Sinchon, Seoul

Sinchon in Seoul is surrounded by 4 major universities, Yonsei Uni., Ewha Women's Uni., Sogang Uni. and Hongik Uni. and it is a popular spot for the 20s-30s for its restaurants, cafes and culture. If you are interested in 2nd-hand korean books or comic books, you should drop by at Book-Off near Sinchon station exit 5.

You can also buy 2nd-hand Japanese or Korean comic books at 1000won each so come by and immerse yourselves in these books. Next for dinner, you can go to the back street near Sinchon station exit 2 and try chicken galbi in this restaurant.

It might be strange to see this man hanging around trying to get customers but the food was great and many locals love to come to this restaurant. This dish included chicken and lots of vegetables like cabbage and beansprouts and the staff cooked it in front of us.

Even though we ordered enough for 2 people, I think this is definitely enough for 4 people as you can ask for rice or noodles to go with this.

We also asked for seafood topping (we weren't really sure but anyway..) it came with big squid and extra vegetables and after cooking, they added extra chilli sauce (though the staff kept telling us that it's not spicy).

It might not be spicy however korean food usually get spicier and spicier as you enjoy them so be prepared for it.

For the grilled pork lovers, you should also walk around the back lanes as the restaurants offer as low as 3500 won per portion and it is interesting to sit around and watch how the koreans spend their night on the weekends. So check out the link at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A2NN40h8ug

Have fun in Korea!

Mackerel

In Korea, it is pretty easy to get fresh fish especially if you are staying by the sea or you could get it in the supermarket or fish market. You could find fish stew, grilled fish, fish with red hot sauce, raw fish Bibimbap, raw fish with vegetables or sushi from Japanese influence. Today we managed to try mackerel in a pretty famous local restaurant.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The restaurant was crowded and seemed like it has been broadcasted on TV.  The menu mainly features mackerel dishes and we decided to order grilled mackerel (작은갈치조림) and mackerel stew with spicy sauce (고등어조림). 

With side dishes like kimchi, pickled garlic and sweet potato, the stew consisted of mackerel, radish, chilli sauce and probably soy bean paste. The sauce tastes really good when you mix it with rice. The fish was soft and tender and without much fishy smell. As for the grilled mackerel, we ate it with soysauce and horseradish and the taste was excellent but beware of the bones.

If you are interested in going there, take subway Line 4 and alight at Hansung University. Exit from #5 and walk ahead for about 15mins. Keep walking and follow the curve. After the 2nd traffic light, turn left and walk up a little slope and you should be able to find the restaurant.

Han River & Hyatt Hotel

If you are only stopping over in Seoul and wonder how to spend your evening, you might want to consider the Han River tour. The Han River flows through the center of Seoul, and it is the most well-known river in Korea. This is also one of the best ways to view Seoul especially if you don't have much time in Seoul.

When you take this cruise, you will also be able to enjoy Seoul's nightscene and understand the history of the bridges that connect Seoul together. While you are at it, don't miss out the 63 building in Seoul's business district, especially if you are a drama lover, you will find that this building appears a lot in Korean dramas.

Next was the Hyatt hotel. Wow... It was grand and when we stepped in it, the interior was amazingly surrounded by wooden floor and big clear glass. Its skating rink(located in Garden Level) was used in the drama 'Boys Over Flowers' and we could see the night view of Seoul from the garden.

After that we took a cab back to Myeongdong and enjoyed Gamjatang (pork ribs with potato stew) at Woncho Gamjatang(원조감자탕;) restaurant. It was packed with lots of korean people and the taste was great but spicy. So be prepared for the hotness!