Wah.... from the title it really seems like we visited a lot! :X
Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken
So many recommendations, so we had to try.
We went to Gyeongbokgung Station Exit 2, and walked straight. We passed by a Paris Baguette and some shops before we saw tosokchon on the left in one of the smaller roads.
It's not difficult to spot. Just keep looking left at every small road that you are about to cross.
Don't bother ordering the pancake. It is huge and you have to wait 20-30minutes for it. By then we were done with our meal already.
Look at that ginseng! haha.
Black chicken one cost more, soup tastes better but chicken was tough AND NOT NICE TO EAT. Normal chicken one taste nicer but soup is more bland. I didn't like it to be honest, there was always this powdery after taste. The earthen pots they put the food in and the ambience was nice though.
Now before you chiong here to eat, two things to warn you of
1) THE QUEUE.
We arrive there at 11.45am and there was no queue. About 12pm people started streaming in and by the time we left.... LOOK AT THE QUEUE NOW
2) I am again upset with the service. This joint is widely popular among locals and tourists, but locals are obviously treated better since they would be repeat customers. When we asked about the pancake, the lady replied us rudely in chinese that it is standard to wait for 30 mins, and her tone implied very clearly that if you can't wait, don't eat. So fine. We cancelled the item lor -_-
My recommendation? Come here to try if it's on the way and you're visiting nearby areas as well. If I were to come back again but have to queue for the food and that kind of service, I'd much rather head to another place to eat. Sorry not sorry :/
Bukchon Hannok Village
Ok next up another famous area. There are two routes to walk, one on the west and one on the east.
As you are walking out of exit 2 of Angguk Station, keep looking out for the tourist information centre that is straight straight straight ahead. The map they provide is very important to help you navigate where to go.
We walked the east route, since we had to reach the palace in time for the guided tour. IMO, the east route had less to see, and not much to take photos of. Those who walk the west route can usually see more... houses and stuff?
Eh but actually.. I think quite boring la :/
Snapped some pictures and off we went to...
Changdeokgung Palace and Secret Garden
Mum chose this palace because it was listed in the UNESCO list of world heritage sites. I must admit I enjoyed the Palace Tour very much. From 2.30pm to 5.30pm... all that time we were walking around and around.
My dad was really tired after that. Even I was like X.x
Important Notes:
1) The guided tour timings
IT IS IMPORTANT to come for the guided tours. If not the site has no meaning, because no one explains it to you! So please go to the website, and get the English Guided Tours. Please note you are not allowed to wander in the Secret Garden on your own, so you must join a guided tour if you wish to see the inside.
We went for the 2.30pm English Palace Tour
and the 3.30pm English Secret Garden Tour.
2) The long walks
DO NOT come here with elderly, or with those who can't walk very far. I estimate that through the two tours, we would have easily walked 5km. The secret garden tour had steep hills up and the paths were sandy and not paved. Mum slipped once, but ninja me grabbed her arm so she didn't fall. I slipped too but regained my balance. I was concentrating too much on walking to bother with pictures.
3) The dangerous routes
Walking walking thinking they were all steps at the end of the edge...
Looks safe right?
Think again
Thank God I jam break when I saw this.
I took the effort to go down and stand at the corner of the steps, so my head peeps out from the ledge and people know it's a void without steps.
Very very dangerous. Please be careful. Avoid coming here if the falling risk is too high for you to take in the case of elderly parents etc.
I really took the most pictures here, as both dad and I have a great eye for details and designs, which we found a lot to admire and appreciate during the tours. Just be really careful yeah?
Insadong
Sorry I can't rmb which exit this was at from Angguk Station.
I remember having to walk in one direction toward this police station.
I knew I was at Insadong when I turned into a big road and saw lots of stores, along with an information counter.
Rain made this place kinda annoying to visit. Bag wet and items wet yucks. This is one of 2 places I visited that sold the typical korean souvenirs like pencil cases, pouches etc, the other being Kwangjang Market for day 4.
Please note shops here close at about 8, so buy everything you need then go and eat your dinner here or somewhere else! I like the small mall that was along insadong, it sold mosquito repellent candles somewhere near the top floor and some really nice postcards. It looks like 사 the left letter x 2. haha nvm. Wander around and explore! This mall has a unique sloping design that goes round and round.
Street food was good here. Try the hotteok! :9
Lotte Mart
We still wanted to shop, so at 9pm we headed to Seoul Station Lotte Mart, which closes only at midnight. Bought lots of groceries to eat, fruits, seaweed, and other random stuff here! A good place to get food produces. It's like the tampines Giant in Singapore la.
First floor all food, second floor clothes, pets, sports equipment, electronics, shoes, luggages, uniqlo etc etc :]
Pictures stuck in my phone will upload soon