Farewell, South Korea

Though I've visited South Korea several times as a tourist, it is in December 2010 that officially established my stay into long-term.

From December 2010 to December 2011, I spent it working for an engineering firm. It was fleeting and stressful yet I enjoyed it. As much as I wanted to continue working while pregnant, I had decided to free myself from work-related stress so on my 5th month, my stay-at-home life came into effect.

In the first half of 2012, I gave birth and got busy with motherhood that barely left any time to explore outside. When Amber turned 3 months in summer, I slowly reacquainted myself with life outside home and it started at the nearby park. Then we progressed to places that were already familiar but worth another visit.

my last week in Korea, in pictures (from top left):
1) I heart Green Tea Latte. It has been my drink of choice ever since my former boss highly recommended it to me.
2) Amber. Again, one of the many random photos I took of her.
3) I posted this in Instagram as a note to One Direction =P
4) Starry Starry night at COEX Mall.
5) Last stroll at Pyeongchon Lotte. Photo taken at Uniqlo (LOL!)
6) Returned to sender: T's perfume collection. Not a single perfume passed through without notice. 

Ten Random Things. 

1. My first ever trip in South Korea was in Busan. That was in year 2006 and purely for business.
2. In my two years of stay, I never jumped on the Korean wave bandwagon. Definitely it has nothing to do with age for there are far older people who are just crazy over them. 
3. I have never been to Everland (OK, I passed by it on the way to Caribbean Bay), Lotte World, Nami Island and Jeju. Yes, I had the advantage and regret for not allocating at least a day for each.  
4. South Korea gave me the coldest and longest winter in my winter history. I don't think I'll survive Canada as I've heard and read that temperature there drops at extreme negative degrees. 
5. Fare and Cinema tickets are fairly affordable (compared to Japan). Food as well. 
6. Most of the younger crowd and young professionals can understand and speak English. 
7. North Korea's threats are scary but their attempts so far proved futile. I stopped caring because thinking too much about it can be really wearisome. I remember that it was a day after my birthday when the North satellite launching failed. On that day, people here in the South went on with their daily goings, as if nothing tragic was looming. I have personally observed this as I was processing my insurance documents at the nearby branch. Honestly, it did scare me as much as I tried to be nonchalant the whole time.
8. I will surely miss my favorite Korean foods: Gamjatang, Samgyeopsal and Samgyetang. 
9. Parks, big and small, can be found everywhere. I love them. I wish Cebu I.T. Park will spare a space for a park with a nicely made landscape where anyone can unwind and take shelter under trees.  
10. This is where Amber was born. The first seven months or so of her life were spent here. She will probably not remember a thing but hopefully someday, when she's old enough, we'll get to visit this place again.

Related: I posted a list of random keen observations (Korea Edition) three years ago.

Yes, it's been good two years.

Farewell, Korea. 'Til I see you again. 

Autumn 2012

We need not go far to see pretty Autumn foliage for 'the nearby park' has trees turning yellow.

It's been raining lately so we made sure to drop by 'the nearby park' to take pictures before they all turn leafless. 

During Summer, whenever bored staying indoors, I with Amber (in her stroller) spent most weekday afternoons walking this path. The whole path is covered with shade so the penetrating heat of Summer sun was hardly felt.

Seoul Lantern Festival

Last year, I had no interest in attending the Seoul Lantern Festival for the same reason why I was a no-show to most activities that year. I was pregnant and as result, oftentimes lethargic; thus, whatever remaining energy I had were purely reserved for work and most of my weekends were devoted to sleep.

At least this year, I made sure to see the festival because that was probably the last I'll get to attend. Though not up-close (in a way that allows one to have a photo taken next to or in front of a lantern), I saw them. Up-close was impossible because the queue alone to Cheonggye Plaza was really long. In spite of that, I did manage to take a few shots from above.

Look at the crowd! I could barely find a space to squeeze two adults and a baby in a stroller.

Yeouido

Sunday being all sunny, T and I (with Amber) went to 63 Building located in Yeouido. We've been to 63 Building in Spring of 2009 but yesterday, our main agenda was to visit the 63 Wax Museum.

It was my first wax museum experience so I don't have any place to compare with. In our Amsterdam trip last year we failed to visit Madame Tussauds due to time constraints. We didn't list it as a must-visit-place-while-in-Amsterdam to begin with because it can be found elsewhere. And besides, visiting a wax museum of celebrities doesn't tell much about a place to tourists.

