Braved The Cold and Celebrated Christmas

For Christmas I braved the freezing temperatures and ventured into the Jongno area for some Middle-Eastern food and cupcakes. I met a like minded friend who wanted to enjoy this holiday season and we had a jolly good time.

We picked up cupcakes from Goodovening near Euljiro-1 station.

In fact I based my Christmas-fun location on the proximity of an Indian or Middle Eastern restaurant to a cupcake shop (that would be open). My favorite cupcake shop is really in Itaewon but they were closed this season, so I went with Goodovening. Their cupcakes are pretty good, except the cake is really dense.

Our dining experience was at Saffron in the area where Myeongdong starts (at the Ibis hotel).

From reviews I read online, people said this place was authentic and that the prices were decent. When we stepped inside we were seated at a table near the window, where we had a view of decorated trees. It was quite lovely and cozy.

Once opening the menu we realized the prices were certainly in the "special occasion" arena. Main dishes were around 20,000 won. Since my friend is vegetarian we ate mostly off the appetizer menu, getting the hummus mixed plate and falafels. I also ordered a vegetable curry and some naan and pita bread.

The taste was very good and quite satisfying. There were generous amounts of hummus and dippings on the plate to fill us both. Afterward we enjoyed the cupcakes, one a caramel concoction and the other a "bird's nest" of roasted coconut on top. I particularly liked the coconut one more!

We enjoyed a good amount of time sitting in the restaurant and catching up over old times and also talking about the future. It came time to move on home before things got too cold. On our way we enjoyed a Christmas tree in the lobby.

Yet what we enjoyed most wasn't getting our picture taken in front of it, but watching a couple spend a glorious amount of time photographing each other and posing in funny ways. Indeed, Christmas is a couple holiday in Korea, which is hard to explain to other people not familiar with it. So everywhere you looked there were couples acting all cute together. I'm over being single and wasn't really bothered by the site of it all. Christmas is still a special time of the year for me, no matter the status of my love life!

Well hope your holidays are shaping up nicely and so Happy New Year!

Seoul Drum Beats

 When I found a seat and took in the performance happening I started to see that not all citizens of Korea were on the road visiting family. Perhaps they got that over with already or their relatives live close to home. Whatever the reason, the Namsangol Folk Village was the place to be and despite the crowds people were cheerful and in good spirits. I enjoyed a story telling performance while getting some rest under the shade.

 Later on I started heading towards the little village areas of the park where on my way I was greeted by a parade.

 As the performers floated by dancing, drumming and playing instruments I was reminded of what rich culture Korea has, and how it comes out in full force during Chuseok. Yet when I went up to one of the hanok villages courtyard and saw a stunning drum performance I was more than blown away.

First four men gave us a lively performance on their drums, which got the crowd warmed up for the women's show.

 I've been to the International Drum Festival (which is going on now) a few times in the past and can say the Korean versions are always incredibly colorful and lively. Here was no exception as everything was spot on and well coordinated. The ladies twirled in sync with each other and were very energetic.

 Another fun point about the show was that they move their drums around to make different positions, something that adds more depth to the performance. Later on they put their drums aside and started doing a circular dance together.

 Eventually they came up to the crowd and invited children and adults to dance with them, which was a fun way to end the show. I hope to get up a video I took of the event so you can truly hear and see how spectacular Korean drumming really is. Till then I hope you enjoyed your Chuseok holiday with not just rest and relaxation but also a taste of Korean culture.

Chuseok Spectacular at the Namsangol Hanok Village

 Ok, as you know by now my birthday was on Chuseok this year, which gave me five days off and a chance to explore more of this great city. I chose to visit the festivities at the Namsangol Folk Village in Chungmuro, Seoul. For one I really enjoy this time of year when people come out to engage in their cultural traditions and two I haven't been to this site yet.

 I arrived out of Chungmuro station and made my way up a street towards the village gate. Along this path were street carts selling traditional snacks, cotton candy and typical street food. The wafting smells of burnt squid along with sweet sugary cotton candy wafted in the air as I passed through the gate.

