My Happiest Memory in Seoul

There's nothing quite like the excitement of winning a trip to your most favorite place, and meeting new friends for the first time. Both of these happened to me during autumn of last year, an experience which I consider my happiest memory in Seoul^^.

It was November last year when I was fortunate enough to be one of the participants of the Visit Korea VIP Members Invitation Tour. There were 13 other winners from other countries like Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand, and I was excited to meet all of them. I was part of the English team, and was the only one from the Philippines. Coming from different countries with different languages, it was amazing how we all easily got along so well, and remain really good friends till now.

me and the rest of the participants of the tour at Trickeye Museum

I love all the yellow leaves scattered around Deoksugung Palace <3

Autumn is my favorite season, and I was so ecstatic to be back and see the familiar shades of fall. We visited a lot of tourist attractions in Seoul like the Trick Eye Museum, Kondae Common Ground, Deoksugung Palace, Samcheongdong, Yeouido Park and Grevin Museum Seoul, where I ‘met’ a lot of famous people and handsome oppa. We also dropped by some famous cafes like the Hello Kitty Café in Hongdae, Dore Dore Café in Kondae, and Wiki Café, which is owned by Super Junior member, Lee Sung Min (Being a Super Junior fan, that is one item off my bucketlist!). We even met his brother, Lee Sung Jin, and we took a lot of photos with him.

Our group photo at Kondae Common Ground

Photo op with the guard at Deoksugung Palace

My selfie with Lee Sung Jin, who is so nice and adorable^^

Ironically, my second visit to Seoul is a trip of many ‘firsts’ for me. For one, it allowed me to visit Myeongdong Cathedral for the first time. I regretted not being able to visit it before especially when I learned it’s the birthplace for the Roman Catholic Church community in Korea. That’s why I was happy to finally be able to see it on this 2nd trip. I really loved its unique architecture, serene ambience and the grotto of Mother Mary at the back. I said a short prayer and lighted a candle too.

My visit to Myeongdong Cathedral

Other first time experiences for me include learning how to make candles at Holly Go Studio, as well as playing the Janggu drum at Jeongdong Theater. Being a newbie in playing a Korean musical instrument, I was surprised at how easy it was. At the end of the workshop, each of us were given certificates and our guide even teased us that now we can teach others how to play the Janggu drum at our respective countries. After that, I was able to watch a Korean traditional musical performance for the first time too. It was titled ‘Miso’ ('The Story of Secretary Bae' 배비장전), a traditional performance showcasing Korean dance and music like Pansori (traditional vocal performance with drum), and Samulnori (traditional percussion quartet). I really like the dance routines, colorful costumes, and interesting plot. We even had the chance to take pictures with the main cast after the performance.

Hanging out with Marilyn Monroe at Grevin Museum Seoul

My Janggu Drum experience at Jeongdong Theatre

Our visit to Jeongdong Theatre and photo op with the casts of Miso

This trip also allowed me to try out a lot of Korean food like Dakgalbi (Grilled Chicken) and Makguksu (Korean buckwheat noodle dish), Bingsu, Ramyeon, Hameul Pajeon, and Grilled Mackerel. I was also able to drink Makgeolli for the first time in Seoul. The food is really great, and I like that they’re also healthy.

Eating ramyun at 55 Beonji Ramen

My new favorite, Dakgalbi!!!

With good food, life-changing experiences, and captivating tourist attractions, a guest just couldn’t ask for anything more. I really appreciate the hospitality and generosity shown to us by our host, Korea Tourism Organization during this 2nd trip, and for all that I’ve experienced, I will forever be grateful to them, and the city of Seoul.

Seoul is my happy place, a city that warms my soul, and every time I think of it, I am only reminded of wonderful memories that never fail to inspire me. Of course, there’s a lot more to explore so I will definitely keep on coming back to my home away from home.

another group photo at Jeongdong Theatre...say kimchiiii!

