Salt Coke Casual Lounge Bar @ Rodeo, Apgujeong, Seoul.

Salt Coke is a relatively new bar on Rodeo in Apgujeong. It's getting increasingly more popular because of the cheap drink prices in an area that is otherwise usually pretty pricey. I stopped in for a few drinks the other day. The bar itself has a trendy feel, it's minimal and mostly white. There's a dj playing on weekends. There's also a few projector screens playing movies, Toy Story was playing on the one by me. Awesome! The music was good and the bar was moderately busy. I think it will get much busier as more people hear about it though.

Cocktails start at 5,000 won and go up to9,000 for Mojitos. In this area you'd usually pay at least double that. They also offer various bottle sets. An Absolute Vodka set is 69,000 won including mixers and a choice of side dishes. So if you want a bar that still feels like Apgujeong without the price tag head here.

 
Salt Coke is located in the middle of rodeo where it turns a corner. You can take the subway to Apgujeong station on line 3 or Gangnam-gu Office on line 7. Here's a map to help you out.

View SaltCoke Lounge Bar in a larger map

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Best Cupcakes Yet @ Royal Cupcake, Cheongdam.

I interrupt the Halloween themed news to bring you my latest love, Royal Cupcake in Cheongdam.

Cupcakes themselves are not a new love for me. I was previously a big fan of Good Ovening Cupcake store but in recent months I've started to notice it going downhill. When I first sampled their offerings, a couple of years back, they were much softer, prettier and even a tad bigger. Now it's a bit hit and miss depending on the day you go. A good day and they're fine but get the wrong day and you could end up with a dry and crumbly cupcake. Not the funnest gambling ever. The decorations have become less and less colorful lately too. I don't know how you feel about this, but I feel pretty passionate about cupcakes and believe a cupcake should not only taste great it should look great too. That's the whole point really, otherwise you might as well just get...well...cake.

I was still going to Good Ovening, playing the cupcake lottery, because...quite frankly...I didn't have a better option! You'll see a lot of imposter cupcakes (cream topped sponge buns, hate those little cheats) in Seoul but the real deal butter-cream type are not that common.

I finally found my answer. Royal Cupcake. The cupcakes are simply put...incredible! The cake part is soft, springy and light. The buttercreams come in a variety of different flavours and are all so smooth you wonder how they do it. Not only are the cupcakes pretty as can be but the store itself is exactly how a cupcake store should be, truely charming. It's very whimsical and girly. Not the place for a guys trip but bring your date or girlfriend here and she'll be smitten, I promise!

Double Choco Fudge Cupcake - Chocolate sponge with chocolate fudge butter-cream.
Miss Cookie Monster Cupcake - Chocolate chip sponge with strawberry butter-cream.

Next on my cupcake hit list - Coconut Panda...too cute to eat?? No, I don't think so.

Online Costume Store for Halloween in Korea.

A few people sent me messages asking about more options for places to get Halloween costumes in Korea. Today I came across a decent online costume store. With Halloween 2011 approaching quickly I thought some people who can't make it to a store may find it useful.

Although the site is only in Korean there are some English sub headings and it's easy to navigate and see the costumes.

They have both men's and women's costumes including all the staple Halloween choices for women (read slutty Halloween choices) like army girl, nurse, maid, Wonderwoman, fairy, angel, devil, witch and various Disney characters.

Some seem to be priced in keeping with the average price in England and America whilst some are pretty expensive. Sizing depends on the costume, some are 'one size' whilst others have a choice of small, medium and large. I've also seen a few listed in XL. 

Here are a few screen grabs to give you a small idea of what the site's offering;

Some of the costumes available.

Halloween 2011 Champgane Party @ The Apartment, Cheongdam, Seoul.

There's a lot going on in Korea for Halloween. Over the next week I will be posting about some of the places holding Halloween Parties.

Next Friday, October 21st (a week early, they're a bit over-eager I think), there is a Halloween Party being held at The Apartment, an upscale lounge bar in Cheongdam. Free flowing Veuve Champagne and canapes, what's not to love?!!

