interpark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLD7Fa20gzw/VmcUhDDX-eI/AAAAAAAACZo/Rljl8xqdKFA/s640/cry%2Bgraphic.jpg" width="640" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Interpark itself essentially G-market (Korean Amazon/Ebay), but Interpark has a secondary site called <a href="http://ticket.interpark.com/Global/Index.asp">Interpark Ticket</a> where you can buy tickets to concerts, musicals, operas, and sports exhibitions. </div>
<a name='more'></a>For example, <i>at the time of this post</i>, you can buy tickets to see in Korea:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Psy (concert)</li>
<li>Chicago the Musical</li>
<li>The Brown Eyed Girls (concert)</li>
<li>The Musical Les Miserables</li>
<li>god (concert)</li>
<li>Lee Hong Ki (concert)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I just wanted to briefly introduce Interpark as a way of seeing decently priced concerts and performances in Korea for beginners. I say "decently priced," because it really depends on who you're seeing. I say "for beginners," because there are other ways to see kpop groups, but sometimes it requires being able to read Korean or group-specific methods. If you just want to see any concerts or musical performances, keep Interpark ticket bookmarked and check the listings often until you find something you like, or someone you recognize. Interpark ticket is great for foreigners because it's in English and allows for purchases using non-domestic credit cards.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you want to see someone specific perform, you need to be following their social media sites. It helps to have joined an artist or group's fan cafe if you want to attend extra events such as fan signs, but I don't really know much on the subject so you'll have to do your own research. I'm most active on facebook and instagram, so I make sure to follow my favorite artists there, including many underground rappers. They always upload concert posters and event details, so I can find them on Interpark if there already isn't a link. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are other websites to buy concert tickets from, but I've used Interpark a few times and have found it to be easy, as well as accessible for international fans. Now I'll continue with my experience using Interpark to see my favorite rapper, <b>Zico</b>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
During the summer, I diligently watched Show Me the Money, season 4. I rooted for Song Mino of Winner (originally meant to debut with Block B). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4L5o06klk/VmcaA4SctwI/AAAAAAAACcs/7RD9P09-euQ/s1600/1pFQ3t2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="396" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4L5o06klk/VmcaA4SctwI/AAAAAAAACcs/7RD9P09-euQ/s400/1pFQ3t2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've loosely followed Mino since I heard of him when I was a Block B fan, but have been a better fan since supporting him in SMTM. As for Block B, I'm more picky when I listen to them, since the gap between Zico's music style and Block B's style has been widening. For those of you who don't know, Zico is the leader and (usually) producer of Block B. Since Block B's promotions for their debut in 2011, I have biased Zico and followed his career. I heard he would be a judge on SMTM, so that's why I started watching it during the 4th season.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4HxRghFgYg/VmcdicdPxTI/AAAAAAAACc4/wLPKHlcfz2M/s1600/11258489_461154534041445_1072480286_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-C4HxRghFgYg/VmcdicdPxTI/AAAAAAAACc4/wLPKHlcfz2M/s400/11258489_461154534041445_1072480286_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
He looks scary here, but he's really a dork.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
When I was in Korea and watching SMTM, I discovered a concert on Interpark that Zico would be performing in! So of course I bought a ticket. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0j5rjz4gj8/Vmcj1GQ4L3I/AAAAAAAACdQ/A441ohaKpSM/s1600/FB_IMG_1435688994295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B0j5rjz4gj8/Vmcj1GQ4L3I/AAAAAAAACdQ/A441ohaKpSM/s640/FB_IMG_1435688994295.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">THE CRY 100°C</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">LINEUP: Zico, Grey, Loco, Giriboy, Olltii, Cheetah</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Because the entire floor level are standing "seats" (not seats at all), we're given a number in which we enter the venue and a letter for the section. The first ticket I bought was section C; section A and B are in front of the stage and C and D are in the back (there was also a small second floor, I think). Thankfully, some concerts on Interpark allow for ticket cancellations and refunds, so I kept checking back until people in better seats cancelled their ticket reservations. I ended up getting into section A, and very close to the stage extension! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another recommendation for seeing concerts in Korea.. once you've bought your ticket, ask around on social media if anyone else is going! It's really nice to have other foreigners with you to figure out where to go and wait with. I met a few girls through a mutual friend on facebook who just happened to know that we were all going to the same concert! We figured out where to go, got some snacks, shared a locker together, and picked a place to meet once the concert was over. Even though we weren't all in the same section, it was nice knowing I wasn't alone! One girl and I later met again and became good friends. You can see our fun time at a dog cafe in Myeongdong <a href="http://senseandseoulability.blogspot.com/2015/08/gaene-myeongdong-cafe-review.html">here</a>!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Once you arrive at the venue, you'll have to pick up your ticket if you haven't already gotten one. If you reserved with Interpark, you probably haven't gotten one. Find the ticket booth and get in the Interpark line!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0lTwMyWUMU/VmcVMhSqJ2I/AAAAAAAACbw/mn8aVdEaB1A/s1600/cry5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0lTwMyWUMU/VmcVMhSqJ2I/AAAAAAAACbw/mn8aVdEaB1A/s640/cry5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is my ticket. Here's what's important!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>A</b>: Reservation number.</span> </span>Actually, you probably won't need it after you get your ticket, but you will need your reservation number and ID in order to pick up the ticket. So have those with you!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: purple;"><b>B</b>: Grouping letter.</span> </span>You'll enter the concert hall based on what section your "seat" is in. You'll also need to wait in a grouped section based on this letter.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>C</b>: Seat number</span> </span>(or standing seat number)<span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">.</span> MOST IMPORTANT! You should try to learn how to say this in Korean, if you can. If not, just be ready to point at it on your ticket. Outside the concert hall, there should be sections based on your group letter and a range of seat numbers. You'll later have to arrange your group into a line based on numerical order of the seat number. Someone will come around to each group and help them get in order. She will ask each person their seat number. If you can't say the number in Korean, show her your ticket with the number already highlighted, circled, or be pointing to it (remember Seoul has <i>bbali balli </i>culture, AKA "faster faster" culture). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was raining that day, but sections A and B were assigned to wait inside while the other sections waited under a canopy outside. The white papers on the wall say the group letters and a range of seat numbers.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvS1TKofEfg/VmcU9lO4-8I/AAAAAAAACbI/oOf8kyga728/s1600/cry2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kvS1TKofEfg/VmcU9lO4-8I/AAAAAAAACbI/oOf8kyga728/s640/cry2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aia_MaxA1DY/VmcVFqqPeRI/AAAAAAAACbY/sS3Q9zlsR2Q/s1600/cry3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Aia_MaxA1DY/VmcVFqqPeRI/AAAAAAAACbY/sS3Q9zlsR2Q/s640/cry3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was another foreigner in the group next to mine, so we ended up talking and bonding :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8B6BGi2ayQ/VmcVRT5y9rI/AAAAAAAACb4/y8q9MHUaY2o/s1600/cry6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-U8B6BGi2ayQ/VmcVRT5y9rI/AAAAAAAACb4/y8q9MHUaY2o/s640/cry6.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh my gosh, it's starting!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first lineup artist was Giriboy. I always thought he was cute and liked a few songs, but his style in general is too indie for me.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SV7ntrZ8L8/VmcVTEqAxaI/AAAAAAAACcA/UaTYuBmGl3s/s1600/cry7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8SV7ntrZ8L8/VmcVTEqAxaI/AAAAAAAACcA/UaTYuBmGl3s/s640/cry7.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scAVxLRTYTM/VmcVcsRH_tI/AAAAAAAACcY/XtYMzA2x2fc/s1600/cry8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-scAVxLRTYTM/VmcVcsRH_tI/AAAAAAAACcY/XtYMzA2x2fc/s640/cry8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He spent a lot of time talking to the fans between songs. He was so cute, but he really just seemed interested in hearing himself talk. I wasn't sure if it was planned for him to talk so long or not, but it didn't seem to be since everyone after didn't talk much at all, as though they were having to make up for him taking too long. And Zico didn't talk at all :( Giriboy was still cool though.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cheetah came next! For those of you who don't know, she was the winner of SMTM's female-only counterpart, Unpretty Rapstar. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjBaggvaSro/VmcUnk46pWI/AAAAAAAACaE/ZfBBrc9zwLA/s1600/cry10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GjBaggvaSro/VmcUnk46pWI/AAAAAAAACaE/ZfBBrc9zwLA/s640/cry10.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQtiqAshbf8/VmcUo4PNVeI/AAAAAAAACaQ/P1weXSPg5QI/s1600/cry12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQtiqAshbf8/VmcUo4PNVeI/AAAAAAAACaQ/P1weXSPg5QI/s640/cry12.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What a cutie! She took a moment to pose like a cheetah for her fans, but kept laughing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8E7_fauDzPM/VmcUm2ZEsEI/AAAAAAAACaA/lMti0boduIA/s1600/cry11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8E7_fauDzPM/VmcUm2ZEsEI/AAAAAAAACaA/lMti0boduIA/s640/cry11.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After performing "Coma 07" (I think the winning song from UR, but I'm not sure), about her experience in a car crash and the coma that followed, she felt overwhelmed with the support from her fans in the crowd that cheered for her. She cried a little and told us how grateful she felt. :')</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Next came Loco and Grey from AOMG records! If you know anything about AOMG, you know that they move and jump around SO MUCH while performing, so it was pretty hard to get decent photos of them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR6_DlUdN-s/VmcU0T1RsYI/AAAAAAAACao/65vnEu-XzPE/s1600/cry13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dR6_DlUdN-s/VmcU0T1RsYI/AAAAAAAACao/65vnEu-XzPE/s640/cry13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Loco</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-md9kduaiPaE/VmcUuHeBhzI/AAAAAAAACaY/q_r860kN9LU/s1600/cry14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-md9kduaiPaE/VmcUuHeBhzI/AAAAAAAACaY/q_r860kN9LU/s640/cry14.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Grey</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oh my gosh, Zico is almost here! But not yet.. Olltii came out next, who I am also a fan of. He performed the first song of his that I'd ever heard, "OLL Ready." </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IhjPs0BUzNc/VmcUv9ytBHI/AAAAAAAACag/BAHGvuYqxEw/s1600/cry15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IhjPs0BUzNc/VmcUv9ytBHI/AAAAAAAACag/BAHGvuYqxEw/s640/cry15.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And.. there was a surprise for SMTM fans! Seo Chul Gu joined Olltii on the stage. He was a very talented contestant who was said to be eliminated too early. During the freestyle round, he was "too nice," when he handed the mic off from someone who was hogging it to another contestant instead of taking it for himself. At the end of the round, he barely got a few words in. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uq1cFlxITs/Vmcn1iQ3J-I/AAAAAAAACdc/9ajcCArLuM4/s1600/tumblr_nrnhshkwa31tsd0rfo1_1437167825_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Uq1cFlxITs/Vmcn1iQ3J-I/AAAAAAAACdc/9ajcCArLuM4/s400/tumblr_nrnhshkwa31tsd0rfo1_1437167825_cover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yG_82ug8Wdc/VmcU3RuTcqI/AAAAAAAACa0/fLaBMhLuVnI/s1600/cry16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yG_82ug8Wdc/VmcU3RuTcqI/AAAAAAAACa0/fLaBMhLuVnI/s640/cry16.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I didn't get to see much of him in SMTM, it was a special treat to be able to see him perform full songs on stage! Of course I followed him on facebook and will be looking out for future performances.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oa_icTPTyq0/VmcUhxQx7MI/AAAAAAAACZ0/P04KsQbfnmQ/s1600/cr17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oa_icTPTyq0/VmcUhxQx7MI/AAAAAAAACZ0/P04KsQbfnmQ/s640/cr17.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlIzaza4jbg/VmcUhYEpYUI/AAAAAAAACZs/AnUghZysW6I/s1600/cry1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DlIzaza4jbg/VmcUhYEpYUI/AAAAAAAACZs/AnUghZysW6I/s640/cry1.jpg" width="398" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Slay! Wish I got cool shots like these of the other performers.</div>
