Day 15 Soccer with Joo Kyung
Ahh, i am back in the Kim's neighbourhood. I left my slippers there so i had a good excuse to go back to get it and to play soccer with Joo Kyung at the same time.
While we were on the train, Nam Myung called Joo Kyung and told him to get ready because Emily noona would be going over to play soccer with him. I asked about his reply and she said that he just answered 'yes'... She went on to say that Korean guys don't like to express their true feelings and that he is probably very happy HAHA.
It was really nice seeing Grandma and Grandpa again. I changed into my jersey and Joo Kyung and i headed over to the middle school field as usual. There was no one and we played 1v1 like we did the last time. This time, the entire session was filled with cackles of laughter when the little boy was trying to steal the ball away from me and shouts of disappointment when he narrowly missed the goal. His face turned tomato red after running to and fro across the pitch, but he refused to rest. He took great delight in running past me with the ball whenever i suggested that we should take a break. I am glad because i can feel that he is slowly opening up to me.
After dinner, Mrs Kim and Grandma sent me off at the gate and Joo Kyung was scrambling to wear his shoes. So sweet of him. Mrs Kim and i ran to catch the bus. When i got on the bus, i turned around to see a smiling Joo Kyung waving goodbye to me.
Ahh, a warm smile from a child.
No picture is needed to remember a smile like that.
(Of course, i would rather have a picture if i could HAHAHA)
Labels: Food, Homestay, Sports, Thoughts
Day 15 Kalguksu, Easy Buy Bread and Baskin Robbins
Basically, Nam Myung and i headed over to her neighbourhood from COEX Mall and i ate a lot.
Labels: Food
Day 15 COEX Mall
COEX Mall is massive.
It can be accessed via the exit between exits 5 and 6.
There are many restaurants in the mall too.
Day 14 Dakgalbi at Sinchon
I headed to Sinchon in the evening to wander around.
It's really frustrating because i can NEVER locate the street where they sell clothes...
I ended up wandering around the food streets and i had a hard time deciding where to eat at.
Finally, i settled on a restaurant that serves Dakgalbi!
It seemed like a relatively popular restaurant as it was quite crowded.
I ordered Marinated Chicken Galbi Fried Rice and the waitress cooked the meal on the pan on my table.
-Verdict-
Food: 9.5/10
Best chicken dish i have tasted thus far.
For those who have a small appetite, one serving can probably feed two mouths because they give a lot of rice.
Needless to say, i finished every grain of rice.
If i could lick the pan, i might.
Service: 3/10
Aside from the (mandatory) greetings when i first entered the restaurant, the waitress who cooked my food looked as though she was cooking for a deceased family member. She didn't even look at me. After she completed the frying, she left without a word or even a gesture of any sort. Her attitude made me question my own existence.
Directions:
- Go through the underground arcade (somewhere near exit 6)
- You will emerge at a junction
- Cross over to where Krispy Kreme is and walk straight for about (what seemed like) 300m. I took about 2-3minutes.
- The restaurant will be on your right.
Labels: Food
Day 13 Futsal at Hannam
I scurried over to Hannam Station for a futsal session with some local friends after lesson.
Hannam is a charming neighbourhood situated along the Han River.
I couldn't resist snapping some photos even though i was in a rush.
Labels: Food
Day 13 Buam-dong Neighbourhood
On my way back to the bus stop, I looked up and noticed the Seoul Fortress walls creeping up the hills in the distance.
It was a majestic sight and i was enthralled.
I walked down a slope not far off from the entrance of Sanmotoonge which branched off into a vegetable garden.
I stood on the edge of the garden and looked ahead.
Here i was, in a stranger's garden, tucked away from the rush of the city and in the middle of a typical Seoul neighbourhood resting sleepily amongst the hills.
It was an enchanting moment as i took in whatever was before my eyes.
Labels: Hidden Gems, Thoughts
Day 13 Sanmotoonge
I only have one lesson at 4pm today so i decided to visit Sanmotoonge, one of the filming sites of The Coffee Prince. I am not a fan of the drama but i wanted to visit a cafe that is situated on top of a hill.
I obtained directions from two blogs and ended up at another station which is about ten stops away from Gyeongbokgung (the station i boarded the bus at) when i boarded 7018 as stated on the first blog. Then, I took about 40 minutes to get back to Gyeongbokgung again...
The bus turned into the neighbourhood and I alighted at Buam-dong Community Service Centre. I walked uphill for about 500m before reaching Sanmotoonge.
