3 newly opened cafes near Seongsu & Ttukseom Stations to visit in South Korea

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If you take an interest in South Korea, you would have known that the cafe culture in Korea is seriously not a joke.

Trends come and go in the land of kimchi and cafes are opening and closing within months.

Not to mention that prices have generally gone up.

But if it’s a well-deserved trip you’re making soon, go ahead and spend within your budget!

Here are 3 newly opened cafes near two train stations of Line 2 (green line)—Seongsu & Ttukseom—so drop by if you’re visiting the area.

BILLOWY | 빌로위 성수
BILLOWY exterior

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/jjh30417

Opening hours: 10 am to 12 am (last order at 10.30 pm)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (4.49 SGD) for drinks

Address: 15 Seongsuil-ro 12-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: An 8-minute walk (567 m) from Exit 1 of Seongsu Station

BILLOWY makes a good brunch place so if you’re short on time (which most of us are while on holiday), consider dropping by this cafe/brunch place.

BILLOWY brunch

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/prejiii

The brunch menu ranges from 14,000 to 30,000 KRW (13.97 to 29.94 SGD) so it’s a little on the high side. But I love the aesthetics of this place.

BILLOWY interior

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/jjh30417

The greyish-white interior colors with pops of greens are easy on the eyes and make perfect backdrops for selfie lovers.

FLOPPY | 플로피

 

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Opening hours: Mondays to Fridays 10 am to 6 pm; Saturdays to Sundays 11 am to 6 pm

Prices: Starting from 3,500/4,500 KRW (3.49/4.49 SGD) for drinks

Address: 10 Achasan-ro 1 ga-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: A 2-minute walk (150 m) from Exit 2 of Ttukseom Station

You will immediately spot this coffee & dessert place from afar thanks to its black exterior and clean white interior with unique mini tables and wooden chairs near the entrance. It’s not a huge space so you may not get seats if you’re unlucky.

 

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To guarantee a seat, you may want to visit them close to the opening hours, which are 10 am on weekdays and 11 am on weekends.

Prices are pretty wallet-friendly, considering it’s in Seoul.

BREADYPOST | 브레디포스트 성수
BREADYPOST exterior

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/qqq86

Opening hours: 10 am to 8 pm daily

Prices: Starting from 5,000 KRW (4.99 SGD) for drinks

Address: 5 Sangwon 1-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Directions: Head to Exit 5 of Ttukseom Station and walk along Sangwon-gil. It’s just 259 m away from the exit.

BREADYPOST specializes in freshly made pretzels with a decent variety of jams and sauces as add-ons you can purchase.

The cafe itself somehow gives off some old-school vibes so it would make good vintage additions to your social feeds.

BREADYPOST interior

Image Credits: blog.naver.com/xenia5779

One visitor added that the pastries are out at 10 am, 1 pm, and 4 pm. So if you want the freshest treats right out of the oven, you know what time you should visit.

And that’s all from me for this short post!

As mentioned in the opening, cafes in Korea open and close at lightning speeds. So I’ll probably be able to bring you another similar post soon.

See you then! 🙂

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13 “Oraegage” to visit the next time you hit the streets of Seoul

Myeongga Tteokjip

Taking advantage of the vaccinated travel lane (VTL) scheme that started on 15 November to travel to South Korea soon? You must be researching what to do in Seoul.

If you don’t already know, Seoul is a metropolis that is always evolving. In the pursuit of urbanization, low-rise buildings and old infrastructures have been bulldozed, skyscrapers have sprung up everywhere, and historic lanes have been substituted with straighter routes. The Seoul you’ve seen a few years back could have been very different by now.

But still, some businesses have existed for a long time in the fresher, wealthier districts south of the Han River, which are more renowned for high-end restaurants and upscale shops with designer items. These are the spots filled with years of meaningful memories right around the corner of Seoul’s flashy complexes.

That is why before you urgently book a train to Busan or a flight out to Jeju, you will want to visit these newly added “Oraegage” or “Historical Stores” in Seoul’s southeastern areas.

Worthy of its title
Oraegage logo

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

Stores with a heritage of over 30 years in the Seoul area, have been passed down for two or more generations, and where experts and craftsmen practice their specialty are accorded the status by the city government. Since 2017, about 100 over spots have received the worthy label.

