Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Publique

Publique is an extremely famous bread and pastry shop in Korea for their variety of baked goods, labeled one of the best in Seoul and they definitely do stand up to their title. This small bakery offers a cafe for you to sit and enjoy the baked goodies and pastries as well as a small outdoor seating area to enjoy the beautiful weather, surrounded by flowers. Freshly baked daily, Publique offers a handful of baked goodies, but the most popular just might have to be their eclairs. Rather than being stuffed with a cream filling, the chocolate eclair is filled with a chocolate mousse that takes it over the top. Their almondcroissant is also something different, offering a cream filling that takes it up a level. Publique is a must visit for anyone who loves pastries, breads, and sweets (that means everyone). 

Directions: Take Sangsu station, line 6 exit 1 and go straight. Take a right at the first block that you see and walk straight until the dead end. Take a left and go straight. Publique will be in a hidden cement building on your left which you can miss if you are not looking carefully!
Address: Seoul, Mapo-gu, Sangsu-dong, 311-1 서울시 마포구 상수동 311-1
Phone: 02-333-6919
Hours: 11am-10pm, Closed on Sundays

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Be Sweet On

Be Sweet On is a dessert spot in Hongdae that is constantly swarmed with people who are looking to enjoy a sweet tooth satisfaction. With pastries that are baked up fresh daily, there is a crunchy crisp to very flaky pastry, a fresh taste to every dessert. Sweets start at the price of $5 and can cost well over $10, but it is one place that is always packed with locals because the pastries are that amazing. 

The one suggestion to be made is the Mille-Feuille Chocolat Au Lait which is the perfect blend of a layered pastry consisting of mille feuille and chocolate creme topped with a sweet glazed orange, vanilla ice cream and a chocolate fan. It is then drizzled with caramel and plated to enjoy. The presentation of the dessert alone is worth splurging the $10, but the taste takes it to a whole new level. There is no perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and sweet in a pastry.

Opened in the afternoon, it caters to the later hours of the busy Hongdae area. Take exit 8 of the Hongik University station on line 2 and take a right at the block. Follow the road straight down past the curved road on your left. Go straight to the dead end and take a right at that block. Take a left at the following block and go straight and Be Sweet On will be on your right on the second floor. 

Address: 339-3 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울 마포구 서교동 339-3

Telephone: 02-323-2370

Hidden Treasures - Salt and Butter

Coming from New York and experiencing amazing burgers like Shake Shack, finding a good burger in Korea is extremely difficult. Of course, there's always that one spot that all the foreigners know about, the real deal where you can get a real burger. Salt and Butter, one of the top casual American restaurants on the list, except this has a special terrace that overlooks Apgujeong rodeo, perfect for the warm season to enjoy outdoor food without pollution passing you buy and hitting your food. 

With so many options on the menu, there are a handful of suggested ones which include their legendary Dallas Burger, Salmon Burger, Sliders, Fried Chicken Thigh Burger, Sweet Potato Fries, pretty much everything on the menu. Many rave about the burgers and travel distances for it.

With a focus on hand crafted homemade burgers, Salt and Butter also offers pastas, steaks, and salads which takes this all American restaurant over the top. Although the burgers are to die for, their seafood pasta if extremely light in taste and uses big chunks of shrimp. What does that mean? The full on taste of actual seafood in your meal and not the small coin size ones which enhances their seafood pasta that much more.

The ingredients from Salt and Butter are extremely fresh and unique to taste. The reason for that is that they have their own smokehouse for the restaurant, whipping up their own batch of bacon every two weeks using Korean pork which is more expensive than the imported meats. With so much tender, love, and care that comes with their bacon, the rest of their ingredients are not ignored. Salt and Butter actually has a farm where they grow a lot of the herbs they use for their menu, which includes parsley, basil, lettuce, tomato, cucumber and even sweet potatoes for their fries!

Another special touch the restaurant offers is their homemade aioli sauce which is a lemon garlic mayonnaise mix that they serve with their burgers and fries instead of ketchup. The reason for that is the amazing combination and flavor that it gives to the fries, making it that much better. Speaking of fries, they also offer truffle oils that it used after salting their freshly batch of fries. Salt and Butter goes for ingredients to be the core of their menu, but not too much of a flashy pile high burger, accentuating the taste to the max.