Read more »Labels: Cafes, Hidden Gems, Thoughts
Day 12 Gangnam Underground Shopping Area + Dinner
I headed over to Gangnam Station's underground mall to some shopping and to have lunch during my four-hour break.
The clothes sold are really affordable even though the shops more or less sell the same t-shirts.
If you comb through the area, you will probably be able to find some treasures!
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I had lunch at a restaurant directly behind the YBM building (at exit 3 if i'm not wrong)
The jajangmyeon is really good.
Labels: Food
Day 11 I Cannot Forget
I was so thankful to have met some people today during orientation.
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I headed over to SNUE to meet this man who runs a charity programme which involves coaching young children.
He said he would introduce me to a women's team if they came down. They didn't come eventually so i joined the kids for awhile and ended up playing full field with men for about half an hour. I think they are the best players i have seen in real life. Speed, control, technique, vision, skill and composure - they had it all. It was intense, but i was in awe as i saw how they handled the ball as though it was a mere extension of their feet. Anyway, I played as a forward and i only touched the ball twice.
I know i cannot compare my standard with theirs but again, i am disappointed with the way i played. I am never satisfied. I ended the session feeling very negative and i took out my camera while walking around Naksongdae to get my mind off stuff. I thought i could forget about the stress and being unable to go beyond my limits, but i couldn't. I cannot play without thinking about the situation i am in. I still cannot play without fear.
I have so much to do. I have so much to learn. As much as i want to just let my hair down and truly enjoy the game, I cannot forget.
(the entire session was really awkward for me because they are MEN and i was the only female around. The disparity in skill level also made me feel quite shitty. )
Day 10 SNU + Soccer with New Friends
I got to SNU in one piece but lugging a 20kg luggage while carrying a backpack with Nathan in it made me sweat buckets of water.
I met my roommate today.
Feeling a little frustrated with my inability to speak Korean.
I didn't really talk to her besides greeting her when i leave the room and when i return to the room.
Most of the time we are just typing away at our computers.
I am really looking forward to learning Korean because there are so many things i want to say to people.
Sometimes when the locals speak to me, i always have to start with 'I can't speak Korean'.
The conversation usually ends after they ask me where i am from.
I want to ask them more and i want to tell them more.
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I set off for Janhanpyeong Station which is really quite a distance from the dormitory.
Apparently, the team i was supposed to play for didn't turn up, so i ended up joining the 2-sided game that our opponents were playing.
They are really nice people and i look forward to meeting them again!
Sometimes, it is the team that makes you look forward to every training.
Labels: Food
Day 9 Seoul Folk Flea Market
Seoul Folk Flea Market is situated near the guesthouse that i am staying at, but i only decided to visit it today when i was on my way back.
I lost my way in the industrial park area and i asked a lady and her son for directions.
Her son is the quintessence of a sunshine boy. HAHA. He has the kind of smile and spark in his eyes that makes everyone (ok only me) want to play with him in a musical fountain. He was blabbering in English and he kept on smiling while his mom used her mobile phone to check the directions.
I thanked them and walked towards my destination. After about 15m, i turned around.
I waved to him and he waved back.
Read more »
Day 9 Yoger Presso (Sunshin Women's Univ. Station)
I went back to Sungshin Women's Univ. Station to shop because i ran out of places to shop at.
I found Yoger Presso again and I decided to try their Cookies and Cream Cappuccino(4000won) because i saw poster of it outside the cafe.
When i took the first sip, i closed my eyes let out a sigh of pleasure. (hmm does it sound wrong?)
I am a fan of cookies and cream and this is really good.
Labels: Cafes, Hidden Gems
Day 9 N Seoul Tower
This was an entirely unplanned visit.
I hopped onto bus No. 02 at Chungmuro because Seoul Animation Centre was next on my itinerary.
However, as the bus crept up the steep slopes of Namsan Park en-route to N Seoul Tower, i found myself gaping at the scenery from inside the bus.
Read more »
Day 9 An Unexpected Find at Chungmuro
I alighted at Chungmuro Station and got out of the station via exit 3
(forgot whether it is 3 or 4 shit!) but if you walk straight ahead for about 40 m, you will be able to see this restaurant on your left:
Go in, and order something.
The Jajangmyun that i got was fantastic.
The noodles were chewy and the onions were sweet.
I don't know how else to describe the slice of heaven i tasted today.