It's officially Fall! My favorite season.

The Autumn foliage inspired me to make it as background for my now mandatory outfit shot. I really need to work on my poses, LOL! And I seriously regret having bangs!

Cardigan: Uniqlo |  Top: Natural Beauty Basic | necklace: from a Flea Market | skinny jeans: Gap | flats: Adidas by Stella McCartney

More after the jump!

around Beomgye

Beomgye is a station away from Pyeongchon (our nearest station). It is the nearest station where the hospital I had my regular prenatal check-ups and eventually, the same place where Amber was born.

While on our way home from the hospital for Amber's scheduled vaccination last Thursday, I snapped a few photos of the place.

In Korea, establishments such as cafes, electronics shops, beauty havens and restaurants are many near a station.

I have to remind T that we should try Korean style street foods.

Our visit to the hospital didn't take long so right after dropping by Lotte Department Store for some little shopping, I decided to walk on our way home since the weather was fair and temperature not too cold.

Autumn is here.

Dropped by Holly's Coffee for Green Tea Latte.

Amber, all wrapped up, enjoyed our walk. She was well-behaved all the way home.

around Seoul

That Sunday, we finally took Amber to Seoul. We live in Anyang City -- approximately an hour away by train to Seoul proper. Since Amber will turn six months a few days from that Sunday, we've decided that our little one is ready for long train rides.

The weather being all sunny, save for the temperature of 19degC, was bearable. Amber, all wrapped up, seemed to enjoy sightseeing contrary to our belief that she'll easily get bored and sleep the entire time. Though she slept the whole time while in the train, she was wide awake by the time we arrived at our stop.  (I totally understood her for there's not much to see in the subway, anyway.)

On the left: the old Seoul City Hall and and at its back, the new Seoul City Hall building.

The old Seoul City Hall building is now a public library.

And here's the mandatory outfit shot: 

Top: Uniqlo, chinos: Gap, shoes: Vans, bag: Longchamp

After a lot of walking, we took a break at Caffe Pascucci.

Sejong the Great. 

He was the fourth king of Joseon Dynasty and founder of Korea's written language, the Hangul.

The ceiling of Gwanghwamun. The main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Spotted soon-to-be K-Pop Girl group. hehe

Amber. Overwhelmed by her surroundings.

Children's artworks at King Sejong museum. 

Autumn is setting soon so we try to spend the last remaining days of bearable temperature outdoors. Korea winter is looooonnng and the temperature drops at negative degrees -- at that setting, the only option is to stay indoors.

I see trees are green

Here in South Korea, Summer begins middle of June, peaks in July and August, and slowly gives way to Autumn in September. It's July and lately the temperature ranges from 28-32degC at noontime, and the sun sets around 8pm. Summer here is such a fleeting occurrence that even in June, Summer clothes are already on sale and Autumn/Winter clothes are already available

Having to stay indoors for five consecutive days (or more) in a week with nothing to do except attending to Amber's demands, leaves me dull and pale. Thus, I made it a point for us to go out especially in this season that requires only light clothing and slippers to wear. It is such a waste to let Summer pass by without enjoying it even if my enjoyment means a mere walk in the park in my shorts and slippers. (As much as I want a beach escapade, it is not possible due to distance). My options are not many: i.e. the nearby mall, the nearby park, and the Anyang Central park.

The weekend that was: Strolling at the nearby park, Caffe J interior, iced Green Tea latte, and cheesecake.

baby stuff and a zoo

Yesterday, the weather being all sunny save for the negative 6degC temperature, T and I went to check out a newly-opened mall (D-Cube City) in Seoul. But before heading to our destination, we decided to have lunch at a Japanese restaurant near Pyongcheon station for some Udon.

Though we have dined at that restaurant many times, the name still escapes me.
EDIT: The name reads as Onigiri to Udon (it was written in Hangeul)

udon and onigiri

I have always been a fan of Japanese food and am just glad I can find a few restaurants serving at affordable prices here. *sigh* I miss Japan. 

Well, about D-Cube City, it's not really huge compared to Times Square Seoul. Getting there is not hard since it is accessible via Exit no. 1 of Sindorim station. 

coffee break  (Well, not on my part. I had hot skim milk)

If before, whenever an opportunity for shopping presents itself, there is no way I end up buying nothing for myself; Well, times have changed. Instead of buying stuff for me, I bought some baby stuff..and a zoo.

onesies and baby socks from H&M

 if you see a hair strand on the floor (in the pic), it only means we haven't done any cleaning this week.