Pair your meal with their variety of drinks which include the milkshakes, the Rogue draft beer which is extremely popular in Itaewon and even a freshly squeezed Strawberry Basil Lemonade that is over the top and true to taste. They don't use Sprite like many other restaurants in Korea which helps to give you that refreshing kick needed. 

The one thing that I am absolutely in love with, other than the food of course, is the environment. A chill place for you to enjoy a meal  not only over a terrace, but with open windows for you to overlook the busy street and the many people that passes by. In addition to this, the restaurant is one of the very limited with an open kitchen in the heart of the restaurant, centered where customers can see their food being cooked up. Their industrial interior with dimmed lighting matches the more urban and modern touch which makes it the perfect setting for any lunch or dinner. 

Hours of operation currently fall under Monday to Thursday from 11:30 AM to 3 PM and reopening at 5:30PM. Friday through Sunday from 11:30 AM to 11 PM with a change in schedule to open until midnight within the next month or two. 

Directions to the restaurant: Taking Apgujeong Station exit 2, it is roughly an 8 minute walk to the Galleria Department Store. Take a right at the Paris Croissant into Rodeo STreet and the restaurant will be on your left above the NBA store. There are also many buses that go to the Galleria Department Store Station that leaves you right in front of the Paris Croissant. 

Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 663 (right above the NBA store building)
서울 강남구 신사동 663
Phone: 02-512-2667

My Current Obsession - New Pumice Ultimate Spa

New Pumice Fission Technology is a new discovery I made from my local nail salon that helps to remove the layer of dry skin from the hands and feet. In addition to this, it helps to stimulate and revitalize the skin. It definitely didn't look or seem possible at first but by shaking the bottle and spraying for a hand and foot massage, the layer of skin will be gently removed. You will notice a dead layer of skin that is gently scrubbed away with use. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bingsooro

Patbingsoo 팥빙수 is an extremely popular shaved ice dessert in Korea for the simple fact that is an amazing blend of everything. One place that has a limited menu (which sometimes should be kept that way) to enhance the best flavors of a dish, is Bingsooro in Hongdae. Having just four different options on the menu, Bingsooro offers a milk and green tea blend, strawberry, red bean and a regular snow blend. Fairly priced, patbingsoo is marked at roughly $6. Bingsooro offers an open seating of basic wood interior which is welcoming to a young crowd. Located close to the university, a lot of students drop in for a quick refreshment and are on their way. Because these shaved ice are made fresh, it can take a while with a large crowd, but for the most part, is it an amazing blend of flavor, red bean, mochi and thin pellets of ice that will practically melt in your mouth! 

From the Hongik University station on the green line 2, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight for two blocks. You will be facing the university with gray buildings. Before reaching the end where the third light is, Bingsooro will be on your left on the second floor after the light.

Restaurant Review - 한추 (Hanchu Fried Chicken)

한추 is one of the most famous restaurants, not for it's amazing interior or service, but for their fried chicken. Labeled as the best fried chicken in Seoul, there have been quite the number of foreign and local bloggers that praise the fried chicken at 한추 in Apgujeong between the Sinsa and Apgujeong station. The reason why 한추's chicken is so special is because they use a particular marinate before actually throwing the chicken down to cook.

With a simple breading that is a full blast of flavor, the chicken is then deep fried and served as is or with a special sweet and spicy 양념 sauce. With a plate of chicken for roughly $17, it is enough to feed two or three, depending on the stomach. Although the chicken is praised to be the best thing on the menu, and the best in Seoul, this is dubious. It's gone both ways, but it is worth making a trip to try the "best" and judge it yourself. 

One thing on the menu that is a definite must order is their stuffed chilly peppers. Stuffed with meat, battered, and deep fried. It is a hit and a no brainer with many. For the most part, many visitors praise the stuffed green peppers more than their famous chicken which does go to say a lot. 

한추 has been around for a while and is a well-established restaurant in Korea.

One weird eat if you're courageous enough to try is the chicken butt. Yes, chicken butt. It may sound to be horrible, but it really isn't as bad as you think it is. It is just a different part of the chicken's body, a delicacy in Korea and many Asian countries.

For that reason, the interior caters to the loud and young generation that is looking for good food and beer of course. Chicken in Korea is almost always paired with beer. Because of this, you can find a young crowd consuming the goods at 한추 and enjoying a good time. This dinky-looking place is probably not the best place to go to for a date, but it is the best place to go with a group of friends. 