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| Jajangmyun, 5500won I was turned down by a shop near the Korea House. |
The owner said that they don't serve individual customers in Korean.
I was shocked and i couldn't help but let out a 'why?' in Korean even though it might be rude of me to say that.
I walked back to the subway and went into this chinese restaurant which was filled to the brim with the lunch crowd.
Service was good, FOOD WAS MOUTH-WATERING and even the customers were friendly.
Labels: Food, Subway-hopping
Day 9 Ant Village
Ant Village is a breath of fresh air when bustling tourist hotspots like Myeongdong and Hongdae get too stifling.
Read more »Labels: Food, Hidden Gems
Day 8 Yeouido Park
Yeouido Park consists of 4 sections and it will take about 30 minutes to get from one end to the other on foot. I think riding a bicycle would be a better option because sometimes walking through a big park can be quite boring. So yes, i was bored and tired.  |
| On the way to Yeouido Park from Yeouinara Station |
Day 8 Itaewon
While i was waiting for the train, i thought of the ahjusshi who helped me get to Sinseol-dong on the first day i set foot in this country.
He was so warm and helpful.
He guided me and a group of friends travelling together to our respective stations.
He is an avid trekker and happened to be heading to a mountain in the east.
(me thinks he is 68 years old haha)
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He told us to contact him if we ever want to go trekking. |
Labels: Food
Day 8 Wangsimni
I walked around the shopping centre, Enter 6 Fashion Square(exit 6), but the prices of the clothes there are pretty steep.
I also explored the streets near exit 11, and the area around Haengdang Market in particular.
Labels: Subway-hopping
Day 7 Myeongdong + Hara Donuts
While wandering around the streets of Myeongdong, i stumbled upon Hara Donuts.
I expected the price of the donuts sold to be way beyond my budget, but when i saw that the donuts were priced between 1,200won and 2000won, i knew that i needed to try one.
The labels are all in Korean but ordered the plainest-looking donut (which also happened to have a 'No. 1' note attached to its label).
It turned out to be the original Hara Donut.
Verdict:
Let's just say that if i didn't control myself, i would get 5 Hara Donuts.
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| Window seats are the best for solo travellers HAHA |
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I also got a croissant and a cream puff from The Bake at Eulijiro 1-ga station.
This is my second time getting a croissant from this bakery and i think it is worth a try if you happen to pass by.
Day 7 Hyehwa + the day i laughed the hardest
I went to Hyehwa station at about 1pm.
I planned to visit Maronnier Park but i was unable to find it and i ended up circling the same area about three times.
I saw two ladies and decided to ask for directions(finally).
One of them started speaking to me in Japanese until i replied in English.
She then burst out laughing and said that she was embarrassed.
We walked to Maronnier Park and apparently it is currently under construction.
The two ladies said that they were heading to a bubble tea store and asked me to join them.
I immediately blurted out, "GONGCHA??".
They had no idea what gongcha was. Whoops.
I followed them anyway and i chatted with the lady who spoke fluent English while the other lady figured out the directions to the bubble tea store.
We arrived at the store after a pretty long walk.
They treated me to a drink and i felt so bad about it...
We set down and chatted for about an hour.
Our conversation ranged from studies to Korean guys. HAHAHA
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with them.
I have never laughed this hard since i arrived in Korea.
Meeting them today really made my day.
Day 7 Saying Goodbye
... is never easy.
Leaving the family this morning made me feel lonely for the first time since i have been here.
I boarded the bus and when i sat down, tears rolled down my cheeks.
Labels: Homestay
Day 6 Last Date with Joo Kyung
| Joo Kyung wanted to play soccer after dinner. The cheeky expression on his face was priceless when he told Mr Kim to ask us to go to the school field with him. Nam Myung had to settle something first(and she ended up not going, hence the title of this post) so Joo Kyung and i walked to the middle school together. There were some people using the field but they left after a few minutes. He beamed as he gestured and suggested to play a full field 1v1 game(it was the size of 2.5 basketball courts). The bulgogi and boiled pork were floating aimlessly in my stomach as we played. I will remember how he jumped with joy when he saved a goal, his eagerness to learn how to do a goal-kick and how he dribbled around the maple tree leaves that i laid out on the ground. I will also remember the scene of us walking side by side on the way home. (Not to forget the tiring uphill and downhill races.) His cheeks were flushed and his beady eyes glistened under the moonlight.
The little boy's smiles and laughter are so precious.