Food Trip - Touch of Spice

Rarely do I have time to blog about Seoul or anything for work has been stressing me out that zits have come to dwell (again) on my face. Do take note that the words 'very busy' is an understatement and I'd rather not speak much about it here.

Though I've been out and about Seoul many times, I don't post about it because (1) my wherabouts are nothing in particular, like running an errand for groceries; (2) i don't bring a camera with me for it proves burdensome to go around with a camera bag in tow. We all know how essential photos are in blogs =P. Unless one talks about boring stuff -- which I frequently write about; (3) Again, work has taken over my life. =P

Myeongdong, one of the busiest shopping districts in Seoul. It reminds me of the narrow alleys of Ueno, Shinjuku and Harajuku. You can find almost anything there from Korean skin care to cheap street foods..to Louis Vuitton knock-offs selling a few meters away from the police station. Them not getting caught is beyond me.

Anyway, last Sunday, after completing our task in Itaewon at 2pm, T and I were undecided where to go next. I suggested going to Namsan Seoul tower again since the weather was warm because the last time we've been there was March 2009. Still hesitant on the idea, we finally decided to hop on a random bus and alighted at Myeongdong.

Seoul Central Post Office

We dropped by Shinsegae for some little shopping and went to Bank of Korea museum to check on North Korea notes. I swear this North and South conflict still intrigues me that whenever a chance presents itself, I just want to spend time looking at it while thinking the extreme contrast of these two countries at present.

I admit not being good at food reviews. I had abandoned my food blog after three entries and thought of reviving it but my busy schedule prevents me from doing so. Thus, I have decided to post food entries (not reviews) here.

Like I said, I'm not good at food reviews. My adjectives for food are poor that most of the time, I either describe it as delicious or not delicious. But for the sake of posterity, photos are enough.

Vietnamese roll

Stir-fried seafood

Nasi Goreng

TOUCH OF SPICE

48-2 Myeongdong 1(il)-ga, 

Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

http://www.touchofspice.co.kr/

Not loving Mondays

Been very very busy since early February. After having endured two boring months of doing nothing in the office, I was officially assigned to project execution which gave me more (stress) than I expected. I love the work except for Mondays. Mondays are such a dread because I need to submit a weekly report that sums up each disciplines' activities. And as often the case, I submit it an hour or so before 6pm. The stress for that day is incomparable that I rarely leave my sit to take a break.

And don't get me started on monthly reports...=S

To compensate for the busy weekdays, my husband and I make sure to stroll around, watch movies or pig-out on weekends.

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My office is located at Gangnam, and the nearest station is Yeoksam station. To get there, I have to commute by subway. And since I leave home around 7:30am (rush hour), I have to wrestle myself to get into a crowded train because there's no way the next train will be less crowded. Bless my physique for it allows me to squeeze into impossibly small spaces between commuters. At first, the whole getting squeezed for 40 mins or so upsets me but having observed other commuters' attitude, I began to treat it with nonchalance. To keep me calm and collected, I let Snow Patrol blast good music to my ears.

My book project is not making any progress (due to my busy schedule). I have not even started reading the last book of the Millennium triology which I should have done a month ago. My sights are now on reading 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro before watching its movie adaptation anytime this week.

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And here comes my birthday. It's a Tuesday (whew!) thus i can leave the office early and celebrate with hubby.

temporary resident

Since December 2010, I've been staying in hotels. Not that it's a personal choice but Company told us they are still looking for our permanent accommodation; thus, for the time being, we stay in hotels -- at their expense. As what I've heard from others, the planned permanent residence will be at Gimpo. And according to Wikipedia,

"It (Gimpo) also looks across the Han River at N.Korea".

They can defer (if not cancel) those plans because I am in no hurry to move.



When our batch (of 7) arrived in Seoul, 2 went to another accommodation while 5 (including me) were booked at Imperial Palace. I didn't take the name seriously then because I was expecting a business type hotel that is Japanese-owned (the word 'Imperial'). Well, to my surprise, when our driver pulled tha van in front of IP, I was beyond awed. IP Seoul looked so grand before me (in my Converse). Everything looks ornate, as expected from most luxurious hotels. The only downside: no free breakfast.

After 5 days, we checked-out at IP and checked-in at Ramada. I was expecting the latter to be less grand and probably located in the outskirts of Seoul.  Though not as grand as IP, Ramada looks condo type, service is awesome, main lobby is filled with art exhibits, and of course, it's a walking distance to/from Seoul Station.