The top three items on the menu, one of the most basic menus of restaurants is the Original fried chicken, fried chicken with spicy sauce, and the green peppers. They have a very basic English translation which is enough to interpret the menu. Because it is a young, drinking place, a side of chips and radish is served with your order. 

Located in Apgujeong parallel to the Garosu-gil shopping area, there are a few ways (and quite a walk) to get to 한추. Keep in mind the restaurant opens late hours from 5PM to 3AM, catering to the young crowd of drinking. 
Address: Seoul, Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong 549-9

서울 강남구 신사동 649-9

Phone Number 02-3446-5778

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - My Little Cafe

My Little Cafe in Hongdae 나의작은카페 (the literal translation in Korean as well) is an extremely small cafe that is the cutest thing ever. Themed around a garden concept, there are always fresh flowers on the table and dimmed lighting that provides a warm atmosphere to bond over a cup of coffee and their amazing desserts. With the morning sunshine that peeps through their little window and white door, it is the perfect daytime setting for a day date as well. The everything cute can be found in My Little Cafe because they actually bring a lot of the home feeling to their environment, grasping the touch of small garden for the child inside.

My Little Cafe offers all kinds of cakes with their own twist. Most cakes are based on a cream concept that is layered perfectly on top of a cake base. The recommended is their Earl Grey Tea cake which has a few layers of flavor and topped with half a macaron. The concept is definitely different where they incorporate a macaron and small twists on the traditional desserts. The best part is their macarons are sold at the lowest price seen in Seoul, just $1.50 a piece which is even cheaper than the prices listed in New York. 

The recommendations to be made will definitely be the affogato which is brewed after ordered. topped with chocolate chips and a chocolate macaron. In addition to this amazing beverage, their macarons are on point, as well as their delightful cakes. Shaved ice would not be the best recommendation here, signature desserts is the way to go. Beware because this shop is limited in space, closed on Mondays and open at noon regularly, catering to couples and tea time until 11PM at night. 

Directions: Take Hongdae station exit 8 on the green line. When you exit, take a right at the corner block until you reach a semi curve in the road. Take the block going straight into an alley (My Little Cafe is literally straight down but because there is no direct street, you will have to make a U-like walk). Therefore, make a left at the dead end and take a right at the next intersection. Walk down to the third block and take a right. Go straight to the middle of the block and My Little Cafe will be on your right. Phone: 02-323-0507 

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence

Anyone who knows me knows that I still have very long, virgin hair. The reason for that is because I am looking to donate my hair, but I am so obsessed with taking care of my hair that I did a mini blog on Hair 101 and how to prevent split ends when I first started the blog. For the most part, I really care for my hair and have minimal heat damage as well as minimal combing. 

I recently found a product that I have been obsessed with because it promotes healthy hair. The Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one of the best sellers in Korea for hair care. It is enriched with camellia oil from Jeju island. It's for all hair types and promotes a healthy shine which can be used daily. Simple run the product through your hair (I suggest running it through your ends only if you are on a budget). After doing so, you can simply pair with your regular products. Because I do not use any, I just use this as a nutrient to keep my hair healthy.

Like many other products that claim to help keep the hair healthy, the Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one product that actually works. It keeps my hair healthy and reduces the number of split ends. Although it claims to provide the hair with some kind of shine, there isn't great shine behind the product, but it works in maintaining. For those who do not have the time to care for your hair by conditioning and using olive oil to soak the hair, this would be a great product thats quick and easy to use. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Molly's Pops

Molly's Pops (몰리스팝스) is one of the most famous places for foreigners, locals, adults, and children of all ages. For what reason? For their ice pops. Molly's pops is the one place in Seoul that offers fun and amazing flavor to all guests for their refreshing ice pops. For just $3 a pop, that pretty much beats the price of any convenient store ice cream, as well as my ultimate favorite Baskin Robbins. Molly's Pops take ice pops to another level by incorporating all kinds of flavors.

The best sellers are of course the ones made with booze for a different kind of kick as well as the signature Wasabi. Yes, a wasabi ice pop. As peculiar as it may sound, this bizarre food is actually not so bad when incorporated in a popsicle stick. Refreshing and cold, there is definitely enough of a taste of wasabi at the end that surprises you. 

Although they are labeled as an ice pop, the texture of the popsicles are extremely milky to the point where they melt in your mouth. It is a smooth blend of amazing flavor, incorporating all things good from sweet to tart and tangy. It is all things good on a stick you can't go wrong with that or any choice of ice pops at Molly's pops. 

