We left our apartment around 9:30am to explore Paju area today. Paju is located further north of Seoul, pretty close to North Korea. During the bus ride, we were driving along the river at some points and we could see across the river into North Korea! Anyhow, we didn't have to wait long for bus 2200 and reached English Village around 10:45 am. No traffic at all too! haha :D
Gyeonggi English Village, Paju Camp
The most effective way to learn a new language is for you to be put in an environment which forces to you utilize that language for your daily activities. That's how I managed to improve on my command of the English language as I lived and studied in Singapore. That's also why my sister went to Seoul for a few months of intensive language program.
I guess that is the main purpose of this English Village - to help Koreans learn English language in a setting similar to a typical English neighborhood, complete with City Hall, post office, bank, theater, police station, hospital, market, restaurants, cafes and last but not least, schools! This surrounding facilitates learning in terms of role-playing and in the context of daily life, as opposed to the usual boring way of memorization and regurgitation.
Other than its educational value, this place is beautiful and quite a lot of couples go there for their pre-Wedding photoshoot. Also, a lot of you might recognize this as the shooting location for variety show Running Man.
We came here as we had ample time and it was on our way to Paju Premium Outlet. If you have been to Europe and are not a big fan of Running Man, you can skip this. There are other places in Seoul you should explore, especially if you are in Korea for the first time.
Opening Hours: 09:30 - 18:00
How to get there: Hapjeong Station, Line 2 or 6, Exit 2
Bus 200 or 2200 (10-15 min interval)
Entrance Fees: 3,000 Won per adult on weekday
5,000 Won per adult on weekend
View of English Village as seen from the bus stop
We were so hungry but despite the presence of several restaurants and cafes, none were opened! NONE! Can you believe it? So we had to no choice but to have lunch at our next location :(
Paju Premium Outlets
This is only the second premium outlet in Korea, established by Shinsegae Group. There are over 160 brands offering clothes, shoes, bags and sports wear both for adults and kids. Shoppers' convenience is a priority with ample car parking lots, lockers, several places to rest and some games for kids as well as over 20 restaurants and cafes.
Travelling with an American boy sometimes influenced your dining choices. Mister insisted he missed home and so, we found ourselves inside an American diner Johnny Rockets for lunch!
Opening Hours: 10:30 - 20:30
How to get there: Hapjeong Station, Line 2 or 6, Exit 2
Bus 200 or 2200 (10-15 min interval)
Stores: Included but not limited to Armani, Calvin Klein, Coach, DKNY, Hugo Boss, MCM, Nike, Charles & Keith, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch
If shopping is not your cup of tea, maybe you can venture out to Heyri Art Village and Paju Book City to soak in an artsy atmosphere filled with art galleries and exhibitions.
Although the bus route is in Korean, bus stop announcements are in English, so you should be fine.
From Paju Outlets, we took bus 2200 back to Hapjeong Station and then to our apartment so that we could drop off our purchases. Afterwards, we headed to Myeongdong (for the 4th time this trip!!) to have dinner, buy Hershel bag for Mister and skin care for me.
This soup with pork ribs and potato was so delicious. The broth was flavourful and it warmed up from inside, especially in the chilly condition of spring weather!
xoxo
Miss N
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