<br />
YES, FINALLY, ZICO! He performed with some other guy, I think maybe Babylon, but I was not paying attention at all to him, trust me :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mLD7Fa20gzw/VmcUhDDX-eI/AAAAAAAACZo/Rljl8xqdKFA/s1600/cry%2Bgraphic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRsJrmg-GYU/VmcVHuWJ8OI/AAAAAAAACbg/NP793qFMKgs/s1600/cry20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HRsJrmg-GYU/VmcVHuWJ8OI/AAAAAAAACbg/NP793qFMKgs/s640/cry20.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the beginning of the concert, I started out close to the stage extension but had been pushed back over time since I didn't care about the other performers as much as Zico. But when Zico came out, I had to push forward to get closer again! He seemed to have a never-ending supply of water bottles and kept spraying them out into the crowd. I was right in the splash zone though, and kept getting the first big splash rather than a few exciting few drops. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7mGTzeWO18/VmcVEwvKqLI/AAAAAAAACbQ/UwgfjIcbvnY/s1600/cry21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X7mGTzeWO18/VmcVEwvKqLI/AAAAAAAACbQ/UwgfjIcbvnY/s640/cry21.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In fact, the girl next to me kept laughing (good-naturedly) at my faces whenever he'd shake the bottle on us. I just didn't want to mess up my make-up ㅠㅠ</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was such a great experience to finally get to see him perform live after almost 5 years of being his fan. He even performed the very song I'd always wanted to see live, his cover of "I'm Still Fly" by Drake. The other songs he performed were all my favorites as well. What a blessing to see this, and so close!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NF09BvHs3A/VmcUf6yFIrI/AAAAAAAACZg/uM4ULwDIgIQ/s1600/22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6NF09BvHs3A/VmcUf6yFIrI/AAAAAAAACZg/uM4ULwDIgIQ/s640/22.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Such a terrible photo, but I had to share because it was when we made eye contact! *o*</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I really had a blast at The Cry concert and was so blessed to be able to make friends because of it. If you want to see concerts in Korea but don't know where to start, Interpark really is a great option.</div>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-66302200693161601872015-10-18T14:23:00.004-07:002015-12-27T14:53:11.116-08:00Gangneung: Aarkhouse and Anmok Beach<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTjYjfKtGB4/VoBrscWThJI/AAAAAAAACd0/Kx_xLT6EETo/s1600/gn45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GTjYjfKtGB4/VoBrscWThJI/AAAAAAAACd0/Kx_xLT6EETo/s640/gn45.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm back home in the States, but I've returned with a lot of content to blog about! The last few weeks I was still in Korea and the first few weeks back home have been too busy to make any posts, but I'm hoping to make more time for it-- especially since I have so much to share!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nearing the end of my stay in Seoul, I met my dear friend Sara, from Canada. We met online almost two years ago and happened to be in Seoul at the same time last year, so we were able to meet in person in 2014 and again in 2015. This time, we planned to go to 강릉 (<i>Gangneung</i>), one of the few nice beach areas in the northern half of South Korea. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>TIP</b>! Most of the clearer and cleaner beaches are on the western side of Korea, </span>except for Jeju island of course!</div>
<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</h3>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traveling to Gangneung</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We took the express bus from Seoul to Gangneung, since I was told there was some kind of renovation going on at the Gangneung train station. There are two kinds of express busses in Korea, though I don't know the Korean term or what they'd be called in English, so these are my own names for them: Standard and Comfortable. The standard bus seats are still padded, just not as nice as the Comfortable seats. Use<a href="http://www.kobus.co.kr/web/eng/02_service/service01.jsp"> this website</a> to calculate costs and estimate times for the express buses. I did notice that sometimes the times between the ones listed online and the actual ones at express bus stations were a little off, but I'm not sure why.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiPUX_yva90/ViPg7dnmE1I/AAAAAAAACUE/sgGQbrEtGrY/s1600/gn3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RiPUX_yva90/ViPg7dnmE1I/AAAAAAAACUE/sgGQbrEtGrY/s640/gn3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both;">
We took the comfortable bus to and from Gangneung for ₩21,000 (≈ $18.50) each way and were glad we did. The trip was around 3 hours, but was a little shorter going and a little longer coming back, since we arrived in Seoul during rush hour. Longer express bus trips (I think if they're longer than 2 hours?) usually have a 10-15 minute break at a rest stop in the middle. The rest stops have plenty of somewhat clean bathrooms and plenty of places to grab food or a drink. You're also allowed to eat on the bus, which is awesome!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGZ229raYnQ/ViPhaHcot3I/AAAAAAAACVg/YH5hb78g5aI/s1600/gn4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGZ229raYnQ/ViPhaHcot3I/AAAAAAAACVg/YH5hb78g5aI/s640/gn4.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plenty of legroom (way more than a crammed economy airplane...) and a foot rest on the back of the seat in front of me, plus a net to stash my drink in.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE0xVCjRpbA/ViPhvjLtKdI/AAAAAAAACW8/ohLuUkUejAc/s1600/gn5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lE0xVCjRpbA/ViPhvjLtKdI/AAAAAAAACW8/ohLuUkUejAc/s640/gn5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Back of the seat can recline and the front raises for your legs! Below is a control to plug headphones in and listen to the TV (I'm pretty sure; I've never tried it). I've been on an express bus before that also included a usb port to charge your phone!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'd booked us a nice looking b&b on Airbnb called <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/4026090">Aarkhouse</a> for the night. It turned out to be kind of difficult to get to, but really it was only because of our stubbornness and refusal to take a bus. We really hated buses.. </div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Short tangent to explain why we hated them! For me, I'm a little sensitive to motion and feel sick on buses even in the States (I don't actually throw up, just feel gross), but the buses in Korea that I'd been on were even worse. The drivers didn't seem to be very good at driving and the ride was always bumpy with sharp jolts and quick accelerations and breaks. So nauseating! On top of that, you really have to pay attention to the voice over the intercom to know when to get off. I think some buses (or all, I just don't remember) have some kind of display that says the stop name. I can read Korean and understand enough to use the buses, it's just kind of stressful and confusing, especially in crowded cities like Seoul where it's hard to hear the announcements. These are all problems when you're on the bus, but getting on the right one can often be confusing. I don't mean to scare you, but if you can't read Korean or aren't able to understand stop announcements, I really don't recommend taking the bus. Later on this trip, we did end up taking the bus without problems and I'll explain in this post later some tips for a positive bus ride. </blockquote>
Since we didn't want to take the bus, we decided to take a taxi. I showed the taxi driver (who didn't speak English except for a few not very useful words) the address, but for some reason it was missing the house number. BUT for some reason he kept trying to drive us despite not knowing exactly where he was going and went a little off course. We called the number Aarkhouse provided, but he seemed to think it was the wrong number (was it??). This was a very confusing ride and eventually we got him to pull over and just paid him for the short ride, then took off walking. Thankfully I had portable wifi router with me, and Sara had a little internet service on her phone. We probably walked for 30-40 minutes, but it honestly wasn't that bad. We definitely couldn't have done it without internet, though, unless we had brought a map with us. If you want to know more about how I got portable wifi in Korea, <b>leave a comment</b>! Finally we arrived in the neighborhood Aarkhouse was located and was directed to its exact location by a neighbor.<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
Aarkhouse</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vicKU2-UBJI/ViPgGHYwoqI/AAAAAAAACRQ/1wT0p0JZ7n0/s1600/gn1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vicKU2-UBJI/ViPgGHYwoqI/AAAAAAAACRQ/1wT0p0JZ7n0/s640/gn1.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Smart of them to paint it bright yellow so it stands out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the way to Aarkhouse, we realized that Gangneung itself isn't very interesting. I believe we were there on the weekend of some kind of memorial holiday, so many shops were closed as well. I honestly can't recommend going to Gangneung if you expect to do much other than go to the beach or explore the nature (I think there is a nice forest/park or two there), but it definitely is worth the trip just for the beach. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here are a couple of places to eat near Aarkhouse!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1SKXlG0PEw/ViPhhmuYPhI/AAAAAAAACV4/st3ySjSQP5c/s1600/gn42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-v1SKXlG0PEw/ViPhhmuYPhI/AAAAAAAACV4/st3ySjSQP5c/s640/gn42.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjttnDXSwYs/ViPhlJYqUxI/AAAAAAAACWI/-xFpwYIeM18/s1600/gn43.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DjttnDXSwYs/ViPhlJYqUxI/AAAAAAAACWI/-xFpwYIeM18/s640/gn43.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This restaurant is part of a kimbap chain. Kimbap is similar to sushi, except it does not usually include fish, uncooked or not. Here is a helpful <a href="http://www.dramafever.com/st/news/images/kindsofkimbap_copy.jpg">chart</a> to learn more about kimbap varities! It's really a great snack or even meal if you're visiting Korea on a budget. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The first floor (which I did not get pictures of) is a communal lobby. We checked in and paid a ₩5,000 deposit for the key, which was refunded when we checked out the next day. In the morning, we also had a light breakfast in the lobby with other patrons. Sara and I don't eat much so it was enough for us, but others may want to grab something more from the convenience store on the way to the beach. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I believe we stayed on the third floor. There is a communal foyer, kitchen, and bathroom on each floor. Make sure to take your shoes off when you enter! Slippers were provided :)</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Foyer</h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H54uQ6ynGM/ViPgdi4HprI/AAAAAAAACSc/rcDJONJC76o/s1600/gn18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1H54uQ6ynGM/ViPgdi4HprI/AAAAAAAACSc/rcDJONJC76o/s640/gn18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tluh8pUVNp4/ViPgh8JMBAI/AAAAAAAACXc/ffRtqO2fyyo/s1600/gn19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Tluh8pUVNp4/ViPgh8JMBAI/AAAAAAAACXc/ffRtqO2fyyo/s640/gn19.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmWFx_Us9Ms/ViPgksdt_uI/AAAAAAAACSw/cGSKZ_VaX94/s1600/gn21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GmWFx_Us9Ms/ViPgksdt_uI/AAAAAAAACSw/cGSKZ_VaX94/s640/gn21.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taV3qfTCbs0/ViPgoenDDxI/AAAAAAAACXc/uZgjwRB0VBQ/s1600/gn22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-taV3qfTCbs0/ViPgoenDDxI/AAAAAAAACXc/uZgjwRB0VBQ/s640/gn22.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZBWIkUJL1s/ViPhTHLVltI/AAAAAAAACVY/r2LhcvlLtpg/s1600/gn39.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sZBWIkUJL1s/ViPhTHLVltI/AAAAAAAACVY/r2LhcvlLtpg/s640/gn39.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jPMrud6T3M/ViPhbf7eJVI/AAAAAAAACVw/csoYdV7YMgk/s1600/gn41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3jPMrud6T3M/ViPhbf7eJVI/AAAAAAAACVw/csoYdV7YMgk/s640/gn41.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Na2zg69_So/ViPhKhipR-I/AAAAAAAACXc/xR22AmaL_Ho/s1600/gn35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Na2zg69_So/ViPhKhipR-I/AAAAAAAACXc/xR22AmaL_Ho/s640/gn35.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2>
