Posts Tagged ‘seoul’

I at JustEnoughKorean.com had no idea what to do for New Year’s Eve in Korea. I found a few bits of information about a New Year’s Celebration happening in Seoul and that’s what we are going to do.

I’ve heard that the Times Square-style thing to do in Seoul for New Year’s Eve is to take the Seoul Subway to Jongno and head to the Bosingak Belfry area.

There, they ring a big bell 33 times to ring in the New Year. Then, the spectators shoot fireworks and roman candles into the air (hopefully into the air and not into me!).

I haven’t been before but that’s what we’ve pieced together from the internet. I am planning to go this year and I’ll let you know what it’s like.

Instead of going to your favorite bar for a New Year’s Eve party, why not try something a bit more Korean???

If you’re planning to attend and would like to meet up at some point, email me here:
jermil@justenoughkorean.com

Changdeokgung Palace is THE PALACE TO VISIT if you’re only checking out one palace in Seoul. That’s according to “Dokkaebi Maps & Guides” that I found.

If you ask me, I’d suggest going to whichever palace is closest to you. “Why?” you ask???

BECAUSE THEY ALL LOOK THE SAME!!!

But the unnecessary difference that Changdeokgung Palace offers is a mandatory guided tour!!! English tours are given only 3 times a day. But it doesn’t matter. Take a tour in Korean, Chinese, or Japanese. Preferably if you don’t speak any of those languages!

They can be way more fun than the English tour if you do what I did while I wandered around the palace during the Korean tour.

I would make up stories about space aliens and old torture chambers and the Americans attacking way back in 1621 (of course there was no America back then but that’s the point).

To get to Changdeokgung Palace, take the Seoul subway to Anguk Station and go out exit 3. Follow the main road and you’ll find the palace on your left after about a 5 minute walk. Or go to this link for a map.

Check out my pictures below from the last time we went to good old Changdeokgung Palace!

Have you ever been to Changdeokgung Palace? What did you think of it??? Let me know in the comments!

Have you ever been to Changdeokgung Palace? What did you think of it??? Let me know in the comments!

I used to think Kraze Burgers had a pretty strong selection of hamburgers. I also thought the Friday’s Burger at T.G.I. Friday’s (the only hamburger they have) was mighty tasty. But now I don’t think I can ever go to those restaurants again! Those burgers aren’t bad by any means. It’s just that they can never compete with Smokey Saloon.

I stumbled upon Smokey Saloon while wandering around Itaewon looking for a nice place for a Sunday brunch. I didn’t know what it was but I saw a line of people waiting to get in so it must be good right? I never see that at restaurants in Korea.

Smokey Saloon has multiple burger combinations for your choosing. They also have a few sandwiches and a shrimp burger if you want to unleash your inner korean.

I chose the “Ambulance” which has a fried egg on top, 2 slices of bacon, American cheese, and a hash brown on the bottom. I topped them off with a side of coleslaw and “sloppy” fries (chili cheese fries).

The entire meal was fantastic. (See more pictures below!) But don’t take my word for it. See what Candice has to say about it in this video taken inside of Smokey Saloon, where, I do declare, you will find the best burgers in South Korea.

What’s your favorite burger restaurant in Korea? Like this post? Think it sucks? Give me your opinion in the comments.

If you can’t see the video below, check it out on justenoughkorean.com.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSc9jqwJjE8

If you are looking for professional Thai massage, check out Healing Hands: Massage for the Soul in Itaewon. From the Seoul subway (Line 6), take Exit 2 and walk for a few blocks and look for a sign that says “Clinic Ever”. Inside that doorway is the staircase that will take you to Healing Hands; it’s on the 3rd floor.

Upon entering the establishment, it is a sensory experience with all the soothing sounds and aromas you’d expect. The owner/masseuse speaks English fluently and his masseuse partner has very good English comprehension, and they are very accommodating with your schedule as well as your personal needs. Making an appointment is advisable, but I have ‘walked in’ many times. They are open daily from 12:30pm to 9:00pm.

A one hour full body massage currently costs 60 000 won and they offer a variety of other services including hot stone and foot treatments. A nice option is the couples massage; it makes a great date, and you get a slight discount. Another added bonus is their stand up tanning bed, but don’t expect bulbs as strong as back home.

Has anyone else been to Healing Hands? Any suggestions for good massage places in Seoul?

Getting your manicures and pedicures in Seoul will be almost as expensive if not more than in North America. I have been satisfied with Tiffany Nail in Itaewon (Exit 2 across the street from the Dunkin Donuts). I’ve had manicures ranging from about 15 000-35 000 won and pedicure prices start at about 30 000 won.

The services I’ve had at Tiffany Nail were relatively thorough; I had a lot of choices for polish colour, and during one pedicure, my feet were simultaneously worked on by 2 ladies! It was a bit of a novelty, but I ended up feeling like I was getting rushed out a bit. They are not the best manicures/pedicures  in the world, but they do cater to a lot of foreigners. They speak some English, and they have pretty good hours (Mon-Sun 11am-10pm)

They also have a stand up tanning bed for about 12 000 per 10-15 minute session and they have package deals, but don’t expect strong bulbs like back home. They provide tanning lotion for free.

I’ve also tried The Green Turtle in Itaewon (Exit 3, right above ‘The Coffee Bean’). The prices were comparable, but I preferred Tiffany Nail.