Halloween Champagne Party, Cheongdam, Seoul, Korea.

Make sure you follow Seoulsome or add Seoulsome on Facebook so you don't miss more Halloween updates!

Where to Buy Halloween Stuff in Korea.

It's approaching that spooky time of year. Halloween is just a few weeks away now and you might be wondering 'where can I get a Halloween costume in Korea?'. If you're a big Halloween fan then perhaps you're thinking of throwing a Halloween party but not sure if you can find decorations for it. Let's face it, it's not really a true Halloween party without the decorations is it?!

Well you'll be happy to hear that although not as popular as it is in England and more so America, Halloween is still celebrated here and you can get costumes and decorations if you know where to go.

Of course the first stop for most expats in Korea is Itaewon when you're looking for the special illusive items. In this case you will find some Halloween goodies but not a great deal. Last year there was a small shop nearby exit four. It sold a selection of costumes and Halloween accessories. I haven't yet checked if it's there again this year but I suspect it will be. It's worth checking out. However, as with most places in Itaewon selling these hard-to-come-by items, they are a little overpriced.

Now I'm going to let you in on a little secret. This is the place to go for your Halloween costume needs. It has the largest selection of Halloween related items that I have come across in Seoul to date. It's called Joy Party and it's located in Nonhyun-dong, very close to Gangnam-Gu Office Station.

Halloween stuff @ Joy Party, Seoul, Korea.

Some of the Costumes.

Cupcakes & Coffee @ Sky Garden, Hyundai.

I've been to my local Hyundai Department Store more times than I care to imagine and no doubt many more times than I should have been. At least that's what my purse would tell you. In all these times I'd never known about one fantastic little secret it holds. Tucked away on the roof is a garden, or rather 'Sky Garden' as they call it. It was a complete surprise to me. It's a beautiful space where you can enjoy some outdoor air away from the chaos of the store and city. There's a strange phenomenon that I've observed a few times before, when your right in the heart of a busy city, slightly quieter spaces seem to take on a heightened sense of tranquility. Here it feels like you're a million miles away from the bustling basement grocery store and the snooty looks of the middle aged women browsing the designer rails.

Sky Garden @ Hyundai Department Store

There is a small coffee stand situated in the far corner of the garden. Although the coffee was quite pricey it tasted pretty good and the added value to me was in the garden itself. For anyone who lives in the city, you will know how nice it can feel to get away from the imposing concrete jungle and the constant noise! This place is an unexpected breath of fresh air right in the heart of Apgujeong!

Totally Non-Seoul or Blog Related Stuff A.K.A Distraction!

Hey Ya'll! I have no idea why I just typed that. I'm not even from America, let alone the south of it.

I think it could be because for the last few hours rather than doing something productive, like writing something interesting or at least relevant for this space right here, I have been looking at peopleofwalmart.com

I don't know how I'd never heard of it or seen it before as it seems to be pretty popular. I can tell you there is some funny (also quite weird, disturbing, gross, odd) stuff right there. Some not so much. But some, so so SO much! Or maybe I just have a low grade of humor.

If you haven't seen it yourself and haven't already left this page to look at that one, I'll tell you what it is.

It is simply an online collection of photos of people in Wal Mart. To further explain, in case you don't know what Wal Mart is, it's a huge chain of supermarkets in the States. Why is that funny?? I'll just let you take a look and see for yourself.

After laughing at that for a little while I happened upon another funny site I hadn't had the pleasure of knowing about before. Actually I think this site is a lot funnier. Real humor, not stupid childish laughs. It's theoatmeal.com.

Now that I'm thinking about it I feel bad lumping it in with People of Walmart since the humor there takes no talent whatsoever (quite the opposite in fact) and this is an illustrated blog (which clearly takes a great deal of time and effort) An illustrated blog means everything is put it into comic format. My favorite so far (so many yet to look at = hours of procrastination = yey! I'm sorry, forgive me! ) is this one:

This is especially funny to me because I have experienced this first hand when I got my iPhone here in Korea. Minus the part about selling my family. And being a homeless person. Or gargling anything. But you know what I mean!