Kitchen</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOGL3lImD1c/ViPgrkSU53I/AAAAAAAACTI/-Qj-cI-926w/s1600/gn23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOGL3lImD1c/ViPgrkSU53I/AAAAAAAACTI/-Qj-cI-926w/s640/gn23.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Cute Scandinavian-style table</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8UUYYQ201o/ViPgzdBRjaI/AAAAAAAACTk/7TJmbe3NnoY/s1600/gn26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e8UUYYQ201o/ViPgzdBRjaI/AAAAAAAACTk/7TJmbe3NnoY/s640/gn26.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Dishes for anyone to use!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QIortIBovY/ViPg33SpM0I/AAAAAAAACT0/k1-dBiw06fU/s1600/gn28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0QIortIBovY/ViPg33SpM0I/AAAAAAAACT0/k1-dBiw06fU/s640/gn28.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There was also a refrigerator with bottled water and milk for anyone to drink from.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bathroom</h2>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YuFEuct5H8/ViPg6Ovnj_I/AAAAAAAACT8/A_Cq38CNkL8/s1600/gn29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3YuFEuct5H8/ViPg6Ovnj_I/AAAAAAAACT8/A_Cq38CNkL8/s640/gn29.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcVBwZgjiZQ/ViPg-Qn56OI/AAAAAAAACUM/6sQ2fl0EQ5c/s1600/gn30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EcVBwZgjiZQ/ViPg-Qn56OI/AAAAAAAACUM/6sQ2fl0EQ5c/s640/gn30.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNl-DsK1PP4/ViPhA7KpdKI/AAAAAAAACUU/haBWVF0ORyc/s1600/gn31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NNl-DsK1PP4/ViPhA7KpdKI/AAAAAAAACUU/haBWVF0ORyc/s640/gn31.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Shower head is above the sink and shower shoes are kept in the bathroom</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bedroom</h2>
<div>
Before booking with Aarkhouse, I'd found their <a href="http://www.aarkhouse.com/">website</a> and browsed through the rooms. I found a room I liked and asked for it when booking on Airbnb. Even though their website lists the prices differently depending on the room, there was no extra charge! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxv584u-iqc/ViPhvihHTBI/AAAAAAAACXc/YrHEDO9WUaA/s1600/gn6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jxv584u-iqc/ViPhvihHTBI/AAAAAAAACXc/YrHEDO9WUaA/s640/gn6.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0YONBeG80I/ViPhwUxe5mI/AAAAAAAACXA/2fVArxR7gw4/s1600/gn7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L0YONBeG80I/ViPhwUxe5mI/AAAAAAAACXA/2fVArxR7gw4/s640/gn7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvviO0XCXFc/ViPgWNtYqOI/AAAAAAAACSA/gE1nNMQEjek/s1600/gn14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvviO0XCXFc/ViPgWNtYqOI/AAAAAAAACSA/gE1nNMQEjek/s640/gn14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKVd49xzxEQ/ViPgNisrZjI/AAAAAAAACTc/WfmaxXtD264/s1600/gn12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tKVd49xzxEQ/ViPgNisrZjI/AAAAAAAACTc/WfmaxXtD264/s640/gn12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Convenient outlet!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbonlEYb3ys/ViPh1I2sEtI/AAAAAAAACXQ/3pXxTB-Iy1g/s1600/gn9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HbonlEYb3ys/ViPh1I2sEtI/AAAAAAAACXQ/3pXxTB-Iy1g/s640/gn9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Towels and sheets</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0FrVNcimhg/ViPh06w-MNI/AAAAAAAACXM/ZjpYf_lY948/s1600/gn8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q0FrVNcimhg/ViPh06w-MNI/AAAAAAAACXM/ZjpYf_lY948/s640/gn8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwafjWGsBaU/ViPgNc88XmI/AAAAAAAACRk/lf1n9LTC9tM/s1600/gn10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UwafjWGsBaU/ViPgNc88XmI/AAAAAAAACRk/lf1n9LTC9tM/s640/gn10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvc_x8nXLjE/ViPgNk58tiI/AAAAAAAACRo/Wq-2Sqm5kDI/s1600/gn11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yvc_x8nXLjE/ViPgNk58tiI/AAAAAAAACRo/Wq-2Sqm5kDI/s640/gn11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
City map we were given after checking in</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh4yZQFItGY/ViPgT1eRtXI/AAAAAAAACRw/mfslH7ACxwA/s1600/gn13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qh4yZQFItGY/ViPgT1eRtXI/AAAAAAAACRw/mfslH7ACxwA/s640/gn13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtOLaPqP3x8/ViPgZgW0elI/AAAAAAAACSI/pdPLr1UCRcs/s1600/gn16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xtOLaPqP3x8/ViPgZgW0elI/AAAAAAAACSI/pdPLr1UCRcs/s640/gn16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The only light in the room, but consistent with the Korean style of utility preservation. We didn't even use it during the day since there was plenty of natural lighting.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Jpkl5By1gk/ViPgc2wrd5I/AAAAAAAACU4/ar-Hwfsk58k/s1600/gn17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--Jpkl5By1gk/ViPgc2wrd5I/AAAAAAAACU4/ar-Hwfsk58k/s640/gn17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oscillating fan in the room was all we needed, and there is no air conditioning (also Korean style; if you've been staying in Korea for a while you know that this isn't a big deal). There's also a small mirror on the wall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVxTW_eopwY/ViPhR4oQEYI/AAAAAAAACVM/L8ZRqU4C5Us/s1600/gn37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NVxTW_eopwY/ViPhR4oQEYI/AAAAAAAACVM/L8ZRqU4C5Us/s640/gn37.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Snuck a peak in another room! This one had more storage and hanging space. If you plan on staying here for an extended period, you should leave a message with the host and ask for a room with more space to hang your clothes.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Patio</h2>
<div>
Each floor had its own patio. It actually rained our first night, so we just sat on the patio under the small awning that covered the door (not pictured, this part is not covered) and watched the rain while eating snacks. Such a nice memory :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Ew5UYFOHs/ViPhGIWStTI/AAAAAAAACUk/Qs2RBIiiuRA/s1600/gn33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K-Ew5UYFOHs/ViPhGIWStTI/AAAAAAAACUk/Qs2RBIiiuRA/s640/gn33.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCbBKZUTGUY/ViPhC5PC65I/AAAAAAAACUc/Fk_SXGMox4w/s1600/gn32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pCbBKZUTGUY/ViPhC5PC65I/AAAAAAAACUc/Fk_SXGMox4w/s640/gn32.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I didn't actually see it but somewhere there is a washing machine, so you can dry your clothes here! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNm4tEIOVLY/ViPhK24KTrI/AAAAAAAACU0/oMCMIoldv58/s1600/gn34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tNm4tEIOVLY/ViPhK24KTrI/AAAAAAAACU0/oMCMIoldv58/s640/gn34.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
From most angles, the view only shows roofs of houses, but this one was kind of nice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For dinner, we walked about 15 minutes to a Mister Pizza and split a bulgogi pizza!</div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anmok Beach</h2>
<div>
<a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264253">Gyeongpo Beach</a> is actually the one that Gangneung is famous for, but it would be a little more difficult to get to than <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=1891502">Anmok</a>, which we would only need to take one bus to directly. Sara and I also preferred a more quiet beach to a popular, crowded one, so we decided to go to Anmok in the morning after checking out. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fun fact: 안목 (<i>Anmok</i>) means insight or perspective. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvQ6fmYBEiI/ViPhbdjvIqI/AAAAAAAACXU/AL2dekwhIIc/s1600/gn40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lvQ6fmYBEiI/ViPhbdjvIqI/AAAAAAAACXU/AL2dekwhIIc/s640/gn40.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These were the directions posted in our floor's foyer to get to the beach.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I mentioned before, Sara and I hated buses! There was no way we were going to take a taxi, since we had the bad experience earlier (and assumed that since it was a small town, not many drivers would speak English), so we absolutely had to take the bus. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We went to the bus stop as shown on the map, then waited as buses would pass, checking their number to see if it was on the list of buses that would go to Anmok. We didn't wait long and flagged it down. In the bus, a map showed where our stop would be. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Bus tip</span></b>: Just because you hear the name of your stop doesn't mean that's the current one! Often, the announcement will say "This stop is A. The next stop is B." </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
정거장 (<i>jeonggeojang</i>) means <b>station </b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
이 (<i>ee</i>) means <b>this</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
다음 (<i>daeum</i>) means <b>next</b> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
I can't remember EXACTLY what the announcement says, but it should be something like: (A/B represents your stop name)</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
이 정거장은 A역입니다 (<i>Ee jeonggeojangeun A-yeok imnida</i>) = This stop is A.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
다음 정거장은 B역입니다 (<i>Daeum jeonggeojangeun B-yeok imnida</i>) = The next stop is B. </blockquote>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10543_466381213453092_302413498_n.jpg?oh=d703258e18dbab38908bf06e8e90d501&oe=56CE2D99" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://scontent-dfw1-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xaf1/v/t1.0-9/10543_466381213453092_302413498_n.jpg?oh=d703258e18dbab38908bf06e8e90d501&oe=56CE2D99" width="476" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Use this cheat sheet for bus and taxi related vocabulary and phrases!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Okay, back to the beach! It was only a 3 minute walk from the bus stop and we passed a public restroom on the way (thank goodness!). I didn't actually see any showers, but I think there are some somewhere around there. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-e_1AsJ9A8/ViPhirT96PI/AAAAAAAACWA/ymF_8-EDhTc/s1600/gn44.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t-e_1AsJ9A8/ViPhirT96PI/AAAAAAAACWA/ymF_8-EDhTc/s640/gn44.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We rented one of the umbrellas, which cost ₩10,000 but included a mat that we could put our stuff on</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo6pPhy14Vg/ViPhpd6xGTI/AAAAAAAACWo/-LP_mdGQc64/s1600/gn46.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uo6pPhy14Vg/ViPhpd6xGTI/AAAAAAAACWo/-LP_mdGQc64/s640/gn46.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anmok Beach was my first time seeing actual blue water! It was the clearest I've ever seen, but then again I haven't been to many beaches. It wasn't as clear as what I imagine Jeju, the Maldives, or the Caribbean looks like, but to me it was perfect. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For the first minute or so the water was a little chilly, but after that it was also perfect! There was just the right amount of waves to make it fun without being dangerous or scary.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As you can see, there weren't many people here! Another perfect mark. Actually, most people weren't even swimming. Even some kids that parents brought just kicked the shore a bit and seemed scared of the whole thing. I think most American kids grow up having free community pools at least within driving distance, but that's not the case in Korea. I'm not sure where they have access to pools other than ones in schools, but I'm sure they're somehow accessible, just not easy and available for everyone. So, not as many people in Korea know how to swim! They just sat on the shore or waded in to their knees and watched the two foreigners (us) swimming around and being tossed by the waves and laughing. Later, though, a group of friends around our age came and did go further out in the water to swim. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_86x-f-gy8/ViPhm4OUWSI/AAAAAAAACXc/tGfMr3uvuio/s1600/gn47.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e_86x-f-gy8/ViPhm4OUWSI/AAAAAAAACXc/tGfMr3uvuio/s400/gn47.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtVYxzw3B2U/ViPhoWMuDUI/AAAAAAAACXc/V3p4n9pK1ZY/s1600/gn48.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JtVYxzw3B2U/ViPhoWMuDUI/AAAAAAAACXc/V3p4n9pK1ZY/s400/gn48.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and Sara (and without makeup)! The water looks kind of green in these two pictures but I swear it really was blue!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Anmok beach is also lined by a string of coffee shops, which is called Coffee Street! We were hungry so we didn't go to any unique ones and just settled with a Caffé Bene. I sadly didn't get any pictures of Coffee Street, so you'll just have to go and see for yourself ;)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<h2>
Summary</h2>
I definitely recommend taking the trip to Gangneung for the beaches and staying in Aarkhouse! As I said earlier, don't expect much in terms of shopping or pop culture. I also think you should go with a friend, because this trip definitely wouldn't have been fun without Sara :)<br />
<br />
