Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label travel. Show all posts

Sunday, October 3, 2021

Tips for traveling in South Korea

In our previous post "Where to visit in Seoul, South Korea?" we talked about the best places to visit in Seoul. In this post we give general tips and info about traveling in Korea.

Seoul, South Korea

1. Download Naver map in your phone! 
Google maps doesn't work in Korea properly so by using Naver map you can make sure you will find your way to the right place. It is better to copy paste the addresses in Korean letters to find the correct locations!

2. Get a T-money card!
It costs 2500-4000krw You can purchase this travel card anywhere in convenience stores like 7-Eleven, CU or GS25. After buying the card you can recharge money in it and travel more conveniently all around Seoul with travel card. T-money also works in Busan or when going to Everland by bus.  By T-money travel card you can transfer for free from metro to bus or vice versa within 30 minutes and the tickets are slightly cheaper as well.

3. In Korea you don't have to worry about pickpockets as much as in other countries
In Seoul you can easily leave your bag to reserve a seat in a cafe or leave your phone on a table while visiting the bathroom. Koreans are very reliable people and almost everywhere you can find CCTV so it is safe to walk alone even in the middle of the night without worrying about your safety too much. In more international areas like Itaewon it is better to pay more attention to your belongings.

4. Try these Korean foods
Korean barbecue 삼겹살, bulgogi 불고기, cold noodles 냉면, kimbab 김밥 kimchi jigae 김치찌개 or bibimbab! 비빔밥. Food in Korea is often very spicy so if you can't handle spicy food remember to tell the waiter to make the food less spicy! Don't forget to try some local soju 소주 (drink) as well!

5. Learn a few words of Korean!
That makes Korean people feel more comfortable, it is polite and often is a good conversation starter to make new local friends!

안녕하세요                 Annyeonghaseyo         =      Hello!
안녕히 계세요            Annyeonghi kyeseyo   =      Good bye (when you leave)
안녕히 가세요            Annyeonghi kaseyo     =      Good bye (when somebody leaves)
감사합니다                 Kamsahabnida             =      Thank you
저는 *name* 입니다 Jeoneun *name* imnida =   I am *name*
맛있어요                     Masisseoyo!                 =     It is delicious!
반갑습니다                 Bangabseumnida         =      Nice to meet you!

6. Have some cash with you!
Even though almost everywhere in South Korea you can pay by card, it is good to have some cash with you because many local vendors sell some street food which you can't buy by card. Also there are some small fashion stores where by paying by cash you get a cheaper price for the products.

7. Try a photo booth
In South Korea it is easy to find photo booths in every corner with only 5000krw! It is a fun way to make memories with your loved ones and you can wear some funny accessories and choose the theme for your pictures. At the end of the photo booth the machine will print you the pictures!

8. In Korea you pay at the cafes first and in the restaurants it depends on the place.

Generally speaking you always pay your coffee and cake while ordering. In restaurants it is case by case: Sometimes you pay the meal when you order it and sometimes after you are done with eating. Tipping is not necessary in Korea.

9. Tap water is safe to drink...
...but most people don't do it because it doesn't taste good.

10. Don't be surprised if your new Korean friends are too busy to meet you...
...because many of them do long working days until late evenings. Try to catch up on the weekends or during their spare time!

Friday, October 1, 2021

Where to visit in Seoul, South Korea?

Many people go to Japan, Tokyo when they travel to Asia. But have you ever thought about visiting South Korea, the country where K-pop and Samsung come from? If not, take a look of this post and let us introduce you Seoul 서울South Korea's top city to visit and let us tell why it should be your next destination!

Seoul cherry blossoms
Seoul during cherry blossoms

Seoul is the capital of South Korea with the population of 9,7 million. It is located in the northern part of South Korea and the nearest international airport is Incheon airport 인천국제공항 . This city is a large city full of life and action which will never stop even during the night. You can find hundreds of different restaurants, cafes, bars, fashion stores, game halls, karaoke rooms, temples and anything you can imagine. Only the sky is the limit for this city! If you want to get a feeling of Asian New York, Seoul is the place!

How to get to Seoul city center from airport?
From Incheon airport it is easy either to take Airport Railroad Express (9500krw express/all stops 4500krw), Seoul Metropolitan subway (4250krw) or Airport bus (9000krw) to the city.

Where to visit in Seoul?
 
1. Gangnam-gu: Gangnam, Sinsa, Apgujeon Rodeo, Cheonnam 강남구
Gangnam-gu is a business area with more pricey stores and restaurants, trendy cafes and offices. Here you can also find the famous Gangnam statue, Ceox shopping mall and a city temple Bongeunsa at Samseong-dong, K-star road from Apgujeong Rodeo station and the famous shopping street Garosu-gil or "Green street" at Sinsa-dong. Why not to also pay a visit to the Han river park and have a lovely picnic with your family or friends watching the sunset?

