It's Saturday and according to your weather app, it's supposed to be sunny all day. You didn't really plan on doing anything since you've had a hard week at work, but then again you don't want to waste such a beautiful day. I mean, you have live every day like it's your last, right?
Rather than clinging on to your computer, making best friends with that tub of ice cream of yours, call up your closest girl friends and take a stroll out to Insadong! Though it is known for it's traditional and old-fashioned scenes and locations, Insadong is a lot more interesting now that it's been modernized with a lot more attractions that cater to foreign audiences as well as locals.
From what wiki might tell you, it is one of the top tourist locations in the country and is located in the heart of the city. So really, what are you waiting for? Press that send button already cause the sun's not going to wait for you. First, it's time to pack your stuff, here are some things that I would bring with me:
First, let's head way towards 'Byuldabang Miss Lee,' a hot spot for all ages who are looking for a fun, equally delicious, and easy on the wallet.
The restaurant is located on the second floor above 'GS25 Market,' right near a giant brush sculpture. Honestly, you won't be able to miss this banner with all of it's easily recognizable and whimsical decorations.
Unlike its modern exterior, you will immediately notice that the overall concept of the interior is old school/vintage with tables that look run-down, snack corner full of old school junk food and a menu book covered in different colored cloth.
Here's what's popular on their menu:
Above: Old School Lunchbox w/ a side of Bean Paste Soup (6,000 Won/ ~$5.43 USD); includes one egg, ham, spicy marinated meat, rice, and dry seaweed. You can either take your spoons and mix it all together, or make it more interesting and shake it like a polaroid with the metal top on.
Tip: 'Byuldabang Miss Lee' asks that you order at least one main dish per person.
Star-teahouse pot Shaved Ice (15,000 KWR/ ~$14.00 USD)
Left: blast from the past snacks and junk food you can buy on the side ; Right: Korean traditional rice biscuits (5,000 KWR/ ~$4.53 USD)
Girls' Generation's YoonA actually visited the restaurant in Insadong back in 2014 with 'Weekly Entertainment' and ordered an iced schisandra chinensis tea and sipped on it throughout her interview.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5
The good: The '7080' concept is refreshing and the old-school lunchbox set is something you can only find in Korea. Aside from the fun concept, the prices are reasonable and the food isn't disappointing.
The bad: The portion. If you're looking for something that will fill you up completely, this is not the place to go.
The next place you'll be heading towards is the 'GoGuan Studio,' a professional studio where you can take photos wearing beautiful hanbok in front of eight different traditional backdrops. But before you get there, take a look around walking down the famous Insadong Road. From various antique shops to food vendors, you won't be able to walk away without treating yourself with a vintage find.
(source: Kang880629) Insadong Street
(Source: Kang880629) One of the stores on the street with popular old school junk food from the past
Tip: One of the best things about Korean street markets is that you can haggle for the price that you want. Make sure you get on the owner's good side and try asking for a lower price!
(Source: Kang880629) Street performer
After seven to ten minutes of walking, you'll see that you're standing in front of 'GoGuan Studio.' Go on, browse through the studio and put on your favorite dress and pose confidently in front your favorite backdrop.
(Source: Visit Korea) Front of 'GoGuan Studio'
(Source: GoGuan Studio Facebook) Different backdrops available at 'GoGuan Studio'
(source: GoGuan Studio Facebook) Studio cafe
For more details on the pricing, you can check out 'GoGuan Studio's official Facebook.
Once you've exhausted yourself from looking fabulous for the camera, walk across the street to a local 'Starbucks,' where you can quench your thirst with some good old cup o' joe. The one unique thing about this particular 'Starbucks' branch is that their sign is written in Korean unlike any other branches in Seoul.
???? ????? ????! #????? #?? #?? #?? #??? #???? #???? #???_??? #?? #?????
Now that you have the perfect hot/cold beverage in your hand, head on over to the last spot of the day, 'Alive Museum,' an optical illusion exhibition filled with trick art, object art, media art and more.
(Source: Brucemoon) Front entrance of 'Alive Museum'
(Source: Brucemoon) Floor directory
(Source: Brucemoon) Stairway to different parts of the museum
"Trick art refers to a modern type of art which consists of artworks that actively engage the viewers through a 3D experience."
Insadong is one of the best places to get the full experience as a Seoulite. From traditional markets to modern and stylish architectures, Insadong is a place that you will definitely want to visit once more before you head home.
CLICK TO ENLARGE
Stay tuned for more Insadong series on AKP Travel through allkpop Buzz!
SHARE
Log in to comment