Hidden Treasures - Around the Corner

Around the Corner is a new concept store along the Garosu-gil shopping street of Sinsa Apgujeong area that incorporates a shopping store with a well established bakery by the name of Publique in Hongdae, Seoul. It is a collaboration that takes the shopping experience to the next level. Located on the corner, it allows for guests to sit along the corner of the busy Garosu-gil street to people watch and enjoy coffee along with the famous Publique pastries. 

This three floor store consists of an art gallery upstairs, a cafe and shopping area on the first floor and the basement of more shopping brands. Around the Corner carries brands that cannot be found in the regular shopping areas of Korea which makes it popular with locals and foreigners. The one Korean catch phrase to sum this store up agijagi 아기자기 which means all things cute. They offer many international brands and special items that only boutique stores will carry. In addition to the many clothing and shoes, Around the Corner carries accessories and cute gadgets that are extremely popular in the Korean community that is gradually branching out to the world around us.

Whether you are in the mood for coffee or a bit of shopping and exploration of the younger generation in Korean culture, Around the Corner is a must visit along Garosu-gil. It's always nice to break from the traditional styled stores by incorporating the best of Korea in one.

Directions: From the Sinsa station on line 3, take exit 8 and go straight until you reach Tous Le Jours bakery on your left. Take a left at the corner and go straight along the Garosu-gil shopping street until you see Around the Corner on the corner.

Hidden Treasures - Pain de Papa

Pain de Papa "the bread your father made for you" is one of the most established French bakeries in Seoul and is recognized for being different and better than the rest. Using wild (natural) yeast which can take up to five times longer than the traditional ways leaves you with fluffy and moist breads that have a hint of sourdough flavors. Topped with a handful of different vegetables and flavors, it is definitely something to die for. The freshly baked bread is so fluffy in texture that you just cant help but to keep biting into it. There are a variety of breads that cater to the French menu, perfect for making sandwiches with.

In addition to the amazing breads and pastries the, they offer freshly baked pretzels that owner Lee Ho Young bakes up, he also incorporates American tastes with pretzels and cookies. The one special thing in the bakery to pick up is their rusk which is a twice-baked bread. This established and unique pastry involves taking chunks of dough mixing it with sweet potato and dried fruits, a second oven topping the pastry with butter gives it a crunch. It is then rolled in powdered sugar and costs less than $2 a ball. 

Although the bakery is small in size, there is a small seating area for you to enjoy your baked goodies as well as a few magazines to read to kill some time. As service with your bread, they offer olive oil to be drizzled or dipped with. Be sure to get there early if you are looking to sample a good portion of their menu. Opened from 9AM to 9PM from Mondays to Saturdays, it is located a straight walk from exit 5 of the Apugjeong station on line 3. Walk straight for about 6 blocks and take a left at the intersection. Pain de Papa is located on your left with a small parking lot in front of their yellow bannered building. 

Address: 548-5 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu

서울 강남구 신사동 548-5

Phone: 02-543-5232

Story of My Life - Phuket, Thailand Travels

Being in Korea for a little too long can be a drag on anyone, but being able to take a vacation to a nearby country, or not so nearby is always amazing. After living in Korea for over a year and realizing how important and wise it is to take advantage of the proximity of traveling all of Southeast Asia, my next travel was to Thailand! Being stressed from the amount of work that I’ve been doing in Korea, relaxation was the number one factor to this vacation.

With that in mind, the only place to visit was the Phuket area for the main purpose of island hopping. The one must visit island where I spent most of my time was Phi Phi Island. It is filled with tourists and one of the best places to stay. They offer a handful of guides to the neighboring islands that allows for you to do the most traveling to beaches and water activities possible. The one must visit is Maya Bay, where the movie the Beach was filmed. A word of advice is to go for the travel agencies that are deeper into the island, the price is definitely a big difference.

Another thing that was amazing about Phi Phi Island is the unlimited amount of great food which is not just limited to Thai. The seafood is fresh and the amazing compliments of foreign food are included as well. It is a bit of a splurge to purchase by weight, but they are unique and meaty that is actually worth it. On another note, nothing is more fresh than their tropical fruits. The island offers fresh smoothies practically everywhere you go and fruits that are cut up and ready to eat. I practically had more than the recommended daily serving everyday.