Gangnam
A picture from Gangnam


2. Yeonnam-dong: Hongdae/Hongkik university 홍대
A youth area with local fashion stores, more affordable local restaurants, many bars, clubs and pubs around. Many young Korean artists gather here to perform their dance or music performances. You can go to game hall, have some Korean barbecue, spend a few hours in Karaoke or just walk on the streets of Hongdae in the evening. There is also a famous Thursday Party pub, where many foreign people gather to meet new people. If you go out from exit 3 of Hongdae station you will find a park to chill and many great cafes surrounding the walkway. 

Hongdae
Hongdae

3. Yongsan-gu: Itaewon 이태원
Itaewon is known to be the area where most foreigners reside. Here you can find a lot of foreigners spending their weekend at the rooftop bars and restaurants. There are foreign marts for imported products, Turkish, American, Italian Japanese and Mexican restaurants and so on. You can also bargain a cheap luggage or go to the small famous bar street called Haebangcheon 해방촌 to watch sports match, have a fancy glass of wine or have one of the best pizzas in town at Bonny's Pizza Pub. If you want to see the city view, hike up to Namsan mountain to the famous N Seoul Tower/Namsan tower서울타워

N Seoul Tower Itaewon
N Seoul Tower Itaewon

4. Myeong-dong 명동
Myeong-dong is a heaven for skincare lovers. Here you find all the Korean cosmetic stores lined up next to each other. At the times the workers lure you in the store and give you free sheet masks or cosmetic samples while visiting the stores — sometimes you don't even have to buy the products to get those free sheet masks! There are also great Korean restaurants, a movie theater and walking towards north you end up to the stream called Cheonggyecheon 청계천. It's a popular spot to get some new Instagram material by the water! If you are interested in animals they also have a Meerkat cafe in Myeong-dong where you can meet the real meerkats and other animals like wallabies!

Meerkat cafe, Myeong-dong
Meerkat cafe, Myeong-dong

5. Insa-dong 인사동
Insa-dong is a popular area for traditional Korean art, handcrafts, clothes and tea houses. You will find the stores names only written in Korean letters here. You can try one of the best green teas here in Osulloc tea store or buy some beautiful Korean traditional accessories as a souvenir!

6. Bukchon Hanok Village 북촌한옥마을
Bukchon Hanook Village is a must to visit when you are in Seoul. It is a neighborhood with traditional Korean houses, a beautiful view facing the mountains and some cafes. One of the best cafes in this area is called Onion Cafe and many times you have to line up to get in. They offer amazing pastries and you can sit down traditional way on the floor while sipping your afternoon coffee.

Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village

7. Gyeongbukgung palace 경복궁 
Near Bukchon Hanok village is Gyeongbukgung palace, which is a royal palace from the era of Joseon Dynasty. It is built in 1395 and it has a significant meaning in Korea's history. It is known as the largest palace in Seoul and the National Palace Museum is within the complex. The entrance fee for adults is only 3000krw to visit this beautiful historical attraction. You can also spend some time at the garden or rent a Hanbok — the traditional Korean outfit — to visit the palace with the touch of history on you.

Gyeongbukgung
Gyeongbukgung palace

The address of the palace: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

8. Seoul Forest 서울숲
Do you prefer a peaceful day in a park? Then Seoul Forest is the place for you. This park is one of the biggest city parks in Seoul. Nearby the park there are streets where you can find bakeries to buy some picnic snacks as well as some great restaurant! There is an amazing burger restaurant called Bas Burger quite near from the subway station. Their fries and chips are so crispy that it is hard to resist them!

Bas Burger, Seoul Forest
Bas Burger, Seoul Forest

9. Bukhansan mountain 북한산
Are you more of an active person and you want some challenge in your holidays? Prepare your backpack, a couple of bottles of water, some snacks and head towards Bukhansan mountain in the morning. It is the highest mountain in Seoul with the height of 836 meters. The peak Baegundae can be reached in three to four hours depending on your physical condition. The view is spectacular and I recommend to go there when there is less pollution in the air to get the best sight. It is a popular hiking attraction and you will see a lot of Korean ahjummas and ahjussis (older Korean aunts and uncles) hiking with their professional hiking equipment. Don't worry, you will do as well as them with just normal sports wear! Just avoid going to the mountain in the evening or rainy days because it can be dangerous and slippery that time.

Bukhansan mountain
A view from Bukhansan mountain.
 
10. Everland 에버랜드

This theme park is definitely a must if you go to Korea! Everland is not located exactly in Seoul but it is just one hour by bus from there. You will find speedy rollercoasters, Ferris wheel, water slide, a zoo, French garden, game halls and many other interesting things in this amusement park. If you are not afraid of heights or speed, you must try the craziest ride at the rollercoaster T Express!

