Seoul Searching | A Gastronomic Adventure at Gwangjang Market.

Much as I love shopping at malls and department stores in Korea, and enjoy the hip and trendy vibe of the shopping streets in Hongdae, Kondae, and Sinsadong, I also love going to the traditional markets in Seoul. There's a certain charm to these traditional markets that make me want to visit them whenever I'm in the country - which is exactly what I did during my last visit to Korea.

Gwangjang Market.

Together with my friend Mel, who was also in Seoul for the weekend, we went on a 'very tita' date, starting with a tour of the Gwangjang Market. Located in the historical Jongno district in downtown Seoul, Gwangjang Market is the first permanent market in Korea and one of the oldest traditional markets in the country's capital. It was established in 1905 and spans a little over 10 acres with more than 5000 stalls selling a variety of items - fabric, clothing, souvenir items, fresh produce, and of course, food.

Stalls at the center of Gwangjang Market.

It was the food, mostly, that made me want to come here, and you gotta blame Running Man for that. If you've been following this blog for quite awhile and have been reading my Seoul Searching posts, then you probably know that most of the places that I've been to in Korea are either K-drama filming locations or have been featured in the world-famous variety show, Running Man.

This stall was featured on Running Man. :)

Gwangjang Market captured my attention after watching episode 186 of Running Man, wherein the cast members happily stuffed their faces with food as part of the challenge. And true enough, this place is a haven for foodies with stalls upon stalls of Korean street food cooked and prepared right before your eyes.

And that's the ahjumma who operates this stall.

The best way to enjoy Gwangjang Market is to come on an empty stomach. That way, you can try a variety of dishes and eat 'til you're full. If you're a light eater, I suggest you bring a friend (or a loved one) along because hey, good food is meant to be shared. :)

Just another busy day at Gwangjang Market.

Mel and I ordered a serving of jeon (Korean vegetable pancake) for sharing, and the taste was absolutely unforgettable. It was extra crispy on the outside and soft and mushy on the inside. It came with a dipping sauce made with soy sauce, vinegar, and freshly-cut onions, which elevated the flavor of this humble yet extremely yummy dish.

Vegetable pancake, 4000 won.

The ahjumma who owns the stall offered us makgeolli, saying that jeon is best paired with their traditional rice wine. But since we are very 'wholesome titas' (lol), we politely declined and instead bought fruit smoothies at a different stall.

Fresh fruit, ready to be blended.

Another must-try dish at Gwangjang Market is the mayak gimbap which literally translates into 'narcotic rice rolls'. Narcotic in the sense that this food is super addictive! These rice rolls are made with pickled vegetables, rolled on a bed of rice and dried seaweed (gim). They are then brushed with sesame oil and sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, which I reckon is where the addicting taste comes from.

Mayak Gimbap, 1000 won per roll.

If you're a bit more adventurous with food, perhaps you should try the soondae - blood sausage made with pig intestines mixed with sweet potato vermicelli noodles and sticky rice. I didn't try this, but Mel has had a taste of it on her previous Korea trip and she said it was good. Surprisingly, we saw a lot of foreign tourists ordering this at the nearby stall and seemed to be satisfied with it.

Soondae, anyone?

Other interesting food options at the Gwangjang Market are sannakji (live octopus), yukhoe (raw beef tartare), and the sea penis, a type of marine spoon worm, which is usually eaten raw and dipped in an array of spices. Sounds nasty, I know.

A huge basin of sea penis.

If banchan (side dishes) are more to your liking, you'll also find plenty of them in this bustling market. I'm not familiar with all of them, but I do know there are marinated crabs and spiced pork and kimchi in this spread of food.

Lots of side dishes to choose from!

Marinated crabs.

An assortment of kimchi.

Fruits, nuts, beans, and dried fish are also a common sight at the Gwangjang Market. Some stores also sell yakgwa (Korean cookies) which come in lovely gift boxes. They make nice presents for friends and family back home.

Yakgwa sold in boxed sets. 

Speaking of presents, Gwangjang Market is also famous for its hanbok shops, housed mostly on the second floor. Here, you can buy ready-to-wear hanbok (traditional Korean clothing) or have them tailored to your liking. Fabrics, bed sheets, jewelries and accessories, as well as various souvenir items can also be found on the second floor.

Hanbok shops on the second floor.

If you want to experience authentic Korean street food and culture under one roof, then Gwangjang Market is the place to be. Most of the stores operate on a daily basis from 8:30 am to 6 pm. Some restaurants are open until 11 pm, while some stores are closed on Sundays. 

To get to Gwangjang Market, take the subway to Jongno 5-ga Station Exit 8 or Euljiro 4-ga Station Exit 4.

You can also ride the Green Bus numbered 111, 2014, 2112, or 7212 and alight at the Jongno 5-ga bus stop.

Seoul Searching | Exploring Insadong.