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[REVIEW] Visit Korea VIP Invitation Tour Day 2: Delightful Brunch and more at Samcheongdong Slow Park

Yay! I’m finally back with my Visit Korea VIP Members Invitation Tour Reviews. We're now at Day 2. If you want to know other places we visited during this trip, you can check out the following related blog posts:

Visit Korea VIP Member Invitation Tour

Kondae Common Ground

Dore Dore Cafe (Common Ground)

Hello Kitty Cafe

Trick Eye Museum

Nature Kitchen

Visit Korea VIP Invitation Tour Day 2:

It was a cold and sunny autumn morning, and we’re all set to have breakfast at Samcheongdong (sam means "three"; cheong "clean or good"; and dong means "neighborhood"), a small neighborhood in Jongno-gu district. This place is near Insadong, Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House), Gyeongbokgung, and Changdeokgung Palace. I’ve never been there before, but I’ve heard of its peaceful atmosphere and streets lined with museums, craft and antique shops, restaurants and cafes. I thought it should be an exciting morning because I really love discovering new places, especially cafes in Seoul, and our destination that morning seemed like a pretty good addition to my collection.

On our way there, our guide already asked us for our orders and we were given 3 choices: waffle set, French toast set, and sandwich set. I chose the waffle set, because coincidentally, I’m crazy over waffles and pancakes, and all things sweet for breakfast.

It took us around 20 minutes to get to Samcheongdong from Centermark Hotel, and I instantly loved the quaint, stylish and serene atmosphere that greeted me. The neighborhood looked kind of laid back, and the streets were lined with yellow trees. The architectural designs of most of the buildings, which are either cafes, restaurants, museums, or craft shops, are quite unique and unlike any of the usual structure of the houses in Seoul. They exhibit modernity infused with traditional Korean architecture, which over-all creates a trendy yet homey and comfortable environment. Street art is also prevalent in the area, and if only we had the luxury of time, it would have been nice to take a good stroll and explore the quiet and nostalgic Samcheongdong even more.

A panoramic view of an area in Samcheongdong

We parked beside a 5-story building with a small café-cum-bistro at the ground floor named ‘Slow Park’ (슬로우파크), which is famous for serving brunch all day, and is just across ‘Slow Garden’. The place looks very stylish, kind of like an American lodge with marble walls, unvarnished wooden floors, wooden ceiling, mixed wooden furniture, and some plants and flowerpots to accentuate some areas. There are also a lot of interesting antique pieces inside, which adds a vintage feel to the classic, homey ambience. No wonder this place is becoming a popular venue for magazine shoots and TV interviews with celebrities (You can check out their instagram account for all the magazine features). It offers a unique setting that combines elegance and warmth, as well as modernity and tradition.

The signage outside the cafe is quite small, so better keep an eye for it :)

Since our trip was in November, I think that's the reason why there were a lot of Poinsettias around

I tried to translate this: 아름다운 ㄱ대들의 쉼터 and its says 'Shelter of beautiful teenagers' :) 

Took a selfie by the veranda because I just love the colors of autumn in the background

Group photo with the Japanese Team! ^^

                           
Here’s my detailed review of Slow Park in Samcheongdong:

Food: 10 

The food here is really delicious, and they have huge servings too. I like that they make sure their food is healthy as well.

When we finally got our orders, we were so delighted to see them that we started taking pictures right away. They all look so scrumptious, and I like how well they styled the food too. The waffle set I ordered came with scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, and salad. The waffle was perfect with a slight crisp to it. The salad is also a mixture of sweet and sour flavours. I think this is because some of the confectionary sugar on my waffle must have mixed with the salad dressing, and it is a good combination. It was altogether a delightful breakfast for us all, a good start for an activity-filled day for us tour participants.

My waffle set^^ Looks really yummy right? 

Sandwich set with with fries (not sure what the filling of the sandwich is)

Waffle and sandwich sets

Aside from brunch sets and waffles, Slow Park also offer pasta, pizza, salad and steak, so you can pretty much eat here any time of the day, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They also offer a wide assortment of drinks from coffee, tea, ade, juices, fruit shakes, beer and soft drinks, and different kinds of baked goodies like croissants, bread buns, etc. Their menu is in English too :)

There's a whole variety of baked goodies to choose from^^

Ambience: 10 

I just love this place. I think this reminds me of ‘Café by the Ruins’ in Baguio here in the Philippines. I love how comfortable, relaxing and warm the ambience is while also being very stylish. It’s also a huge place that can accommodate around 50-80 guests. And I think it’s conducive to creative thinking too, so it’s a great place to hang out, especially for writers, artists and students.