Everland
Everland with the T-Express rollercoaster behind.

The address: South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Yongin-si, Cheoin-gu, Pogog-eup, Everland-ro, 199

Do you need some more tips about visiting Seoul, Korea? Check out our new post "Tips for visiting Seoul, South Korea!"

Tuesday, August 10, 2021

Top 5 cafes in Barcelona

Barcelona is one of the cities where you can find hundreds of cafes with high quality coffee, sunny terraces and good customer service. In Barcelona the bartenders make you feel welcomed and always treat their customers with a smile on their face. Here are Top 5 cafes to visit in Barcelona!

1. Hoffman A La Seca

Hoffman A La Seca is a small cafe terrace in the lobby of El Born's La Seca–Espai Brossa theatre. It's known for its tasty croissants. They also offer other great pastries along with great hot chocolate! It's located at a narrow alley of the streets of Barcelona not far from the Park de la Ciutadella.

The address: Carrer dels Flassaders, 40, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Hoffman A La Seca

2. ARTiSA Barcelona

This cafe is located by La Rambla, the famous pedestrian street in Barcelona. They say they have one of the best churros in ARTiSA - no wonder because they were sold out when we got there. However, their other sweets are as great and this lovely cafe was a perfect spot to stop by while exploring the streets of Barcelona.

The address: Carrer de Colom, 2, 08002 Barcelona, Spain

ARTiSA Barcelona

3. Alsur Café & Backdoor bar

Alsur is one of the great cafes, lunch places and bars at the same time. They have delicious lunch options along with tasty cakes. They also offer a coffee + cake set with very reasonable price in the early afternoon! The interior reminds of the bars from 80's with their blue lighting and neon signs.

The address: Carrer de la Ribera, 18, 08003 Barcelona, Spain

Alsur Café & Backdoor bar

4. Molinet Cafè Antic

One of the greatest hidden cafes in Barcelona and no wonder - the service here was super friendly! The waiter even served us an extra drink free of charge. Molinet Cafè Antic is a small cozy cafe in the El Poble-Sec district which greets you in with their warm lights and interior design (like from an old film!) It seemed pretty busy here and they have just a few seats so I recommend to go there during weekdays rather than a weekend. Their brunch menu has great avocado toasts and bagels so Molinet Café Antic is definitely a place for grabbing lunch!

The address: Carrer d'Elkano, 69, 08004 Barcelona, Spain

Molinet Cafè Antic


5. Manso's Cafe

This cafe is for all the Scandinavian lovers because in this Swedish cafe you can find authentic Swedish pastries like kanerbullar (cinnamon buns) or semla (cardamom-spiced wheat bun with cream and almost paste). They also have some tasty cakes and Swedish cookies. Have a cup of coffee, a Swedish pastry and take a seat at their sunny terrace to enjoy the afternoon!

The address: Carrer de Manso, 1, 08015 Barcelona, Spain

Manso's Cafe

What else to do than visit great cafes in Barcelona? What is your favourite cafe in Barcelona and what makes it special? Check out our post TOP 10 Best Places to Visit in Barcelona!

Saturday, July 31, 2021

Picasso Museum Barcelona


Pablo Picasso is one of the most prestigious painters in the world. He was born in Málaga, Spain 25th of October in 1881. His work consists nearly all the art styles from 20th century starting from realism all the way to cubism. We visited the Picasso Museum in Barcelona to see some of his great pieces of art.

At the beginning of his career, Picasso painted a lot of realistic and detailed paintings. Let's see some of his art work.

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Pablo Picasso, Premiére Communion, 1896

You can find a lot pencil sketches from the artist in Picasso Museum



Pablo's famous painting The maids of Honor was inspired by Diego Velázquez’s masterpiece Las Meninas. He painted it when he lived in the South of France, Cannes, in his studio where only a few visitors were allowed to come.

Pablo Picasso, The Maids of Honor, 1957

Another version of Pablo Picasso's, Las Meninas Velazquez 1957

Pablo was talented in using different painting techniques. The way he combined color and brushes varies from paintings to paintings.

La Nana, "The Dwarf", Pablo Picasso 1966

The Picasso Museum is a great way to learn about Picasso's art, life and career as an artist. He wasn't only a talented in painting but also talented in sculpture, ceramics and illustration. His artwork consists 147,800 pieces all together.

The Picasso Museum has free entrance on Thursdays from 6pm to 9.30pm.
and the first Sunday of every month from 9 am to 7 pm.

The address is: Carrer de Montcada, 15-23, 08003 Barcelona, Espanja
 
What is your favourite museum in Spain and what makes it special?