The Quarters Tasting Session 2017
16 Enggor Street
#01-09 Icon Village

Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 10pm
Sat: 10am - 10pm
Sun: 10am - 6pm


http://www.thequarters.sg/


This was an invited media review. I did not pay for the meal during the free hosted tasting session, but I did pay the standard price during subsequent visits.
Attended with representatives from Little Tiny Sun, Justin Food Prints, Shermyyy, Her Pen And Fork, and The Arctic Star.

Butter Poached Lobster (SGD $68)

Maple Tree House / 단풍나무집
116-1 Itaewon-Dong
Yongsan-Gu
Seoul
Seoul Capital Area
South Korea

Various Outlets Across The Country

http://www.mapletreehouse.co.kr/

Meal Barbecue / BBQ Flat Lay

Baek Nyeon Baekse Ginseng Chicken Soup / Baengnyeon Samgyetang / 백년토종삼계탕
354-12 Seogyo-Dong
Mapo-Gu
Seoul
Seoul Capital Area
South Korea

Various Outlets Across The Country

http://www.백년토종삼계탕.kr/

Menu

Seoul Street Food - Part 2

More Seoul Street Food that I've tried during other visits to Seoul, South Korea, continuing from Part 1.

Samgyetang / Ginseng Chicken Soup - Abalone

Ewha Hostel
156-2 Donggyo-Dong
Mapo-Gu
Seoul
Seoul Capital Area 121816
South Korea

https://www.facebook.com/ewhahostel/


Functional, Cozy Guest House, Helpful Owner-Host

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Visited: Oct-2017
Ambience & Setting: 5
Food & Beverage: NA
Service: 10
Value for Money: 5
Spent about SGD $110 per person.
- $110 Accomodation 3D2N
- $0 Room Service


Nearby Attractions: Gyeongbokgung Palace & National Folk Museum Of (South) Korea, N Seoul Tower / Namsan Tower, Mount Namsan Park, National Museum Of (South) Korea, War Memorial Of (South) Korea, Cheonggyecheon Stream, Yeouido Park, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jongmyo Shrine, Namiseom Island, Everland Theme Park, Lotte World, Seoraksan / Mount Seorak, Dongdaemun Shopping District & Heunginjimun, Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, Namdaemun Shopping District & Sungnyemun, Seoul Museum Of Art, Seoul Museum Of History, Seoul World Cup Sangam Stadium, Seoul Olympic Park, Myeong-Dong Shopping District & Myeong-Dong Cathedral, Korea Furniture Museum, National Theater Of (South) Korea, Leeum Samsung Museum Of Art, Banpo Bridge Moonlight Rainbow Fountain


Hotel Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Washer, Kitchenette, Cable TV


Hotel Activities: Internet Surfing, Cooking


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Introduction
Located about 70 minutes train ride away from the Incheon International Airport in Seoul, the Ewha Hostel is a collective of 4 apartment blocks, spread across different locations, housing up to 30 different guest house apartments. Thus, with Ewha Hostel, it's difficult to know exactly what you're getting, because each is furnished differently. Furthermore, some apartments are newer, while others are aging.


Ambience
Ambience at Ewha Hostel can differ, depending on the age of the guest house you're in. For me, the place was well lived in with signs of aging, however, at least it was clean. The walls are decorated with cute decor, and the security lock is sturdy. The surrounding location is rather quiet, within a few steps to Hongik University subway station exit 6, but it's nondescript and relaxing.


Room
Rooms at Ewha Hostel are functional, but small. The beds are comfortable, but take up the majority of space in the room, however, there is sufficient wardrobe space. Though advertised for up to 6 guests, I find it's more comfortable for a maximum of 4 people. There is only 1 bathroom, which is clean, but we also spotted mosquitos several times within.


Food
Food at Ewha Hostel can be prepared by yourself, using the fully equipped kitchenette. The stove is easy to operate, and I cooked 1 dinner here. Dish washing equipment is provided, as is simple and functional cutlery, though most are aging in appearance. You'll have to buy your own condiments and seasoning, besides the main ingredients.