Dubbed as 'the heart and soul of Seoul', Insadong is one of the most note-worthy neighborhoods in the city and a must-go destination for anyone visiting South Korea. I regret not visiting this place earlier, considering that we have been to Korea twice in the past. Better late than never, as they say, and we finally had the chance to explore this quaint and charming neighborhood during our month-long stay in Korea last winter - our third visit to the country that I call my second home.

I heart Insadong, and you will easily fall in love with it, too!

Conveniently located between the Five Grand Palaces of Korea, Insadong Street stretches over 700 meters between the Anguk-dong Rotary and Jongno 2-ga. The latter is located near the Jongno 3-ga Station, so we chose to go to Insadong via this subway station (Line 5). Another option is via the Anguk Station, but I chose to stay away from this line (Line 3) after my horrendous experience with the transfer on our way home from Changdeokgung and Changgyeonggyung Palace last spring.

Tapgol Park.

As we made our way to Insadong from the Jongno 3-ga Station, we passed by Tapgol Park, the first modern park established in Seoul. Also known as 'Pagoda Park', this tourist attraction is home to an abundance of national treasures, including the Palgakjeong, an octagonal pavilion built in 1902.

The Palgakjeong.

More of Tapgol Park and Insadong after the jump!

Seoul Searching | Top 5 Must-Try Korean Snack Shops.

With the exception of my husband and the huge deals and discounts on my favorite makeup and skincare brands, there is one other thing that I miss dearly about South Korea - the food. They say you'll never go hungry in Seoul, and I can very much attest to that. With the diverse selection of street food available in just about every nook in cranny in Seoul (particularly in tourists areas such as Myeongdong and Dongdaemun) and with affordable prices to boot, it won't be surprising if you gain a pound or two after a vacation in South Korea.

In one of my previous posts, I made a run down of must-try Korean food. This time, I'm listing down some of the snacks shops in Korea that we have been to, tried, and enjoyed - and where to find them.

1. Limburg Waffle.
Deoksugung Palace, City Hall Station, Exit 2.

Limburg Waffle, Deoksugung.

After watching the Guard Changing Ceremony and a quick stroll inside the Deoksugung Palace, Yue and I decided to grab a quick bite at the nearby stall of Limburg Waffle. Located right next to the main entrance of the palace, this hole-in-the-wall snack shop serves liege waffles with toppings, coffee, hot chocolate, and fruit smoothies.

While waiting for our waffles to cook.

Small as it may seem, there's almost always a queue at this snack shop - even in the dead of winter. The waffles smell heavenly with the scent wafting towards the direction of the Deoksugung Palace, as if inviting tourists to drop by for a waffle or two.

Their best-selling waffle, which I eventually ordered.

Yue ordered the Nutella Waffle (3500 won), while I got the Blueberry Spread (3500 won). Both waffles were perfect - coated with caramelized sugar on the outside with a bit of crunch on the edges, and soft, fluffy, and buttery on the inside. Hands down, the best waffle I have tried in Seoul!

Nutella Waffle.

Blueberry Waffle.

2. Deli Manjoo.

Myeongdong Station, near the ticket gate entrance.

Deli Manjoo, Myeongdong Station.

I love Myeongdong for so many reasons, and among them is this extremely popular Deli Manjoo stall. Located near the ticket gate entrance of Myeongdong Station, this stall is a tourist attraction itself as there's always a line in front of it whenever I pass by. 

Not your ordinary mandu.

Deli Manjoo is short for 'delicious mandu', or 'delicious dumpling' (mandu is the Korean word for 'dumpling'). They're not your typical meat/vegetable-filled dumpling, though. These bite-size corn-shaped treats are filled with sweet and creamy custard that my boys (and I) love. 

My boys love these just as much as I do!

Freshly-baked and served piping hot, they're perfect as pasalubong, or as a snack while riding the subway. Yue would always ask for these whenever I go to Myeongdong, and he can finish a pack in just one sitting! These yummy treats are usually sold by the dozen, and I would often buy the 5000 won pack which contains 24 pieces.

3. Poop Bread.

Ssamziegil Mall, Insadong.

Poop Bread stall, Ssamziegil.

Ssamziegil, the iconic cultural complex located in the heart of Insadong, is home to handicraft stores, accessory shops, art galleries, food stalls, and a variety of charming knick knacks. Here, we discovered this quirky stall which serves 'dong bang' - or in English, 'poop bread'.

Hey poop! :)

Don't be disgusted, though. They're simply pancakes in the shape of poop. Think of it as bunggeoppang (also known as taiyaki), cooked in poop-shaped molders. Similarly, these poop breads also come with a dollop of filling and you can choose between the traditional red bean filling or the creamy custard filling.

They're edible, and yummy at that!

Paired with a cup of brewed coffee or warm cocoa, they're the perfect tummy-fill as you explore Ssamziegil and the rest of Insadong. The stall is located near the entrance of Ssamziegil - you can't miss it!

4. Dragon's Beard Candy.
11-2 Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu.

Dragon's Beard Candy, Insadong.

Another interesting food find which we chanced upon while at Insadong is the Dragon's Beard Candy. Also known as 'kkultarae', this traditional Korean dessert is made with honey and maltose, repeatedly spun and stretched to create 16,000 fine strands.

