Restaurant Review - Burger Joint New York

Burger Joint New York chases the dreams of a perfected burger, fries, and a drink New York style.  Bringing the location from the original in New York, the restaurant is located in Hongdae off of the main party streets on the second floor, Burger Joint New York is the place to go for a simple set meal. The concept is simple where you tell DON'T want on your burger. Yes, tell them the things you do not want to include which makes life a lot easier. Just goes to show the amazing service that goes into each and every burger. 

With an extremely simple menu, which is recommended for most burgers anyway, making an order is extremely easy. Because they are cooking up their burgers fresh, it can take a while if there is a line. For the most part, Burger Joint New York is extremely popular with the locals as well as the foreigners. It is one of the very few restaurants that offer Dr Pepper which is a must have for many. This hip hop themed restaurant is a place for foreigners to feel comfortable with staff that speaks a good amount of English, making you feel like you are at home. 

Directions: Take exit 9 of the Hongik University station stop on the green line 2. Go straight until the light and take a left after you cross the street. Go straight until you pass the Taco Bell on your right. After the Tony Moly on your right and before the light, take the street on the right going up. Go straight and before you reach the intersection, Burger Joint New York will be on your left in a hidden alley by the Watson's drug store. Be sure to look carefully because you can miss this second floor restaurant with a black exterior. 

Address: 358-51 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu, Seoul

서울 마포구 서교동 358-51

Phone: 02-324-8999

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Bing Bing Bing

Bing Bing Bing 빙빙빙 is one place that is serving up quick shaved ices, the Korean traditional eat of bingsu or just patbingsoo (with red bean). It is an extremely small location that seats roughly fifteen and almost always has a line. With a limited number of flavors, the most popular and recommended is the blueberry lemon and condensed milk. They also have a regular one that caters to the more traditional taste, but definitely try them all. 

Because the location is extremely small in size, locals are always lined up outside waiting for a seat. One of the better things about Bing Bing Bing is the fact that the small space allows for the locals to quickly enjoy their dessert and get on with their day (unlike most other places in Korea).  Bing Bing Bing offers extremely quick service and allows for take out as well which is one popular thing to get if you're on the go. 

Bing Bing Bing is probably the only place in Seoul that offers the bingsu to go, but it makes it that much more enjoyable as you're on the run in the heat, especially if you're trying to check out the many locations of Hongdae. It can be a little pricey for just a cup, but it is the perfect quick pick me up for you to be well on your way.

Phone: 070-7723-7191

Address:마포구 서교동 395-199 독막로7길 57, 서울특별시

395-199 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul

Hours from 12PM to 11PM daily

Quick Pick Up - Etarte

Etarte is a Korean chain that you can find in many subway stations that strictly whip up egg tarts. The difference with these egg tarts is the fact that they're topped with some kind of amazing flavor. It is the perfect snack and quick pick me up for anyone who is starving when trying to catch their train. Tarts range in price that start around $2 and goes up to $3 which can be a little pricey for a small bite sized dessert, but it is definitely recommended for anyone who's looking for a quick sweet bite. 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Duex Amis

Duex Amis is the one place behind the Garosu-gil shopping area to rave about for layered creme cakes. Cakes served at Duex Amis are topped alternate between cake and creme topped with a mini macaron for your pleasure. There is quite the number of cakes and pies to choose from, but you definitely can't go wrong with their signature Salted Caramel which is a layer between chocolate and caramel. For those who are looking for something fruity, their Strawberry Tiramisu is also a hit.

Duex Amis has open seating which is perfect for the spring and summer seasons. They have a center piece of fresh flowers daily which definitely sets the girly mood and is the perfect place to hang around to give you that bubbly feeing. It is the perfect down time location when in the area for some shopping damage. Because it is located in the back street, you are away from all the noise and busy areas which makes it that much more enjoyable. 