I included this post in the Korea Budget Travel Tips tag because per person and without food (since we buy food anyway), this trip cost us about $48 each (about $10 each for the room and ₩21,500 each way in the bus). It's definitely a cheaper alternative to going to Jeju or one of the other southern islands.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQm6WZWR6sE/ViQLkp1pOzI/AAAAAAAACXw/LWxFz19meLc/s1600/gangneung%2Bmap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQm6WZWR6sE/ViQLkp1pOzI/AAAAAAAACXw/LWxFz19meLc/s400/gangneung%2Bmap.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-9206091632207103882015-08-13T01:24:00.000-07:002016-04-13T08:15:18.243-07:00What I did today: Mecenatpolis Mall (메세나폴리스 몰)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I haven't updated about my travels in a while because I took a week long trip around the country! If you follow me on <a href="http://instagram.com/misskellietea">instagram</a>, you might have seen a few of my photos. I went to Daejeon, Daegu, Busan, Geoje, and Jinju, but came home a couple days early because I was too tired to continue. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I took a lot of photos with my phone but not my camera, because I was too busy enjoying the sights in front of me :) I personally prefer to experience traveling by looking through my own eyes instead of a lens, which is why I haven't been documenting everything I do. Taking photos with my phone is a lot easier for me though, so soon I'll upload some shorter posts about what I did while traveling.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, I returned to Seoul. I think I had two levels of home-sickness while traveling. One for my goshiwon in Seoul and another level for my hometown in Texas. I enjoyed seeing more of the country, but being back in Seoul feels so good!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6l1rFlAB5Y/VcxDCmdPJLI/AAAAAAAACII/f5aLB58HlHQ/s1600/Mecenatpolis5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a6l1rFlAB5Y/VcxDCmdPJLI/AAAAAAAACII/f5aLB58HlHQ/s400/Mecenatpolis5.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Today, I treated myself to a small shopping trip and brunch!</div>
<a name='more'></a>I dressed up in something cute and even got to wear a sweater I recently bought, since the recent rain has made the weather a little cooler. Sorry for the bad quality in the above photo, the lighting in the hallway was quite dark!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSc3ip_NGB8/VcxCjaw7drI/AAAAAAAACHg/zlTdXiXXwQI/s1600/Mecenatpolis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uSc3ip_NGB8/VcxCjaw7drI/AAAAAAAACHg/zlTdXiXXwQI/s640/Mecenatpolis.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
About ten minutes away from my goshiwon is a famous shopping center called 메세나폴리스몰 (Mecenatpolis Mall). I go here often to get a few groceries from the Homeplus (kind of like a Super Walmart but much nicer), but have never looked around. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_RGD1CmvJM/VcxB_Wc4cYI/AAAAAAAACHY/wCPbnhmSFic/s1600/Mecenatpolis2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_RGD1CmvJM/VcxB_Wc4cYI/AAAAAAAACHY/wCPbnhmSFic/s640/Mecenatpolis2.jpg" width="377" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the third floor, I found a brunch place! I had planned to just eat something at a chain cafe like Angel in Us or Paris Baguette, but I'd been craving a good brunch for a while so this looked perfect. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMYYNJAvSoQ/VcxB5FFNFaI/AAAAAAAACHQ/T7f5l96K5G8/s1600/Mecenatpolis3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dMYYNJAvSoQ/VcxB5FFNFaI/AAAAAAAACHQ/T7f5l96K5G8/s640/Mecenatpolis3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The menu included a selection of imported teas. I happen to LOVE tea, but wasn't really in the mood to drink it at the moment. I'll have to come back and try them out! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Most menu items seemed a little expensive (typical for Western-style restaurants, though), as in most food items were over ₩10,000. I didn't look too much at the other sections (sandwiches, french toast, and pastries I think), but the omelets ranged from ₩12,000 - ₩15,000.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyPT2w7w_k4/VcxCrK-L5BI/AAAAAAAACHo/vI9Xhf62llw/s1600/Mecenatpolis4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyPT2w7w_k4/VcxCrK-L5BI/AAAAAAAACHo/vI9Xhf62llw/s640/Mecenatpolis4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I ended up getting "The Eye Opener" which was ₩12,000 ($10 USD) and included a large sausage, two strips of bacon, a fried egg, three pieces of whole grain toast, side of butter and jam, a small salad (with a yummy dressing), and an Americano. For a Western-style brunch in Seoul, I think the price was pretty good actually!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMVa3mDMECg/VcxCr5t56NI/AAAAAAAACHw/1JfyUlEm5iQ/s1600/Mecenatpolis6%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RMVa3mDMECg/VcxCr5t56NI/AAAAAAAACHw/1JfyUlEm5iQ/s640/Mecenatpolis6%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After enjoying my brunch, I went to Innisfree. Since I'm nearing my last weeks of being in Seoul, I want to stock up on some products before returning. Here, I needed to get an extra No-Sebum Mineral Powder, Mineral Moisture Foundation, and Jeju Volcanic Nose Packs (pore strips). The other items I wanted to try out were nail polish, Eco Finger Mask with Rose & Rosehip, and the Chrysanthemum Lady Cleanser. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let me know if you would like to see a review on any of these items in comments :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf5WC-HrlbY/VcxC7Z_CYOI/AAAAAAAACH4/l_4TYWdhKYU/s1600/Mecenatpolis7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Gf5WC-HrlbY/VcxC7Z_CYOI/AAAAAAAACH4/l_4TYWdhKYU/s640/Mecenatpolis7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since the total came to just above ₩50,000, the ladies were more generous with the samples. I was given two sheet masks (cucumber and aloe), a set of Green Tea Seed Cream and Eye Cream samples, a mini sized Eco Safety Perfect Waterproof Sunblock, and two small samples of their Apple Juicy Cleansing Oil. Wow! She also might have just felt bad for me since I couldn't sign up for the points membership without a Korean phone number..</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0W5yuqqrYbw/VcxC7PE_b-I/AAAAAAAACH8/2EOSYgu9i70/s1600/Mecenatpolis6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0W5yuqqrYbw/VcxC7PE_b-I/AAAAAAAACH8/2EOSYgu9i70/s640/Mecenatpolis6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Afterwards, I went to Homeplus to get a few things. I'd also wanted a small dustpan and brush set but they only had larger ones. I'll try again at Daiso later. I did buy some plum syrup to make 매실차 (<i>maeshilcha</i>), plum tea. I was recently told that it's good for digestion and have been drinking a lot of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The other jar is strawberry jam! I miss a classic American PB&J (I already have the peanut butter) and it's something easy I can make for breakfast or lunch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjAWzRRNntY/VcxDC6ClzUI/AAAAAAAACIM/Huu3g4m7Ns0/s1600/mecenatpolis8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UjAWzRRNntY/VcxDC6ClzUI/AAAAAAAACIM/Huu3g4m7Ns0/s640/mecenatpolis8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the way home, I stopped at Paris Baguette to get some bread and my favorite cafe drink in Korea, grapefruit-ade! By the way, this is what most bread looks like in Korea. It's much taller than the typical American loaf but comes with about half the number of slices. Most families don't keep bread around the house, so they're usually bought at cafe-bakeries like Paris Baguette or Tous les Jours, though Homeplus does carry some in their bakery. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I know this post wasn't in my typical style, but I thought you might enjoy seeing what an average day for me looks like. I don't necessarily go shopping every day, but when I go out this is what it looks like :) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Please look forward to some posts about my trip around Korea and more skincare/makeup reviews! Also, don't forget to join my giveaway for a Skinfood travel set by clicking on the photo below :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://senseandseoulability.blogspot.kr/2015/08/giveaway-my-skinfood-membership.html"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nw6Uvz0FaqE/Vb8l9PHFcmI/AAAAAAAACG4/OOARRDpyrao/s200/giveawayad.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 25px; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px; width: 500px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Mecenatpolis Mall (메세나폴리스 몰) </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div>
45 Yanghwa-ro, Mapgo-gu, Seoul </div>
<div>
(Seogyo-dong)</div>
<div>
서울특별시 마포구 양화로 45 (서교동)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Hapjeong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 6), Exit 9, 10</div>
<div>
(The exit will take you right into the mall)</div>
</div>
</div>
</center>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-65557074849033335972015-08-03T00:59:00.000-07:002015-12-27T14:54:43.932-08:00[GIVEAWAY] My Skinfood Membership + Skinfood giveawayI recently signed up for a free membership at one of my favorite Korean cosmetic lines, Skinfood! I wasn't totally sure how I got all the free gifts that I did because the employee divided my stuff into two purchases to give me the best deal.<br />
<br />
The free stuff I received on this purchase:<br />
<ul>
<li>Box of cotton pads (free with any purchase that day)</li>
<li>Bottle of nail polish (they're having a 1+1 deal on their Nail Vita Alpha line)</li>
<li>Gift set of three mask sheets (aloe, strawberry, and tangerine) + a trail size (smaller than travel) tomato whitening kit (toner + cream)</li>
<li>Travel set (Lemon Verbena body wash + lotion, Rice Brightening Scrub Foam, Argan Oil Silk hair conditioner + shampoo)</li>
</ul>
<div>
I believe the bottom two were the membership gifts, but she didn't say anything about the mask sheet and whitening kit set, so I'm not sure.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgoEJ8mLIgs/Vb8Q0TGV0PI/AAAAAAAACF8/BVYkrgJ5wsc/s1600/bsoil7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mgoEJ8mLIgs/Vb8Q0TGV0PI/AAAAAAAACF8/BVYkrgJ5wsc/s640/bsoil7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
I was really disappointed to not get a card! I wonder if they'd sold out and so just gave me this one or if they really don't have cards. It's a sticker and I was told to just put it on another card or keep it in my wallet.<br />
<br />
I don't know all the benefits but I know they're based on a points system. For example, when I reached ₩10,000 of points, I was given ₩3,000 off and at ₩20,000 of points I received a ₩5,000 discount. There are other benefits like gifts and such, though I haven't figured out if the points are used like credits (I have to "spend" points to get benefits like discounts or gifts) or more like goals (points keep growing and every ₩10,000 won or so I get a new benefit). I'll update this when I know!<br />
<br />
This brings me to my giveaway! I was so excited to receive such a large gift for free, but unfortunately due to eczema, I am very particular about what body products I use. I'd love to give this set away to someone else who can use the products and will enjoy them :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnnxkWXKaNA/Vb8Q1UCLlyI/AAAAAAAACGE/rlXt7X7Yvp8/s1600/bsoilgiveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TnnxkWXKaNA/Vb8Q1UCLlyI/AAAAAAAACGE/rlXt7X7Yvp8/s640/bsoilgiveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFYCZY2z_sQ/Vb8iAsij-9I/AAAAAAAACGk/gbKu_Pk2NnQ/s1600/bsoilgiveaway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SFYCZY2z_sQ/Vb8iAsij-9I/AAAAAAAACGk/gbKu_Pk2NnQ/s640/bsoilgiveaway2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lemon Verbena body lotion + body wash, Rice Brightening Scrub Foam, </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
and Argan Oil Silk hair conditioner + shampoo, all in travel sizes!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YXM3ZCc4A88/Vb8Q4elMhnI/AAAAAAAACGU/g38SQ6ALkbY/s1600/bsoilgiveaway3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YXM3ZCc4A88/Vb8Q4elMhnI/AAAAAAAACGU/g38SQ6ALkbY/s640/bsoilgiveaway3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since I've been buying a lot of cosmetics and skincare products in Korea, I've also collected quite a lot of samples! The second place prize will be Korean skincare and beauty samples from Innisfree, Etude House, Missha, Skinfood, Tony Moly, and Laneige. There could be more brands too, just depending on how many more I collect before the giveaway is over :)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 25px; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px; width: 400px;">
<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="bb03db6b2" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/bb03db6b2/" id="rcwidget_zrly1ys8" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
</center>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1st Place</span>: Skinfood Travel Set (Lemon Verbena body lotion + body wash, Rice Brightening Scrub Foam, and Argan Oil Silk hair conditioner + shampoo, all in travel sizes)<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2nd Place</span>: 10+ <span style="text-align: left;">Korean skincare and beauty samples from Innisfree, Etude House, Missha, Skinfood, Tony Moly, and Laneige.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: left;">Hope you win! :) </span>Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-54574203091617517392015-08-02T12:30:00.000-07:002015-12-27T14:48:08.717-08:00[REVIEW] Skinfood Black Sugar Cleansing Oil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5z_b4Yd34Pw/Vb5BuwX94rI/AAAAAAAACDg/eRzcfQ-QUMs/s1600/bsoil3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5z_b4Yd34Pw/Vb5BuwX94rI/AAAAAAAACDg/eRzcfQ-QUMs/s640/bsoil3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This is my first Korean skincare review! I've gone through quite a few Korean skincare products looking for the perfect regime, so I'm excited to share my findings with you as I experiment. I rarely buy skincare products without searching for reviews online first, so I know what I'm looking for in reviews and hopefully can write a thorough one myself. My reviews will be long in order to be thorough, but organized in a way in which you should be able to skim through and find what you need.<br />
<br />
I'm choosing to review this cleansing oil first because I've been using it for about a year now and have just bought my third bottle!<br />
<br />