Service
Service at Ewha Hostel is excellent. The owner-host, along with her family, run the collective apartments, and will meet and usher guests personally, even though she has hired help. Very responsive to queries, usually replying text messages within 1 hour. During our stay, we also experienced a medical emergency, and the owner-host and her family rendered more than capable assistance, bringing us to an affordable nearby hospital, assisting with the administration, waiting together with us, and ensuring our comfort. Felt well-taken care of, more than we'd hoped for.


Facilities & Activities
The facilities and activities at Ewha Hostel is limited to watching cable television, surfing the internet, cooking, or doing the laundry via the washing machine provided. However, Ewha Hostel is located within 5 minutes walking distance to many shops, restaurants, and convenience stores at the Hongdae area, as well as the Hongik University subway station. This makes Ewha Hostel a convenient place from which to explore the city.


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Samjin Amook
36 Taejong-Ro
Bongnae 1(il)-Dong
Yeongdo-Gu
Busan
Yeongnam
South Korea

Various Outlets Across The Country

http://samjinamook.com/

Fish Cake Bakery Display

Kyochon
489-4 Choryang 2(i)-Dong
Dong-Gu
Busan
Yeongnam
South Korea

Various Outlets Across The Country

http://www.kyochon.com/

https://www.facebook.com/bestkyochon/

Chimaek

Deepavali 2017




May the divine lights of Diwali bring to your life peace, prosperity and good health.





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Top 5 Busan Attractions

All photos in this post were not shot by me, and are credited to their respective sources.


City: Busan / Pusan
State: Yeongnam
Country: South Korea / Republic Of Korea

The second largest city in South Korea, Busan is famed for its beaches, hot springs, and nature reserves. Surrounded by the largest industrial area of the country, Busan also has the busiest port. The summer is usually the busiest period for the city, when tourists arrive to enjoy the weather.

Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Busan, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.


1. Haeundae Beach

Source Credits

Haeundae Beach (Purchased Stock Image)

The city of Busan, in Yeongnam, is famed throughout South Korea for its beaches. And none are more famous than Haeundae Beach. This 1.5 kilometer stretch of white sandy coastline hosts beach festivals all your round, and is a popular spot for watching the sunrise or sunset. Its shallow bay is popular with swimmers, and on sunny days, the place is lined with vibrant, colourful parasols. This area even looks picturesque from afar!



2. Yongdusan Park

Source Credits

Yongdusan Park (Purchased Stock Image)

Translated as 'Dragon's Head Mountain', Yongdusan Park in Yeongnam, South Korea, is home to several attractions. The highlight is the 118 metre high Busan Tower, which offers fantastic panoramic views of the city. Other sights include the Statue Of General Yi Sun-Sin; the Museum Of World Folk Instruments, which allows visitors to handle and play some of the musical instruments on display; the Exhibition Hall Of World Model Boats; and the stunning Flower Clock.



3. Gamcheon Cultural Village

Source Credits

Gamcheon Cultural Village (Purchased Stock Image)

Also known as Taeguekdo Village, the enclave of Gamcheon Cultural Village gained acclaim throughout Yeongnam, and South Korea, when students decided to brighten up the neighbourhood with an artistic makeover in 2009. Today, this area of Busan is a colourful, quirky community of Lego-shaped homes, shops, and galleries. The labyrinth of alleys hosts a myriad of beautiful street art, delicious street food, and the Little Museum, which exhibits over 70 old-fashioned household items curated from the neighbourhood.



4. Beomeosa Temple

Source Credits

Beomeosa Temple (Purchased Stock Image)

Located at the foot of Mount Geumjeongsan in Busan, Yeongnam, the Beomeosa Temple is famed across South Korea. Translated as 'Heavenly Fish', this magnificent Buddhist temple is surrounded by extraordinary picturesque scenery, in particular, the lavender wisteria flowers. The complex has several designated treasures, including the Three Story Stone Pagoda, the Daeungjeon (or main temple hall), and the Iljumun (or One-Pillar Gate), which is the 1st gate to the temple.



