Day 7: Rain Stopped

Yippeee! The rain stopped! We could finally make our way to Yeouido Park. We took a slow stroll over from Yeouido station. :D Along the way we spotted a rainbow colored fish sculpture. :)

After which we needed to cross a 12-lane road.

The park is divided into theme-based sections: the Traditional Korean Forest, Grass Square, Culture Square, and Nature’s Ecosystem Forest. We didn't manage to cover the whole park though.

I've read that one of the must-see area is the Yunjunro Street, behind the National Assembly Building as it has the loveliest cherry blossom street in Seoul. Cherry blossom trees, 30 to 40 years old, line up to a stretch of 6km.

The park is lovely during autumn as well. :)

I was attracted by the wheels signage which designated a pedestrian walkway & a cycling path. :)

I would love to cycle around the park too! :)

We heart the rows of ginkgo trees. Don't you? :)

IFC Seoul is just across from Yeouido Park.

The berries added Christmas cheer to the park. :) I know it's still some time more to go. :)

While Tina & I were happily capturing the sights, beanie, mom & Lin took five. :)))

Another pic of Lin. Here's her under the yellow ginkgo trees.

Tina under the red maple trees.

And me. :) Thank God for clearing the sky and allowing us to witness His marvellous creation.

Yeouido Park is the last destination of our Seoul travel itineary. We needed to head back to Times Square for dinner, back to Courtyard to freshen up & to the airport to catch our flight back home.

Details of Yeouido Park:
Seoul-si Yeongdeungpo-gu Yeouido-dong 2
W: http://parks.seoul.go.kr/eng/

Direction to Yeouido Park:
Take the subway to Yeouido Station (Line 5) - Exit 3
or
Take the subway to Yeouinaru Station (Line 5) - Exit 1

Day 7: Lunch at Nolboo Budaejjigae

Budaejjigae (spicy sausage stew) makes a perfect meal on a rainy day. We had ours at Nolboo Budaejjigae at Times Square. :)

Nolboo Budaejjigae is a popular chain. We had to queue for a while before getting a table.

The sight of a big pot of budaejjigae got us a little excited! :D

Our budaejjigae consisted of cheese & various types of sausages. :)

Budaejjigae goes very well with ramen & steamed rice. :)

Again, I didn't touch the sides. :)

A very satisfying lunch once again! :D

Details of Nolboo Budaejjigae:
Times Square B1
Seoul-si Yeongdeungpo-gu
Yeongdeungpodong4-ga 442
W: http://www.nolboo.co.kr/

Direction to Nolboo Budaejjigae:
Take the subway to Yeongdeungpo station (Line 1)

Day 7: We're Shopping Because It's Raining

The rain kept us indoor. What can we do but shop. :))) The good thing about staying at Courtyard Seoul Times Square is we're within a multi-complex & Yeongdeungpo Rotary Underground Shopping Centre is linked to Times Square.

Note: Shops at Yeongdeungpo Rotary Underground Shopping Centre do not accept credit card payments. Strictly cash only.

Happy shopping!

Details of Seoul Times Square:
W: http://www.timessquare.co.kr/en/





















1 - Shinsegae Departmental Store
2 - Atrium
3 - Wedding & Convention (Amoris)
4 - Multiplex Zone - E-Mart, Kyobo Book Centre & CGV
5 - Rooftop Garden
6 - Office Tower A
7 - Office Tower B
8 - Courtyard by Marriott

Direction to Seoul Times Square:

Take the subway to Yeongdeungpo station (Line 1)

Day 7: Hearty Breakfast at Holly Coffee

Raindrops greeted us on our last day in Seoul. The weather turned more chilly. A hearty breakfast at Holly Coffee helped kick start our day. :)

We selected our breakfast from Holly Coffee's "Fall in Brunch" menu. :)

Croque Monsieur - ham, eggs, cheese, herbs. Simple good-o sandwich anytime. :)

Mushroom soup bowl. Thick & creamy. :)

Coffee, tea & ice chococlate

There's an al fresco area at this Holly Coffee outlet,

but we opted to sit indoor away from the rain. :)

Slight drizzle, fresh coffee, romantic space...