Anyway I think this site is genius. The guy who does the site is clearly very talented and extremely funny, I'm almost certain there's something to bring a smile to your face so I thought I would go ahead and share, here.

And that has been my evening. Just so productive! I generally dislike Tuesdays, for some reason they always suck for me and I find myself with little motivation to do anything after I get home from work. I think laughing has done me some good and I'm going to bed now a more optimistic, happier soul!

Good night all, I hope one of them brings a smile to your face too!

When you've had a look through them tell me...which is your favourite?

East Coast: Where to Stay.

When visiting the east coast it can be difficult to choose where you want to stay.

There are many independantly run pensions, which are similar to a bed and breakfasts. You can check out some of the pensions online through a google search. Or you can check this list of Gangwon-do Pensions.

If you are looking for somewhere with more facilities or more luxurious then there a number of hotels in the area too.

The Hotel Maremons is located on the east coast of Korea near to the town of Sokcho. The hotel stands on the hill side overlooking the ocean.

© 2009 Dave Kennard

They have a choice of mountain view rooms and sea-view rooms. The hotel facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and spa pools, a coffee shop, Korean restaurant and 'sky lounge' offering western food with great views over the coastline.

Deluxe sea-view double room at Hotel Maremons.

Double room in Hotel Maremons, Sokcho.

 The rooms are a reasonable size and could sleep three people comfortably. There is one king size bed and a single bed. The room is equipped with a mini-bar, flat screen TV, desktop computer and tea and coffee making facilities. The hotel also provides slippers and bathrobes.

Bathroom in the Hotel Maremons, Sokcho.



'Hi!'

 The bathroom's are clean and nicely fitted. The hotel provides basic toiletries although these are not in individual bottles but bottles that are re-filled. I found this strange especially as this hotel has a 5 star rating in Korea. There is also a hair-dryer in the bathroom.

The sky lounge on the 11th Floor of the Hotel Maremons.

 The hotel's bar is on the 11th floor offering fantastic views of the coastline. They also have a food menu comprising western and Korean dishes. On some nights they run a dinner buffet which is 25,000 won per person. The food here is of mixed quality. The buffet offers a good selection of appetizer dishes, soup and dessert but was lacking in 'protein' for main course. If you are looking for a good meal and value for money I would recommend trying to find another restaurant.

If you are only interested in having a drink then the bar area serves a good selection of cocktails, beer and wine. The cocktails were priced at 8,000 to 9,000 won. Korean beer was 5,500 won. Budweiser beer was 6,500 won.

View from the Hotel Maremons.

Mountain view from the back of the Hotel Maremons.

Room prices start at around 70,000 won per night. A deluxe sea view room during the Chuseok holiday period was 125,00 won including breakfast and all taxes.

Although this hotel offers a good location right by the beach and the town it is by no means a 5 star hotel as it lists. I would say this hotel is more on par with a 3 star. The rooms are fine though and if you visit outside of peak times it's not bad value for money. Check out Hotel Maremons on Agoda for more pictures, reviews and to find the best price.

If you prefer to stay at a something closer to a true 5 star hotel  then I would highly recommend the Sol Beach Resort. Although you will pay at least double the rate (doubles start at 142,000 won a night) at Hotel Maremons this hotel is in another league. It has a private beach with direct access from the hotel's manicured grounds. There are also lots of onsite services including five restaurants, two bars, a karaoke bar, children's club, on-site grocery store, souvenir shops, spa and indoor golf range.

Sol Beach Resort, Gangwon-do, South Korea.

Inside the Sol Beach Resort Hotel.

This resort is located a little further south close to Yangyang. The interior of this hotel is much more luxurious and the service is equal to that you would recieve elsewhere in 5 star hotels.

There are several different room types including condominiums. Some rooms have jacuzzi tubs on the balconies too. The rooms are a good size and the beds are comfortable, well, as comfy as you can find in Korea. (Why are the beds here so bloody hard?)