Here are the recent “Oraegage” or “Historical Stores” added this time:

  • Guro District: Jinsun Audio
  • Dongjak District: Apple House
  • Songpa District: Myungga Tteokjip
  • Gangnam District: Manna Dang, Manna Snack, Motungijip, Sangsindang, and Gembros
  • Seocho District: Doosung Paper, Seowoo Confectionery, Ewha Myeong Joo, Hill String, and Dongyang Korea Oriental Instruments

The metropolitan area has grouped the 13 locations into 4 themes and offers 4 itineraries in which travelers can visit the stores associated with each concept.

#1: Rediscovery of Market
Manna Snack

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

This tour takes you to shops in a market and a mall in an old apartment block that has retained its attractiveness for decades.

You will be visiting Manna Snack, a snack bar at Eunma Shopping Center that has been selling noodles and spicy rice cakes since 1990. You will also stop by Myeongga Tteokjip, which started in 1980 and is famous for its fist-sized glutinous rice cakes with red bean paste at Saemaul Market in the Songpa District of Jamsil area.

#2: Rediscovery of Walking
Ewha Myeong Joo

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

If you book this package, you will be in the compounds of Bangbaesai-gil and Naebang. Enter Ewha Myeong Joo, a hanbok store that has been retailing Korean traditional apparel since 1978 and has seen many foreigners as its customers. It is located in Seorae Village, which is recognized as a French enclave consisting of stylish restaurants and boutiques.

You will also make stops at Apple House, a snack shop that started in 1986 serving spicy fried dumplings, and Seowoo Confectionery, which has been operating since 1980, selling cookies consisting of overcooked rice crust with garlic.

#3: Rediscovery of Emotions
Jinsun Audio in Guro District

Image Credits: Seoul Metropolitan Government

Connect with your artistic side via this tour. Jinsun Audio in Guro District is recommendable for individuals who like the rich and detailed tone of vinyl recordings. You can also get your hands on some valuable handmade turntables from the store, which first opened in 1988.

Thereafter, head to Ationery, a stationery and office equipment business established by Doosung Paper in 1982 that sells high-quality paper products. Hill String, which has been selling Western instruments since 1967, and Dong Korea Oriental Instruments, which has been producing and retailing traditional Korean instruments since 1991, are among the stores you will see too.

#4: Rediscovery of Gangnam
Motungijib gimbap and ramen

Image Credits: mangoplate.com

On this journey, the locals will show you diverse views of Gangnam Station and Garosu-gil in Sinsa-dong. The journey begins at Motungijib, a little snack business just around the bend from Gangnam Station that has been serving spicy fish cake rice rolls wrapped in seaweed since 1988.

You will also get to witness for yourself Sangsindang, a business that has been creating stamps and seals since 1977; Gembros, a jewelry store that started in 1984; and Mannadang, a place that has been selling Korean traditional sweets since 1963.

We heard that there is more information on these rediscovery-themed travel packages at Tripadvisor so do an online search over there if you’re curious! Have a safe trip.

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Some South Koreans seem to be more concerned with this surgery than COVID-19 amid its third wave

park-cheol-woo-a-director-of-wooahin-plastic-surgery-clinic-conducts-a-nose-plastic-surgery

In the last three months, South Korea has seen a 167.3 per cent uptick in the number of COVID-19 infections. But it seems like there’s something of more interest for some South Koreans.

As the land of kimchi battles its third wave of the coronavirus with 1,020 more COVID-19 cases added on Monday (Jan 4), the total caseload now stands at 64,264. But that does not deter some locals like a 20-year-old university student, Ryu Han-na.

Pandemic turned an opportunity for cosmetic surgery

When she had plastic surgery on her nose last month, she took it as the last opportunity to do so discretely before people began taking off masks this year following worldwide vaccinations roll-out.

Ryu said the decision to undergo the 4.4 million won (US$4,013) procedure amid the pandemic included having the capacity to recover at home and wear a mask in public without receiving unnecessary attention.

“I always wanted to get a nose job… I thought it would be the best to get it now before people start taking off masks when vaccines become available in 2021,” she shared. “There will be bruises and swelling from the surgery but since we’ll all be wearing masks I think that should help.”

Ryu is not the only person

In fact, many South Koreans share the same view as Ryu. As such, demand for plastic surgeries amid COVID-19 has contributed to the rise in the industry’s worth in 2020.