This small shop is located from exit 8 of the Hongdae station on line 2. Take a right into the first block when you walk out of the station and follow the block straight down after you pass the curved road on your left (technically walk on it). Go to the very end until you hit a dead end and make a left. Molly's Pops will be on your right within a two blocks walk.

Address: 330-20 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-Gu, Seoul
서울 마포구 서교동 330-20

Hidden Treasures - Deli HeinzBurg

Deli HeinzBurg is one place to rave about for their amazing brunch, cold cuts, burgers, lunch, dinner, and everything included menu options. Deli HeinzBurg takes a traditional menu and cooks up everything that is anything but traditional. The way they are able to incorporate fresh ingredients of holidays and cultural foods is amazing. 

They break from the cliche sandwiches and burgers, even the drink menu is something amazing. The one thing that Deli HeinzBurg is a true staple for is their dishes that are over the top, literally. They are stacked in a way that makes it impossible to consume with one bite. Eating a sandwich or burger from Deli HeinzBurg involves you to get down and dirty. Break from the fork and knife that they offer you, you need to take a big bite in to get a full blast of flavor that they cook up. This is no place for you to be cute and eat girly.

The most recognizable sandwich from Deli HeinzBurg is the turkey cranberry and cheese sandwich that is piled on top of an amazing bread and bed of salad. You just might have to pull out a knife and fork and consume this as if it was a salad. Nonetheless, it is absolutely amazing in taste, the perfect blend of all things good. In addition to their Thanksgiving holiday sandwich that you can get on any day, their Dracula burger is also to die for. This burger is it's own take on the traditional bacon burger with melted cheese. An addition of onions, lettuce, and a spicy sauce that takes it over the top makes you crave for its juicy goodness. With so much more on the menu, ordering everything from their soups to salads is a recommendation to make. There is just a wide menu that makes you want to go back.

In addition to the amazing food, the drinks are over the top. Served in a mason glass, they offer a selection of ades that are meant to be shared between two. It is the cutest way to promote a date setting and an excuse to get close to your significant other. Although the atmosphere does not call for a date, it is one place that you should take a date. The food is amazing and there is almost always a wait. Locals and foreigners jump on the opportunity to get in line for a seat at Deli HeinzBurg to sample their goodies which range from $10-20. 

Address: 534-1 Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu Seoul

Phone: 02-541-8780

Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station of the orange line 3, take a left when you reach the Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along the

Garosu-gil shopping street until you see the Fossil store and take a left into the small block. Deli HeinzBurg will be at the next block on your left, right on the corner with indoor and semi-outdoor seating.

Traditional Korean Eat - Cold Noodles 육쌈냉면

Nangmyeon is a popular traditional Korean eat, especially in the summer time because it is served in a bowl of ice. Although it sounds to be peculiar, it is probably the most refreshing meal that you can have. The best part about nangmyeon is many restaurants serve it in addition to their signature dishes. 

육쌈냉면 is one Korean chain restaurants that is favored among locals for this traditional Korean eat. Because the store focuses on the traditional eat of cold noodles, there is a very basic menu to order from. Most order either the regular or spicy nangmyeon. Each order is served with a marinated BBQ pork without the need to order (unless of course you want a bigger portion). This extremely cheap eat will only set you back $5. SAY WHAAAAT? Five bucks for noodles with BBQ meat? Yes. Because it such a cheap eat, there is almost always a line. Service is usually rather quick since there is a basic menu and customers expect a certain quality of food. 

Skin Food Fresh Apple Mild Pore Peeling Gel

Skin Food's Fresh Apple Mild Pore Peeling Gel is one product that many locals pick up because it helps to gently remove dead skin from the surface. This gel is simply to be rubbed on in circular motion and all of the dead skin will gradually become visible. It is not something that makes you proud to show others, but is a product that works to help remove any skin build up. Over time, this can help reduce the darkness of scars because because you are gently removing the outer layer of your skin. Because it is a gel, it is gentle and not causing a rough scratch to the skin like many scrubs that are used to remove dead skin. It is definitely recommended for anyone with sensitive skin!

Restaurant Review - Vatos Urban Tacos

Vatos Urban Tacos is one of the most recognized restaurants in Seoul, not only for its amazing take on Mexican tacos, burritos, and quesadillas, but the whole menu. Vatos puts a twist on the traditional Mexican foods but taking it up a notch with newly incorporated flavors which includes the most basic thing on the menu which explains why they had to move from their original location with a three hour wait to a bigger space that has a two hour wait. 

