Last October 25 to 25, Korean Travel Mart was held at the activity center of Glorietta. I was able to attend the said event on the first day.

The said activity was organized by the Korean Tourism Organization - Manila. It offered a lot of activities, freebies and performance to its visitors.

First stop, KPOP channel on Cable Link (available in the Philippines). I forgot what the exact channel is but it is something between 30 to 39 on HD. I am so sorry about that. If you are a Cable Link subscriber just call their hotline to add this Kpop channel on your list.

The PKCI (Philippine Kpop Convention Inc) was also present in the said event. PKCI. They were giving free-stubs for the fan signing of NOM. 

If you want to be updated on the latest happening in the Kpop World here in the Philippines be sure to follow PKCI on their facebook and other SNS accounts. 

PCKI Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/philkpopcomm

The Painters: Hero booth was just next to PKCI.

There was also a free photo booth but I failed to take some pictures. :)

Now, this was one of the things that I love during the festival,... HANBOK!!! :) I've been wanting to try hanbok for along time and tada~~~ I got try it for free. The events offered free trial of Hanbok for their visitors courtesy of Hanbok Palace Philippines. 

With my delulu friend :)

If you want to rent or buy costumes, you can visit Hanbok Palace Philippines' facebook page or you may call them at 0948-242-1169. They are actually based on Laguna, but they can ship the item/s for you if you are from Manila. As far as I remember the staff in their both said that they can also do meet - up. She also mentioned the the lowest rate for the rental would be Php600.

I went there during last time and I was really hungry when I arrived, good thing there was Chef Mimi. 

Chef Mimi taught her visitors how to make delicious Kimbap. 

The best part,, I got to try this Kimbap for free. This part saved my stomach from crying too much. :) The Kimbap was really delicious.

Now, let's go to the KTO-Manila booth,

These visitors were lining up to get their freebies from KTO. By liking the SNS page of KTO-Manila, they got free posters from KTO-Manila. I was able get mine also. :) 

There were travel agencies and airline companies present in the event. They offer great travel and tour packages to Korea this Autumn and Winter. Anyone who booked their tour in the event, received a special gift from KTO-Manila. 

 So, if you are planning a trip to Korea anytime soon, make sure to visit these travel agencies to know the latest promo and pick the best tour package that will suit your needs and of course your budget. :)

One of the performances that I enjoy the most was from The Painters: Hero. The Painters: Hero is an innovative art performance that stages the mind-blowing skills of love drawing with incredible visual effects filled with a witty blend of mime, dance and comedy right before your eyes. Rather than a finding satisfaction from a complete artwork, The Painters:Hero embodies and shares the joy and awe-inspiring journey of creating works of an art with the audience.

The Painters:Hero has been performing in major cities including Tokyo, Singapore, Hongkong, Shanghai, Beijing, Bangkok and Hollywood and it has been praised as a one-of-a-kind show.

Here are some video clips of their performances :)

Now for the Kpop fans, KTO has invited NOM (No Other Man), a Korean Boy group,  for a special performance. Here's NOM singing Pusong Bato.. Yes, you heard it right.. Pusong Bato, which is an OPM song.

For the last part, we had Chef Mimi again, This time, it was bibimbap.Yey! My favorite!! :)

Thank you for reading! :) 

Who says you can't eat halal food in Korea? If you will go around Seoul, you will see a lot of restaurants, cafes, and retail shops that offer halal food. You'll find a large concentration of halal establishments in Itaewon, Seoul's best-known multicultural neighborhood. As halal food becomes increasingly popular with the number of Muslims visiting Korea on the rise, there is no doubt that more and more restaurants in Korea will offer halal options in the near future. However, distinction should be made between an establishment serving halal food and a halal-certified establishment. For Muslims, you may wish to inquire whether or not the establishment is certified by the Korea Muslim Federation before visiting.

Here are three of some of Halal Restaurants that you can visit around Seoul.

• BabaIndia

    Address: 359 Gangnam-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

Conveniently located next to Seoul Subway Line 2 and the Shinbundang Line, BabaIndia serves up delicious Indian food using halal ingredients. The foyer of the restaurant greets customers with the wonderful aroma of Indian spices. The restaurant combines a pleasant dining experience with reasonable prices, quality food, and friendly staff. Order a set menu to try a variety of dishes and experience the best taste of India.

Being located in the heart of Seoul, the restaurant attracts customers from all different walks of life, ranging from business people to groups of travelers. A delicious and budget-friendly lunch menu draws young couples and students to the restaurant as well.

BabaIndia also allows customers to choose their level of spiciness, which helps first-timers who may find it daunting to order Indian or halal food. The homemade naan bread and chapati (unleavened flatbread originating in India), various house specials and desserts are sure to give those with homesickness a great treat.

