Traditional Korean Eat - Jjajangmyeon 짜장면 (Blackbean Noodles)

This traditional eat, Jjajangmyeon 짜장면, takes it's roots from the Chinese noodle. Usually cooked up with a blackbean sauce, the dish is an all time favorite for many Koreans. Consumed alone as a noodle topped with pork, onions, and a variety of other vegetables (depending on the restaurant), it can also be decked out to be a fancy meal. One of my ultimate favorite concept is with sweet and sour deep fried pork, 탕수육. This meal is usually a cheap eat, my combination lunch which I could not finish was less than $5! Depending on the location and restaurant you buy from, you are definitely getting a bargain for your meal

Life in Korea - Everland

Everland, the Disney Land of Korea, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Korea. Although it is a family spot, it is popular for a bunch of friends to go crazy and ride on a handful of rides as well. The most popular and must go on ride is the T-express, the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. It is probably the best and the one roller coaster that is worth the long wait. 

One of the best things about Everland is the Q pass that you can pick up if the wait for the ride is over 60 minutes. I sure wish America had this service so that you can check out other rides in the mean time! Another handy pick up would be the heating system and cooling fans for those people who are getting of a water ride. There has been many times when I come off the ride soaking wet (this time included) and wish there was a way to dry off. 

There is also a little zoo with a handful of animals which incorporates a Sea World concept to the theme park as well as other animals. The provide free animal shows and even a safari ride that is a van that drives through a caged area with lions, tigers, bears, and other vultures. The best part about it is the tricks the bears will do. The one other additional fun is the horror maze which you can navigate and run through for an extra $5. 

Everland sure does not measure up to Disney Land, but it is definitely worth visiting with a bunch of friends for a day of rides and fun. This theme park tries to incorporate all different parts of children fun with rides, animals, and other goodies. Lotte World is the next close thing in Seoul, but it's always fun to be a kid once again and Everland is the best in Korea! 

There are a handful of good things about the park in addition to the rides which include cheap food, not over priced amusement park food that we constantly experience in America. Souvenirs can fluctuate in price, but at the very least, things are not over the top like many places in America. Heated outdoor seating for cooler nights to enjoy your dinner, a handful of photo-friendly spots that allows for you capture the moment is also a handful of pluses, and drinking alcohol outdoors (it is Korea, after all). One peculiar, but considerate concept is a wrapped in water ride where visitors do not get "as wet" because they're technically in a poncho.

South of Seoul, there are a handful of buses that can take you to the area for less than a $5 ride. One recommendation is to go when the park opens and leave before closing time to beat out all of the other people who want to stay from open to close. There is a foreigners discount online that can be printed, but for those with a Shinsegae credit card and students, you (foreigners and Koreans) can receive a half price discount on the card. Always look out for discounts because Everland is constantly offering them! Because Everland is a foreigner spot, the language barrier is no problem at all so it is a must visit indeed. 

Story of My Life - Volunteering in Korea

Giving back to the community is one thing that I truly support, no matter where I am in the world. Being in Korea is no different with a handful of volunteer opportunities around. One of the most popular things to do in Korea is to volunteer to teach English. There are a handful of opportunities all around Seoul to teach children and adults, but branching out from these is something that I've been searching for. The search was finally over when I found PLUR, a volunteer group that works every Sunday at a soup kitchen.

With just a limited number of helpers needed every week, it's was important to jump on the opportunity as soon as I could. In order to be invited to events, you must first request to be a part of the Facebook group. Luckily, I was able to reserve a spot (they sure were quick to go). The soup kitchen serves roughly 150 people every week, but this experience is something that I will never forget.

The journey starters as I met with the group at the train station. Walking to a local spot that was just around the corner, there were people lined up as we walked in. When I say people, I mean fifty men at the very least, just waiting for us to open the doors. It was a bit of a shock to me to see so many people waiting in line since this was the first soup kitchen I've ever volunteered at. This soup kitchen just looked like a regular dining hall to me with seating upon entrance and a small kitchen to the right.

After being lead into a back room, we all got suited up with gloves, aprons, pinned and tied our hairs back. With my heart pounding, I was given the directions that I would be handing the soup to each person, the last one to go so there was no way I could've messed up with that, even if my Korean was horrible. Within a few minutes, we were putting on our rubber boots and lead into the kitchen where I stood in front of a fan waiting to start.

