[Seoul, Korea] Spring Series : N Seoul Tower at Namsan



 A sense of carefree and freedom felt, from a location that sees the entire Seoul ~ That nowhere other than at N Seoul Tower, the symbol of Seoul.

Seriously, the place would have been excellent for some self-reflection, if it wasn't as crowded.  Constructed some 45 years back, the tower was ranked, by foreigners, the number 1 attraction in Seoul in 2012.  Being on top gave me an opportunity to appreciate the city at a bird's egg view, appreciating how different parts of the city had been developed at different times and the harmony of nostalgic and contemporary.  In the day, it is tower that stands proud, the pillar turns into media art piece in the night.

Arrived at the roof terrace, what I saw was hundreds and thousands of love pad-locks!  In this unique culture, couples "declare" their love through messages on these pad locks.  After that securing the padlock on the padlock wall or tree, they would then do a long-shot throw for the padlock keys, symbolising "locking" their love for each other forever.

Below the roof terrace is the N Terrace, a place for some snacks and cocktail.  During the freezy winter or the blazing summer, I suppose this place will be exceptionally crowded, for obvious reasons.

Magnificent and serene view of the cosmopolitan city.  Love the silhouette against the sunset.

Enjoy a meal at the café that serves a variety of local and western meals, while watching the sunset.

An hour into my meal, the sky turned almost totally dark.  The dazzling lights covering the city was amazingly pretty.

At 8pm, N Seoul Tower transforms into a colourful pillar, a total contrast from it's solemnness in the day.

A final note of advise - The Terrance is an open area and hence, it can get rather windy and chilly after sunset (from early to mid April even though winter is over).  Scarf, gloves and heatpad will come in handy if you plan to stay at the Terrace area to enjoy the scenery.


Getting there:
N Seoul Tower has dedicated bus services "Namsan Sunhwan Shuttle Bus" from subway stations such as Myeongdong Station, Chungmuro Station, Seoul Station, Itaewon Station and Hangangjin Station.  The bus frequency is about 15 to 20 mins.  It costs 950 won (if paid in cash) or 850 won (if paid using transportation card).

Details can be found here.


Related Posts:
- Hangang Yeouido Flower Festival (click here)
- Downtown Tax Refund (click here)
- Singapore to Korea Airfare Promotions (click here)
- Nostalgic Samcheong-dong (Click here)

[Seoul, Korea] Spring Series: Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival

Immersing amongst spring flower is probably one of the best travelling experiences I have had.  In Korea, the biggest spring events are the Yeouido Spring Flower Festival in Seoul and the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.  Jinhae is about an hour from Busan by bus.

For 2014, the Yeongdeungpo Yeouido Spring Flower Festival will take place from 3 to 13 April.  If you are wondering if it is worth making a trip there, take a look at these photos that I took last year.  But let me also qualify that spring flowers can be seen at many other places and not just limited to along Hangang (Han River).

If you take the subway to Yeouido Station (Line 5 or 9), take a stroll in Yeouido Park (여의도공원)itself.  If you have time, having a leisurely picnic in the park is not a bad idea.  After that, enjoy the big shady trees filled with spring flowers along Yeouiseo-ro (여의서로) that runs along the Han River Park (한강공원).  The first subway station that you will hit along the Han River is Yeouinaru Station (Line 5).

1) At Yeouido Park

The entrance of Yeouido Park is very prominent, with its huge Hangeul characters which you will not miss.

Mobile carts selling snacks is a part of the Korean culture.  Such carts are commonly seen at the park entrances.

This map provides a brief overview of the facilities available in Yeouido Park.  This park is popular amongst the locals, particular for cycling, skate-boarding, playing basketball etc.  The park is divided into theme-based sections: Traditional Korean Forest, Grass Square, Culture Square and Nature's Ecosystem Forest.

The end of Yeouido Park meets a cross-junction that connects Yeouidong-ro and Yeouiseo-ro.  Cross the road and walk along Yeouiseo-ro. 

2) Along Yeouiseo-ro

Both sides along Yeouiseo-ro are lined with white and light pinkish spring flower trees.  This is part of the Han River Park.  Although the park may not look as big on the map, be prepared for a long walk.  The leisurely walk was about 3 hours from Yeouido station to Yeouinaru Station!