For starters, the Kimchi Carnitas Fries is Vatos Urban Tacos' signature take on the traditional fries by incorporating bulgolgi meat, kimchi and a mix of salsa and sour cream over a bed of fries. The best part is the fresh ingredients and amazing flavor when combined. This is definitely a must order between friends or even for yourself because it's just that amazing. 

One recommendation for the entree that must be made is the chicken quesadilla. Vatos Urban Tacos is the only place that actually has a layer of cheese to top their already amazing quesadilla. Filled with chunks of chicken meat and cheese, the extra crispy and extra layer of cheese makes this quesadilla that much more amazing. Of course, a ton of fresh ingredients thrown on top takes it to the next level. 

In addition to amazing quesadillas, playing favorites is definitely not my kind of thing. The burritos at Vatos Urban Tacos is stuffed with meat, veggies and rice that you would never expect to have a full blast of flavor. Because there is so much variety in their burritos, the owners incorporate a different taste to the traditional burritos which includes a kick of cinnamon. Beans are infused with a hint of cinnamon which brings a taste that traditional burritos lack. With so many options on the menu, it can be difficult to choose the best.

The last of the traditional Mexican foods include tacos, soft and crispy shells. In regards to their tacos, many do not believe it is worth the splurge because Vatos Urban Tacos actually uses a different kind of taco shell. They deep fry their tortillas daily and use a plain flat tortilla, no option of a crispy shell. Nonetheless, although it breaks from the traditional norm, the shrimp taco is actually amazing. Battered, deep fried shrimp is topped with lime juice and a variety of salads and then of course the signature fresh salsa and sour cream. From a personal opinion, the Chili Lime Shrimp is a definite recommendation and for just $7 for two pieces and $10 for three, it is worth a try.

Lastly, it isn't Mexican without any booze. Vatos Urban Tacos offer the traditional beverages of frozen margaritas, and bull dogs but they also offer a twist on the traditional drinks. By incorporating a Korean twist of the Makgeolita, the best of both worlds: Korea and Mexico is bought together. The most popular among the foreigners just may be their iced tea in a mason jar which is nothing closed to an iced tea. Infused with a ton of alcohol, this drink can definitely get a night started. Although it is on the pricier end for about $15 a glass, it is quite the matchmaker with any grub at Vatos Urban Tacos. 

Quite frankly, is it worth it? Yes. You can get lucky on some days and even make reservations a day or two prior to enjoy the amazing food. With superb service and extremely friendly staff on board, it is definitely the go to place for amazing food and drinks in general. Although pricing is a little higher than what most would pay for a taco, it is worth the splurge at least once in your life. 

The Itaewon location's address is: Yongsan-gu, Itaewon Dong 181-8 Phone 02-797-8226 Take the Itaewon train station exit 1 straight and Vatos Urban Tacos will be approximately four blocks down when you reach the light before the McDonald's on your left. Vatos Urban Tacos is on your right along the hill that goes up.

With a second location opening in the famous shopping street of Garosu-gil today, Tuesday June 18th, the address is: Gangnam-gu, Sinsa dong, 532-11 on the Third floor of the Giordano building. Phone 02-548-8226.

Story of My Life - UMF Korea 2013

One of the biggest events around the world is Ultra Music Festival (UMF). It is so big that it is an event that pretty much everyone travels around the world just to see. Held in Jamsil stadium this year, there have been many who traveled to Korea from other countries just to experience and see the sets of world famous DJs which include, but are not limited to: AVICII, Kaskade, Afrojack, Fedde Le Grand, Cazzette, Boy George, Shut Da Mouth, and Carl Cox.

It is a two day party of chaos and fun with three stages, over sixty acts from mid afternoon until night time with after party of course! UMF is such a big event that there are people who are willing to pay $150 for tickets the day of events. Yes, just that big. There is not only a VIP section, but a VVIP section. The amount of fun and chaos that goes on is just beyond explainable. The best part is being able to share it with those who are not at the event, but able to listen in online.