The resort also has a small 'waterpark' called Aqua World. Don't get too excited though, it's not the kind of waterpark you're thinking of. It just means lots of pools, spa pools, jacuzzis and water jets.

The quality of food in the restaurants here is good and they also offer a buffet dinner. This buffet has a much wider choice although it is priced at 40,000 won per person.

You can see more information about Sol Hotel on Agoda. or Booking.com

For the Hotel Maremons you can find more information and enqire about reservations at the Hotel Maremons website.

If you have any questions about either place don't hesitate to ask me. Wherever you choose to stay I hope you have a fantastic time!

East Coast: Getting There & Away.

Yesterday in Korea was the national holdiday Chuseok. It's similar to Thanksgiving or so I'm told. Being British I couldn't really tell you if that's right or not. What I can tell you is that usually entitles everyone to a long weekend. This year I was lucky to have a five day weekend! I decided to go on a roadtrip to explore some of the east coast of Korea.

Since traffic is notoriously bad here, especially on holidays, my partner in crime, Steve, made me wake up at some unearthly hour but apart from that the whole trip was so much fun.

Here is us on the road with all the 'notoriously' bad traffic.

Terrible isn't it!! Cars back to back for miles, absolute gridlock!

No, in all fairness if you set off early on these holiday days, around 6am or 7am then you'll most likely miss the traffic. If you can't drag yourself out of bed though then prepare yourself and your bladder for standstill traffic. I can speak from experience on this one. We previously tried to visit the east coast on a national holiday. We departed around noon (12pm). After 3 hours in the car we had only travelled about a 6th of the journey. We gave up and headed home. Which took us 28 minutes. Lesson learnt! Don't make the same mistake as us.

I had to put that photo on because he told me that was his 'pirate pose'. Thanks to his awesome driving and the fact we have a car we made it to the hotel, just under 3 hours away, before I usually even wake up on a non-work day! If you don't have a car then the easiest way to reach the east coast is by bus.

How to get to Sokcho (East Coast) from Seoul.

Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (subway line no. 2; Gangbyeon Station) → Sokcho (Duration: 2 hours, 50 minutes – 3 hours, 30 minutes; First bus is at 06:25 and last bus is at 23:00).

Seoul Express Bus Terminal (subway line no. 3; Express Bus Terminal Station) → Sokcho (Duration: 4 hours; The first bus is at 06:30 and the last bus is at 23:30).

How to get to YangYang and Naksan (East Coast) from Seoul.

Seoul Express Bus Terminal (subway line no. 3; exit no. 1) → Yangyang (Duration: 3 hours, 40 minutes; first bus is at 06:30 and the last bus is at 23:30).
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (subway line no. 2; Gangbyeon Station) → Yangyang (Duration: 3 hours, 20 minutes; the first bus is at 06:30 and the last bus is at 18:19).

On to Naksan ->In front of Yangyang Cross-Country Bus Terminal → Board intra-city bus no. 9 or 9-1 en route to Naksan → Get off at Naksansa Station and walk two minutes. (about 200-300 meters away).



For more information about the east coast and Gangwon-do including more transportation information check out the Korea Tourist Organization website.

We chose to stay at a hotel called Maremons. Check out the next post, 'East Coast: Where to stay' for information and photos about the hotel.

Whilst at the east coast we visited a number of places. The areas we saw are shown in the map below by the green color. Included in the places we saw was the DMZ observation centre and Naksan Temple. Information and pictures about those two will follow in a separate post, 'East Coast: DMZ & Unification Centre', 'East Coast: Naksan Temple' and 'East Coast: Beaches'.

View East Coast, South Korea. in a larger map

Everland Theme Park - Special Discount Coupon

This week it is the Chuseok Holiday. As a result you'll have a few days off and may be wondering 'what to do in Seoul/Korea at Chuseok?'

In Seoul and smaller towns many places will be closed as Koreans opt to spend the time at home with their families. Some attractions remain open though and it's a great time to visit them because they will most likely be quieter than usual. One such place is Everland. Currently they have a Halloween theme which is actually one of my favourite times to visit the park. Definitely beats the 'Rose Festival' theme!