Cakes at Duex Amis are extremely moist in taste and layered perfectly that makes it hard to resist. With cakes by the slice ready to order, making a selection may be difficult. If you're looking to grab a whole cake to go, they also have the option in the store which allows for you to bring home the goodies. 

Directions to Duex Amis: Directions: 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. Take a left and a right at the following block to walk parallel to the Garosu-gil shopping street. Go straight and you will see Duex Amis on your right within the same block.

Phone: 02-3443-0030 

Address: 539-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong

서울 강남구 신사동539-9

Hidden Treasures - ONE CHU

ONE CHU is a small modern looking spot in Sinsa behind the streets of Garosu-gil that is serving a  creative churro with their coffees. Koreans sure love their coffee, but it's always the same baked goods over and over again. ONE CHU is a place that whips up fresh churros when ordered topped with all things amazing.

ONE CHU offers different flavorings for the churros they fry up, the best one may be having ice cream paired with your churros. Regardless of what flavor you choose, whether it be sweet or plain, it is the one place that guarantees freshly hot churros. They are definitely authentic to taste and not just the quick sprinkle of cinammon on top since they serve it with a variety of dipping sauces.

The drink menu varies from coffee to juices to alcoholic beverages. Their fresh sangria is one well-recognized thing on the menu that a lot rave about. The environment is extremely classy and spacious, allows for a great date setting and meeting for chit chat. They have a small outdoor patio that guests can sit, just a short walk from the main shopping street. Drinks and churros will set you back roughly $10.

ONE CHU Address: 서울시 강남구 신사동 551-1
Sinsa-Dong 551-1 Gangnam-Gu Seoul, Korea 135-890
Phone: 02-516-3202
Closed Mondays, Open Tuesday-Sunday 1pm-11pm

Hidden Treasures - Fresh Green

Fresh Green is a small and extremely hidden spot in Itaewon that is serving up fresh Lemonade, Limeade, and Sugar Cane Juice. When I say fresh, I mean fresh. They have the fruit right there in their small outdoor stand. A refreshing lemonade is always the go to, but if you're looking for something sweeter, go for the fresh sugar cane juice. This is not something that is offered everywhere, but naturally sweet and enjoyable for all. Looking for a taste of both? Go for the mix which is a twist to the traditional drinks, yet still awesome!

Fresh Green only has seating for just two so this cute little yellow shack is a stop by for a quick pick up. Drinks start at a measly $3.50 and is the perfect go to for a hot summer day, especially for those who are shopping in Itaewon. Because the drink is made fresh to order, it is recommended for anyone who is looking to satisfy a thirsty stomach. Located right by the famous Tartine bakery, take exit 1 from the Itaewon station and go straight. Take a right up the second alley and you will see this little stand on your left.

Restaurant Review - Vapiano 바피아노

The concept of Vapiano definitely brings it back to New York with quick service and ordering to eat at different stations within the same restaurant. This Italian specialty restaurant cooks up everything Italian which includes pastas, pizzas, salads, sweets and more. Simply order from each station that you desire, creating your own dishes by swiping a card that is your "bill." When ordering, you will be given a buzzer that allows for you to pick up your orders when ready. 

Vapiano offers two floors of seating as well as an outdoor patio that has picnic style benches. It is the perfect place to go to enjoy an Italian meal with high benches and a different style of seating. The atmosphere is welcoming to the busy businessmen during lunch hours and a romantic atmosphere into the later hours at dawn. It is such a popular place that foreigners and Italians themselves go to Vapiano to enjoy a true meal. The difference of Vapiano and many other Italian restaurants is the fact that there are foreigners cooking up the goodies. 

With an open kitchen, you can see everything being made by a true chef. Dishes average at a price of $15 and portions are fairly large. It is definitely recommended to be shared between guests, but not recommended for foreigners because the Italians were able to down a few sample platters themselves. 

