Korea D1 - Seoul Shopping

Hi Blog,

I am going to Korea today! Many people react the same way when I tell them I am going to Korea: "Wah!" "You are so rich!" I understand why they said that, considering how many trips I have already taken this year (🇹🇼 and 🇲🇾). To be honest, I do not want to travel so frequently because I need to budget for it, but when I cannot persuade my colleagues to go on a short trip, all I can do is borrow money from myself, if not, I will upset them especially they were trying to make things happen.

Packing my belongings and reflecting... Why was it difficult to reject? Because most people can take leave easily, we need someone to stay at school, particularly three of my colleagues, one of whom is responsible for administrative security in the office. So I sensed they were trying to make it work and had gotten our boss to agree on the plan, but I was not in a position to be their wet blanket.

To be honest, this was both an exciting and nerve-racking trip for me because I got to travel (by plane) with my colleagues! We had previously taken a brief trip to Johor Bahru, but this time was different. Why am I concerned? I am concerned about how it will affect our relationship because travelling has the potential to both strengthen and weaken bonds.

I took a half-day on Thursday to prepare my luggage, but something about it did not feel right...

I hope everything went smoothly; there will be hiccups, but I hope they are not serious.

Ah! Terminal 4, we met again. I realised that if I took public transport to Changi Airport, Terminal 4, I would have to take the free shuttle bus from Terminal 1.

My first hiccup: I brought the wrong size luggage; I should have brought cabin luggage, and fortunately, ML had brought a carrier that allowed me to transfer my belongings and asked her brother to watch over my luggage until we returned.

According to online information, they have a luggage limit, which I measured, but they refuse to allow it, and I can not really argue.

(credit HD) Wah, ML had her family send her off. I do not have anything like that because I do not want to bother my siblings or mother. She deserves a lot of credit for passing me a spare carrier to save my luggage.

(credit HD) Thank you, HD, for coming to the airport to send us and agreeing to cover our school duties for one day before travelling alone to join us the next day.

We were left with three of us, and because we were early, we could shop around in the terminal.

Thank you, G, for treating us to a costly bun in a fancy paper bag that tasted amazing!

Ooo, the tree theme from T4 continued here; it looked like the garden decor.

(credit G) I had not seen this area during my previous visit to T4! What a lovely decor.

(credit ML) Because there was no one else around, let us take a lot of photos!

We did not have time to appreciate the intricate details of the animal decorations.

Oooo! The local heritage building structure of the five-footway shop houses is located at the end of the T4 store lane.

T4's theme is all about Singapore, and guess what? They've got real trees! The garden decor really drives home the idea that Singapore is a garden city.

Oh yes! I forgot to mention that this is my first time taking transit flights. During transit flights, I heard a lot of complaints about lost luggage, delays, and inconveniences. Since this was a connected flight under the same company, there should be less serious hiccups 🤞🏼.

But this company is well-known for hiccups... In future, if possible, try to buy flight insurance to reduce the damages incurred or get a direct flight to the country to reduce the possibility of hiccups.

(credit ML) Due to separate ticket purchases, I was assigned a different seat and zone. I'll catch up with the ladies later.

I was used to sitting with strangers.

I captured a photo of the view outside the window before the passengers who would occupy the window seats arrived.

Because it was a night flight and I could not see anything outside, I decided to use the time to write my presentation notes.

(credit ML) We arrived at KL airport and had to wait another two hours for our next flight to Korea.

Oh my! GRAVASTAR speaker, I would like to own one of these cool speakers, but they are too expensive...

My first time having a vegetarian burger from Burger King! I just told them no onions or garlic!

Waiting patiently for our next flight

Unfortunately, after over an hour of delay, there is still a delay.

Great! After an hour's delay, the plane came.

Everyone started queuing like crazy.

It was 12+, and I was among the first few passengers to enter the first zone.

Everyone started to load.

I was assigned to sit between two strangers... What an uncomfortable situation... Sat in between two attractive dudes and gals - pretty, ugly, and handsome. What a match.

As compensation, we received some free snacks.

I quickly took some photos from the window, hoping that the pretty lady would not mind, even though she just stared at me... Anyway, it's time to close and rest... So tired...

I awoke around 5+ a.m. to a beautiful morning scene. Unfortunately, I was facing the west side of the sky.

Fortunately, she slept with an eye patch, allowing me to enjoy the sky in peace.

Arrived!

Welcome to Korea 한국에 오신 것을 환영합니다 (Hanguke osin geoseul hwanyeonghamnida)

Yawning... So tired to be honest.

Incheon Airport!

But being with friends will be better!

(Credit ML) Hi hi! Thanks for welcoming us to Korea.

At Incheon Airport, we had to take a shuttle train to transfer to the terminal.

The airport in Korea is beautiful and bears a striking resemblance to Singapore Airport.

The TAMAGO Sandwich and lava eggs are the first things that excited me!

Yippee! I want to buy some more Tamago sandwiches but they ran out of stock! I could eat them forever, but after taking a big, quick bite... THEY PUT WASABI INSIDE! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I hate wasabi...

Anyway, we needed to take a train out from this terminal.

ML mentioned we could take a train here.

Incheon International Airport Terminal 1

We needed to take the train to our AirBnB location.

