Sanmotoonge Cafe - Buamdong

Confession time: So prior to this trip, I don't think I have payed much attention to the 'Coffee Prince' Korean drama, much less intended to visit the place where it was filmed at. So when my friends said they want to check it out, I admit I had my doubts about it. But you know what, it's actually a really chill place to hang out and have a drink with the mountains and fog as your companions.

Getting there can be a hassle, since it's up on a hill, but the way route there is a very scenic and enjoyable one. Plus the chilly weather and cherry blossoms made the journey up a whole lot more bearable. 

Yeouido Spring Flower Festival 2014

I realised that it will soon be a year since I went to Seoul and since many will probably be thinking of visiting Korea in Spring, I figured my first blog post on Korea should be about Yeouido Spring Flower Festival (haha yeah, I'm very helpful like that).

Unfortunately for us, by the time we visited Korea (12 April 2014), we missed the optimal full bloom period even though the recommended period of visit was 3 - 13 April 2014. So the pro tip will be to visit Korea, or more specifically Yeouido Spring Flower Festival, during the first few days of the full bloom season. (Directions there can be found below)

But just because some of the cherry blossoms have already wilted / dropped, doesn't mean it's not worth a visit!

Taiwan Day 2 in Nantou (Cingjing)

Alright, since I'm stuck at home because of the flu and cough I've been having for the last 3 days, I shall do up a post on the Taiwan trip. (It's so close to being a year since I went there!) 

Day 2 consisted of us driving up to Cingjing area and spending the entire day amongst the clouds (I'm not even kidding). Here's an example when the driver stopped a bit for us to take some photos:

Isn't it gorgeous? And this is not the most spectacular view, yet.

Seoul 2014 April Masterpost

I know.. I know.. I haven't even completed my Taiwan blog posts, and I'm creating a Korea masterpost? But hey, this is my blog and I can post whatever I want right? Haha! I'm not too sure if I will ever get round to completing the Taiwan posts or even get started on posting about Korea. But I figured I should at least keep a record of our Seoul itinerary for future reference, you know?

Day 1 (12 April):
Lunch at Tosokchon (Famous Ginseng Chicken); explored Bukchon Hanok Village and Samcheongdong; visited Yeouido Spring Flowers Festival; dinner at Yoogane Hongdae. Stayed at PigFly hostel in Hongdae.

Day 2:
Breakfast at Myeongdong Gyoja; visited Sanmootonge (the place where they filmed Coffee Prince) at Buamdong. Had Kyochon Chicken for dinner!

Day 3:
Breakfast at Isaac Toast. Day trip to Jade Garden. Dinner at Mabongnim Halmeoni Tteokbokki - Famous Army Stew. Visited Gwangjang Market at night.

Day 4:
Full day DMZ + Panmunjom tour. Dinner at a random Korean BBQ in Hongdae.

Day 5:
Visited Bau House Dog Café, tea at Publique Cafe, dinner at Chuncheonjip Dakgalbi Makguksu - Famous Dakgalbi. Stay at Travellers' Planet at Hongdae.

Day 6:
Shopped at Ewha area and Dongdaemun. Tea at Bridge Cafe.

Day 7:
Hiked at Uiryeong-gil Section 21,  cycled along Han River and visited Namsan Tower at night.

Day 8:
Visited Seoul Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art and had tea at Osulloc Tea House. Visited the Flea Market at Hongdae. Dinner at Kyochon Chicken Hongdae.

Day 9 (20 April):
Takeaway breakfast and afternoon flight on Korean Air back home~

Dawncake (Miyahara) 宫原眼科

Has it really been 2 months since I last updated? I know it's such a cliché, but the days just flew right past. Alright, enough chit-chat, let's talk about one of my favourite shops in Taiwan instead - Dawncake (Miyahara) 宫原眼科. It is housed in a historical building that used to be a Japanese eye hospital, hence its English name, 'Miyahara Ophthalmology Department'.

What's so great about this shop? First up, the decor!

Is this Hogwarts?