There are two locations in Seoul, the address and phone number is as follows:

Samsung 945-27 Daechi-dong Gangnam-gu, Seoul 02-554-7257

Dongdaemun 591-53 Jeonnong-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02-3707-1708

Daily Refreshments - Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer

Kirin Ichiban Beer is known to be one of the popular Japanese refreshments in Seoul, Korea. For that very reason, a lot of people go to visit the many locations that have Kirin Ichiban Beer. One of the unique touches to this Japanese beer is the fact that it comes with a frozen foam. This frozen foam is the rave in Seoul because it helps to keep your beer cool as you consume it. It's definitely the go to for anyone who loves beer, with waits in the Sinsa Garosu-gil area for an hour. An hour just for a frozenbeer, yes. Although it is the most recognized pace to go for the frozen beer because of atmosphere and it's a popular tourist area, the Kirin Ichiban Frozen Beer can be found elsewhere as well. The concept is still the same where you are poured the Kirin draft beer and topped with the frozen foam that comes from a soft-serve like machine. On average, look to pay $8 for a cup of this popular beer. It's definitely worth it to try once, but then again it can be just a hype considering you can get a larger amount of beer for the same price. 

For those of you who are looking to visit the famous Kirin Ichiban beer garden in Garosu-gil, keep in mind there is a two hour down time from 3-5PM. It is definitely recommended to go on the weekdays where lines are shorter!

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 right after  the Fossil store. 

Address: 534-5 Sinsa-dong Gangnam Gu

신사동 강남구 534-5

Phone: 02-548-8858

My Current Obession - It's Skin Mangowhite Peeling Gel

One of the best sellers at It's Skin, a popular beauty brand in Korea is the Mangowhite Peeling Gel. The product is recommended for all skin types that helps to remove dead skin by simply massaging the Mangowhite Peeling Gel into the skin for a minute or two. With immediate results and a great scent, it is recommended for anyone with sensitive skin and or problematic skin like myself. 

On clean skin, take a quarter size of the product and massage it into your skin in circular motion. You'll notice white clumps of dead skin that will form which is a bit disturbing the first time around, but you'll get used to it! Use the product one to two times a week to prevent oily skin. For an extremely cheap product priced at $7, it is a definite recommendation for all. I use this product once a week in addition to my Clarasonic Plus machine daily!


The smell of the product is amazing and it works extremely well, pulling off all of the dead skin. THe only problem is that the product may be a little too strong for those with oily and sensitive skin. It does make your skin a lot more oily which can be problematic for those with acne problems. Nonetheless, it is a product that I would buy again because it can be used on other parts of the body to remove dead skin.

Hidden Treasures - Tu CAN

Tu CAN is a small restaurant in Noksapyeong known for their chicken and chips combo. With a limited menu of jerk chicken and orange chicken, the main entrée is sided with salads, rice, and other delicious goodies. With a small menu, the must order is the chicken where you can share half a chicken between two. The more popular order is the jerk chicken that is served with a barbecue sauce and a ton of herbs spiced into the chicken. The orange chicken is served with an orange sauce and the chicken topped with fried garlic slices.

The two differ in taste and varies on customer’s taste. Personally, the jerk chicken at Tu CAN is more favorable because of the sauce that is served with. Nonetheless, both chicken are baked up the same way, slowly oven roasted and not dry at all. Because the chicken is small in size, it is able to obtain its juices and bring in the crowd. Served with a bed of freshly deep fried potato chips and its own sauce that is recommended to be dipped with the chicken, Tu CAN is a must visit.

Aside from good taste, the price of this chicken is extremely affordable and welcoming. Chickens are priced at just $12 for half and $22 for two halves of both the jerk and the orange. In addition to the chicken, they serve Mango Salad for just $10, a side of rice and beans for $3 and a handful of drinks that range in price. The recommended is the naranja con leche, fresh orange juice and milk which is a great combo for the meal. They also have caipirinhas, mojitos, pina coladas and more!

