3 Lucky Things Happen in Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seoul

Date of Visited: 12th September 2011

Since we done shopping around MyeongDong, Dongdaemun and Namdaemun on the second day; having such an exhilarating thrills and extreme ride in Everland Resort, South Korea's largest theme park on the third day; and also enjoyed the romantic and relax feelings at one of the top Korean's drama scene, Nami Island on the fourth day; hence visiting royal palace of Seoul on our fifth day of the trip is a must when in South Korea.

Talking about royal palace of Seoul, there are Five Grand Palaces (Gyeongbokgung, Deoksugung, Changdeokgung, Changyeonggung and Gyeonghuigung) which built during the Joseon Dynasty are highly recommended to visit. But because of time constraint, we decided to choose to visit only two of these palaces; Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung. Unfortunately it was Monday that day and Changdeokgung was closed. So at the end, we only able to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. Despite the closure of Changdeokgung, listed as one of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, my friends and I are truly blessed with three lucky things happened when visited Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Gwanghwamun, the main and south gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace

#1 Lucky Things Happen: We managed to witness a reenactment of the changing of the royal guard  exactly by the time we reached Gyeongbokgung Palace. We thought we're late and might miss out of this but thank goodness, we didn't.




Once the changing of the royal guard ended, it's time to buy admission ticket but we noticed that all the counters are closed. We're puzzled and wondering how could we enter to the main palace without the any valid ticket. Without wait any longer, immediately we walked closer to the counter to see if there any notification.


#2 Lucky Things Happen: No wonder it was closed because it was free admission to everyone. Yes, we managed to save another 3,000 won again. Wondering why it was free? So coincidentally, it was Thanksgiving day in South Korea.

Now let me bring you for an insight tour of  Gyeongbokgung Palace

Geunjeongjeon Hall, the Throne Hall.

The main reason why people are drawn to Gyeongbokgung Palace is because it is arguably the most beautiful and remains the grandest of all five palaces. Commonly referred as "Northern Palace" due to its location which located furthest north if compared to the other neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace), Gyeongbokgung Palace is undeniable to become Seoul's most prominent palaces that offers a different kind of experience for different type of people; no matter whether the visitors are either local or even foreigners like us.

 

Gangnyeongjeon Hall (King's Main Residing Quarters)

One of the exhibition on the revival of life in the palace.

As I walking more further, I saw another beautiful and unique building situated behind of Gyeongbokgung Palace. I tends to forget that I was losing my sight from my friends as I was non-stop from pressing my camera shutter button until I came across National Folk Museum of Korea.

The National Folk Museum of Korea - where showcase of the lifestyle of Korean people from the prehistoric.

Because it was Thanksgiving Day, there are few activities were organised by the local outside the museum and I was more attracted to that instead of visiting the museum. Not until I saw one of the stall was organising this:

#3 Lucky Things Happen: Free trying of Hanbok - Korean traditional costume. I was willing to wait like more than 30 minutes just to have free photography session of this. Thanks goodness that my other friends who didn't knew where I went and what I did were patiently waiting for me.

Immediately done with this, I went back to look for my friends. Poor them, were sitting down nearby the main gate without complaining and angrily scolded me. I am truly blessed to have a group of friends like them and that's why I clarified them as the best travelmates I ever have.

Gyeonghoeru Pavilion (Royal Banquet Hall)

The day where all of us became prince and princess of Seoul. #sioksendiri

The admission fee for adult is 3,000 won and for child is 1,500 won. However, if you are interested to visit all the Grand Palaces except for Gyeonghuigung Palace which is excluded, you are recommended to purchase the Integrated Ticket of Palaces which cost 10,000 won only.

How to get to Gyeongbokgung Palace:

Gyeongbokgung Station, Subway Line 3 - Exit 5

[Credit To: Official Korean Tourism Organisation, Wikipedia]

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Snapshot Sunday: Calton Hill of Edinburgh, Scotland

Perfectly stand on the top of hill and looking the overview of Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, Calton Hill is absolutely the perfect and ideal place that often used for photographs and paintings purpose. Therefore, no surprised that Calton Hill has been included in the city's UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For more, check out my old travel post: Journey To Scotland, Edinburgh [Part 1]

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Met United Buddy Bears For Second Time

Nowadays, social media network like Facebook, Twitter and even Blog are spreading news way too fast than the newspaper and even in television and radio. All you need to do is snap a photo and post. Done just by few clicks. I can't recall how I came across about United Buddy Bears happened to be in Kuala Lumpur early of this year but I'm for sure it must be somewhere from social media network. Seems like I am the last blogger to blog about this.

So before flying off to Phuket early of this year, I stopped by KL for a day and keep telling to my friend that I wanna meet all of these two meter tall fibreglass bears. Afterall, I met United Buddy Bears for the first time when I was in Berlin, Germany back in yer 2008 and therefore, I am so desperate wanna meet them again for the second time.

I only knew there is a merchandise store located on the 5th floor after I went back to KK =="

Located in front of the entrance of Pavilion KL and I ♥ to see the United Buddy Bears surrounding the fountain.

The unique among the others with holding heart between the two golden bears. ♥♥♥

Unlike the experience I had in Berlin where the bear sculptures are scattered around, this exhibition was displayed at one point and it makes thing easier where you take photo or even hug with them without worrying that you might miss out any of them.