<b>Review summary: This cleansing oil effortlessly removes any makeup while leaving my skin feeling moisturized and unharmed. It should be used before your usual cleanser.</b><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Skin Profile</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Type</b>: Combination</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Good points</b>: Moisture, no longer prone to cystic acne</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Trouble</b>: Mild breakouts, acne scarring, whiteheads, blackheads, large pores</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 25px; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Product Information
</h2>
<b>Brand</b>: Skinfood<br />
<b>Name</b>: Black Sugar Cleansing Oil<br />
<b>Type</b>: Make-up removing cleanser in oil format<br />
<b>Amount</b>: 170ml<br />
<b>Price in Korea</b>: ₩9,500<br />
<b>Boasts</b>: It's listed as the top selling cleanser on Skinfood Korea's website!<br />
<br />
<b>Buy internationally </b><br />
<a href="http://cosmetic-love.com/products/skin-food-black-sugar-cleansing-oil">Cosmetic love</a>: $15.45 (free shipping)<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skinfood-Black-Sugar-Cleansing-Oil/dp/B005T5CARW">Amazon</a>: various prices<br />
<br />
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
Mineral oil, PEG-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate, Octyldodecanol, Sorbe TH-20 Tetraoleate, Cetyl Ethylhexanoate, Polysorbate 20, Triethylhexanoin, Water, Sorbitan Sesquioleate, 1,, 2-Hexan Ediol, Alcohol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Cholesterol, Cermamide 3, Dimethicone, Tocopherylacetate, Sodium PCA, Betaine, Sorbitol, Clycine, Alanine, Proline, Serine, Threonine, Arginine, Lysine, Glutamic Acid, Disodium EDTA, Sucrose, Cl 19140, Cl 17200, Cl 42909, Parfum</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEWJcLYnMl0/Vb4-RCxoyEI/AAAAAAAACCk/yGZUxkcZvno/s1600/bsoil4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xEWJcLYnMl0/Vb4-RCxoyEI/AAAAAAAACCk/yGZUxkcZvno/s640/bsoil4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Brand Marketing</h2>
<div>
<br />
Here is Skinfood's "Brand Story" taken from their global site. Their brand story seems to be just a lot of flowery language without saying much. In summary, their goal is to use real food in their products with packaging that compliments their food for the skin concept.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WvwLbgQYyg/Vb5BF7PiHMI/AAAAAAAACDQ/H4RTs7RybvM/s1600/brandstory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_WvwLbgQYyg/Vb5BF7PiHMI/AAAAAAAACDQ/H4RTs7RybvM/s1600/brandstory.jpg" /></a>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<b>CONCEPT</b>: When it comes to the brand story and concept, I'm totally in love with Skinfood. I'm big on using food for skincare purposes, so the <i>idea</i> really excites me. However, the one thing I'm unhappy with Skinfood for is their ingredients. <b>While they do include real food ingredients depending on the line such as tomatoes, honey, sugar, rice water, and healthy oils, these ingredients are often in the middle of the list or lower and surrounded by chemicals or minerals I'm unfamiliar with.</b> I'd really love to see Skinfood follow through with their brand concept by simplifying their ingredients to have a higher concentration of natural ones. <b>Because sucrose is the 5th to the last ingredient on this product when it is in the name of the line (Black Sugar), I'm taking off one heart on this product's rating</b>.<br />
<br />
<b>DESIGN</b>: I personally am a sucker for brand concepts that are fluid with their packaging and design! As a brand, Skinfood consistently packages their products in ways that reflect the ingredients or give the image of something you'd pick up at a farmer's market. Nice packaging makes me want to boast the products to my friends and carry some around in my purse (which I do). Kudos to Skinfood for consistently charming package design!<br />
<br />
<b>GENEROSITY</b>: Another bonus for Skinfood's marketing is their sample generosity! Every time I buy something, I'm given at least two skincare samples, which is typical for Korean cosmetic companies (I usually have to ask for them at Etude House, though). Skinfood employees also give me larger samples with larger purchases. I once bought only a moisturizer and was given a handful of samples AND a Tomato Whitening Sample Kit, which included two small bottles (smaller than travel size) of toner and emulsion. When I signed up for a membership (more on this in another post), I was given two generous gifts (not including the usual samples and a free box of cotton pads) and a discount, which was made possible because the employee divided my items into two purchases to get me the best deal! I think for the amount of product given, the prices are also reasonable to cheap.<br />
<br />
I wish I could give Skinfood a full five hearts on their brand because I'm so in love with their marketing concept, packaging, and generosity, but the ingredients are one of the most important aspects.<br />
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 150px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brand Marketing</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡</div>
</center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Packaging</h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7WG8iKh9Eg/Vb4-OtN15sI/AAAAAAAACCU/J1KVx6IHaZk/s1600/bsoil1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T7WG8iKh9Eg/Vb4-OtN15sI/AAAAAAAACCU/J1KVx6IHaZk/s640/bsoil1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuQA9aYMKxg/Vb4-Ot9fRPI/AAAAAAAACCQ/AspdMo5GviM/s1600/bsoil2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QuQA9aYMKxg/Vb4-Ot9fRPI/AAAAAAAACCQ/AspdMo5GviM/s640/bsoil2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKwOL4J4PTk/Vb4-SugE0iI/AAAAAAAACCw/N8DGOBDWcps/s1600/bsoil5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dKwOL4J4PTk/Vb4-SugE0iI/AAAAAAAACCw/N8DGOBDWcps/s640/bsoil5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i15UG48GWjw/Vb4-TM89qkI/AAAAAAAACC0/PEvISU4aCAE/s1600/bsoil6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i15UG48GWjw/Vb4-TM89qkI/AAAAAAAACC0/PEvISU4aCAE/s640/bsoil6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
As I mentioned in the Brand Marketing section, I am in love with Skinfood's packaging designs. Some containers are meant to look like the usual container of the food ingredients in the product. This one reminded me of a tinted apothecary jar. Very cute, love the vintage aesthetic. No complains on usability.<br />
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Packaging</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" /><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</h2>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scent</h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
The scent is how I imagine sugar intensified would smell like. It's not a cotton-candy sickeningly sweet kind of sugary smell, but more raw and natural.<br />
<div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Scent</span></div>
<div>
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</div>
</center>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Effectivity</h2>
<div>
The description on the back label reads:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>❝A cleansing oil that contains mineral-enriched Brazilian black sugar. Dissolves even the toughest makeup and leaves skin soft.</b></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>To use: Take a moderate amount of it on a dry hand and gently remove the make up. Then complete the cleansing by washing the face with cleansing foam.❞</b></blockquote>
I've been using this cleansing oil for about a year now and am consistently able to remove my makeup with ease. I usually don't even need a washcloth to get the makeup off. The only challenges my favorite make-up remover has gotten is a recently purchased waterproof eyeliner and a long-wear lipstick I don't often use, as you'll see below in my swatch test.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZS0veWEdNc/Vb5a1B1acOI/AAAAAAAACD4/K28_Fq0AsSI/s1600/bsoilswatch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZS0veWEdNc/Vb5a1B1acOI/AAAAAAAACD4/K28_Fq0AsSI/s640/bsoilswatch1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: left;">
1. Etude House Surprise Stick Concealer<br />
2. Innisfree Creamy Tint Lipstick (long-lasting)<br />
3. Holika Holika Jewel-light Waterproof Eyeliner<br />
4. Heroine Make Impact Liquid Eyeliner (waterproof)<br />
5. Elf Liquid Eyeliner<br />
6. Etude House Bling Bling Eye Stick<br />
7. Etude House Precious Mineral BB Cream Blooming Fit<br />
8. Skinfood Rose Essence Soft Cream Blusher</blockquote>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72I45H9Mooo/Vb5fMyt2zKI/AAAAAAAACE4/H_sXWIDJ2JU/s1600/bsoilswatch2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-72I45H9Mooo/Vb5fMyt2zKI/AAAAAAAACE4/H_sXWIDJ2JU/s640/bsoilswatch2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3DDEgNQSjc/Vb5a1OECXyI/AAAAAAAACD0/CxzB0kS9Qfc/s1600/bsoilswatch3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F3DDEgNQSjc/Vb5a1OECXyI/AAAAAAAACD0/CxzB0kS9Qfc/s640/bsoilswatch3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
I used two half-pumps of oil, which is what I usually start with when removing makeup. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boeRrzVR4Ww/Vb5bASEQaqI/AAAAAAAACEI/s26tQ2bjSII/s1600/bsoilswatch4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-boeRrzVR4Ww/Vb5bASEQaqI/AAAAAAAACEI/s26tQ2bjSII/s640/bsoilswatch4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV5JPp3IR04/Vb5bAbwR3wI/AAAAAAAACEE/IPa45eiwsVY/s1600/bsoilswatch5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vV5JPp3IR04/Vb5bAbwR3wI/AAAAAAAACEE/IPa45eiwsVY/s640/bsoilswatch5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This wash was on the more gentle side. The Etude House Concealer stick is barely visible, but otherwise the other three remaining swatches are all either long-wear or waterproof. I expect these to need more effort and product.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb9jELZ-DjA/Vb5bDnCNG3I/AAAAAAAACEU/wwCNX0Q_20I/s1600/bsoilswatch6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qb9jELZ-DjA/Vb5bDnCNG3I/AAAAAAAACEU/wwCNX0Q_20I/s640/bsoilswatch6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I used half a pump more oil to remove the remaining product. The Innisfree lipstick is still a little visible and some remnants of my Heroine Make eyeliner can still be seen. Whether or not I need a second wash will depend on what make-up I'm wearing that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJuId3RZOMg/Vb5bDryBBeI/AAAAAAAACEY/ZjOGX5i1oyo/s1600/bsoilswatch7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QJuId3RZOMg/Vb5bDryBBeI/AAAAAAAACEY/ZjOGX5i1oyo/s640/bsoilswatch7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I ran a towel over my hand and it's nearly flawless now. The Innisfree lipstick is the only barely visible one at this point. After drying, I follow up with a cleanser and toner with a cotton pad. By now, my makeup is totally removed and I can continue with my nightly routine.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Claim 1</b>: "Dissolves even the toughest makeup" ✓</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtsjt_cBN1U/Vb5fMQmXZ7I/AAAAAAAACE0/jax5KGMycuI/s1600/bsoilswatchGIF.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qtsjt_cBN1U/Vb5fMQmXZ7I/AAAAAAAACE0/jax5KGMycuI/s640/bsoilswatchGIF.gif" width="640" /></a> </div>
<br />
After cleansing with this oil, my skin always feels <b>soft </b>to the touch<b> </b>and <b>not overly oily</b>. The feeling is almost <b>dewey</b>. As opposed to other non-oil-based make-up removers I've used in the past, I feel SO much more comfortable using this one. Other removers made my skin feel dry or tight, but this one leaves me feeling <b>moisturized</b> and <b>healthy</b>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Claim 2</b>: "leaves skin soft" ✓</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
I personally don't mind needing a extra pumps at times to get my make-up off effectively. Really all that matters to me is that my skin doesn't feel damaged afterward, my make-up comes off, and it doesn't break me out. All of these points are accomplished with this product.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Effectivity</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Overall</h2>
<div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Favorite quality: </b>The fact that my skin is left feeling moisturized even though it's dissolving make-up.</div>
<div>
<b>Would I buy this again?</b> Yes! This is my third bottle and I'll definitely buy another when this one runs out. There aren't many skincare products I'd continuously buy but as long as I wear make-up or until my skin changes dramatically, I'll use this.</div>
<div>
<b>Would I recommend this?</b> If your skin is already oily, this may feel uncomfortable for you use. Combination, normal, and especially those with dry skin I highly recommend this to!</div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Overall score</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</center>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-75336189100861342052015-08-01T03:48:00.000-07:002015-12-27T14:55:10.271-08:00Cafe Gaene 카페 개네 [ Myeongdong Cafe Review ]I recently became acquainted with a sweet, fun girl from England at a hip hop concert and we decided to meet at 명동 (<i>Myeongdong, </i>a popular shopping district) for coffee and shopping! She recommended a dog cafe there and even though I'm more of a cat person, I really wanted to check it out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPQzkPVh6ak/VbyaVqkC15I/AAAAAAAACBQ/CzafiCgZdvw/s1600/gaene7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mPQzkPVh6ak/VbyaVqkC15I/AAAAAAAACBQ/CzafiCgZdvw/s640/gaene7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Video</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cCnofSAN07w" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">