What I love about staying in this hotel is that buffet breakfast is free (the food is good); the room is perfect and there's no need to worry about utility cost for it comes free. Laundry is not a problem either since the suite already includes valuable appliances such as washer, microwave oven, electric iron and cable TV. And best of all, someone comes in daily to clean my suite. Now, who would want to leave?

Anyway, Lunar Holiday is over. We had 6 days (including weekend) of no work. I spent it mostly on ice.

Hi Seoul

I no longer belong to the unemployed! I was aware, way back September, that my being 'bum' was just temporary because that Summer, other than getting to know Ulsan better, I was busy sending my resumes to prospective employers. In the age of FB and Twitter, most people tend to announce good news in their status messages for the world to know. In my case, I did post, the same day I received the good news, disguised as a video (Good Life by OneRepublic) on my FB wall.

I am now in Seoul, working for an engineering company. According to our industry standards, and to the locals here, company is prominent.

Winter is awful . Outside is snowing at -2degC.

Seoul is no stranger to me. It was not love at first sight (considering I was partial to Tokyo before) but in time, I'll learn to love her.

My only concern is up North. Though I have complete faith on this country's military capabilities, I can't keep myslef from thinking of the alarming possibilities. But judging from the locals around me, not a trace of worry is evident. They (locals) are probably so used to North's threats, after all those years, it bothers them no more.

Ulsan files# 2 Last cup of Milk Tea at Beans Bins

I have to say my weekday afternoons that Summer were never boring. Since my husband works practically the whole day, I am left with roaming Ulsan alone (not much to roam, and easy to explore). For half of July and most of August afternoons, I dedicated them to Nihongo study at coffee shops. And of all the many cafes near University of Ulsan, my favorite is Beans Bins.

uhmm.there's a small night market at its front.

Unfortunately, my fave was not available. Above: Blueberry Chocolate Waffle and Milk Tea

Besides coffee, no.1) They serve waffles. Waffle at coffee shops is quite popular in South Korea. I bet they've tried every imaginable fruit or syrup to put on it. It's the usual Belgian waffle with fruits, syrup, cream or anything on top -- which makes it special. I personally like their Organic Blueberry waffle.

Besides coffee, no.2) Hi-speed Wifi is free. Some coffeeshops offer free Wifi but require passwords to connect to their affiliated networks -- sooo not convenient to me.

The 1st floor. Most prefer the upper floors.

Besides coffee, no.3) This particular branch has three floors with lovely interior. I prefer the 2nd or 3rd floor because noise is less (though sometimes, kids wail and run around). It's amazing for I can get away with just one coffee while studying the whole afternoon. I was expecting to be kicked out anytime due to this behavior but they never did. Seriously, I see no reason for them to do that for I am a very good customer.

With all afternoon spent on studying, I should pass the exams =P.

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I thought my Ulsan files will at least reach five. It seems I've been too busy with things other than blogging. In reality, I no longer spend too much time in front of a computer. My previous job involved a lot of computer use and when boredom strike, it (computer) was one of the best inventions to kill it.

Since becoming a bum, TV replaced computer as my buddy. Other than TV, I was busy with exploring Ulsan and like i mentioned, Nihongo study. In spite of the sweat that comes with the slightest movement inherent in Summer, for me, it was the right time to explore this city. And like i said, Ulsan is easy to roam and honestly, not as exciting as Seoul, I got bored and often switched the TV on.

This is my last post about Ulsan or let's say, what I did in Ulsan. October will be spent in Cebu and I'm sooo looking forward to seeing my family and friends again. 

that summer..

I know it's still all sunny and hot but I feel autumn is slowly pushing summer away.

Ok, the purpose of this post is to list all the things i did in summer of 2010. Here it goes.

1.) Bum(-ing) around. While in Ulsan (currently not there), my day would usually start at 10plus in the morning. Right then, I start my domestic chores. Take lunch at random affordable restos because i don't cook that much. After that, I'd stop by Beans Bins for my afternoon cafe latte, and to study (while taking advantage of their free Wifi, hehe).

2.) I am at my heaviest record now (49kgs), and I.DON'T.LIKE.IT. I (tried) totally shunning out pork (which is impossible since most Korean dish involves pork).