More than 16,000 strands of stretched honey.

The strands are then filled with peanuts or almonds, even chocolate at times, with the finish product looking like a cocoon. Said to be a highly-priced sweet within the Korean royal court, this candy has a rich, sweet flavor and a threaded, chewy texture.

Peanut-filled candy.

There are several of these stalls lined up along the streets of Insadong, and the friendly candy-makers will definitely catch your attention. Most of them can speak in different languages, and some of them even sing and dance as they make the candy. Truly, a sight to behold!

5. Isaac Toast.

Hyundai City Outlets, Dongdaemun.

Isaac Toast, near Hyundai City Outlets in Dongdaemun.

There's a hidden gem tucked along the streets of Dongdaemun and it's called Isaac Toast. Yue and I discovered the stall on our way out of Hyundai City Outlets in Dongdaemun, one of Seoul's most busiest shopping districts.

A popular sandwich chain in Korea, Isaac Toast serves freshly-grilled sandwiches, prepared and cooked right before your eyes. Their menu consists of a variety of flavors, with prices ranging from 2000 to 3200 won.

I see bacon!!!

Isaac Toast was founded in 1995 by an elderly woman who resorted to selling sandwiches to money for her sick husband. She started with a small stall outside one of Seoul's popular universities.

Toasted! :)

Years later, the business changed hands but the taste and the flavors remained the same. Customers continued to patronize the brand which led to its increasing popularity and huge success. In 2003, Isaac Toast opened its doors to franchisees and now boasts of more than 500 outlets all over South Korea and even abroad.

Best. toast. ever.

Paired with a cup of Caramel Macchiato (which they also serve, along with other coffee and tea flavors), Isaac Toast makes is truly worthy to be called the 'Breakfast of Champions' - or snack, lunch, and even dinner for that matter.

7 Budget Travel Tips for Students.

Heading off to college for the first time is an exciting time for most of young people, but with the new-found independence comes challenges and responsibilities. One of the biggest issues for college students is budgeting their money. But there's no reason why a tight budget has to prevent you from having fun or even exploring the world. In fact, if you take our advice and follow these 7 budget travel tips, you can learn how to plan low budget holidays without burning a hole through your wallet.

Seoul Searching with my childhood friend Kay, December 2016. :)

1. Fly using low-cost airlines
The cost of flying to Europe might set you back a few hundred bucks, but once you get there you'll be shocked to discover that flying discount air carriers such as Ryanair, Wizz Air, and EasyJet can actually be cheaper than taking a bus or train. In fact, flights between European cities can cost as little as $10 if you plan early.

2. Choose Backpacker Hostels
Staying at a hotel in major European cities is insanely expensive. In fact, even a modest hotel in places like Rome and Barcelona can cost $200 a night! But backpacker hostels, where you share a room and bathroom facilities with fellow travelers, are not only affordable (around $15 a night even in popular destinations), they are truly a fun experience. Many city-owned hostels, such as the one in Geneva, Switzerland, even offer a discount on public transportation and airport transfers. Finally, a lot of hostels provide a free breakfast, which means one less meal to spend money on.

3. Hitchhiking
Through the Country Although hitchhiking went out of fashion in America in the 1970s, the practice is still very much alive and well in Europe. Not only is it the cheapest way to travel (and often entirely free), it is the perfect way to take in the landscapes and countryside while making your way through such places as France and Italy.

4. Join Couch Surfing
Couch Surfing, a popular hospitality service and social networking site, is how savvy travelers find places to crash without spending a dime. In fact, your host will often be eager to show you around their city and some even offer to cook meals in order to give you an authentic culinary experience. Airbnb is another hospitality site to use when you want to enjoy cheap European vacations, although unlike Couch Surfing it does require payment.

Street food! :)

5. Choose Meals Sensibly
While it might seem tempting to eat in luxury while visiting London or Paris, it is truly a budget breaker. But fear not, there are plenty of ways to eat delicious, satisfying meals while traveling. For example, the simple task of avoiding the restaurants in the most touristy parts of a city will save you money. Street vendors offer a taste of the city in a way that is very affordable. Many hostels have kitchens where guests are welcome to cook, so buying food at the supermarket is yet another great option.

6. Visit Museums When They're Free
Visiting a museum in a major European city can get pricy, but very often even the most famous ones designate a day or time when they are free. For example, the Louvre in Paris (home of the Mona Lisa) is free to everybody under 26 on Fridays after 6:00pm. While you are busy taking in all of that rich art and history, you may also discover the benefits of buying a college essay. Your custom college paper will meet all of your specifications and is guaranteed to arrive in your inbox on your deadline.

7. Go on Free Walking Tours
The best way to learn about a city is to take part in a walking tour. Not only does every major city offer them, they are often free! While the tour guides appreciate tips, it is a small price to pay for 3 hours of fresh air and fascinating stories about the city that you were not aware of.

We hope you found this advice helpful. There are numerous additional tips that are guaranteed to save your many and time while travelling. Do not be afraid to explore your options.