Friday, 26 February 2016

Seoul Super Series 2015 || South Korea VS Cuba

Still basking in the overdue autumn happenings when we are already into 2k16. I am the procrastinating queen, hands down.

So my sister was in Korea for over a week to see me in late Oct/ early Nov. She was constantly harping on watching a baseball match so I had to accede to the princess's request. I was really upset to find out that the baseball season was over by the end of October and there wouldn't be any baseball matches in Seoul till Winter is over. I really wanted to watch LG twins play again after watching my first match in 2014 when they played against Doosan bears. Sought help from my local friend and thankfully there were two matches left before the end of baseball season in 2015. It wasn't just any friendly match among the Korean baseball teams but an international match --- South Korea VS Cuba. I was beyond stoked!

I won't go into details of how arduous the process was trying to get hold of the tickets especially when it was the last two matches after the baseball season. Thankfully we managed with help from the kind friend. The game was held at Gocheok Skydome, officially opened on Nov 2015. It was such a great opportunity to watch the game in a spanking new stadium! I love the brand new stadium's setting and we managed pretty good views from our seats!















South Korea won the game! 

love, bella
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Wednesday, 3 February 2016

#mykoreadiary || Seodaemun Prison History Museum (서대문형무소역사관)

So during Autumn last year, the husband and I made more effort to sightsee around Seoul after bumming a month away during Summer. And because I'm a history inclined person, I was especially interested in the Seodaemun Prison. 

Seodaemun Prison and museum hall narrates the tough times of Korea's history. A walk through the museum shows a heart wrenching past during the Japanese colonial rule. There are also occasional wax figures in certain cells to better depict the methods used in the torture chambers and also how prisoners communicate by the tapping codes on the wall. Certain cruel torturing methods include being thrown in the box full of spikes and they would shake the box till you relent. There is also a suicide room where you can volunteer to hang yourself and end your life. I always wanted to visit a prison to see how it looks and works in there, but never did I realise that I would not enjoy my trip at all. I never felt so sad looking at faces of those who sacrificed in the harsh historical period ever. There is really a lot more to than what is mentioned and seen here so go pay a visit if schedule allows.

Subway: Dongnimmun Station (Subway Line 3), Exit 5.








Photo wall of the Koreans whom were held captive in Seodaemun Prison.



Place where the Japanese soldier stand to watch over the prisoners.

Cell rooms 

Prisoner's Uniform

Frame for Molding boiled rice


love, bella
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Friday, 22 January 2016

#mykoreadiary || The last of #cycassinseoul

Daepo Jjimdak (대포찜닭)

Cassandra got sick of the typical Korean food so I was looking for alternatives and we decided to try Jjimdak (찜닭) since I've never tried it personally as well. We went to Daepo Jjimdak (대포찜닭) at Sinchon and it was a right choice made! Everyone loved the meal with the cute little chick egg sitting on top! I later tried other Jjimdak shops which was not even close to the taste at Daepo Jjimdak. I strongly recommend Daepo Jjimdak instead of the overrated Andong Jjimdak.

Address: 서울시 서대문구 창천동 52-13 / 52-13 Changcheon-dong Seodaemun-gu Seoul
(Close to the main entrance of Yonsei University Main Gate)

Our favourite nua coffee dates 

Dragon Hill Spa 드래곤힐스파 (Yongsan)

Cass & CY are addicts of the Jimjilbang culture and it was mandatory to make a trip there with them. Despite having school the next day, we walked out happy at 1am! Till our next trip to Korea again, till a long time again. For now, we should start looking out for other countries to explore on our couple holidays! 

love, bella 
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Thursday, 21 January 2016

#cycassinseoul || OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Some few months ago, we were introduced to Korean BBQ, the Camping concept. Koreans are really big on camping trips but for the convenience of a similar camping vibe in the comfort of the city, go to a Camping restaurant. The Camping restaurant concept had been quite a hit in Korea and there are a couple of similar restaurants around Seoul. As for us, we went to Outdoor kitchen. 

Located near Yeonsinnae Station (연신내역), it is relatively near to where we were living in Seoul but definitely far away from the hyped touristy areas. What I like about dining in the neighbourhoods is that prices are really affordable with a lesser crowd. At Outdoor Kitchen, Pork Belly Samgyeopsal (삼겹살) & Pork Neck Mok sal (목살) is priced at 7,000₩/portion which is fairly reasonable for the different experience.

I'd suggest Outdoor Factory 아웃도어팩토리 at Hapjeong area for convenience sake. (More info - here!) Not sure if both restaurants with identical names are affiliated though, but from what I know prices at Outdoor Factory are slightly steeper probably due to the location.


Brilliant setting from the camping tables to the uncomfortable foldable chairs.

For vibes sake, we ordered sausages! What is a camping BBQ without sausages right?




During our stay in Korea, we had dinners at Outdoor Kitchen really often. We took many of our friends who were on holidays there as well and everyone loved it! It feels great to have people appreciating your recommendations etc. Till next time outdoor kitchen, I'll be back. 

love, bella
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Friday, 15 January 2016

#mykoreadiary || PAJU city 파주 (Part two)

On my second installment of Paju, it was definitely a light hearted second part of the day after the morning of sad filled emotions for the plight of the families separated. We had lunch in a colourful restaurant! It was a table of delicacies at only $10/pax. Since this overdue outing happened in early October, I am unable to fill in that much of details. 






Provence Village (프로방스 마을)
Right outside Provence village is a bakery known for their garlic bread. Be sure to get it if it is available! Also one of the filming locations for My Love From The Star drama, this place is a beauty! Colourful buildings make a huge difference to the vibe of the village.












Paju Book City (출판도시문화재단)
Another reason to love Paju is their well usage of large spaces. Paju's library structure makes a conducive reading environment. They also have a museum displaying books during the ancient days. If time allowed, I would have sat around longer in their library. 




love, bella
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