The above is hobakyeot, or traditional pumpkin candy that is broken up into small pieces. Now you would think this is some kind of hard crunchy thing to eat, however once in your mouth it starts to melt and releases a tangy sweet taste.

 I arrived before the major crowds came pouring in, allowing me to explore and move about the area easily. Upon entering you see a courtyard with traditional games set up, TBS eFM broadcasting from their truck and a stage nearby with performances going on. Definitely this was the place to be to explore traditional happenings in Korea and to mingle with Korean people.

 The highlight of this trip was seeing the youngsters dressed out in their colorful hanboks. Boys and girls looked as cute as dolls with their brightly colored vests and flowing skirts. Above you see children trying their hand at the game of Tuho where you throw long sticks that look like arrows into a standing pot with three holes. If you have ever tried your hand at this then you would know how tricky it really is to get those sticks in one of the holes.

 Another traditional game is called Yut, where you have four sticks and give them a toss in the air. These sticks are flat on one side which determines the play of the game. You count the number of sticks that landed flat and rounded to determine how many spaces you move your piece on the board. I think kids get the most kick out of throwing these sticks, which have been used in the classroom for school activities.

I'm not sure if the above game is strictly a Korean traditional one, as "hoop rolling" or "hoop trundling" is found in other nations. But the basics are there consisting of a metal hoop and a hook like metal stick to push this thing along. However, this one's a tricky game where it takes a few practices to get the idea of how it works.

 Alongside the traditional games was a overhang set up with traditionally made woven materials such as shoes, baskets and brooms. Inside this area were too older gentlemen working away at making these items.

 For the most part I enjoyed this lovely day in Korea where people came out to celebrate their culture and create memories with their family. I took a path leading up towards the tower that winded it's way around the venues and admired the scenery.

 Expect another post including a drum dance and parade, as there was plenty more to share from this special occasion. Chuseok festivities should still be going on around these parts of Seoul, so if you want to still catch some of the fun then head on out there!

Slow and Healthy: Slobbie Restaurant in Hongdae

I recently found myself in Hongdae with my friend at a vegetarian (yet had meat options) kind of restaurant. My friend has been staying with me these past few weeks as she is in between jobs and needs a place to crash. Her stay has been helpful towards some fun nights.

Anyways, she is a vegetarian and I figured why not find a suitable restaurant for her while she tags along with me to Hongdae for a haircut.

Using google I found the restaurant 까페 슬로비 (Cafe Slobbie). But pronounce the "slo" part like "slow", okay. Also I didn't bring my camera (it was a heavy rainy day), so you will just have to do with Instagram photos.

Located on a street nearby Hongdae station exit 9, instructions to follow, and up on the fifth floor is this oasis of a cafe / restaurant. Sure in Hongdae you can find cafes with sheep, sit amongst cats or even paint a small doll. But you would know that Hongdae is a crowded place with many young folks and couples taking up the space.

However, the interior of Cafe Slobbie was decorated with natural furnishings and had an open airy space.

The menu is broken up into lunch time selections and then meal time options (available after 5pm). Along with coffee, tea, alcohol and desserts. They had a lovingly tofu section on the menu and also a place that listed where they get their food. Nothing was spared and you could find out where they get their tofu from.

We ordered a tofu and black sesame dressing salad along with the sweet and sour tofu dish. Both tasted fresh, simple and satisfyingly tasty.

The tofu and black sesame dressing salad (above), was quickly devoured by my friend. Since I'm not a vegetarian I would say it had her approval. I for one enjoyed the fresh flavors and varying textures.

The sweet and sour tofu dish was a fun medley of fried tofu and assorted vegetables in a sweet and tangy sauce, which wasn't too heavy. I especially enjoyed the crispness of the cucumbers and carrots in the mix.

To get to this cafe head out of exit 9 from Hongdae station and make a left into the street area. Then turn right from the corner with the Dunkin Donuts on it and head up this street. Keep your eye out on the left side for the sign on the fifth floor. It's above an Olive cosmetic store.

If you are in Hongdae and have a craving for healthy and thoughtful food then come to this restaurant. The owner was nice enough to serve us a tasting of some makkoli that she said was unique. Also the place has for sale some handmade items and generally the atmosphere is very relaxed.