It wasn't too long until the line of men started to pour in and grab their food. Yes, the line of men. There were no women, no children, just men in their thirties and up. Some who looked like they haven't had a decent meal, but most who looked like regular civilians to me. Why such a culture shock? There were people on line with cell phones and in a culture where male are dominant, where are all the women who need the help? There are just some thing I will probably never understand.

Nonetheless the experience was one of its own. I expected to meet rude people that were cranky for their food. Luckily, I did not and even met a few who politely said thank you to me. It was a great experience and I would definitely do it again, that or something more.

The serving time went by so quickly that it was time to clean up and wipe down before I knew it. The one thing I did not look forward to was taking out the garbage and I'm grateful I didn't have to do so. I do admit that it was a photo friendly picture that captured the moment and unforgettable experience. It is something I recommend that everyone tries once in their life, especially with this crazy bunch of volunteers that made this experience memorable.

My Current Obsession - Tony Moly Cappuccino Cream-In Scrub

There are a few products in Korea that I am absolutely in love with and the Tony Moly Cappuccino Cream-In Scrub is one of them. I have previously blogged about the purchase of this coffee scrub, but since then, the packaging of the product has changed. Although the packaging of the product has changed, it is still the same great product that I have used over the course of the months. Nonetheless, I am still in love with the product and want to share it with the world. In addition to the product being one of Tony Moly's best sellers, the product itself and the packaging is definitely an appealing factor to buy.

This heat-activating mask is the perfect product for those with dark marks on the face. A gentle gel scrub with beads that helps to rub away dead skin. It is perfect for the winter days that are soon approaching. I have yet to have a problem with the product on my skin and recommended it to a few friends that are just in love with the product as I am. 

Restaurant Review - Retro Grill

Retro Grill, a restaurant located a little off from the main streets of Hongdae, is a small cozy place for burgers. The restaurant seats approximately fifteen guests at one time. This restaurant serves Australian beef, which is an upgrade from American beef for its taste and quality of meat. For those of you who are not familiar with the meat grading, American beef is among the lower set, followed by Australian and Korean's having one of the best because of the tender love and care that is given to the animals. 

Burgers made from fine Australian prepackaged beef burgers, Retro Grill has one of the best burgers that I have had in a while. The recommended burger to try is the Sloppy Joe burger, on the left which is a burger topped with sloppy joe, or in this case, chili. Although it is a bit messy, it is absolutely delicious. For those of you who are looking for a regular burger, their Classic Burger, on the right is just as delicious and not as messy. All burgers come with a coleslaw side and an upgrade to fries and a drink can be made as well. Retro Grill is one of the few places with Dr Pepper which is almost impossible to find in Korea, so it is suggested to take a visit if you are having any of these foreign cravings. 

Pricing for a burger can range from $7-12 depending on the burger and set, but the meat and bread is absolutely amazing. I do not suggest getting an order of chili fries if you ordered a Sloppy Joe because you can just dunk regular fries into your chili sauce.

Adress: 361-19 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul.
Phone 02-322-0823

Restaurant Review - Frypan

Frypan is one of the best Korean food chains in Korea. Whipping up all things fried (fried chicken tenders mostly), Frypan is known for their variety of sauces that you can dunk your chicken in. It is recommended to order the fried chicken over a bed of freshly fried skinned potatoes.

One of my ultimate favorite of Frypan sauces is the original and country. It is the one must visit chicken spot in Korea. With chains all around Seoul, it is definitely a tourist's favorite.

Korean Traditional Eat - Omelette Rice

A basic Korean traditional eat, fried rice wrapped in an egg omelette and topped with a red, BBQ like sauce is one of the cheapest lunches that you can have. The dish varies restaurant to restaurant, being that not all restaurants incorporate meat with their fried rice. Most places serve up a vegetable fried rice, but nonetheless this dish is extremely filling and cheap. It is definitely one of the favorites here in Korea and back at home. 

Restaurant Review - Butterfingers

For those who live in Korea, you know how impossible it is to find home comfort food, especially diner food. Most of us miss the after clubbing diners and home comfort breakfast foods in waffles, pancakes, eggs, and home fries. One of the ultimate popular spots in Korea for almost all foreigners is Butterfingers. With a few locations around Seoul which include, but are not limited to Gangnam and Bundang, it is the one place to go for the best diner foods.