Concept</span></h2>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><i>Is it more than just a cafe? </i></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTEtzZ_uOlM/VbyaMOCn1hI/AAAAAAAACAg/DpYVLo4INGs/s1600/gaene15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DTEtzZ_uOlM/VbyaMOCn1hI/AAAAAAAACAg/DpYVLo4INGs/s640/gaene15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Dog cafes and cat cafes are a popular concept in Asia and slowly are making their way into the States. There's even a cat cafe opening in my hometown, Austin, called the Blue Cat Cafe!<br />
The idea is to be able to enjoy your beverage with friends while playing with animals. I <b>think this idea is fun</b>, since it means there's more to do at a cafe than just chatting.<br />
<br />
I mentioned in my video that some pet cafes are closer to "cafe that happens to have pets" rather than a "pet cafe" with emphasis on the animal. Typically (but not always), with the former, your entry fee is the cost of the drink. With the latter (like the style of this cafe), the drink comes with the entry fee.<br />
<br />
The seating was around the perimeter of the room to give room to play with dogs and the provided blankets also made it convenient to let the dogs lay on your lap. However, <b>I didn't see any toys</b>! Not having been to other dog cafes, I can't say if this is typical or not, but for it I took one heart off for execution of concept, particularly since it was a dog-emphasized dog cafe. Most cat cafes I've been to had toys to play with, though.<br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<div>
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡</div>
</div>
</span></center>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Appearance</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Decor</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jK1QBOPTaA/VbyaH1xGZKI/AAAAAAAAB_s/2Qtu5J0bfFg/s1600/gaene10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1jK1QBOPTaA/VbyaH1xGZKI/AAAAAAAAB_s/2Qtu5J0bfFg/s640/gaene10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Since I mentioned earlier that this dog cafe puts emphasis on the "dog," I'm not sure if it's necessarily bad that the appearance wasn't more attractive. The decor was mostly photos of the dogs and staff-made bios of the dogs on the wall. Otherwise, there was minimal decoration. However, <b>it was tidy and nice looking, just not anything special. </b>Two hearts off for nothing special.<br />
<br />
( I was mostly taking pictures of the dogs since the decor wasn't much to look at and the dogs were so much fun )</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
♥ ♥ ♥ ♡♡</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="font-weight: normal;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Cleanliness</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI9ED_Bdm90/VbyaL3qO8YI/AAAAAAAAB_8/0mDUqGR_ve8/s1600/gaene14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI9ED_Bdm90/VbyaL3qO8YI/AAAAAAAAB_8/0mDUqGR_ve8/s640/gaene14.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br /></div>
<b>Visibly clean, no animal smell, and cleaning supplies were in multiple areas of the room</b> so the staff could keep it that way. Having blankets for our laps was definitely a plus! I really dislike getting dog hair on me.. One dog peed on the floor while we were there, but a staff member was quick to clean it up without any issue. Cleanliness is really important in pet cafes!</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</center>
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Beverage & Food</span></h2>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMFANQ-4470/VbyaH8CtCBI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/2dARUtHdE50/s1600/gaene1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iMFANQ-4470/VbyaH8CtCBI/AAAAAAAAB_Y/2dARUtHdE50/s640/gaene1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65u_4B0pU7c/VbyaOQR1DdI/AAAAAAAACAM/VEV_G05rWww/s1600/gaene17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-65u_4B0pU7c/VbyaOQR1DdI/AAAAAAAACAM/VEV_G05rWww/s640/gaene17.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't remember seeing any food options, but <b>my peach iced tea was delicious</b>! As I've been saying, since it's a dog emphasized dog cafe, I wouldn't necessarily go here for the drinks, though. It seemed that if you want to drink, you have to sit at the table. I didn't necessarily see a rule for it, but no one had their drinks with them on the ground and would get up to drink. The menu was also quite small, even though I've seen many pet cafes with larger menus. Taking one heart off because <b>the beverages were not an emphasized quality at this <i>cafe</i></b>. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡</div>
</span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Price
</span></h2>
<br />
₩8,000 included a drink, which I think is about <b>average for a pet cafe entry fee</b>. The cafes where the price of the drink is the entry fee usually are cheaper. I would've been more content with the price if the decor was cuter or themed, so I'm taking off one heart.<br />
<br />
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡</div>
</span></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Staff</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcAJEWxEQM8/VbyaPxqlzAI/AAAAAAAACAo/Uooy5JMW-9o/s1600/gaene3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mcAJEWxEQM8/VbyaPxqlzAI/AAAAAAAACAo/Uooy5JMW-9o/s640/gaene3.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgn7ht1whzc/VbyaJztztqI/AAAAAAAAB_k/h51NeWTK578/s1600/gaene13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xgn7ht1whzc/VbyaJztztqI/AAAAAAAAB_k/h51NeWTK578/s640/gaene13.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't talk to everyone, but <b>the staff that I did talk to spoke English</b>! As I said in the video, I could tell <b>the staff really cared about the dogs</b> as they showed them attentive affection. The girl seemed to be talking about when one of the bigger dogs was a puppy, so I think she may have been working there for a while. They all seemed nice and were willing to answer questions about the dogs. One of the guy workers was pretty cute too :)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</span></center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Special: The dogs</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Topic differs given special conditions of the cafe. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaACuVwcG_k/VbyaPcyitII/AAAAAAAACAk/evUhRehnwjY/s1600/gaene18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VaACuVwcG_k/VbyaPcyitII/AAAAAAAACAk/evUhRehnwjY/s640/gaene18.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGFyAxyEk6Q/VbyaH_LkyJI/AAAAAAAAB_U/k3uepgOak_Y/s1600/gaene11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NGFyAxyEk6Q/VbyaH_LkyJI/AAAAAAAAB_U/k3uepgOak_Y/s640/gaene11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
The dogs <b>varied in breed and size</b>, though there were 3 pugs. They all seemed <b>healthy, happy, friendly, and well taken care of</b>. Many would approach us on their own, some would crawl on our laps, and the others could be approached and petted. All were on their best behavior and only barked a few times. Most people in the cafe seemed to have a dog curled up in their lap. When it comes to the dogs at this cafe and their well-being (and cleanliness of the animals as I mentioned before), I have to give them a full five hearts! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥</div>
</center>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJqaF9Mi2rM/VbyaMmKjM8I/AAAAAAAACAE/jepl8uBo45g/s1600/gaene16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FJqaF9Mi2rM/VbyaMmKjM8I/AAAAAAAACAE/jepl8uBo45g/s640/gaene16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I believe this one's name was Chancel No. 2. She was my favorite! What a big sweet ball of fluff!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Overall</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJtkon-pM8E/VbyaSdbIn2I/AAAAAAAACA0/r07jMqCxy-g/s1600/gaene4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JJtkon-pM8E/VbyaSdbIn2I/AAAAAAAACA0/r07jMqCxy-g/s640/gaene4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Favorite quality:</b> Definitely the variety of dog breeds and their friendliness.<br />
<br />
<b style="text-decoration: underline;">Would I come back?</b> Probably! Though I'd like to try other dog cafes too to get a better feel for what they're like. This place was nice and the dogs were exceptional, but there wasn't anything special on the surface. As you'll see in more of my blog posts, I like to be impressed by appearances AND quality :)<br />
<br />
<b><u>Would I recommend it?</u></b> Definitely would recommend it to a dog lover, like my best friend back home :) Since I'm more of a cat person, I would like to get something more out of going to a dog cafe, like cute decor, but she loves dogs so much that I don't think she'd mind simple decor so long as she could play with and pet fun dogs!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 10px; border-style: dashed; padding: 5px; width: 110px;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Final Score:</span><br />
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♡</div>
</span></center>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-X-pIbIzZ5fg/VYcfLwPhsQI/AAAAAAAAB2s/habrXoWepiY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Location</span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYA49-0CJHY/VbyjvNZx3wI/AAAAAAAACBs/yB0m0VGhNo0/s1600/gaenemap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bYA49-0CJHY/VbyjvNZx3wI/AAAAAAAACBs/yB0m0VGhNo0/s640/gaenemap.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<center>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-radius: 25px; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px; width: 500px;">
카페 개네 (Cafe Gaene)
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
서울특별시 중구 충무로1가 22-2
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
22-2 Chungmuro 1, Junggu, Seoul<br />
<br />
Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 5</div>
</div>
</div>
</span></center>
</div>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-35565976546522692822015-07-27T00:28:00.001-07:002015-12-27T14:55:22.721-08:00Seoul "Forest" (서울숲)Recently, I took a small trip to Seoul Forest. My experience was mixed, so I thought I'd share it here so you can check it out yourself and perhaps form a different opinion! I am categorizing it under "Korea Budget Travel Tips" because the park is free and some extra things to do inside are cheap :)<br />
<br />
To start off, I made a video of my small adventure to give you a feel for the place. Overall, it was very peaceful, not crowded, and a nice place to take a long walk (or jog!).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj-ZeXt1BAM/VbWwJhxJwCI/AAAAAAAAB98/XJSdnma-Zqo/s1600/sf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Rpxv3YjR3SM" width="560"></iframe>
<a name='more'></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj-ZeXt1BAM/VbWwJhxJwCI/AAAAAAAAB98/XJSdnma-Zqo/s1600/sf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzxoG4WiCeg/VbWwHKZ6kNI/AAAAAAAAB9w/_j53-7FgMIc/s1600/sf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zzxoG4WiCeg/VbWwHKZ6kNI/AAAAAAAAB9w/_j53-7FgMIc/s640/sf2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
This was taken near the entrance to the forest, on the way from the subway exit. The lilies were very pretty! I believe this was the section of the forest called "Wetlands Ecological Field."</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj-ZeXt1BAM/VbWwJhxJwCI/AAAAAAAAB98/XJSdnma-Zqo/s1600/sf3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lj-ZeXt1BAM/VbWwJhxJwCI/AAAAAAAAB98/XJSdnma-Zqo/s640/sf3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I went on a cloudy Wednesday, which might be why it wasn't crowded. However, I wonder if it would also be crowded on the weekends. I'm not sure if it's a popular place to visit or not. Mostly older people were there to exercise on their own or rest on the platform benches with each other. I did see a few couples and a few mothers with their children, however.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTyWW02Lx4g/VbWwLEvJKmI/AAAAAAAAB-M/s6qA1R79PRY/s1600/sf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTyWW02Lx4g/VbWwLEvJKmI/AAAAAAAAB-M/s6qA1R79PRY/s640/sf4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I quickly began to realize that this place was more of a park than a forest. The official Korea tourism website said this area used to be hunting grounds for the kings, so I was surprised to see it so developed.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GW8zRwDZ_c/VbWwBZvTIzI/AAAAAAAAB9U/qFZ2Obsbla4/s1600/sf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aG2NRE3rhd8/VbWwKt5JXlI/AAAAAAAAB-E/K5OvcQ3P82A/s1600/sf5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aG2NRE3rhd8/VbWwKt5JXlI/AAAAAAAAB-E/K5OvcQ3P82A/s640/sf5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, the grounds were very pretty. Near the beginning as I walked around, the forest really did seem man-made. The trees even looked as though they'd been spaced apart with rulers. That's not a bad thing of course, but it definitely wasn't the natural, wild forest I had imagined. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTZ1yZKZe2Q/VbWwQoLtK6I/AAAAAAAAB-U/PTKo77Zk_jw/s1600/sf6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZTZ1yZKZe2Q/VbWwQoLtK6I/AAAAAAAAB-U/PTKo77Zk_jw/s640/sf6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GW8zRwDZ_c/VbWwBZvTIzI/AAAAAAAAB9U/qFZ2Obsbla4/s1600/sf1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1GW8zRwDZ_c/VbWwBZvTIzI/AAAAAAAAB9U/qFZ2Obsbla4/s640/sf1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnhJCEC7wX4/VbWwSG21e1I/AAAAAAAAB-c/HCqfLr-vVbI/s1600/sf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JnhJCEC7wX4/VbWwSG21e1I/AAAAAAAAB-c/HCqfLr-vVbI/s640/sf7.