This extremely small restaurant seats roughly 20 guests at one time, but it is constantly packed with people who are peeping in to get a seat. This spot is famous among the Koreans as well as foreigners which goes to rave about the food at Tu CAN. That and it’s pretty impossible to find jerk chicken, a Caribbean and Brazilian cuisine in Korea. Their bright colored décor is extremely welcoming for a group of friends to enjoy a great meal. Just keep in mind the wait time for a chicken to cook up if they run out!

Address: 658 Itaewon 2-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

용산구 이태원2동 658

Phone: 02-749-9966

Directions: Take exit 2 from Noksapyeong station and go straight until you see a green underpass that takes you across the street on the right. Take the underpass and exit on the left when reaching the exit. Cross the street to the other side and take a right. Tu CAN will be on your left with a few steps going up.

Story of My Life - Hair Donation

 

Giving back to others is one thing that is always on the top of my list. Donating my long hair has been one bucket list check that I’ve been dying to do for quite a while now and who would have ever thought that I’d do it when I’m in Korea. Basically, I am sending my hair over seas, that’s quite a bucket list check off if you ask me. True dedication here!

Originally, it was going to be a recorded process from the hair salon to the day of shipment, but being that I am so spontaneous, that changed after two weeks of planning. I decided to incorporate my students in the fun by allowing them to snip off my hair. They were of course, extremely nervous but enjoyed every moment of it. Unfortunately, the video clip that I did have of the whole thing was accidentally deleted from my phone. AHHHHHHHHHHH* Nonetheless, there is still pictures for proof!

 

Because I have been telling my students for quite a while that I was going to donate my hair, they’ve been asking me every day they see me to figure out when exactly it was going to happen. Cutting off 16 inches of hair is not easy. They definitely thought I was going to back out of that one. On the day of their testing, I told them that I would reward them if they did well to allow them to cut my hair. Throughout their test they were amped. It was a great way to encourage them to do well during the level up test. Except on my one hand, I was nervous counting down every second until that very moment they finished their test.

 

Honestly, they finished earlier than expected and I told them to check over their answers. Definitely glad it was a good class, one that I know everyone will level up in. Once test materials were collected, they washed their hands, we shut the door and it happened. With two braids, two students participated in the cutting and everyone participated in the laughter and surprise.

 

They were so happy that they were able to participate in such an event and I’m grateful to have this experience to share with them. They admit that cutting my hair was harder than the level up testing, but it was definitely all fun and games after that! Of course, I didn't leave it as it was after the students cut it. I had to get it done at the salon. Never trust your students with a pair of scissors, unless you love them that much! It was definitely a great experience to have, but I definitely got the uneven cutting fixed at the salon!

Can't believe though, that I am donating my hair from Korea ... haha 

Fresh on the Market - Share Tea

Share Tea is labeled the number one bubble tea spot in Taipei, Taiwan. Being that I have traveled to Taiwan (will be going back in December again this year) I definitely do miss having Share Tea every day. I'm glad they opened a branch in Hongdae 홍대 because I've been dying for the bubble tea. It's nice to have traditional taste when it comes to milk tea and not made from powder.

The one thing that sets Share Tea from every other bubble tea chain in Korea is the fact that they actually have pudding. PUDDINGGGGGGGGG ! You do not understand how difficult it is to find the traditional Chinese pudding in Korea, but I'm glad to have it here!

Share Tea is extremely small in size so I would not recommend lounging out for a while. There is a total of rougly ten seats in the store, in a very small space as well. Nonetheless, it is a must visit for anyone craving for pudding with their bubble tea the traditonal Chinese way. 

Directions: From Hongik University station on line two, take exit 9 and go straight until the light. Make a left and go straight to the next light. Keep going straight past the light and you will see a row of buildings. Share tea is on the bottom section of the two floor of buildings and food.