Although it can be a bit pricey compared to the prices we are used to back at home, it is definitely worth a visit every once in a while to satisfy those cravings. The suggested is their waffles (we are in Korea after all), the Butterfingers shake, their pumpkin walnut pancake and their breakfast platter. The platter is a little big, recommended to be shared between two. In addition to the breakfast goods, there are a handful of other home comfort foods which include salads and burgers. I have yet to try those, but it will probably be on the menu next time!

Upon ordering breakfast goods, there is a choice for syrup which include honey or maple, and the choice of a sweet or regular butter. Korea is a bit fan of all things sweet so do not find these things peculiar, it's just the cultural differences but the sweet butter is recommended for pancakes and waffles! There's a crystallization of sugars that just melt in your mouth. 

My Current Obsession - Nature Republic Botanical BB Fixer

I am absolutely in love with the Nature Republic Botanical BB Fixer spray that is a way to put a hold on your makeup. Very much like the Urban Decay Makeup setter spray, it is to be used after making your final touches to set your makeup for a long night out.

It is one of the fewest makeup setters that I have found in Korea. I think one of the best things about this product is the scent of the spray. I hate using products that work but smell horrible. This setter has a fragrant scent of flowers that smells just like perfume so you can even skip out on the perfume around the ears. Without shaking the can, simply spray to the face with the eyes closed. Be sure to have an even application to the face! Simple as that and you are on your way out.

Bottoms Up - Flavored Magkeolli

The Korean traditional yum, Magkeolli (막걸리) is a rice wine that is usually made fresh by many. When made fresh, it usually comes in a form of white rice wine, but I have yet to see a restaurant whip up its own Coffee Magkeolli. This twist is definitely something worth trying but be careful when consuming too much because it is a mix of coffee and alcohol although it is on the weaker side.

I have seen other forms of magkeolli which comes in a variety of fruit flavors and it is served as a bottle. I am a big fan of those sweet yummies and I do suggest trying it out if you are not a fan of the traditional rice wine. The flavor adds a hint of sweetness which helps to overcome the plain taste.

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - cocobruni

cocobruni, a relatively new barista and chocolatier that opened in Gangnam, is a must visit spot for it's open space and modern interior. Known for their decorative chocolates and specialty drinks, it is a short walk from Gangnam station, exit 11 to the right off of the main road. There is also one in Hongdae and a few other tourist spots.

It is the perfect place to visit to chit chat and even solo just to enjoy a cup of coffee and a few sweets which include their wide selection of cake slices, chocolates, and a few baked goodies. With soothing American music constantly playing, this place is one of the few in Gangnam that provide a more relaxing feeling compared to the other busy coffee shops. 

Catering to the more urban and modern taste of locals, desserts average at a price of $5 a slice, chocolates at $2.50 per piece and specialty drinks that range from $3.50-6. There is a set menu with a drink and baked good combo for $7 which is a recommendation for those who are on a budget. In addition to food and beverages, souvenir goods can be purchased which includes planners, notebooks, and cups for a take home gift.

It is definitely a place to stop by during the day or at night. The open window is a great attraction with sunlight during the day, and bright lights of the cafe that attracts anyone passing by. The only problem is the bathroom is far from the building, it is actually located in a regular building so a heads up for that would be great!

Restaurant Review - Misoya

A chain across Korea that serves cheap and delicious Japanese food is a must visit to all. I recommend the Misoya's bento boxes that comes with a box of deliciousness! Most goodies at Misoya consists of fried foods, but you can also find Udon Noodles and Teriyakis. At an average price of $7 a bento box, it is a filling meal that will not empty your pocket.

Unlike the bento boxes in America, the Misoya bento boxes comes with a variety of side dishes that depend on the entree you order. Aside from the traditional teriyaki and sushi bento boxes, Misoya offers a seafood rice bento box that is topped with a mayonnaise like sauce which I think is absolutely delicious and is a must try. There are a handful of other entrees that are suggested as well.

One of the most filling dishes to order from Misoya is their variety of Katsu dishes. For those who are not looking for something as filling, you can't go wrong with their sushi rolls.