As part of the festival, street performance, art exhibitions and food stalls can be found along Han River, enjoying the river view.

The spring flower tress near the National Assembly added to the spring mood.

Even during mid day, weather would still be cooling enough to enjoy outdoor performances or a picnic.

With such good weather, what could be better than to spend time to bond with family and friends?

(Note: The photos in this post were taken in April 2013 ^^)

Related Posts:
- N Seoul Tower  (Click here)
- Downtown Tax Refund (Click here)
- Singapore to Korea Airfare Promotions (Click here)
- Nostalgic Samcheong-dong (Click here)

Win Asiana Air Ticket at Lotte Mart ( Singapore)

Minimum spend of S$10 for 1 chance... From now until end 30 April.

[Singapore Buffet] Let's Celebrate the Festival of the Golden Crabs at TODAI!

Chilli Crab, a popular local dish amongst Singaporeans cooked mostly using Sri Lankan crabs.  But now, how about trying a different breed of crabs?  I recommend the Golden Crabs that are now exclusively available at TODAI, a global international buffet chain located at Marina Bay Sands, for a very limited period this February.

These Golden Crabs, came all the way from the Atlantic Ocean, are big and heavy (up to 2kg each) with super long claws and legs are specially brought in by TODAI during this festive season! Compared to the crabs that we normally have, the Golden Crabs have softer shell that covers the fresh and succulent flesh.

Select from 3 cooking styles, Chilli Crab or Steamed Crab or Cold Crab, each has it's own unique characteristics.

The "Korean" Chilli Crab has a distinctive flavour which tastes like gochujang, Korean red pepper paste.  It is not particularly spicy and has a little sweet after-taste.  The gravy can get quite addictive and it was a pity that there was no mantou (Chinese plain steamed/fried bun), which we typically will dip it in the local chilli crab dish.

8The Steamed Crab is my favourite.  Like plain vanilla, the freshness and sweetness of the flesh was most apparent.  "Less is More" was how I felt when I first tasted it.  This is a very authentic crab dish.

If those who prefer something more "fanciful", the Cold Crab might be the right choice.  Cooked yet kept cold in an iced bowl, the flesh texture was a little firmer compared to the Steamed and Chilli version.  This will probably suit fans of sashimi.

And to celebrate the Winter Season in the temperate countries, TODAI is serving 4 types of Korean winter street food in February.  The 4 types of street food are mini Carp Bread filled with red bean paste, Hotteok (pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts), grilled sweet potato and eomuk (boiled fish cake).  Notice that all are warm dishes?  But of course, it is freezing cold in Korea during winter!

Complete your Korean meal with some cabbage kimchi or radish kimchi.  These are on the regular TODAI menu all year round.  Be spoilt for choice for popular dishes such as Japanese Sushi and rolls, Chinese food, Italian food, Ovenbaked, Noodles, Pastries etc.  If only you can stay in the restaurant whole day, that'll be great!

 Japanese Soba



 Salmon Sashimi

The chef at the sashimi counter is probably the busiest in the entire restaurant because there is always a queue waiting the sashimi to be served.  He cuts the salmon with so much care and concentration!



 Chinese Food Section

There are also various types of dishes that are available only at TODAI eg.  Rolled Bacon (on crab stick) with Balsamic Sauce, is unique.  A thin layer of pan-fried bacon wraps around fresh-tasting crab sticks.  The fried wings were great too!

Even the fruits served are different from what other buffet restaurants are serving.  Grapefruits provides lots of vitamin C, helps lower cholesterol and has antioxidant properties.  However, this fruit is not suitable for individuals who are already on cholesterol-related treatments.   

Don't miss the lunar festival joy at TODAI!

Todai Singapore

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

2 Bayfront Avenue

#B2-01

Singapore 018972

Tel: +65 6688 7771

Website: www.todaisingapore.com



Monday to Saturday:
Lunch: 11.30am to 3pm; Dinner: 5.30pm to 10pm

Sunday:
Lunch: 11.30am to 4pm; Dinner: 5pm to 10pm


Getting there: Take MRT to Bayfront Station.  Use Exit D.  Enter Marina Bay Sands (MBS) and walk through The Shoppes in MBS.  Todai is located almost at the end of the building.