5. Songdo Beach Skywalk

Source Credits

Songdo Beach Skywalk (Purchased Stock Image)

The Songdo Beach Skywalk is among the more recent attractions in Busan, Yeongnam, South Korea. At 365 metres long, this curved sea overpath is the longest in the country, and offers views of the azure blue ocean through a double-reinforced tempered glass floor. The promenade also allows for a complete panoramic view of the beach and city skyline. The sleek architecture is said to resemble a dragon flying over the sea, and naturally, the design is photogenic.





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Busan Street Food - Part 1


Busan Street Food is part of the larger tapestry of Korean cuisine in South Korea. Unique for being a largely standalone cuisine, with little outside influence, Korean cuisine originated from an agricultural society, and through interaction with the natural environment. The Yeongnam region in particular is known for its fish and fish cake items, as such, Busan Street Food features a large variety of dishes where fish cake is incorporated into the dish. The area is also known for its regional specialities of noodles and soups.

Haemul Pajeon / Seafood Pancake

Flower House Apartment
576 Choryang 1(il)-Dong
Dong-Gu
Busan
Yeongnam 601010
South Korea

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/17275359


Cozy & Pretty Place

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 6
Visited: Oct-2017
Ambience & Setting: 7
Food & Beverage: NA
Service: 5
Value for Money: 8
Spent about SGD $40 per person.
- $40 Accomodation 3D2N
- $0 Room Service


Nearby Attractions: Dalmaji Hill, Haeundae Beach & Sea Life Busan Aquarium, Songjeong Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Busan Cinema Centre, Radium Art Centre, Yongdusan Park & 40 Steps & Busan Tower, Busan Museum, Busan Modern History Museum, Busan Museum Of Art, Gamcheon Cultural Village, Jagalchi Fish Market, Spaland Centum City, Hur Shim Chung Spa, Beomeosa Temple, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Taejongdae Park, Songdo Beach Skywalk, Dongbaek Island, Jangsan Mountain, UN Memorial Cemetery, Haeundae Blueline Park Sky Capsule, Busan X The Sky, Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) Square, Geumjeong Fortress


Hotel Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, Washer, Kitchenette, Cable TV


Hotel Activities: Internet Surfing, Cooking


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Introduction
Located about 45 minutes drive away from the Gimhae International Airport in Busan, the Flower House Apartment is a 2 bedroom rented apartment. Flower House Apartment is conveniently located within 5 minutes walk from Busan Station (subway metro), and the nearby neighbourhood of Chinatown and Texas Street is home to many foreign restaurants. A popular area for expatriates / expats to gather.


Ambience
Ambience at Flower House Apartment is cozy, pretty, and comfortable. As a fully-furnished apartment, it includes a living room and dining room, with fast and stable internet wi-fi access. The place is neat and clean, and the highlight is the pretty wallpaper, lending an attractive touch to decor. There isn't much of a view though, and the corridor outside is cramped.


Room
Rooms at Flower House Apartment are comfortable, furnished with large beds. The place can accomodate up to 7 adults, provided you don't mind sharing beds. However, there is only enough wardrobe space for at most 3 people. Not all rooms are air-conditioned, but at least it's equipped with fans. I note that there is sufficient power sockets for all our devices too.


Food
Food at Flower House Apartment can be prepared by yourself, using the fully equipped kitchenette. The stove is easy to operate, and I cooked 2 breakfasts here. Cutlery and dish washing equipment is provided, but you'll have to buy your own condiments, seasoning, and paper towels, besides the main ingredients.


Service
Service at Flower House Apartment is responsive. The host / owner typically replies messages within 1 hour, and upon check-in, will guide guests in operating the various equipment in the house. She also provides a pick-up for guests and their luggage when you first arrive. However, guests are expected to clear their own trash, and naturally, keep the place clean.


Facilities & Activities
The facilities and activities at Flower House Apartment is limited to watching cable television, surfing the internet, cooking, or doing the laundry via the washing machine provided. However, Flower House Apartment is located near to many shops, restaurants, and convenience stores. The area also has several relatively hip night spots and clubs. Family-friendly during the day, not so much at night.


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Busan Shopping Malls

Snapshots of some of the shopping malls and markets in Busan.

Lotte Department Store

Busan Shops

Some examples of the shops in Busan, whether along the streets or within the shopping malls.