What a complex and intricate train network.

Taking the train from the airport to Hongik University was quite straightforward and easy to navigate, and it is better to download the Naver app (iOS and Google Play) to navigate than using Google Maps.

(Credit ML) The excitement began to spark within my sleepy mind.

This train carriage resembles Singapore's train.

Feeling at home.

The Korean urban area came into view behind me, with plenty of greenery.

One thing noticeable was the cloudless sky.

Mr Sun was always present, as he was just as excited as me.

I attempted to discreetly take photos of my two colleagues, but I realized that others were observing me.

(credit ML) and ML attempting to capture mine. We had crossed the Yeongjong Bridge and would soon arrive at our destination.

My colleagues kept trying to persuade me to go to Busan for our next trip. Personally, I believe it is my budget, and I must limit the amount of money spent. Oh well, I will think about it first. Honestly, I would like to travel, but my friends usually travel with their spouses, ships, and families... So, oh well.

Hongik University, but my friend says it is Hongdae. It resembles Taiwan or Osaka.

The cable above our heads is particularly noticeable, as it is unique - messy but organised; in contrast, other countries are messy and dangerous.

The road to Airbnb was rather heavily used.

(credit ML) I told my colleagues that using a blurring effect when taking photos could improve the results, but they seemed sceptical. Haha! For me, I love it so much!

Like a spider web in the sky.

Here is our AirBnb building.

We were early to check-in.

We entrusted our luggage to the owner, who will assist us in looking after it...

We could go for a meal and go shopping in Myeongdong!

Surrounded by many tall towers, I have no particular expectations here.

(Credit ML) A picture of myself at Young Lotte Plaza, a hub for the youth. LOL!

I'm fond of bustling street scenes, and this one resembles a street in Japan where numerous advertisement signages jostle for attention.

A blurry background enhances the aesthetic appeal of a picture. They started to agree with me! :D

More street signages

Oh yes! I've managed to break down the larger Korean notes into smaller ones and have taken a moment to admire the colours and designs of the various note values.

Our first meal of the day at Myeongdong Cafe - Cafe de Paris was a honeydew dessert. I love how they cut the fruits and arrange them in a bowl.

(Credit ML) And top it with condensed milk!

(credit ML) Smile sweetly.

Dessert's done, now it's shopping time!

It seemed like there was nothing for me. I didn't buy facial products because my face is shxt, didn't find food without meat ingredients, and didn't see any clothing that captured my attention.

As the sky grew darker and our hunger started to rise, my Muslim friend decided to give vegetarian food a shot for dinner. 👏

I decided to buy this usouso chan うそうそうそちゃん, the otter. It looks absolutely adorable! Was it funny to buy Japanese products in Korea? But, to be honest, getting this otter is difficult, especially in Singapore; even on Korea Street, I do not see many stores carrying it.

In close proximity to our current location, there exists a vegetarian restaurant that is conveniently situated near Seoul Tower.

Ironic Seoul Tower 🗼

HD told the ladies to bring me up there, but they were exhausted and hungry, and they had not finished their shopping spree because they were only in Korea for three days, so it was best not to waste time on scenery.

Vegan Kitchen, let's go!

(Credit the staff) Thank you for assisting us with the group photo and pointing out which dishes contained onion and garlic.

(Credit G) After dinner, I went on to explore further and discovered this staircase, which was ideal for photography!

(Credit G), as I used this opportunity to share my photography experience with them, explaining how blurriness adds depth and improves the aesthetics of a photograph.

(Credit G) Experimenting with various poses and how to pose.

(Credit ML) To enhance the sense of naturalness, authenticity, and sophistication in your subject, you might consider subtly shifting your gaze.

It's not easy for them, particularly when it comes to shifting their gaze, but at least they made an effort.

I spotted something interesting; I had a weird idea but it was on the road... so I just stayed quiet and snapped a picture.

Okay! Let's go, everyone, last smile to Seoul Tower.

Back to more shopping and night markets at Myeongdong.

Myeongdong got more and more crowded!

The night market is akin to Taiwan's night markets, with a particular emphasis on food.

I was craving sweet potatoes, but amusingly, every time I passed by the stores in Korea, they were always "not ready."

I captured an impressive shot of the night market through the glass window at the top of a building with my phone, which greatly impressed my colleagues. They are now considering purchasing the same model of phone that I use.

As it was getting late, I advised the ladies to return and rest for the day as soon as possible. Here is the overall view of our Airbnb.

Mini living room

A small kitchen with enough space for one person

My accommodation throughout my stay in Korea!

Small and low-ceiling toilet

A bigger accommodation for the ladies

My Korea purchase for Day 1

The otter, feeling hungry, quickly devoured the eggs. So cute.

What should be the first activity in Korea with friends? Wearing face masks together to celebrate a successful first day without any arguments.

Our first day in Korea was both typical and exciting. My mother would probably enjoy travelling here as the shopping experience seems tailored to her tastes, especially with the abundance of women's clothing over men's. While there's a wide selection of men's winter wear, I'm indifferent to it since the fabric is too thick for Singapore's climate. For now, I'm content to indulge in the occasional rare find (like that otter plushie) and the beautiful scenery.

Jeff