According to Gangnam Unni, the country’s largest online cosmetic surgery platform, the market had a worth of roughly US$10.7 billion last year, rising 9.2 per cent year-on-year. It is assumed to remain around US$11.8 billion in 2021.

The face area of interests
Plastic-Surgery-Consultation-in-Korea

Image Credits: Seoulz

Cosmetic surgeons state that all areas of the face are of concern to patients. This includes those that can be covered behind masks, and those that cannot be hidden, which others deem to be appearance standards in the age of COVID-19.

“Both surgical and non-surgical inquiries about eyes, eyebrows, nose bridge and foreheads – the only visible parts – certainly increased,” said Park Cheol-woo, in-charge of Ryu’s operation and surgeon at WooAhIn Plastic Surgery Clinic.

Using the government’s emergency stimulus payment at hospitals

Krismas Plastic Surgery Clinic’s Surgeon Shin Sang-ho said several individuals spent their government emergency stimulus payments at hospitals and clinics, raising sales in the second half of 2020.

“I felt like it’s sort of a revenge spending. I’ve sensed that customers were expressing their pent-up emotions (from the coronavirus) by getting cosmetic procedures,” Shin commented.

Although South Korea did not reveal hospital category specifics, government figures indicate that out of its welfare payments of 14.2 trillion won (US$12.95 billion), locals spent 10.6 per cent in hospitals and pharmacies.

Additionally, Gangnam Unni data suggests that its users rose 63 per cent to around 2.6 million last year from 2019. People sought over one million counselling appointments, twice the number before.

shin-sang-ho-director-of-krismas-plastic-surgery-prepares-to-conduct-botox-injection

Image Credits: Reuters

But as the nation records increased COVID-19 cases daily, the third wave of coronavirus in South Korea remains a threat.

“We’ve seen growing numbers of cancellations in consultation appointments recently as people refrain more from going outside … especially customers from the suburbs mostly postponed their surgeries to 2021,” Park noted.

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5 Travel Destinations With Exciting Attractions For The Family

The December holidays are looming, and the kids are itching for some year-end fun. Looking for a fun-filled family getaway around the region? The options are aplenty!

From Australia’s Movie World, Taiwan’s World Chocolate Wonderland, to Hong Kong’s Ocean Park, Japan’s Sanrio Puroland or South Korea’s Everland, the choices are endless.

Here we share 17 attractions from around the region for the adventure-seeking you.


1. Australia (5 nights)

Heading to Australia? You cannot miss visiting the Gold Coast region, for that is where all the fun in Australia converges.

58756

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(Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off)
* ‘MD4OFF’ is only applicable for adult ticket

Warner Bros. Movie World is a theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia that revolves around the Warner Bros’ movies.

Witness your children’s favourite cartoon characters come to life, with Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety and Sylvester dancing along with you. Have Australia’s best stunt crew, Showtime FMX, take you on an action-packed movie with heart-stopping driving stunts. The latest addition to the theme park, Arkham Asylum, is the Southern Hemisphere’s first Virtual Reality rollercoaster experience. Embark on a 360-degree thrilling experience, while reaching speeds of up to 85km/h!

56754

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(*Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off)
* ‘MD4OFF’ is applicable only for adult ticket

Also situated on the Gold Coast, Dreamworld is Australia’s largest theme park with over 50 rides and attractions, including five roller coasters.

With so many attractions to catch, there’s a ride for every age. Cruise down river rapids as fast as 45km/h at their favourite family attraction, Thunder River Rapids. For the younger ones, indulge in a sing and dance song with Dorothy the Dinosaur and her friends Wags the Dog, Captain Feathersword and Fairy Claire. That’s not all – be impressed by their LEGO store, with life-sized LEGO models to greet you!

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(*Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off )
* ‘MD4OFF’ is applicable only for adult ticket

Bring your little ones on a wildlife education journey. Learn all about koalas, emus, kangaroos and even the adorable Tasmanian Devil at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary!

If you’re looking for something slightly more adventurous, give their TreeTop Challenge a shot, as you zipline across crocodiles and balance on a tightrope through the canopy!

eureka-skydeck

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If Melbourne is part of your Australia itinerary, catch all of Melbourne’s attractions at Eureka Skydeck 88. At 285 metres above ground, experience Melboune like never before with their floor-to-ceiling views from the 88th floor. Try spotting Melbourne’s prominent landmarks such as the MCG, Federation square and Flinders Street Station from their 360-degree observation decks!