3.) Finally finished my Minna no Nihongo books. I practically spent the most of my afternoons studying. And I just recently applied for JLPT N4 in Seoul last Monday. I'm reviewing Kanji and Listening skills (the latter proves to be quite difficult for I haven't been communicating with Japanese people since July). My only hope that in the coming exams, I am not the only foreigner in the room.

4.) Watching K-pop videos. They have this weekly countdown on TV. As a keen observer, K-pop girl bands often dominate the charts. Not surprising. Other than their songs are catchy, they target both genders. Boys find them pretty and probably, fantasize them; and girls love 'girl power'. Usually, they are composed of four members. It is imperative that at least one member is capable of belting out the high notes, another member can rap (if not all), and all can do some basic cirque du soleil.

Case in point: 'Bad Girl, Good Girl' by Miss A. 

They are werqing it. Their butts are sticking out.

5.) I began loving CSI. I've watched CSI before but it is only last July that I feel it. It definitely has to do with being a bum. TV is my friend.

For next week is Chuseok (a harvest festival in Korea), I am quite excited.

Busan

Last Sunday, Yoo (T's officemate) invited us for a ride from Ulsan to Busan. Comparing to bus, it took us a little less than hour to get there. It was actually a double date to watch a baseball game between Busan Lotte Giants and some-team-from-Seoul. Upon arriving Busan around 2:30pm, too early for 5:00pm game, we suggested Yoo to drop us at some place to 'cool' us down while he go fetch his gf. To our surprise, Shinsegae is located right beside Lotte (where Yoo dropped us). The former takes pride as the biggest department store in the world. We've since wanted to check it out after having seen it on National Geographic's Mega Structures episode. 

We watched the games and I, having little knowledge as to baseball rules, enjoyed it in spite of the hot humid weather.

Before the game ended (the Giants won), we left and Yoo drove us to the mountain. No kidding. Yoo took us to the beacon mound of Mt. Hwangnyeong. Amazing place and allows one to view Busan at 360deg panorama.

Gwangan Bridge

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P.S. Busan aspires to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Ulsan files #1 Dae Wang Am

I tried goggle-ing it but found nothing. Nobody bothered to make a Wiki page for such an awesome place?!

Anyway, I managed to get a shot of its bulletin information but I'll just type it here for the benefit of those who have poor eyesight. (I know the small fonts are not helping but i love small fonts..sorry =P)

"King Munmu, the 30th King of the Silla Dynasty....was buried under a great rock in the East Sea in accordance with his will and sublimated into the guardian dragon of the kingdom. People, therefore, call the rock "Dae-wang Am, and it is located in Yangbuk-myun, Kyongju."

So, the place i went to yesterday was not in Kyongju (Kyongju is not in Ulsan, but it's not that far from here). They call this place Dae-Wang Am because..

"Meanwhile, the spirit of the Queen also became a guardian dragon of the kingdom after she died since she could not forget her husband's noble will. Later the dragon flew to Ulsan and submerged herself under this rock right here to protect the East Sea. People began to call this rock 'Dae-wang Am' and it is told that seaweed does not grow around this rock because of the dragon."

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From here on, I'll be sharing Ulsan adventures in numbered file posts. Just one of the amazing things a bum is capable of doing.

where am I?

Ulsan, South Korea.I've been roaming its streets (except for today due to bad weather) since Monday. Ulsan does not have a subway transpo, so exploring the city by bus is such a challenge. (I got lost twice, and if not for Google maps, I would have braved my way to the nearest police station for help.)

Ulsan has city buses with NASCAR trained drivers. My first ride had me gripping for dear life, and the succeeding ones, lulled me to sleep. In less than three days of bus-hopping, I got used to it. But I dare not sleep, I don't wanna miss my stop.

Few things I love:
We live near University of Ulsan. Across it, are coffeeshops, restos, bars, boutiques and more restos that are relatively cheaper (perhaps, designed for student budget).

Food is cheap. I crave for grilled pork belly rolled into lettuce (I still don't know its name. T said it's not Samgyeopsal).

Summer here ain't humid.

Wifi is everywhere. And super fast.

Local coffee shops are many. Surprisingly, their interior are prettier, and their coffee tastes better than the commercial ones (read: Starbucks).

Something worth noting:
I can't speak and understand Hangul. And I'm not driven to learn, lolz. I have on-going Nihongo self study. Thus, learning another foreign language is far from what I want to do right now. I only know two phrases: "Gamsa Hamneda" (Thank you), and "Annneheong Haseyo" (Good morning, noon, evening).

Bum for two weeks now, and I miss work, lolz.