For those who are bold enough to, try to eat what the locals do. That’s the one thing that is always on my list so going to the cheapest areas and eating things that are found on the streets is my thing. There is a slight chance of food poisoning of course, but I always take my risk. Although I expected to try something as crazy as bugs in Thailand, this trip was pretty calm in regards to food, nothing that crazy.

As for accommodation, staying at the Andaman Legacy Resort is a bit far from the main bar area so it is a bit quieter and the best part is the hotel. It’s a bit on the higher end, but still only setting you back about $60 a night. For a clean place with quick service and amazing hospitality, it is my recommendation to make to anyone. There’s free wi-fi all around the resort and they have their own pool area next to the free breakfast. It is one place that I would probably go back to, especially with the cute towel designs daily!

Heading out of Phi Phi Island, the closest big city is Phuket and spending a day or two in Phuket is recommended. It is nothing like the islands of course, but you are able to see a glimpse of Thailand for the food, culture, and lots of lady boys. Walking around for shopping (lots of bargaining) and the street foods is amazing in Phuket. Because it is not as clean as the islands, it’s not the favorite place for many, but there’s nothing more than getting the full cultural experience than in the actual cities. The one thing that I do feel horrible about is elephant trekking because of the marks that I saw, but it is now over with. I still have a passion for them, but I hope you'll be treated better! Another wonderful trip checked off my bucket list, can’t wait for the next one!

Hidden Treasures - When Pigs Fly

When Pigs Fly is a new Italian restaurant that opened in the Nambu area offering a twist to traditional restaurants. The concept is simple, amazing food paired with music. When Pigs Fly cooks up the basic Italian dishes which includes salad, pastas, and of course pizzas. They incorporate a mix of different pasta noodles, and ingredients to each dish that they make, offering something different each time. 

Although the salads and pastas are more on the cliche and common types that you can find anywhere, their pizzas are over the top. They incorporate ingredients that makes their pizza stand out. For starters, there is no one who tops a pizza with and over easy cooked egg or with actual pieces of shrimp. When Pigs Fly definitely blows the fish out of the water with this concept. 

Another great thing about the restaurant is that they stray away from skimping guests on their food. A lot of restaurants that uses seafood in their dishes use the smaller portions, smaller sizes. When Pigs Fly actually goes for the gold with meatier pieces and chunks that you can taste when biting into. There is a full blast of flavor and the choose to keep it that way. 

In addition to fresh ingredients and great food, they offer wine and special events that allows for their private room to be utilized. The facility can be rented out where they cater to small parties. The one thing that When Pigs Fly offers that other restaurants do not is a special event of music held twice a month. Their "Salon Concert" theme is used to create a new type of environment that people are not able to experience on the regular. They theme the night around two dinner sessions used to promote music of Korean performers in the area that can be enjoyed by guests of all ages.

The concept is simple: an hour or so of music that allows for you to "set the mood" for a special night or just to enjoy as a luxury hobby. Followed by that is a dinner of a set menu that the restaurant offers and stirs up fresh. There is nothing better than being able to enjoy a live performance in a romantic setting with a menu of Italian goodies. Be sure to call the restaurant ahead of time to make reservations for these events because they do go fast since it is just priced at $49 a person. The service there is amazing, with a manager that speaks English, catering to the foreign community, encouraging all guests to attend and enjoy their facility. 

Address: Seoul Seocho-gu Seocho 3 Dong, 1446-11 Hyundai Superville 101
서울 서초구 서초3동 1446-11 현대 슈퍼빌101호
Phone: 02-523-5277

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Monster Cupcake

Monster Cupcake is a small cupcake shop in Itaewon that is one of the most recognized and longest standing cupcake shops in Seoul. Why? Because their cupcakes are extremely cute and fun to eat! For an average of $4.50 per cupcake, there are a handful of flavors to choose from that are whipped up in the shop. The favorites are red velvet and tiramisu, classic cupcake flavors. Although Monster Cupcake is recognized for their cupcakes, they're still a little away from signature cupcakes back at home. The cupcake isn't as fluffy, but made with a more dense batter. The icing is also different with a creamier texture, but their decorative gels are extremely flavorful and is the sweetest touch to the cupcake, literally. None the less, it is still a spot to go to satisfy a cupcake craving!

The concept of Monster Cupcakes is simple, make monster cupcakes. The theme is extremely cute, they make all their cupcakes around different "cute" and enjoyable monster looking things. They incorporate a theme of death into every cupcake that just takes it over the top. Because this is an extremely small cupcake shop, it is one of those where you grab to go. There is probably a total of four seats in the shop so people don't really linger around. If you do get lucky to stick around, you can enjoy your cupcake within the shop as you watch them whip up a new batter of cupcakes, ice them, and throw them onto display. It is definitely a cute place to be for all things cupcake!