 2. Taiwan (3 nights)

Taiwan is a mecca for food, but did you know, they have over 20 amusement parks throughout the island too?

leafoo

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Musical water shows, parades and safari wildlife zoo that is home to 1000 animals of 70 different species. Experience all these in one theme park at Leofoo Village Theme Park. Attractions-wise, have a taste at Taiwan’s largest man-made river Grand Canyon Whitewater Rafting, their biggest Pirate Ship and also their Volcano Adventure. Fancy experiencing zero gravity? Then you have to ride the 17-storey-high Danu God!

chocolate-wonderland

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(*Use promo code ‘MD4OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $4 off )
* ‘MD4OFF’ is applicable to admission ticket and admission ticket + DIY Chocolate Workshop

For the sweet-toothed, here’s another reason to rejoice! As the name suggests, World Chocolate Wonderland is a haven for all chocolate lovers. Their chocolate museum features chocolate sculptures of everything imaginable, from sci-fi characters to hand bags. A great family activity includes designing your own chocolates at their DIY workshop. If you’re looking for wet-weather plans to brave the sometimes relentless weather of Taiwan, this could be it.

3. Hong Kong (3 nights)

Madame Tussaud HK

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If you enjoy the attractions in Singapore, then you’re going to love Hong Kong’s version even more. Like Singapore, Hong Kong has their very own Trick Eye Museum and Madame Tussauds that selfie-lovers will enjoy. Impress your friends with funky poses in Trick Eye Museum’s interactive 3D museum, and stand up close and personal with all the celebrity stars from Hollywood and Hong Kong in Madame Tussauds.

Ocean Park HKG

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(*Use promo code ‘MD2OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $2 off)
* ‘MD2OFF’ is only applicable to Ocean Park (Adult) Admission + HKD100 Souvenir Coupon, Ocean Park (Adult) Admission + Kiosk Meal Combo, Ocean Park Special Admission + Restaurant Meal Combo, Ocean Park Special (Buy 2 Adults Get 1 Child Free Promotion)

Hong Kong has no lack of fun activities as well, with Ocean Park Hong Kong topping the list for family-friendly activities. Encompassing a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park, it is the perfect place to bring your children for a fun and educational journey. Located in the Southern District of Hong Kong, Ocean Park covers more than 915,000 metres. It’s no wonder why they are the first Asian theme park to win the biannual Applause Award, the most distinguished award within the amusement and theme park field.

sky-terrace-428_harbour-view_7

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While you’re on Hong Kong Island, make a visit to The Peak to experience Hong Kong’s oldest and most famous funicular tramway, The Peak Tram. This tramway rises all the way to 296 metres above sea level, offering you a panoramic view of the city. While you’re at the top, indulge in the views from the Sky Terrace 428. Whether by night or by day, Hong Kong’s skyscrapers is a sight like no other!

ngong-ping-2

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(*Use promo code ‘MD2OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $2 off)
* ‘MD2OFF’ is applicable to only Ngong Ping Round Trip Crystal Cabin Cable Car (Adult) and  Ngong Ping Crystal Cabin Round-trip Adult + Meal Coupon
FIRST 300 CUSTOMERS WHO PURCHASE ANY NGONG PING ATTRACTION TICKETS WILL BE ENTITLED TO A FREE SNACK COUPON VALUED AT $6.50 (HKD36) TO BE USED AT NGONG PING. WHILE STOCKS LAST.

Intrigued by the views of Hong Kong from the top? Then Ngong Ping 360 is another attraction worth exploring. An aerial tramway 5.7 kilometres long will connect you from Tung Chung Town Centre to Ngong Ping Village in the 25-minute ride. With the option of a glass-bottomed crystal cabin, you’ll be greeted with unobstructed views over Lantau Island, the seascape and Ngong Ping Village. Can you spot the airport from this aerial view?