Korean Twist - 40192 Roll

40192 (DalRoll) is a place in the Itaewon Noksapyeong area that is swirling up a traditional Japanese cake. For just $4.50 a pop, 40192 offers a handful of flavors which include plain, caramel, green tea, chocolate, tiramisu, and biscuit choux. Just about palm size, it maybe a little pricey and not worth it if you have a crazy sweet tooth. There is a lot more cream than cake taste and the problem is the cake is not sweet at all. It is perfect for those who look for something bland, but it's a total let down when you're looking for a blast of green tea taste and all you get is cream and cake.

Drinks at DalRoll start at $3.50 and an Americano is priced at $4 which actually beats out a lot of the main chain and fancy cafes if you ask me. 40192 is extremlly small in size with sliding doors that is different from other cafes. Seating roughly 12 with booths and 4 at a bar-like setting, it can be hard to find seats here when it gets packed.

Address:용산구 녹사평대로 228-1

Yongsangu Noksapyeong Dae-ro 228-1

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 to the corner. 40192 DalRoll will be on your right before reaching the end of the block.

Life in Korea - Korean War Museum

One of the most important events in the history of Korea is the Korean War. Many of the times, you will hear your students speak about the Korean War along with several important dynasties throughout the history of Korea. The one that is constantly brought up and related to during class time is the Chosun dynasty. To be honest, I never really understood the significance of the event until visiting the War Museum this past weekend.

With three floors of exhibits, an outdoor exhibit of plane models along with a current science exhibit going on, the War Museum is a must visit. For starters, it is free of price unless you are going to see the special exhibits. Nonetheless, you are able to run around to learn through written and visual aspects. It is the best place to go and get a summary of Korea’s history, which is important, to many.

After visiting the museum, I feel a lot of pride and understand why Koreans feel the way they do towards the history of Korea. It was definitely a great insight that was needed after living here for over a year and a half. The best part about running around the museum in addition to the learning experience is the significance behind every piece that they have.

 It is definitely important to read the captions that they have for their statues and symbolic pieces. The creativity and reflection of each piece holds so much meaning that I was held captive for quite a while. I don’t deny the fact that I was touched a few times with a few of the exhibitions and movies, teary eyed practically.  I do suggest it to every that lives in Seoul.

In addition to all of the all of the significant meaning and history of Korea which sounds pretty boring, the exhibit incorporates technology in a new way. They offer 4D viewings and a handful of other things that should be kept a secret because it should be experienced personally! Do keep in mind that if you go on the weekend, you will be faced with a handful of  children running around as well. 

Restaurant Review - Burgermine



Burgermine, named People's Favorite Burger, is one unique burger spot located in the Itaewon Haebangchon area that allows for customers to get a DIY burger. This all you can eat option is where you can pick your own unilimited topping of anything and everything after given the patties for your burger. It is a popular option for many because the amount you can consume. This DIY Burger option is just $15 with fries and beverages.

For others who are not looking to down so much, Burgermine makes their own burgers with a variety of combinations. The burgers are rather plain in taste, nothing that special which is reflected in the photo. They offer two salad options which is the garden (a huge plate of veggies topped with bacon bits and a balsamic vinegar dressing) and a chicken caesar salad. There is also the option of other sides which include the mouthwatering Chili Cheese Fries which is not exactly that.

It was a huge disappointment for the simple reason that deep fried fries were topped with sliced cheese and thrown into a microwave. The chilli on top was just not appealing to taste with a bland, can taste. Personally, it is not a recommendation unless you are going for the all you can eat option.

Burgermine is a pretty chill place to go with graffiti on the walls and a dimmed lighting environment. It wouldn't be the best place to take a date, but hanging out with friends is on the list, especially if you are all the type with a big stomach! 

Address:Seoul, Yongsan-gu, Yongsan-dong-2-ga 45-9
용산구 용산동 2가 4-9

Phone: 070-8263-2034

Directions: From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go all the way up and after a long 5 minute walk, you will see an international market on your left. Past the market, you will see Burgermine on your right.