#nandaemun

nandaemun market

For us to start our day 2, we need a lot of energy boost because it’s shopping day! We decided to have a full brunch meal somewhere in Hongdae! I can’t remember the restaurant name because it was written in hangul…

I ordered a generous serving of spicy pork meat (6000 won= Php 250.00) and Gimbap for 6000 won also (forgot to take a photo of the Gimbap because I was too hungry already, hehe)

If you love spicy, you would really enjoy this dish... The meat is typically eaten with a vegetable wrap such as lettuce but I chose to pair it with bap (rice) because a filipino can't simply live without rice (ya' feel me?) ha ha!  It was too spicy for my taste tho that I craved for something sweet right away! 

Soft Served Ice Cream @ New York Cronut & Milky Bee ( 3,000 Won= Php 128.00 )

So okay, Let’s start the adventure…. From Hongik Station, we took line 2 to Ewha Station and leave exit 2 or 3 and head straight. This scene greeted us as we exited the station.

Streets around Ewha/ Edae are a really good shopping area especially for young girls. If you are planning to buy trendy bags and plenty of trinkets and cute stuff, then this is the place to go to. It’s a bummer tho for the 2 boys I tagged a long since they can’t find some good bargain for their selves!

Actually, If you love fashion or just enjoy shopping in general, then Seoul is the best place to be! To be honest, I find it so hard to answer when people ask me where the best place to shop in Seoul because every place I've been to is a shopping paradise with lots of beautiful things.  Just bring with you tons of money and shopping will never ever be a problem! I’ve actually read a lot of travel shopping guides that Edae should be the first stop when it comes to shopping since it’s way cheaper than any other places in Seoul  so we have decided to target it during our  2nd day stay. 

And heck I scored 3 gorgeous bags at Edae! 

Got the first bag for 20,000 Won = Php 850.00- It's a huge tote bag perfect for travelling and shopping. The material is actually water-proof plus it's very spacious. Original price was 35,000 Won = Php 1,500  Huge discount right? :-) I'm so proud with my charms and haggling skills! ha ha! :) Tip: all you've got to say if you want a good discount is "Kaka juseyo!" - meaning "can you give me a good discount?"  then kill them with your charms! 

Second bag is faux leather bag that is also spacious and for everyday use. I bought it for 10,000 won = Php 400.00 only! 

Third bag is a black faux leather bag that i really really love! <3 (15,000 won= Php 640. 00) 

I was controlling myself  to shop til' I drop since it was just Day 2 but damn there are a lot of good finds at Edae! I told myself that I'd go back but heck 11 days was just too short to explore seoul!  Also, I'm afraid that I go out of budget for my 3rd to 11th day! I need to survive! :)

So anyways, As you go out of Ewha university station, you will see this street heading to the university's front gate (5min walk). Ewha Womans University is one of the prestigious universities in Seoul and since it was so near, no one should miss out its beautiful compound and architecture. It is one of the best-known universities in South Korea.

The university houses Ewha Campus Complex, which is Korea’s largest underground campus. The lower levels contain a library, bookstore, gym, Movie Theater, cafes, and other cultural facilities. The campus' main complex is located in an artificial chasm lined with geometric shapes and numbered doors. 

When first entering the main campus, you get a great view of the different gardens and halls of the university. Everything is just so picturesque. Just imagine this area during autumn!

That day also we went to Nandaemun Market, we didn't stay there for a long time tho since we didn’t enjoy it as much as we enjoyed Edae, Myeongdong, Gangnam Underground and Hongdae because most of the stuff they sell is somehow out of style clothes, knock-off bags or if not kitchen wares. But as most of the travel guide say, I do agree that everything is inexpensive and if I were to recommend Nandaemun it is because you can buy cheaper novelty items here compared to Myeongdong.  Also, I noticed that most tourists don't cluster at the apparel stores however; they flock at the Korean food stalls! YUUM! 

 As we walked, through the busy streets of Nandaemun, they sure do have a lot to offer when it comes to food... Too bad I'm still too full to try any of it but the boys bought some for their-selves instead. 

All the walking made me thirsty tho, so I bought freshly squeezed lemonade with Chilser (It's like Korean version of Sprite mixed with lemonade) for  2,700 Won= Php 115.00 It was too sour but I like it very much! 

When you’re in Namdaemun, you can't visit the place without going to one of the four main gates of the fortress wall of South Korea. It is also known as Sungnyemun, which means Gate of exalted ceremonies, which was built during Joseon dynasty. 

To cap off the day, we went back to Hongdae and grabbed some dinner. We craved for authentic Korean Chicken and went to try Lee min Ho’s famous endorsement: Kyochon! Actually they have a branch here in Manila located at SM Megamall but of course we wanted to try where it originated.

Verdict: It’s way way way way flavorful and better than the one in Manila! What’s missing tho is rice! They don’t freaking serve rice :( We had potato wedges instead... BUT RICE!!!:(  ( 23,000 won = Php 980.00 good for 3-4)  

Anyways, after all the carbs eating, we strolled the artsy fartsy street of Hongdae! I love how busy it is during night time and how alive the night market is.

They all gather at the park and they bring bottles of beer to have a booze before partying at the club proper! (it's pretty much similar to Singapore's Clarke Quay)

You can also watch live independent bands around Hongdae playing for free! Koreans just know how to have fun! They all flock and enjoy their local music together! 

And for our sweet ending, we had the injeolmi-shaved ice, which is very popular in Korea. It is commonly served in a large bowl filled with a generous thinly shaved ice poured with milk and mixed in with little round pieces of injeolmi (rice cake).The shaved milk is so soft that it melts as you stir in the sweet bean powder and condensed milk that comes with it. It’s topped with nuts, and is simply marvelous!  (7,000 won = Php 300. 00 good for 2)