Directions: Take exit 2 of the Noksaypyeong station and go straight until you see an underpass to go across the street. Take the underpass going down to the other side. Take the exit on your left and go straight across the street. Take a right as soon as you cross the street down to where Tu Can is and keep walking. You will see Monster Cupcakes on your left, be careful not to miss it!

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bonne Nouvelle

Bonne Nouvelle is a patisserie, boulanger, cafe, and chocolatier that is stirring up all things delicious with a wide range of French pastries. From the main location in Sinsa-dong, it is located in the lobby of a hotel. Upon entrance to Bonne Nouvelle, you are welcomed with breads and pastries and a handful of samples for you to try before actually picking up what you want. 

With so many goodies to choose from, it can get extremely difficult. Baked goods cater to all tastes, incorporating new flavors into each and every recipe. You can even get full by taking a sample of everything that they have. The extremely generous samples are so welcoming, you can't help but to love everything you taste. 

In addition to freshly baked breads and pastries, there is a fridge of all things amazing which includes tarts, cakes, pies, and macarons. There is just too much to choose from. When you do find yourself struggling, go for the best sellers because you won't be upset with that choice! For those looking to enjoy your selections, there is a small seating area to the right of the shop where they take your goodies, decorate, cut and serve it to you. Of course, you can make the purchase of a drink to wash those goodies down.

With three locations, the most popular is the one located in the Apgujeong area of Sinsa-dong for the spacious seating area that guests can enjoy their pastries from. There is also another in the Gyeongi-do province, north of Seoul where Ilsan is. Lastly, the small shop in the Express Bus Terminal that allows for guests to pick up goodies to bring home and enjoy with their families or as gifts.

Location in Apgujeong: 서울시 강남구 신사동 641-1

Seoul Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong 641-1

Phone: 02-549-7055

Address in Express Bus Terminal: 서울시 강남구 대치동 937

Seoul Gangnam-gu Daechi Dong 937

Phone: 02-531-2066

Location in Ilsan: 경기도 고양시 일산동구 마두동 753-4

Gyeonggi-do Goyangsi Ilsan-dong 753-4

Phone: 031-908-5580

Restaurant Review - Pizzaria D’Buzza

Pizzaria D'Buzza is one of the most popular pizza restaurants in Seoul. Known for their wood oven that bakes up the pizza to perfection with a purposely burnt crust, many rave about the restaurant. It is popular among locals and foreigners who know a good pizza. Because it is such a legendary place for pizza, plan to always wait for seating in the restaurant. With a new smaller spot in the Galleria shopping complex of Apgujeong, getting a sample of this good eat is not as hard as it was before.

The must orders are the Margherita con Bufala, Diavola con Olive Nere, and even their calzones if your stomach can hold up to it. Using fresh ingredients, they satisfy the palates of many with a thin crust pizza. 

Address to the original Itaewon location:서울 용산구 한남동 743-33 1층 Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam Dong 743-33 First floor Phone: 02-794-9474 
Address to the second Itaewon location: 서울 용산구 한남동 740-1 3층 Seoul Yongsan-gu Hannam Dong  740-1 Third floor Phone: 02-795-9474 
Address to the Apgujeong Galleria location:서울 강남구 압구정동 494 갤러리아 서관 지하 1층 Seoul Gangnam-gu Apgujeong-dong 494 Galleria First floor food court Phone: 02-6905-3905 

Product Review - Innisfree Olive Real Cleansing Foam

My passion for the Innisfree olive skincare line has definitely grown. Because olive is gentle and great for those with sensitive skin, starting with and cleansing the skin with the Olive Real Cleansing Foam is a definite recommendation. It helps to clean away dirt and makeup, leaving the skin soft and moisturized. Although it is labeled as a foam product, it is actually milky in texture and great for helping to promote clear skin. The best part is probably the option of getting a big size for a small prize. Innisfree is definitely a winner for this one. 