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I went "deeper" into the forest, I did notice the trees becoming more dense and randomly spaced. The wide walking path still remained, though.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RvFQ74j1cU/VbWwTsu_VdI/AAAAAAAAB-k/3iPoVvTuAuc/s1600/sf8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3RvFQ74j1cU/VbWwTsu_VdI/AAAAAAAAB-k/3iPoVvTuAuc/s640/sf8.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_zeQJ9v-IU/VbWwVXZUdHI/AAAAAAAAB-s/LC-SWtRJfg4/s1600/sf9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_zeQJ9v-IU/VbWwVXZUdHI/AAAAAAAAB-s/LC-SWtRJfg4/s640/sf9.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wanted to go across the bridge on my way back, but I didn't realize I was walking in a large circle and had made it back to the entrance before I realized it! This lake was very beautiful, though. Nearby, an elderly man was sitting on a bench and just watching the scenery. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Op3o9XuA3v8/VbWwBu2wLoI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/ZCKTY4yaYn0/s1600/sf10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Op3o9XuA3v8/VbWwBu2wLoI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/ZCKTY4yaYn0/s640/sf10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'm not sure if phone booths actually work in Korea (since I've never seen anyone using them), but they're everywhere!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5QWz66SpcI/VbWwBaS5nLI/AAAAAAAAB9M/GHL5m977rX4/s1600/sf11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R5QWz66SpcI/VbWwBaS5nLI/AAAAAAAAB9M/GHL5m977rX4/s640/sf11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A playground in the forest. I really think the government should consider renaming Seoul Forest to Seoul Park! There were also recreation facilities, including tennis courts. It didn't seem like there were many large areas I didn't go into, but apparently there is also a Western-style garden, wildlife, and <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=789696">more</a>.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biyds6FjSM8/VbWwEgan8PI/AAAAAAAAB9k/xySoD9YwfQY/s1600/sf12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-biyds6FjSM8/VbWwEgan8PI/AAAAAAAAB9k/xySoD9YwfQY/s640/sf12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A small apple orchard. I guess they weren't in season, but this was my first time to see a real apple tree!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgKLvdCf1mk/VbWwGpZySDI/AAAAAAAAB9s/V2Zm2DKpJ2Y/s1600/sf13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IgKLvdCf1mk/VbWwGpZySDI/AAAAAAAAB9s/V2Zm2DKpJ2Y/s640/sf13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
At the end of my walk around the forest, I enjoyed a small picnic from foods I'd picked up at the convenience store on the way over. Yummy!</div>
<br />
Overall, I was pretty disappointed in the size of the "forest" and in the recreational emphasis. I suppose it makes more sense to have a large park with more things to do than a large forest with nothing but small trails and ponds, especially in a metropolitan city. I think if I want that kind of experience, I'll need to venture out into the countryside!<br />
<br />
If you want to have a more enjoyable experience here at Seoul Forest, I recommend bringing along a friend or date. Even a deck of cards, sketchbook, or book would be nice. There are areas to lay a blanket out, or platform-style benches to sit or sleep on. I was also a little pressed for time because it kept randomly sprinkling and I didn't have an umbrella, so make sure to come prepared or go on a sunny day.<br />
<br />
Somewhere in the park is also a bike rental, where you can rent a bike for ₩3,000 per hour (about $2.50)! I wanted to do it, but couldn't find the facility. You'll also need to leave a form of ID with the rental place.<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-style: dashed; padding: 20px; width: 500px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seoul Forest (서울숲)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
서울 성동구 성수1가1동 685번지 일대</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
685, Seongsu1-ga 1-dong, Seongdong-gu, Seoul </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Seoul Forest Station (Subway Bundang Line), Exit 3. </div>
</div>
</center>
<br />Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-3332283681096578982015-07-20T20:12:00.000-07:002015-12-27T14:55:39.194-08:00Tour of my Goshiwon in Seoul + Tips for Living in a Goshiwon I just wanted to start this post by explaining what a 고시원 (<i>goshiwon</i>) is. It's a small room with typically only a desk, a bed, and a closet (also mini refrigerator and some shelving) which students usually rent to focus on studying. There's a communal bathroom and kitchen for residents to use and basic food is usually supplied (eggs, kimchi, rice, ramen). In this style, prices range from ₩200,000 - ₩400,000 per month ($175 - $345).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdPqGjht9Gk/Va4M8R20p1I/AAAAAAAAB8s/yQlYj7c16g0/s1600/11667361_401853830020975_2276338195339870297_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xdPqGjht9Gk/Va4M8R20p1I/AAAAAAAAB8s/yQlYj7c16g0/s640/11667361_401853830020975_2276338195339870297_n.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
The style of goshiwon I live in includes a small bathroom (toilet, sink, shower head) and a window, which costs me ₩500,000 per month ($430). This slightly larger goshiwon ranges in price also depending on the location and condition from ₩400,000 - ₩800,000 per month ($345 - $690).<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Note that my ranges are based on what I typically saw while looking for a goshiwon. You will see a few cheaper and a few more expensive.</span><br />
<br />
There's also a refundable security deposit fee of ₩30,000 for the key. One advantage of renting a goshiwon is that you can avoid Seoul's ridiculously <a href="http://seoulistic.com/living-in-korea/want-to-get-an-apartment-in-korea-heres-some-must-knows/">high security deposits on apartments</a>.<br />
<br />
If you're interested in living in a goshiwon, I'll give you further tips about renting one and living there after the tour of my own place! This is my first narrated video so my voice sounds a little weird since I was nervous, haha.<br />
<br />
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tour of my Goshiwon in Hongdae, Seoul</div>
</h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WdtFPf7C2-w" width="560"></iframe>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<h2>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
Review of my goshiwon</h2>
Overall, I love the place and am super happy here! I chose this goshiwon because a couple friends recommended it to me. <b>Some things I love</b>:<br />
<ul>
<li>The place is generally clean!</li>
<li>The owner is very kind and helpful </li>
<li>The supplied food is enough for my daily meals</li>
<li>With the window, the occasional air conditioning, and my small fan I'm comfortable</li>
<li>The bed is comfortable</li>
<li>The location in Hongdae is pretty convenient. Hongdae's surrounding stations all have things to do, so I don't mind taking the extra time to walk there and save money on the subway.</li>
<li>I almost never see bugs (I've been here two weeks and have seen a total of 2 harmless gnats and one small spider, which is pretty remarkable for any apartment in Korea I think)</li>
<li>I almost never hear anything from the other rooms (In my two weeks, I've heard a toilet flush once and a quiet tv once)</li>
<li>There's just enough space for all my stuff + me to live comfortably. </li>
</ul>
There are <b>a couple things that bother me a little</b>, though..<br />
<ul>
<li>I love being right across the hall from the kitchen, since it makes it easy to do my laundry, refill my water bottle, or get food whenever I want. I can also tell if someone else is in there and can wait until they're done. However, late at night I sometimes hear people cooking. They're usually not very loud since they're just cooking and it doesn't bother me much. There are some foreigners on my floor though who sometimes cook together at night and talk, and that is a little hard to sleep through.</li>
<li>I live in Hongdae and have a window right next to the street. Hongdae is a district known for some nice things like its quirky cafe culture, busking (people performing on the streets- art, music, dance, etc), and shopping. However, it's also known for its night life. I've never had issues with the clubbing aspect of Hongdae, but the drinking means I hear people passing by and yelling drunkenly outside my window. I'm on the third floor and it's usually just bad on the weekends and past midnight when I'm already in my room. As I said before, living in Hongdae is very convenient, but I could do without the drunk yelling.</li>
</ul>
<h2>
</h2>
<h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8I/ROi_2HdgMn8/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8I/ROi_2HdgMn8/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Tips for Living in a Goshiwon</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small; font-weight: normal;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Some of these are tips given to me by my friends and some are from my own experience :)</div>
</span></h2>
<ol>
<li>If you'd like to look for a goshiwon, I recommend <a href="http://www.habang.co.kr/en">Habang</a>. Through Habang, you can find goshiwons and rent them. If you don't like the selection, you can request they find a different one for you or in a different area. I didn't rent through them because they charge a fee so I don't know the exact process, but I think it's a good resource to start with. </li>
<li>I also recommend not renting a goshiwon until you've seen the actual room. I've read many blog posts about people moving into a goshiwon that looked nothing like the photos they saw online. The photos were probably taken right when the place was opened, but the rooms had degraded in cleanliness when she got there. </li>
<li>Bring your own dishes and keep them in your room. If you leave them out in the kitchen, residents will think they're for anyone to use and will take them. This happened to me! As for what dishes to bring, scroll down to my Diaso Shopping List ♡</li>
<li>Bring a towel from your country if you want to use a big size. I'm not sure if you can buy them here or not but I've only seen large hand sized towels. I know it'll take up space in your luggage, but you can always leave it here when you come back and use the extra space for souvenirs.</li>
<li> Don't bring more than two suitcases because you won't have any space to put them!</li>
<li>You have to rent BY THE MONTH with goshiwon, so consider that when you're figuring how much it will cost.</li>
<li>Bring shaving cream from your country if you need it. I haven't been able to find any for women here and ended up having to buy men's facial shaving cream.. </li>
<li>It's easy to just stay here all day and not go out if you're traveling alone, here for an extended time, or shy like myself but really force yourself to explore and visit new places!</li>
<li>Buy things for your temporary home at Daiso! Daiso is a Japanese based home good store. Kind of like the Dollar Store but everything is cute. The following list is things I bought that I recommend you to purchase there too :)</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-style: dashed; padding: 20px;">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
Diaso Shopping List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8jSDqPR8cNw/Va216npEqjI/AAAAAAAAB8M/ITJqgIkhlKY/s1600/tumblr_lq7iclTorW1ql1l0v.gif" /></a></div>
</h2>
<div>
<ol>
<li>Bowl for all of your meals</li>
<li>Chopsticks + Spoon set</li>
<li>Small tray (not necessary but I find it so helpful when moving back and forth between my room and the kitchen)</li>
<li>Mug for hot drinks</li>
<li>Travel cup for cold drinks (you can use it at home and when you go out)</li>
<li>Toilet paper (you can use this for tissues as well)</li>
<li>Toothpaste + Brush + Suction cup thing to go on your mirror</li>
<li>One of the plastic bucket things with holes on the bottom to put your shower stuff in</li>
<li>Hand soap + dispenser if necessary ( Because of an allergy, I ended up getting Sultana of Soap from Lush and a cute bunny soap dish from Daiso!)</li>
<li>Air freshener ( I put one directly in my toilet paper trash can )</li>
<li>One of those shower puff things to wash with so you don't have to wash a washcloth</li>
<li>Small fan (especially if you don't have a window)</li>
<li>Stand up mirror (for makeup of course!)</li>
<li>Umbrella (especially if you go during July-August, the rainy season)</li>
<li>House slippers, shower slippers, <i>samseon</i> slippers (the rubber ones with white stripes for short trips outside)</li>
<li>Hangers for your clothes</li>
<li>Blanket</li>
<li>One of the cute containers as featured in my video for putting your makeup in!</li>
</ol>
</div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br />
This was kind of a big topic, so if you have any questions about goshiwons, my experiences, or housing in Seoul, feel free to let me know in the comments !<br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lHpifzE8HXY/Va22zgOdvAI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/_Dqo1crUL34/s1600/tumblr_inline_mfn8gsdPq81qaw0bs.gif" /> <span style="font-size: large;">Kellie</span><br />
<br /></div>
<center>
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-style: dashed; padding: 20px; width: 350;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
Star One Room Livingtel</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
스타원룸리빙텔</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
TEL +82 02-338-7767</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
