Su Yeon San Bang (수연산방) tea house
After late lunch, we headed out to suyeonsanbang (수연산방) tea house in Seongbuk-Dong. This quiet traditional tea house used to be a hanok residence of the late Korean author Lee Taejun. This classic abode, with its unassuming beauty, is indeed an ideal place to take a respite from the hustle and bustle of hectic city life. Their noteworthy menu items include blueberry makgeolli and patbingsu (shaved ice dessert, excellent for summer).
From udon restaurant near Jonggak station, we took buses 150 and 2112. Alternatively, you can take subway to Hansung University Station then change to bus.
How to get there: Hansung University Station, Line 4, Exit 6
Then take bus 03 or 1111 or 2112
Alight at Dongbang Graduate University
Tea house is just 3-4 min walk away
Opening hours: 11:30 - 22:00
Seriously, Google Map knows the best. Even bus arrival times were very accurate!
We were so sad to discover upon our arrival that suyeonsanbang was closed for renovation T.T
Korea University
With my plan of resting in a traditional tea house down in the drain, we had to think of where we could go before shopping at Dongdaemun. I decided to bring Mister to my alma mater - Korea University - since it was located nearby.
I was an exchange student in KU for slightly over 4 months from Aug to Dec 2010. Among many years spent as a student, I gotta admit those months were the most fun-filled and carefree times. I was so lucky to be able to study at one of the top universities in Korea, at an institution belonging to the prestigious "SKY" trio. "SKY" stands for the best 3 universities in Seoul, which consists of Seoul National University, Korea University and Yonsei University.
One the of notable events I joined during exchange time was the annual "KoYon Games" (although the name differs based on which school you belong to as Yonsei students like to refer to as YonKo Games). Due to the long-held rivalries between Korea University and Yonsei University, there were several competitive games held during the annual games. Stadiums are filled to the brim with seas of red and blue while students tried to out-cheer each other. Alumni did their part by never failing to foot the bills at all the bars & restaurants in the whole street, next to the university campus. We also pride ourselves in which school could bring in more K-Pop celebrities.
I remember spending many hours here, just doing homework or holding project group discussions.
Welcome to Korea University Business School
Beautiful School
Fun Fact: Did you know that iconic figure-skater Kim Yuna graduated from Korea University? :D
Under the cherry tree
In front of the admin building
How I wish weather could have allowed us to enjoy such picnic and outdoor study session at NUS!
Dongdaemun
How to get there: Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, Line 2, Exit 14
Opening Hours: 10:00 - 05:00 (the next day)
Even if you have not been to Seoul yet, I'm sure Dongdaemun's reputation as never-sleeping shopping town has reached you. This is THE PLACE to test out your fantasy of shop till you drop. It is Korea's largest shopping area covering 26 shopping malls and thousands of shops. From silk, fabric, clothes, shoes, bags to accessories and electronics can be bought at at both retail and wholesale prices.
Among all those shopping malls, I feel that Doota has pretty unique boutique stores, several of which were owned by local designers. Thus, clothes here are more fashionable and are of higher quality. However, prices are relatively higher as well . For instance, a blazer' price tag can easily be around 100,000 Won. Migliore, Good Morning City and Hello apM are cheaper but the clothes found are more ubiquitous since they can be found in several other shops as well. As for wholesale shoppers, Designer's Club & Migliore Valley are the places to go to. Regardless of where you shop, you must remember to bargain in Dongdaemun.
In Front of Doosan Tower / Doota Shopping Mall
In Front of Doosan Tower / Doota Shopping Mall
As the shops here open till 5am, we took our time with enjoying Yoogane dinner, shopping and snacking before finally calling it a day!
Adios!
xoxo
Miss N
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