Daily Refreshments - Brick Pop

Brick Pop, located inside the Shinsegae department store of the Express Bus Terminal in Gangnam is the a unique stand that is stirring up things for summer. The reason for this is that Brick Pop is infusing all things flavorful and ice to give you a refreshing treat for a hot summer day. On average, brick pops are about $4 with a full blast of flavor, everything wonderful on a stick.  Although it seems to be a little pricey, it is definitely worth the splurge for the ice pop. They are constantly changing their menu options, offering pops that cater to the season and the fresh fruits and seasonal goodies. They even offer specials when you purchase a large amount of pops which makes it easy to share with others, or not. Because it's just that amazing, sharing might not even be on the option's list, totally understandable!

Take exit 8 of the Express Bus Terminal station that intersects with the line 3, 7, and 9 towards the Shinsegae mall. Take the escalators downstairs to the basement and explore all the other food options before you make your way over to Brick Pop for dessert. If you're looking to take out, they have ice packs that they can package for you, keep the pops frozen for up to 30 minutes. 

Address: 19-3 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu Seoul

서울특변시 서초구 신반포로 176

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar De Chou

Sugar De Chou, located in Hongdae, is known to be a cupcake cafe with the cutest yet most simple cupcakes for the price of $4. The popular two flavors include Earl Grey Tea and the Chocolate, but they also offer a Green Tea and Lemon cupcake. Icing for the cupcakes differ depending on the one ordered, which includes an extremely decorative kind when ordered. 

The chocolate cupcake is extremely bold in taste, offering chunks of chocolate chips inside the cupcake which is different to other cupcake shops that finish with a basic cake base. The icing is extremely creamy in texture, offering a strong milky chocolate taste which definitely puts the chocolate over the top. Finished with a topping of sliced almonds, it is the perfect cup of chocolate in a cake. 

The best thing about the menu is that they offer a handful of other drinks to consume with their cupcakes. Opening at 1 in the afternoon and closing at 11PM everyday, it is the place to go to enjoy with a friend or just as a simple study session. They even have delivery services which can be made if you speak Korean of course. The environment is extremely cute offering indoor and outdoor seating with outlets everywhere to charge anything and everything you need, even with seating in the middle of the floor. Another bonus of the cafe is that they offer take out coffee for just $2. Nothing beats a low price and an environment that is relaxing and calm from the outskirts of the crazy Hongdae party night scene. 

Address: Seoul, Mapo, Seogyo-dong, 396-32 

Phone: 070-8221-2223

Restaurant Review - The Joe

The Joe in Hongdae is definitely not the place to rave for their burgers, but the menu is extremely cheap. Because the patties are frozen and not the best patties are used, the burgers from the Joe is just something to fill a stomach. The one thing that is special about The Joe is their tangy sweet and sour sauce that they layer the burger with. It is definitely something that takes it up a notch. Their fries, on the other hand, is something that is worth making the splurge on. There is a small number of restaurants that actually use nacho cheese on their fries and that is why the freshly battered and nacho cheese melted fries is to die for. Nonetheless, it is the place to go for a quick bite to satisfy any stomach of a club goer and partying in the busy streets of Hongdae. 

For anyone looking to sample The Joe and review it for yourself, take exit 9 of the Hongik University station on the green line 2. Make a left when you exit the station to the first street you see. Take a right at the first intersection and go straight to the corner. The Joe will be on your left before you reach the corner of Taco Bell. 

Bottoms Up - Cha Time

Cha Time is a well-recognized bubble tea spot around the world and they finally made their way to Korea. With a small stand in Hongdae, it is next to Paul and Paulina which is up a hill outside of exit 9 Hongkik station. It is the place to drop by for a quick pick up and to be on your way. A medium cup of bubble tea will set you back $3.40, but a large is just for an extra 50 cents. Although it does not taste the same as the other Cha Time chains, it is the next closest thing!

Korean Traditional Eat - Tofu Soup 순두부찌게

Soondubu Jjigae (순두부찌게) is a popular Korean spicy soup that is made with tofu, vegetables, chili powder, and a variety of seafood which includes oysters, mussels, clams, and shrimps depending on the restaurant of dining. The last kick of the dish is a raw egg that is cracked and dropped in while the soup is served to you, still boiling. Paired with a bowl of white rice and banchan (side dishes), it is extremely popular to consume during the winter because it is an extremely hot dish, but be sure to not burn your tongue!

Bottoms Up - A Twosome Place

A Twosome Place is a popular Korean coffee chain that specializes in a handful of drinks outside of the caffeine beverages that can be found at all cafes. A Twosome place offers coffee beverages, smoothies, juices, teas, desserts, and chocolates. Pricing is much like other coffee shops, averaging $6 a cup depending on size. 