서울시 마포구 서교동 370-14번지</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://habang.co.kr/en/star_oneroom_livingtel_hongik/">Reserve with Habang</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.staroneroomlivingtel.co.kr/">Official site</a></div>
</div>
</center>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-21878568407000431402015-07-15T21:35:00.000-07:002015-12-27T14:56:01.854-08:00imi [Hongdae cafe]<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's been a while since I posted! I am indeed now in Seoul, but have been too busy to write up a decent blog post. However, I do regularly post small updates on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dearmisskellie?fref=photo">facebook page</a>, so please give me a like if you haven't already! </div>
<br />
I'm still working on the video tour of where I'm staying now, but until then I thought I'd post a review of a cafe I recently went to. The photos were all taken on my phone, so please bear with me ^^;<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I liked this place because it wasn't crowded and the decor was simple, yet quirky and had personality! The name of the cafe is imi and it's located in Hongdae. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuo8kVr0jxo/VacrD4bNg1I/AAAAAAAAB6U/C2_u3Zn1qXs/s1600/20150714_145918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yuo8kVr0jxo/VacrD4bNg1I/AAAAAAAAB6U/C2_u3Zn1qXs/s640/20150714_145918.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usWaTutKags/VacrE3kn8gI/AAAAAAAAB6c/KimVngqy974/s1600/20150714_145942%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="388" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usWaTutKags/VacrE3kn8gI/AAAAAAAAB6c/KimVngqy974/s640/20150714_145942%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Such beautiful cakes! I definitely want to go back to imi because they had such an interesting selection of pastries and beverages. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CbgkYW3DlM/VacrD3sMkNI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/aQsEKYqMsok/s1600/20150714_150006%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5CbgkYW3DlM/VacrD3sMkNI/AAAAAAAAB6Q/aQsEKYqMsok/s640/20150714_150006%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What are these? I didn't get close enough to look, but they seemed to be books or zines. This wall seemed like kind of a focal point for me because it was so colorful!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5I_ZuA-AlL8/VacrKYBOgdI/AAAAAAAAB6o/xjybdpXb1As/s1600/20150714_150719%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5I_ZuA-AlL8/VacrKYBOgdI/AAAAAAAAB6o/xjybdpXb1As/s640/20150714_150719%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Since it was really hot that day, we came for 팥빙수 (<i>patbingsoo</i>), or 빙수 (<i>bingsoo</i>) for short. 빙수 is THE dessert in Korea to eat during hot summer days. The main ingredient is ice flakes, covered with a variety of toppings depending on the flavor you buy, such as fruit, oreo, adzuki beans, ice cream, and more!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pW-0qP48SA/VacrKivwBoI/AAAAAAAAB6s/kxs1G2qjwqQ/s1600/20150714_150903%2Bcopy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pW-0qP48SA/VacrKivwBoI/AAAAAAAAB6s/kxs1G2qjwqQ/s640/20150714_150903%2Bcopy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The 빙수 at imi was slightly different than most. The texture of the ice was much more fine and small (most poeple in Korea tend to prefer 빙수 with finer ice, closer to Taiwanese shaved ice) and it seemed that pureed fruit was mixed loosely with the ice rather than sitting on top. We bought an orange (left) and pineapple (right) 빙수. It was also covered in a thick layer of whipped cream, yum! I can't recall if they had other flavors, but I'll definitely be going back for it again and to try new things on the menu. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAFzQfJ5yqk/VacxI1-w5xI/AAAAAAAAB7I/3p8yFLoTMZ0/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hAFzQfJ5yqk/VacxI1-w5xI/AAAAAAAAB7I/3p8yFLoTMZ0/s640/map.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="border-color: rgb(255, 191, 205); border-style: dashed; padding: 20px; text-align: center;">
<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/%ED%99%8D%EB%8C%80-imi/318798834821375">imi</a></b><br />
서울시 마포구 동교동 201-10<br />
201-10 Donggyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul<br />
+82 02-6368-5228</div>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1191306125712535134.post-67224936209783103332015-06-20T13:22:00.001-07:002015-12-27T14:56:19.165-08:00My Korea Plans & the Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)Hello everyone! I'm very excited to begin blogging about my upcoming trip to Korea. As you can see in the navigation bar, I've already begun to set up categories for my posts, so I hope I can fill all of these during my trip. Let me begin my first post by sharing my plans with you briefly.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<div style="border-color: #ffbfcd; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px;">
My church is kind of a world-wide body, so we have many locations around the world. There are many churches of ours in 서울 (Seoul), as well as several sister's houses. Sister's houses are pretty much dorms for college girls in our church, often offered at a lower rent, but also including somewhat strict living guidelines (mostly about attending church meetings and reading the Bible). I'll be staying at a sister's house for one month during the summer, and they're kindly only charging me about $160! Also, since I'll be there during their summer break, the guidelines are not as strict. The house is in 신촌 (Shinchon), but within walking distance of 홍대 (Hongdae). Shinchon often has spontaneous kpop performers in the streets and Hongdae is a youthful district famous for its clubbing culture, but I prefer the cute cafes there!<br />
<br />
After one month, I'll go on a trip with a friend to 대전 (Daejeon), 대구 (Daegu), 부산 (Busan), and 진주 (Jinjoo) while staying with people from our church before joining our church for a college conference in the countryside. After the conference, I'll go back to Seoul to meet my sweet friend Sara from Canada, then we'll take a two day trip to 강릉 (Gangneung), where there is a beautiful beach!<br />
<br />
I'll then return to Seoul and spend a week with someone from my church, but I'm not sure who that will be yet! I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of Korea this time and spending an even longer time there (7 weeks!).</div>
<br />
<br />
I thought I'd start with a great experience I had last year at the 한국민속촌 (<i>Hanguk Minsokchon</i>), traditional Korean Folk Village. In short, the folk village is a place meant to emulate the style of living during the Joseon Era (the last Korean dynasty). In fact, my host mother said the homes here were just like the ones she lived in as a child! If you want to learn more about the Folk Village, check out the official Korea Tourism Organization's page for it <a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264121">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGc0K9MRyAQ/VYW9vfu_NvI/AAAAAAAABzM/ad8nfpdgx74/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wGc0K9MRyAQ/VYW9vfu_NvI/AAAAAAAABzM/ad8nfpdgx74/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
My host friend and his mother took me to the folk village on a day that was predicted to rain, so it wasn't crowded at all! Admission for 19+ is <span style="background-color: white; color: #545454; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 16.5454540252686px;">₩</span>15,000, which is $13.60 in USD. Not bad!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OMMKT74rsY/VYW99ByohoI/AAAAAAAABzo/j_d5mCNeFSA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--OMMKT74rsY/VYW99ByohoI/AAAAAAAABzo/j_d5mCNeFSA/s640/2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWYsUOJ1lmU/VYW98z3QjQI/AAAAAAAABzk/8mT4IhA1oJU/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NWYsUOJ1lmU/VYW98z3QjQI/AAAAAAAABzk/8mT4IhA1oJU/s640/3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Have you seen the drama My Love from the Stars? I haven't yet, but I'd like to! Apparently some scenes were filmed here. I've been told many historical dramas film here too!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKNQ82FbVbI/VYW-BEpwODI/AAAAAAAABz0/zui8pk_HZS0/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BKNQ82FbVbI/VYW-BEpwODI/AAAAAAAABz0/zui8pk_HZS0/s640/4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is the kind of home my host mother said reminded her of her childhood. Notice the short table outdoors? There was another structure similar to this one where we purchased traditional cold tea (too bad I didn't get a picture!) and we sat at a table like that on the porch outside. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNDn66-w6gw/VYW-Kf8XD-I/AAAAAAAAB0E/2NwUSc2ZSdw/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PNDn66-w6gw/VYW-Kf8XD-I/AAAAAAAAB0E/2NwUSc2ZSdw/s640/5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I was really fascinated by the crops and flowers, so actually I have a ton of photos like these. It was hard to narrow them down!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PphxlDpF64U/VYW-JRODdtI/AAAAAAAABz8/vomTjvDyC7I/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PphxlDpF64U/VYW-JRODdtI/AAAAAAAABz8/vomTjvDyC7I/s640/6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHScKpdb5AU/VYW-Uve0dUI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/CatefxMl2VA/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PHScKpdb5AU/VYW-Uve0dUI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/CatefxMl2VA/s640/8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okI7culctgI/VYW-MAI2rQI/AAAAAAAAB0M/6LSAu-asTdU/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-okI7culctgI/VYW-MAI2rQI/AAAAAAAAB0M/6LSAu-asTdU/s640/7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pardon my hand there-- I was trying to sneak a shot of this family on the platforms! I saw the platforms quite frequently in parks or just in random places. There was even one next to the subway station by our apartment! I think there might be so many because the elderly are more active in Korea, and thus need to rest more. Of course, people of all ages use them! That's just my theory.</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, this one is more traditional in style. They're for resting, even sleeping like you can see the family doing here. Shoes are not allowed on the platform, so you have to take them off before climbing on. It's amazing that even in public places, people sleep comfortably with their stuff out in the open. </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTEvisscA0c/VYW-UZLOrpI/AAAAAAAAB0U/2mxHekL1b80/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dTEvisscA0c/VYW-UZLOrpI/AAAAAAAAB0U/2mxHekL1b80/s640/9.jpg" width="424" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1F717f-pRg/VYW9tC65xLI/AAAAAAAABzE/UqfzMpVpr4s/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O1F717f-pRg/VYW9tC65xLI/AAAAAAAABzE/UqfzMpVpr4s/s640/10.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A river ran through the middle of the village. There was even a short bridge made of stones that we crossed at one point. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoUsVvJU82U/VYW9q6r1_vI/AAAAAAAABy8/Hq2_dwWdHgQ/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GoUsVvJU82U/VYW9q6r1_vI/AAAAAAAABy8/Hq2_dwWdHgQ/s640/11.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
What traditional folk village would be complete without Korea's national flower? In Korean it's called 무궁화 (<i>Moogoonghwa</i>), but in English we call it Rose of Sharon. 무궁화 is able to withstand insect bites and faithfully blooms yearly despite some of Korea's harsher winters. 무궁 (<i>moogoong</i>) actually means immortality. Thus, 무궁화 became a symbol of the Korean people's endurance and perseverance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We've actually had a Rose of Sharon tree in our backyard my whole life, but we recently had to take it down due to strong wind damage. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpvffU0GWfg/VYW94_YxOJI/AAAAAAAABzc/36Zg8dZjP-Q/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZpvffU0GWfg/VYW94_YxOJI/AAAAAAAABzc/36Zg8dZjP-Q/s640/13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
The folk village had many activities and shows to watch! This performance was some kind of folk dancing group. Later on, we also saw a group of Mongolian horse riders perform equestrian tricks!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXiUSfFMEhA/VYW9yyTX6aI/AAAAAAAABzU/xeEGJ5ylmxE/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXiUSfFMEhA/VYW9yyTX6aI/AAAAAAAABzU/xeEGJ5ylmxE/s640/12.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><br /></u></span></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Traditional seating for the restaurant! See what I mean about it being pretty empty? We ate something, then took a nap while waiting for my host father to pick us up.</div>
<br />
At the end of the day, it began to rain, but thankfully we'd brought umbrellas. I really recommend going here, especially on a weekday or before the summer holidays when it's emptier. That way, you can have a more peaceful experience.<br />
<br />
한국민속촌 is actually located in 용인 (Yongin), which is fairly far from the center of Seoul. If you take public transit, it could be around 2 hours. Since I lived in 과천 (Gwacheon), I think it took us closer to an hour and a half.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-color: #ffbfcd; border-style: dashed; padding: 20px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264121">Korean Folk Village </a><br />
경기도 용인시 기흥구 민속촌로 90 (보라동)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do </div>
</div>
Miss Kelliehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13249741504690403254noreply@blogger.com1