These bears are indeed so colourful and attractive to anyone who passby Pavilion.

Say "Peace" as this is one of the message that United Buddy Bears wanna spread out to the world. 

"Angry Bear" I assume...

My very close and best friend, Chris with one of her favourite bear. 

These bears are everywhere...

Either on your left...

Or even on your right

Met Eisenstein bear for the second time. This is one and only bear sculptures that I snapped for the second time. The rest are extremely a whole new experience to me.

The first and virgin appearance of our own Malaysian United Buddy Bear. This is its first time experience joining the other bear sculptures on the globe-trotting mission.

Unfortunately, I didn't managed to take as many photo as I want with all of these United Buddy Bears cause my friend and I are rushing for last minute shopping in Pavilion. Hunting for a wedding gift for my friend whose wedding will be held a week after my Phuket trip and also last minute to search for a new pair of sunglasses cause mine was broken before my island getaway even started. Deng! I can't live without sunglasses everytime I'm on travelling especially to the island.

Goodbye United Buddy Bears. Till then, hope to see you all again!

And if you're asking which of these bears are my favourite, I would definitely say "ALL OF THEM!".

You can check out this too: Met United Buddy Bears in Berlin

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MyeongDong After The Dark

I posted about Myeong-Dong, the infamous shopping street in my previous post before (click here) but have you imagine how it looks like when the sun decides to take a break and the moon takes turn? 

So, after spending almost half of our day visited the love and romantic island, Nami Island, we're heading back to Myeong-Dong. Initially, we decided to visit N Seoul Tower but seems that all of us are so tired and exhausted, hence without thinking too much, heading back to Myeong-Dong is our next alternatives in order to hunt for our dinner. 

Once we stepped out from the subway station, I was so surprised and shocked whether are we reach the exact location? How come the Myeong-Dong I used to know has become another night street markets where a group of street vendors came out from nowhere and setup in the alleys and walkways between the buildings? All I ever heard about Myeong-Dong was it is famous for countless of fashion beauty and cosmetic outlet and crowded with numerous of restaurants, cafes, coffee shops and night clubs too but never came across where it will be more happening and bustling during the night time. I just can't explain why but I am deeply in love with street markets. Love to see the different kind of street foods and assorted products selling in the night market which sometimes I couldn't find in the shopping mall.

Cheap and trending garments are everywhere. Some allow to bargain, some not. 

Plenty of handphone accessories especially the casing.

For super huge fans of K-pop, I guess you will be insane when seeing this. Thank goodness I'm not.

Even counterfeit products would not to be miss out in night market of Myeong-Dong.

Boxers and towels of the high ends brand. Anyone interested with this especially the guys?

Love the colourful and vibrant neon light during the night time

Things Must Do When Travelling: Eat McD. Had tried different kind of McD in more 10 countries.

My haul bought from Myeong-Dong. If you love accessories such as necklace, bracelet, ring, hair clip and more, Myeong-Dong has many kinds of varieties.

Seriously, spending just a night to venture around night market around Myeong-Dong is never enough for me. I went again with my friends on the next day - to buy more and eat more. 

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Foodie Friday: Fullhouse, Suria Sabah

Finally Fullhouse is arrived in Kota Kinabalu and I'm so excited for that! I always wanna visit this themed lifestyle cafe when I went back to KL last year to continue my study. Unfortunately I didn't managed to visit any of those outlets in KL cause they are located too far from where I was staying. What to do? Doesn't posses a car is like that. But since now Fullhouse is in KK, can't wait any longer to try it.

Up to date, I went Fullhouse three times with my family, friends and my boyfie too. So as usual, this post is compilation from all my visits to Fullhouse Suria Sabah.

#1: It's comprises of two floors and the ground floor are easily being spotted. 

#2: Their menu even has storyline at the back. But then, since like no ending one the story.

Let's take a look at the beverages that we ordered:

#3: From my first visit with boyfie: Chocolate Ice Blended (RM9.90) and Iced Korean Jujube Tea

#4: Two special drinks: Peach & Yogurt Magic Ball Special Iced Blended and Vanilla & Kiwi Ice Blended

#5: Mango and Grape Topped with Green Apple Jelly

Now's here for the main meals:

#6: Wok-Sear Chicken Chop (RM16.90) - I ordered this twice. Served with mashed potatoes and fresh veggies.

#7: Al-funghi Spaghetti (RM14.90) - Served with oyster mushroom and chicken. Boyfie ordered this and he said portion was too small for him.

#8: Fullhouse Club Sandwich (RM13.90) - Chicken, turkey ham, egg mayo, cheese, tomato served with fries.

#9: Teriyaki Chicken Burger (RM17.90) - Served with fries too.

During my second visit, my friends and I spotted Petitfour which I didn't noticed that on my first visit. Coincidentally, my friends were celebrating my pre-birthday so they ordered and treated as my birthday cake. Thank you my crazy and lovely deariests.

#10: Buy 5 and free 1. "Tantalise your taste bud, have a petitfour" - That's their tagline.

Just like what I heard from my friends' reviews, Fullhouse is indeed quite pricey and the portion of the foods are quite small. But then, chill out with family and friends in this beautiful environment with a creative and elegant decoration once in a while makes every penny you spend worth everything. Don't you think so?

#11

Location:

G7 & 1-10
Suria Sabah Shopping Mall
Lot 1, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

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