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Related Posts:
- Bibigo @ Suntec City (click here)

[CNY 2014] Step-by-Step Lo Hei Guide

If you need to feel a little guided during Lo-Hei, this step-by-step guide will be useful.  Auspicious phrases (even in hanyu pinyin) are included too!!  Do excuse for not having lo-hei during CNY anymore =)

 



 

[CNY 2014] Vegetarian Steamboat and Yusheng

Looking for a different type of CNY cuisine? How about a vegetarian steamboat or yusheng then? 

website: www.kmspks.sg

[CNY 2014] Nian Gao

One of the Lunar New Year tradition is to eat Nian Gao (年糕), or some calls it Tian Guo (甜粿 or sweet cake).  It is a steamed sticky rice cake made using glutinous rice flour.  It is said to be an auspicious dish because it symbolises "raising oneself taller" in each coming year.  It doesn't mean to physically grow an inch taller, but it means having an improvement (in whatever ways) in the coming year.

Nian Gao can be easily purchased from confectionery shops or even at the supermarkets.  It comes if varying sizes and some even provide lucky number for lottery.  For some families, they prefer to make this special delicacy themselves.  Recipe for reference:
http://www.chow.com/recipes/29363-steamed-chinese-new-year-cake

As we celebrate and welcome the year of the galloping Horse, let's not forget the importance of gratitude, and not to take things for granted!  Watch this short video as a reminder to ourselves =)

[Singapore Local Delight] Char Kway Teow from Air House Cafe

Who would love food that is good and cheap? Air House Café, a club house in the Changi Airport (public area) serves really delicious zi char (ranging from rice to noodles and cooked dishes.  Members pay slightly cheaper price when prices for non-members are already pretty reasonable. 



 

 

Crispy and well marinated chicken wings.  Seriously, I could hear the crunch from every bite.  It costs only $1.20 (members price).

 

Flavourful with wok hei (a special fragrance as a result of cooking using high wok heat), thick fish cake slices and al dente noodles and kway teow.  The only slight disappointment was the lack of Chinese sausage, otherwise, I would consider this as a perfect char kway teow, just the way I like it!  It costs only $3 (members price).

 

 

Air House Café

Airport Boulevard, Changi Airport Passenger Terminal 2

Singapore 819643

Tel: 6546 8218

 

Getting there: Take MRT to Changi Airport Station.  Exit to Terminal 2, walk to the passenger car park within the terminal.  The café is located next to the carpark.

 

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SG Cafe Series: Water Drop Teahouse

Water Drop Teahouse is a unique café, located in a corner of Punggol.  Housed in Buddhist Centre, Fo Guang Shan (Buddha's Light Association, Singapore) , the cosy cafe serves vegetarian snacks and meal.  The place seems to be pretty crowded on weekends but fortunately, the café is spacious and it won't be difficult to get seats.



 

While having a cuppa, diners can also browse at the CDs, books, artifacts and accessories available for sale.  It is a good place for getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The menu is environment friendly.  You can place your order by writing the order quantity on the laminated menu using a marker pen, present it at the cashier, make the payment and the food will be prepared. 

The café has a good selection of beverages ranging from fruit juices to coffee to tea and even bubble tea.

These were the 2 snacks that I ordered - Fried Pumpkin Patty and Kimchi Roll respectively.  They looks quite ordinary but in fact, they were delicious.

On another occasion, I ordered this tofu peanut snacks.  It was kind of chewy, like mocha.  The sauce was savoury and I thought it was quite unique.  The mocha was also delish.

Ah, and I ordered a noodle dish - 随缘面。  Oh well, I didn't know that it was a mushroom noodles dish and hence, it wasn't to my liking.  I always find that shitake mushroom taste is too strong.

Water Drop Teahouse

Address:

Fo Guang Shan (Singapore)
No.1 Punggol Place (3rd floor), Singapore 828844
Tel ：(65) 6411 0596

Opening Hours：

Tuesday to Friday	:	10am – 6pm
Saturday	:	10am – 7pm
Sunday and Public Holiday	:	10am – 5pm
Closed on Monday

 

Website: http://www.blia.sg/en/waterdrop.aspx

 

Getting there: Take MRT to Punggol Station and walk 6 mins to Fo Guang Shan.

 

 

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