Joo Kyung is a little brother that i will never have.
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| Spot the hidden smile |
When Mrs Kim came home, we had a rather long chat about quite a lot of stuff. She also mentioned about her plans for Joo Kyung.
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While i was using the hairdryer, i turned around and saw Mrs Kim smile as she entered the room. She took the hairdryer from me and started teaching me how to use it correctly. She blow-dried my hair and i was really shocked to see the difference when i looked in the mirror.
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This four-day homestay left a lasting impression on me and i have never felt so well-taken care of by another family.I am immensely grateful to the Kim family for letting me have such a fantastic homestay experience in Korea.
From the bottom of my heart, i wish them health and happiness.
Day 6 Namdaemun Market
We took a bus to Namdaemun and i was swaying from left to right as i slept.
When we arrived at Namdaemun, we went down to the subway station to try to find Grandma.
While Nam Myung was on the phone, i looked to my left and saw this middle-aged woman carrying a luggage cart with boxes on it down the stairs. Instinctively, i went over to help her.
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She reminded me of myself when i arrived in Korea on my first day and was lugging my luggage down the stairs in a busy subway station. I was secretly hoping that someone would help me because it was so heavy that i felt as though i was carrying a cow. A kind ahjusshi came over and helped me with my luggage. Kind gestures from strangers never fail to warm my heart.
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She thanked me profusely and even hugged me. She held on to my hand and told Nam Myung that i have a warm heart HAHA After holding on to my hand for a minute or so while she talked to Nam Myung, she turned to me and asked me if i wanted a Korean boyfriend. She then mentioned that she has a son. HAHAHAHA After which, she swept my fringe to the side of my face to inspect my face.
Read more »
Day 6 Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market (World Cup Stadium)
Mapo Agricultural and Marine Products Market is adjacent to the World Cup Stadium.
It is relatively small but i would say that i enjoyed taking pictures there.
Day 6 Haneul Park (World Cup Stadium)
Time flies.
Today is my last day at Mr Kim's house.
During breakfast, i stuffed myself with anchovies as usual.
Grandma gave us traditional soup made by boiling rice taken from the bottom of the cooking pot in hot water.
Whenever i see Grandma, she is always busy preparing food for the family.
She puts her heart into feeding her family and is always asking us to eat our fill.
Labels: Hidden Gems, Homestay
Day 5 Dinner + Soccer
So i suggested that we should head back for dinner HAHAHA
Grandma cooked steamed egg.
It was a simple meal with the usual side dishes, steamed egg and luncheon meat because she was busy preparing kimchi.
Today Grandpa got drunk and he kept asking me if i liked Korea.
"So how do you like Korea time?"
"cho wa yo cho wa yo mani cho wa yo"
"You like Korea time?"
"*nods head* ya i love it hahaha"
"how do you like Korea? Do you like Korea time?"
"ye i like Korea a lot hahaha"
(Nam Myung and Grandma asked him to go back to his room HAHAHAH)
1 hour later:
"So how do you like Korea?
Do you like Korea?"
"Ye i love Korea I like it here hahaha"
"*points to Joo Kyung* he is my baby"
BAHAHAHAHA
During dinner, i told Mr Kim that i am going to go for a run at the neighbourhood park.
He said that Joo Kyung wants to play after dinner so he asked if we wanted to go.
We headed to an elementary school in the neighbourhood and played soccer there.
After passing the ball around, the four of us split into two groups to play a mini game.
Joo Kyung turned to me and asked me to team up with him.
WAYYY TOO CUTE HAHAHAHA
(me thinks that he knows that i can play soccer and he wants to win LOL)
Ahhh tonight was great.
Watching Joo Kyung run after the ball with all his might, attempting to steal the ball from Mr Kim and pushing Nam Myung when she got the ball(HAHA), i realised that soccer does indeed bring people together.
As we played and laughed, my heart felt so light and worry-less.
For 30 minutes or so, we forgot about what was going on in our daily lives and revelled in the game.
Tonight's game has been added to my mental chamber of extra precious memories.
Joo Kyung and i were dribbling the ball on the way home.
If i could snap a picture of that moment, i would frame it up in my room.
I hope this memory never fades.
Joo Kyung and i then raced back home.
He shouted 'i won noona!!!' in Korean when he reached the gate first.
I gave Nam Myung and Joo Kyung a small souvenir each and forced a 'gahmsahamnida' out of a shy Joo Kyung.
Labels: Homestay