4. South Korea (3 nights)

lotte-world-2

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(*Use promo code ‘MD2OFF‘ at checkout to enjoy $2 off)

Over at South Korea, you can never miss out on shopping. Lotte World is a shopping complex which also conveniently transforms into a theme park, a water park, and an aquarium within the complex. It boasts an indoor and outdoor theme park, with the indoor theme park being the world’s largest. Your children will never run out of things to do with daily ongoing performances and bi-monthly festivals being held, while you can occupy yourself with the myriad of shops in the vicinity. Now you can shop with ease while your children let themselves loose.

everland

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Everland is South Korea’s largest theme park. Different themed festivals are organized all year round, including Tulip Festival, Rose Festival, Summer Splash, Halloween Festival, and Romantic Illumination. Learn about Korean’s history in Pride in Korea. Hear the kings of the jungle roar in Safari World. You also cannot leave without riding on T-Express, Korea’s first wooden roller coaster and also one of Everland’s most thrilling rides!

If you’ve always dreamed of being in a live K-Pop concert watching your favourite bands perform, you can experience how it feels like through the 3D hologram at the Live Hologram Theater! The K-Pop Hologram which plays the first ever hologram concert at Everland is at the Global Fair which is an international market of shopping outlets.

n-seoul-tower

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Set atop Namsan Mountain 237 metres high, N Seoul Tower offers sweeping views of the city of Seoul. While you’re on top of the world, don’t miss out on dining at N Grill, a Western-style revolving restaurant, and the Sky Restroom with its multi-colour creative art space!

5. Japan (3 nights)

Splash Mountain, Tokyo Disneyland

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Tokyo Disneyland is no stranger to the adventure-seeking families in Asia. Riding on the same concept as the rest of Disneyland worldwide, it is based on the films produced by Walt Disney, with some rides not found anywhere else. Interestingly, it is the first Disney theme park outside of the United States to be opened, in 1983.

Scuttle's Scooters, Tokyo DisneySea

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Sister to Disneyland, Tokyo DisneySea is a 176-acre theme park at the Tokyo Disney Resort. Get ready to set sail on the seven themed ports of call: Mediterranean Harbor, Mysterious Island, Mermaid Lagoon, Arabian Coast, Lost River Delta, Port Discovery and American Waterfront.

minion-3

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Let Sesame Street, Minions and Shrek welcome you into a land of joy at Universal Studios Japan. As the first theme park under the Universal Studios brand to be built in Asia, it is the next most popular theme park in Japan after Tokyo Disneyland. Step into the shoes of Harry Potter and enter the massive Hogwarts castle. You can even witness the ‘Moving Portrait Corridor’ as seen in the movie!

In the first half of 2017, Universal Studios Japan will open “Minion Park,” the world’s largest Minion area, inspired by Illumination Entertainment’s Despicable Me franchise. There are so many Minions in “Minion Park” and now all guests, from children to adults, may now celebrate the world of Gru’s subversive and sweet henchmen alongside them.

sanrio-puroland

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Think Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars and My Melody. Now imagine them greeting you and dancing along with your favourite melodies. At Sanrio Puroland Japan, musicals, parades, and even the food served are all made of Sanrio character heroes. Take a leisurely boat ride through the park and be entertained by Hello Kitty’s wedding. Better yet, visit Lady Kitty House to get a sneak peak of what how Kitty goes about her daily life! Don’t leave without getting a souvenir for your visit to Sanrio Puroland. With over 5000 Sanrio products, at their Sanrio store, you are bound to be spoilt for choice!

Start your trip with a dose of Hello Kitty at Changi Airport’s Hello Kitty café before you kick off your Hello Kitty journey at Japan.

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As part of Changi Recommends’ continuous efforts to make your holiday planning effortless, you can now purchase mobile Wi-Fi router rental, airport transfers, Japan Rail Pass and overseas attraction tickets before you embark on your trip!

Planning for a holiday could not have been easier when you can purchase land tour packages directly with Changi Recommends. If you are travelling to Japan or South Korea, check out their Mt Fuji Tour and the Jisan Ski Tour.

To provide you with even a better experience, you can track your flight in real-time with their Flight Watch function by simply entering your flight details and mobile number. This is a free service where you get SMS updates on your arrival or departure flights.  It acts like your personal concierge where it reports to you:

  • when you are scheduled to board
  • which terminal to go to
  • which row to check in
  • which belt for baggage collection
  • flight delay or cancellation updates

Talk about first-class services.

Whether you are bringing little tots for an educational yet playful trip, or teenagers looking for adrenaline, there is something for everyone in the neighbouring countries. Grab hold of the limited year-end promo codes to book your tickets today!

(* Code validity for purchase by 30 Nov 2016)

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