Jas eonni went in first and smiled at me as she was about to enter :)

This is what the entrance looks like from inside. This ahjussi was about to leave when I took this photo.

This cafe has a veranda but they covered the sides with plastic to prevent rain from coming in and avoid inconvenience

The furnitures aren't matched, but hey they all still look great together. I think they add character to this place.

Panorama shot of the interior

The counter where we get our orders

wow, can you feel the Christmas vibe?

Another thing I like about this place is that it has interesting furniture and antique pieces

Wow, this fireplace is way older than my great, great, great grand parents :)

Look at everyone busily taking pictures :)

We were the first ones to arrive so we had more time to chat and eat

I was wondering if those acorn photos are only there to add to the Christmas feel...

This is the main dining hall, which is the closest to the counter and comes after the veranda

This ones at the back portion of the cafe

Interesting art pieces and signages were hung as wall decors

There are plants and flowers all over the cafe, which gives the interior color and sparkle

Value for money: 10 

I’m giving this place a 10 because you definitely get your money’s worth with Good Food + Good Ambience. Prices start at KRW 2,000 to about KRW 15,000. Their detailed price range is as follows:

• Drinks: KRW 2,000-6,000 (Php 80-Php 240)
• Waffles: KRW 7,000- 12,500 (Php280- Php500)
• Pasta: KRW 13,000-14,000 (Php 520- Php 560)
• Pizza: KRW 13,000-15,000 (Php 520- Php 600)
• Salad: KRW 10,000 (Php 400)
• Brunch sets: KRW 12,000 (Php 480)

Here's their menu for the complete price list :)

Here's their menu for the complete price list :)

Accessibility: 9

This place isn’t hard to find, but the signage outside is quite small so there’s a tendency to miss it.

If you see this building, then you're in the right place.

The entrance to Slow Park is near the road and at the right side of the building

Service: 9

Although I didn’t have a lot of interaction with the staff, I find them pretty nice and accommodating. They serve really fast too.

Will I go back to this place? : Definitely :)

PROS:

- Good food, great ambience, affordable prices

CONS:

- I really can’t find any :)

Other important details about Slow Park:

Operating Hours: 8:00am-12:00 midnight


How to get there?

via Subway

• From Anguk station (Subway Line 3, Exit 1), walk opposite the direction of Insadong until you reach the main street near Seoul Selection Bookshop. Turn right to that street and walk straight for 10-15 minutes. Across the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace and near The National Folk Museum of Korea, you'll find Samcheongdong-ro ( ro means 'street'). Walk straight ahead and at the left side of the street, you’ll find Slow Park.
• From Gyeongbokgung Subway Station (Line 3), take exit 5 and then walk along the entrance of Gyeongbokgung. Turn left into the adjacent road next to Gyeongbokgung and walk straight for about 10-15 minutes until you reach Samcheongdong-ro . Walk along that street and you'll find Slow Park.

If you're bringing your car, valet parking is available at 2,000 won for 2 hours.

Address:
Slow Park (슬로우파크)
15-2, Samcheon-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
(서울시 종로구 삼청동 15-2번지 슬로우파크)
Phone number: 02-739-8797

For inquiries, you may check out the following sites:

Blog: http://blog.naver.com/slowpark8797

Instagram Account: http://instagram.com/samchungdong_slowpark

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Slow-Garden/178934788832475

Google: https://g.co/kgs/R1x7if

~~~

Many thanks again to Korea Tourism Organization for making this trip, the Visit Korea VIP Member Invitation Tour, possible. You can check out the KTO official website and follow their accounts on Facebook and Twitter for the details on tour sites and packages, as well as helpful tips on travelling to Korea.

For Filipinos, follow Korea Tourism Organization Manila at Facebook, Twitter, and KakaoTalk (@ktomanila) for the latest updates on Korea tourism, events, tour packages and promos. :)

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