The one thing that makes A Twosome Place different from the other Korean cafe chains is their frappe and latte list. They have a handful of flavors that you are not able to find elsewhere. One that I find to be eye-cathcing is the ginseng frappe. Ginseng is an extremely popular eat in Korea, but never did I think the herb would be infused in a drink, especially in a chained coffee shop. I have yet to try it, but I am big fan of a Twosome Place, especially since it is available in most CGV theaters. It definitely pays to have a cup of tasty coffee when watching a 3 hour movie in the middle of the night!

Korean Traditional Eat - 뻥튀기

Ppeongtwigi 뻥튀기 is the Korean take on the Western popcorn which is just popped grain. It comes in all different shapes, sizes, and colors which makes it a heck of a lot of fun. Watching people on the street make Ppeongtwigi is a full blast of fun and loud of course (the more traditional kind) If you ever pass a truck that is selling 뻥튀기 and see how it is made, you'll see that a frisbee like rice grain is literally popped out of a metal machine. It's quite a bit of fun to watch them make it and consuming it fresh is just as good. This cheap eat can usually be picked up for a measly price of $2 for a whole big bag that will last you quite some time. 

It is extremely common to be served in bars and hof restaurants for guests to enjoy drinks with (as shown in the photo). The smaller and bite sized 뻥튀기 is usually served in restaurants just so you can pop them in your mouth. As always, this is served as a "service" which means free with your drinks and an unlimited amount of refills. They all range in texture depending on where you go, but for the most part, they are all made of rice grain and it is the perfect snack with your beer. This extremely cheap street food is popular among children as well and it's extremely light in calories which makes it that much better. This Korean traditional eat takes it to a new level of fun, something to share with everyone in the family. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Oliver Sweet

Oliver Sweet is an internet based bakery that caters to the community in Korea, delivering all baked goodies from holiday themed cookies to pastries to cakes. With a wide option of baked goods that cater to the occasion, Oliver Sweet makes packaging and ordering gifts easy. For those who are looking to sample the Oliver Sweet baked selections, there is one cafe in Banpo-dong that sells a selection of Oliver Sweet desserts. 

Oliver Sweet can also be found in some of the department stores which includes the Lotte and a selected handful of restaurants (including Vatos Urban Tacos). They break from the traditional catering and taste of cakes and pies by offering a twist to their goodies. The Cognac Pecan Pie for example is a liquor infused pie that is baked with the full blast of pecans. Baked with a chewy texture, the pecan pie's tart is not flaky at all, but more like a crust that is baked to perfection.

In addition to the pie, the Earl Grey Tea Cake infused with Grapefruit is a multi layered cake themed around cream, cake, and more cream. With a spongy texture, the cake offers grapefruit flavoring that is definitely different from from any other cakes offered in Korea. It is rather light in taste, not offering much of a strong green tea or grapefruit taste, but it does compliment one another pretty well.

It is definitely suggested to order an Oliver Sweet speciality cake or baked goody for an occasion. Going out of your way to try their cakes may not be worth it, but of course if you see it in the area you are in, do order one to give it a try. You never know if this is would be your kind of dessert. 

Cafe Address: 612-140 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Korea 137-713

Product Review - Etude House Black Head Pore Tightening Essence

The Etude House Black Head Pore Tightening Essence is a handy pen made with Morocco mud that helps to tighten and shrink the sizes of those with expanded pores. Simply turn the cap to ON and push to apply the essence on the problematic areas. There is no need to rinse off and it is definitely recommended for those with oily and combination skin. It is not the type of product to be used as a primary care product for black heads but a supplement. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - O'Sulloc

O'Sulloc is a store that centers around Jeju island's amazing tea leaves. They bring out the best in fresh green tea and incorporate it in a wide range of goodies that are not just limited to tea. Everything for the house that is for general well being is infused into O'Sulloc's merchandise. This includes the best sellers in the Innisfree stores and a handful of other baked goodies that are sold all around Seoul.

In addition to the amazing products that O'Sulloc carries, they also have an amazing cafe that bakes up the most amazing sweets. Incorporating green tea and fresh ingredients in their goods, the best sellers are green tea. With the green tea being the best seller, the must haves are the Green Tea Tiramisu and the Green Tea  Frap that is topped with their best selling Green Tea ice cream. With so many locations around, be sure to visit the website for a list of shops to get your taste of Jeju Island. 