Details of Holly Coffee:

W: http://www.hollys.co.kr/menu/menu_01.asp

Day 6: Time for Bed at Courtyard Seoul Times Square

We were ready to head "home" after a satisfying shopping spree at E-Mart. :) Beanie was especially happy to move into a "modern hotel with modern facilities". :))) Courtyard Seoul Times Square is located in the Yeongdeungpo district and part of the Times Square multi-complex.

Anyway, here're some pics of our room. :)

Nite nite...

Details of Courtyard Seoul Times Square:
442 Yeongdeungpo-dong 4-ga
Yeongdeungpo-gu
Seoul, 150-798 South Korea
W: http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/selcy-courtyard-seoul-times-square/

Day 6: Late Nite Shopping at E-Mart (이마트)

We shoppped off our duckie dinner at E-Mart, Times Squares. It opens 24 hours and it's just next to Courtyard Marriott where we were staying. Late nite shopping is such a great idea! We need not jostle with the day crowd. ;)

E-Mart has fantastic product offering. It ranges from food to drinks, to household to electronics, to sports to beauty, to apparel to lifestyle & pets.

Lin & I heart this bright and cheery section of E-Mart. :D We actually went about this section thrice to ensure we didn't miss out on anything to buy??? :))) Self control was required...and in the end we only bought a clock from here, Koka's top from another section and 12 LG Bamboo Salt toothpastes (they are effective in speeding up the recovery from ulcer). :)

E-Mart's custy are spoilt for choice. The hypermart offers variety for many stuff including table cloths & DIY wallpapers.

Tina & Beanie bought so much. But Tina won hands down. She had to pack her purchase in carton boxes! :)))

Need us say more? Welcome to late nite shopping at E-Mart! :)

Details of E-Mart:
Seoul-si Yeongdeungpo-gu
Yeongdeungpo 4-ga 441-10
B2-B1F Times Square

Operating hours: 24 hours except Sunday (closes at midnight)

Direction to E-Mart:
Take the subway to Yeongdeungpo station (Line 1)

Day 6: Yuhwang-ori-jinheuk-gui at Nolboo Duck Restaurant

For our Sat dinner, we went in search of  Nolboo Duck Restaurant, famed for its Yuhwang-ori-jinheuk-gui (duck grilled in mud bowl). We took the subway to Express Bus Terminal station, exited at Exit 2, walked up a stairs leading to a carpark and took the travelator till we see Nolboo's icon, a smiley old man. :) I'm sure there's an easier way to get there...just take the cab!

Reservation is advisable as the place is always packed.

Here comes our duckie! :)

Yuhwang-ori-jinheuk-gui is duck that is slow-roasted in a mud/earthenware bowl with 23 other carefully selected ingredients for 3 hours. Each duck serves 3 pax and we had to ordered two ducks (which was too much btw).

The special sauce used for the duck was delectable. Beanie asked for more... :)

The kelp soup was tasty & comforting as well. I could just eat plain steamed rice with it! :)

The waitress wanted to serve us noodles as our dinner finale, but we declined as we were too stuffed. I didn't even touch the sides! :O

To better appreciate Yuhwang-ori-jinheuk-gui, we should go with empty stomaches! ;)

Details of Nolbook Duck Restaurant:

Direction to Nolboo Duck Restaurant:

Option 1 - Take the cab

Option 2
Take the subway to Express Bus Terminal station (Line 3), exit at Exit 2
Walk up a stairs leading to a carpark, take the travelator till you see Nolboo's icon, a smiley old man at the end of the first section of the travelator, and climb up a flight of stairs. The entrance to the restaurant would be on your right.

Seoul-siSeocho-gu Banpo-dong 118-3

T: +82 2 592 5292