Lucky for me, I got the pleasure of being backstage of Shut Da Mouth’s set along with the emcee Pinnacle TheHustler. It was definitely an experience to be behind the scene, meeting a ton of awesome people which includes the unforgettable DJ Agent Smith (because of his awesome fro) and at the end of the day, enjoying the main acts through the night. Of course, this comes with a price of lots of energy drinks as well as pain with the crowd jumping up and down and squeezing to the front of the acts. Being able to immerse myself to the music and enjoy every moment of it was something that made the not so great experience, pretty awesome, after all. Nonetheless, it was something to experience and always a great memory.

This definitely makes it another great experience and explains how awesome it is to live in Korea. The number of people you meet, the connections you make, it just makes you remember and feel grateful for every experience. Not everyone is as snobby and as stuck up as you think they could be after "making it." That is probably the best part about going out to gigs like this.

It tops my experience last year with World DJ Fest by meeting a ton of awesome DJs and people in general. Can’t wait to see what else is in store for me! Photos definitely do no justice for the day/night that I had.

Restaurant Review - Buccella

Buccella in Sinsa-dong right off of the famous Garosu-gil shopping street in the Apgujeong area is my favorite place to go to for a good sandwich. The most basic sandwich is decked out and paired with a cibatta bread that is absolutely amazing. It takes the sandwich to a whole new level by incorporating the most basic ingredients of fresh vegetables and cold cuts. 

The best part about the sandwiches is that it is paired with a small salad for a measly price of $9 which is no splurge at all. The one recommendation to make is the steak sandwich which has a little more of a salty taste, bringing more flavor to the sandwich that is topped with an over the top mustard. 

It is hands down, one of the best sandwich places in Seoul which you want to avoid during peak hours when traveling with a big group. Because seating is limited, there is almost always a wait. Simply put your name down on the list, shop the Garosu-gil shopping street and you will get phoned when it is your turn in line. 

With two locations in town, be sure to visit one at the very minimum!

Apgujeong address: 534-22 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea. Phone: 02-334-7334

Hongdae address: 330-19 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Gentle Lady Cupcakes

Gentle Lady Cupcakes is one of the newest cupcake shops in Sinsa-dong located off of the popular Garosugil shopping street. The most popular flavors include the red velvet and carrot cake. Going for the earl grey which is not offered in many coffee shops, the cupcake was a little on the dry end. Topped with an extremely light whipping and chocolate flakes, the Gentle Lady heart is made of a white chocolate. 

Although the cupcakes are not something "to die for" the one recommendation to make is to purchase their "cookie" which is served in a packaged container to go. The almond cookie is literally to die for. Made with pieces of almonds, these bite-sized cookies melt in your mouth with consumption. They are made of fluffy air and deliciousness, a little too much sugar maybe, but totally worth the splurge. 

The shop is small in size, offering seating for roughly 10. It is worth it to take a break from all the shopping on Garosugil and pop into Gentle Lady Cupcakes for a drink. Served in over sized mugs, the earl grey latte is one recommendation to make with fluffy steamed milk that is not as bitter as earl grey tea and not extremely sweet to taste.

Contact Information Phone: 02-790-0259 Address: 533-14 Sinsadong, Gangnam-gu Seoul. Straight from exit 8 of Sinsa station on line 3, take a left when you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on the corner. Go straight along Garosu-gil shopping street until you see the Fossil store and take a left into the small block. Gentle Lady Cupcake will be on your right. 

Life in Korea - Cat Cafe

A cat cafe, which is similar to the dog cafe that I previously blogged about is a cafe with cats running around. You’ll find cats hiding in your shoes, jumping on the tables, running around, and sleeping in all hidden places. Upon entrance, you are required to change into a pair of slippers (cats are indoor animals after all) and clean your hands with a sanitizer before being allowed to interact with the animals.

Once you walk in, you will find a handful of toys to play with and cats everywhere, literally. They are not shy and they will jump around, maybe even go through your things. Some will even snuggle against your legs, but they do not have a habit of scratching so there is no need to worry about that. Like a dog cafe, the cat cafe requires you to purchase a drink that covers the entrance fee. Depending on the cafe, there may be a wide range of menu options. 

There are more cat cafes than dog cafes because cats are easier to manage so it is pretty easy to find one. Simply look for a huge cat sign, they'll point you in the direction of the cat cafe. The one I visited was in Myeondong, but you can also find a handful of other ones in the many other popular tourist areas. Gangnam, Hongdae, Sinsa are a few of the many in town. You should definitely make your way to one to experience what they have to offer, something a little more different.