The one recommended location is in Insadong where they offer three floors to the shop. The first floor consists of the shopping goods and a visible roasting pot of fresh green tea leaves, providing samples of the tea to guests. The second floor is their more modern touch of a cafe, catering to locals and tourists. The third floor is a more fancy and high class seating for a quieter environment to enjoy their goodies with a higher price as well. The third floor is definitely recommended if you are looking for a quieter place as well as a place for business purposes. The extra touch does go a long way.

Address: 170 Gwanhun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Phone: 02-732-6427

Restaurant Review - Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨

Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is a Korean fusion chicken spot that is dispersed across Seoul. The restaurant offers something new to chicken lovers that break from the traditional Korean norm of chicken and beer. Chir Chir Chicken not only has amazing boneless chicken, but they top it with sliced almonds, Korean rice cakes and an amazing sauce of course. There are also chunks of fried sweet potato which is a Korean staple and nonetheless, a good combo as well. This Korean fusion breaks away from using potatoes and fries, but it is still nom-alicious. 

In addition to their popular saucy boneless chickens, they also offer fried chicken that is paired with a simple salad. Basic, but over the top for someone who loves chicken, but can't splurge on the extra calories. A bed of fresh salad always does the trick! It may make you feel less guilty about the extra calories from the amazing sauce, but be careful of the dressing. Because it is so delicious, you may consume a lot more than you plan to. 

Touching on the topic of chicken and beer. Chir Chir chicken definitely offers beer with their menu options because it is the most popular thing, but they offer something that many chicken places do not and that is American alcoholic beverages. Served in pitcher sizes, their refreshing drinks makes any chicken explosive. 

Being that Chir Chir Chicken 치르치르치킨 is extremely popular for those who are drinkers, there are a few locations across Seoul, including two in the Hongdae area down the alley of fun. 

Restaurant Review - Best Croquettes Ever 칠리차차

Chilly Cha Cha 칠리차차 is a hidden treasure that takes fried food to a whole new level. This small Korean owned restaurants cooks up all things deep fried that is absolutely amazing. They also offer the traditional Korean eats of ddukboki and kimbap, but the menu is beyond imaginable. The one thing that is to die for is their amazingly stuffed croquettes. The batter is on point and the food is extremely cheap which makes being full for lunch or dinner within budget. Fried items average at $2 a pop and because it is so cheap, ordering everything on the menu just might happen. 

Although Chilly Cha Cha offers a menu that is low in price and you would assume that their items are not filling, being that it is the equivalent to a Paris Baguette's croquette, these croquettes are palm sized. Consuming two can probably fill you up already! Being that there are so many different kinds to choose from, including a mystery flavored one, there is definitely one that caters to everyone's taste. The most popular ones include the curry, pumpkin, and corn which comes with a mashed potato blend. 

Pictures give this croquette no justice so it is something that you have to try to believe. Initially, I thought it was a little overrated by Eat Your Kimchi, but I've come to realize that it is that amazing. I've been craving for it since I left and realized that this is one of the very few places I actually go back to. Can you say amazing?

With directions from the Eat Your Kimchi website, an additional important note to point out is that form the Sangsu station exit 1, walk straight until the Dunkin Donuts on the corner and taking a right onto the Parking Lot street. When you see the C for U mart on the corner, take that street down to the left. Staying on the right side, Chilly Cha Cha is on the corner across the street from the seven eleven next to a Cafe Bar. It is not exactly on the corner, but towards the right after you see the 7/11.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Snowmounteen

Being that there are so many different version of patbingsoo 팥빙수 (the shaved ice dessert) in Korea, every cafe and restaurant has their own take on it. Why? Because of the way the ice is shaved down for the sole purpose of being a refreshing dessert that is topped off with all things amazing. 

Snowmounteen is a place that serves up this traditional Korean eat along with other drinks that include coffee and bubble teas. For the most part, many go to the popular Korean chain for it's shaved ice. The patbingsoo at Snowmounteen is definitely different from the rest. The texture of the ice is so flaky and thin, it is softer than snowflakes. Is that possible? It sure is at Snowmounteen. 

Topped with a variety of flavors that are milky and fruity, it is definitely a way to refresh yourself on a hot summer day. In addition to the $5 single and $9 double servings of flavored snow ice at Snowmounteen, there are also the option of the fruit incorporated patbingsoos which is something that can be shared between two. With a handful of chains in Seoul, it's definitely worth making a visit to Snowmounteen.