Happy Halloween theme festival at Everland in South Korea.

The park is decorated with lots of Halloween items.

Everland, in my opinion, is like a dodgy copy of Disney World. Most things in Everland seem to have a strong likeness to things in Disney, from the park's mascots, who bear a lot of likeness to Minnie and Mickey, to the 'cast member' uniforms and even the trash cans. That's not to say it's not worth a visit though, I actually love this place. If you've visited Disney a few times and are a big fan, like myself, then just be warned it's not as good as the real deal. It is certainly a LOT better than Lotte World though!

This photo was taken on my visit to Everland's Happy Halloween Festival last year.
This was the day after Chuseok and although busy, it wasn't as busy as it looks in this photo. 

Everland has several rides that shouldn't be missed!

There is a river raft ride called Amazon Express which is good fun but you may get a little wet and if you're unlucky very wet. 

There's a Safari bus ride in which you drive through enclosures where the animals roam around freely. When I went on this ride there were Lions, Tigers, Giraffes, Elephants and Bears. A lot of the animals actually come right up to the side of the bus you travel in.

My favourites which are not to be missed are the two big roller coasters, T-Express and Rolling X-Train.

Additionally there is a log flume and a lot of 'fair ground style' rides too.

T-Express Wooden roller coaster at Everland.

T-Express is the steepest wooden roller coaster in the world. There are sudden drops and sharp rises travelling at 104km per hour. There is a a height requirement for this ride of 130cm. Additionally if you're over 195cm you can't ride.

Rolling X-Train Roller coaster at Everland.

Rolling X-Train is very fast roller coaster that includes two 360 degree loops and lots of sharp turns and twists. There is also a height requirement on this ride which is 120cm. I actually prefer this ride to the T-Express ride.

When nightfall comes there is an area of the park you can visit to see scary Halloween characters wandering around. Word of warning though, it may scare children if you're visiting with your family. Or if you're a wuss like me it might scare you too.

Everland park's Halloween Festival at night.

Within Everland there are also numerous souvenir stores and dining options. They have a lot of fast food outlets, some Korean dining options and a few places serving things like pasta and pizza. There is also a 'Weeny Beeny' candy store when you first enter the park so you can get your sugar fix for the day.

One of the dining options in Everland.

Special Chuseok Discount for Foreigners!

Currently there is a discount available for foreigners. So you can visit up until the 14th for 23,000 won! There is also a discount for people wishing to visit the water park that's alongside Everland, Caribbean Bay. It's just 18,000 won, that might have something to do with the bad weather!

Click here to download the coupon from the Everland official website.


Now that you have your coupon you'll need to know how to get to Everland?!

Place of Departure	Region	Bus No.
Gangbyeon	Gangbyeon Station - Jamsil Station	# 5800
Gangnam	Gangnam Station  - Yangjae Station	# 5002
Gangbyeon	Gangbyeon - Cheonho - Gangdong	# 1113
Sinsa-dong	Sinsa-dong - Gangnam - Bundang	# 1005-5
Sadang	Sadang Station - Nambu Terminal	# 1500-2
Suwon	Suwon Station - Singal - Yongin	# 6000
Incheon	Incheon - Suwon - Anyang - Singal	Bus Terminal
Anyang	Anyang - Singal - Yongin	Bus Terminal
Bucheon	Bucheon - Singal - Yongin	Bus Terminal
Ansan	Ansan - Singal - Yongin	Bus Terminal
Suwon	Suwon - Singal - Yongin by City Bus	# 66

If I've missed any information that you'd like then you can check out the Everland website in English.

http://www.everland.com/

Please follow my blog for more information about great places to visit in Seoul. Have a happy Chuseok everyone!

UPDATE: The special Chuseok discount period has now finished. There will probably be more discounts offered throughout the year so make sure you follow Seoulsome or 'like' Seoulsome Blog on Facebook to get more news about discounts in the future!