Bong-Ja Korean Pancake

Tae Sung Heuk Don
47 Chilsimni-Ro
Songsan-Dong
Jeju & Seogwipo
Jeju Special Administrative Province
South Korea / Republic Of Korea

Meal, Gogigui / Barbecue - Flat Lay

Top 5 Jeju & Seogwipo Attractions

All photos in this post were not shot by me, and are credited to their respective sources.


City: Jeju & Seogwipo
State: Jeju Special Administrative Province
Country: South Korea / Republic Of Korea

The dual cities of Jeju & Seogwipo, in Jeju Special Administrative Province, South Korea, are co-located on the same small island. Here, tourism is the main industry, and every part of the island is within a 2 - 3 hours drive. As a popular vacation and honeymoon spot, the place is geared towards tourists, which means higher than normal prices. Besides the beautiful natural scenery, there are several unusual theme parks and niche attractions to be seen here.

Here are the Top 5 Tourist Attractions to visit in Jeju & Seogwipo, all of which hold important cultural or historical significance. All these are permanent locations which can be visited and viewed at any time throughout the year.


1. Manjanggul Lava Tube

Source Credits

Manjanggul Lava Tube (Purchased Stock Image)

The Manjanggul Lava Tube near Jeju & Seogwipo, Jeju Special Administrative Province, is a huge cave, formed by molten lava in ancient times. As one of the longest natural structures in South Korea, it has significant scientific and heritage value, owing to its excellent condition of preservation. Natural features include lava stalactites, lava stalagmites, lava columns, lava helictites, cave coral, lava bridges, and lava shelves, amongst several wildlife. The multi-coloured carbonate markings are particularly striking, and walking within the cave formation lends an other-worldly, surreal feel.



2. Yeomiji Botanic Garden

Source Credits

Yeomiji Botanic Garden (Purchased Stock Image)

Regarded among the best curated gardens in both Asia and South Korea, the Yeomiji Botanic Garden, near Jeju & Seogwipo, Jeju Special Administrative Province, contains approximately 2,000 species of rare tropical and subtropical plants. Themed around sections, highlights include the Flower Garden, Water Lily Garden, Native Garden, Jungle Garden, and Country Folk Gardens. Another highlight is the 38 meter high Observation Platform, which offers clear views of Hallasan Mountain and the nearby coastline.



3. Cheonjeyeon Waterfall & Seonim Bridge

Source Credits

Cheonjeyeon Waterfall & Seonim Bridge (Purchased Stock Image)

Located near Jeju & Seogwipo, the Cheonjeyeon Waterfall & Seonim Bridge is a combination attraction famed in Jeju Special Administrative Province, South Korea. The iconic red and white arch bridge has 14 nymphs carved on its sides (7 per side), each playing a musical instrument, and looks particularly striking from afar. This pedestrian bridge leads to the three-tier waterfall, a beautiful area with rare plants such as the skeleton fork fern, where the flow of water to the ocean looks like a series of steps. Translated as 'Pond Of The Emperor Of Heaven', the legend behind this area tells of 7 fairies who visited the king in this pond.



4. Glass Castle

Source Credits

Glass Castle (Purchased Stock Image)

The colourful, vibrant, whimsical Glass Castle near Jeju & Seogwipo, Jeju Special Administrative Province, South Korea, is a niche theme park dedicated to glass art. Hosting over 250 glass sculptures and models across 6 themed zones, highlights include a glass labyrinth, the world’s largest glass ball, a glass waterfall with a lake of mirrors, a glass bookshelf with glass books, glass flowers, glass model villages, and more. The bright crystalline colors and intricate designs here evoke a sense of child-like wonderment.



5. Teddy Bear Museum

Source Credits

Teddy Bear Museum (Purchased Stock Image)

Regarded among the most famous of its kind in the world, the Teddy Bear Museum in Jeju Special Administrative Province, South Korea, is dedicated to teddy bears, styled in both international and local Korean designs. Located near Jeju & Seogwipo, the collection is varied and diverse, featuring handcrafted teddy bears dressed in authentic period costumes with life-like poses. They even pay homage to famous artworks by recreating the piece with teddy bears! Another highlight is their picturesque fairy-tale outdoor garden, which served as the shooting location for several famous Korean television dramas.





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