• Kervan
  
  

                  Address: 190 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Vegeterian isn't the only halal food option in Korea! Located on the main street of Itaewon, Kervan is a Turkish restaurant offering a variety of halal dishes made from beef, lamb and chicken, as well as seafood and vegetables. Prices are a bit on the steep side, but the quality of food is worth the money spent. Those on a tight budget can take advantage of the wallet-friendly lunch menu.

In order to better express the beauty of Turkey, the dishes are served with elegant silverware by the friendly staff. Also, the elegant interior and superior cuisine served by the restaurant will provide you with an excellent culinary experience, and is the reason that it attracts not just Muslim travelers but also locals with an adventurous appetite. Kervan has also opened a second restaurant located in COEX Mall.

• Persian Palace

Address: 9 Seonggyungwan-ro 6-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Persian Palace is located in the artsy neighborhood of Daehangno, near Sunkyunkwan University's main entrance. The restaurant has an elegant, distinct Middle Eastern dining ambience, and attracts a bustling mix of patrons. Since opening in 2002, the restaurant has focused on creating Persian dishes made from 24 spices, and meals have been developed to complement the Korean palate.

Though kebabs are the specialty, the menu contains seven pages of halal dishes and four separate dishes for vegetarians. The curries are popular for having an authentic taste unique to Persian Palace. Also, the lamb kebabs are tender and carefully roasted, tasting heavenly with freshly baked naan bread.

This restaurant is ideal for Muslim customers, vegetarians, and anyone interested in Persian cuisine. If you find yourself in the area for a theater performance or the well-known hiking trails, stop in at Persian Palace for some of its authentic ethnic cuisine, which will surely leave you wanting to come back again.

A growing focus on health and nutrition around the world has brought on greater interests in vegetarian dining options for international travelers in Korea. Also, the rising number of healthy food options in Korea reflects the need of those who wish to maintain their healthy diets even when traveling. With that, various vegetarian restaurants continue to open as the vegetarian community in Korea keeps growing. Read on to learn more about the vegetable-inspired cafes and restaurants in Seoul that attract both vegetarians and non-vegetarians!

Jirisan

Located in Insa-dong, Jirisan is a famous restaurant specializing in han-jeongsik (Korean course meals). The restaurant boasts a traditional hanok (traditional Korean house) building that offers a beautiful Korean ambience.

The majority of the menu is comprised of bean-based dishes such as dubu jeongol (tofu hot pot), bean paste pot stew, biji (bean curd dregs), bean curd dregs with kimchi, dubu-kimchi (tofu with stir-fried kimchi), as well asmuk (acorn jelly salad). In addition, there are also seasonal side dishes specially selected for the time of year, as well as three different set menu courses. Vegetarians can taste the authenticity of Jirisan’s vegetarian-friendly Korean cuisine while enjoying a traditional Korean ambience.

☞ Address: 30, Insa-dong 14-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Trevia

Walk inside, and you’ll immediately be greeted by the big glass-door refrigerator containing a wide variety of ingredients, and especially delicious-looking cheeses. Over by the semi-open kitchen, there are sacks of flour, bottles of olive oil on the counter and a chef making fresh pasta. Trevia freshly bakes its dough everyday, which is used for pizza crusts or sandwich buns. 

Vegans will be delighted to know that Trevia uses animal-free ingredients to make the dough for their pizzas, and there are also several “no-cheese” pizzas to choose from as well. Those having a hard time choosing which pizza to order can also opt for a half-and-half pizza, which lets you choose two of your favorite pizza flavors to go on one pizza! No matter what you order, you won’t be disappointed by the flavor of its expertly prepared fresh ingredients.

☞ Address: 247 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

The restaurant is located behind Jongno Police Station.

Slunch Factory

Slunch Factory has become the one of the hottest place in Sangsu-dong, and has a range of healthy options for young vegetarians. It is also popular for its veggie-based dishes, though it is not exclusively for vegans. The vintage book-lined interior and cozy atmosphere help customers settle into their meals, not to mention the medley of various-sized tables, chairs and varying sizes of colorful plates and cutlery. 

Slunch Factory has an open kitchen, so customers can see the cooking process for their entertainment. A wide range of items are available on the menu, from meals to desserts and beverages. Recommended menu items at Slunch Factory include the dark chocolate cake, tofu tomato salad, eggplant mushroom salad, crumble cake with berries, carrot muffin, and a grain latte. If you are looking for soothing foods packed with nutrients, be sure to stop by for a healthy lunch that will fill your body and soul at Slunch Factory!

☞ Address: 38 Wausan-ro 3-gil, Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

☞ Website: www.slunch.co.kr (Korean only)

* The menu may differ and are subject to change.

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/

They are calling; find all you need at these one-stop shops in Korea!

Located in various suburbs of Seoul, mega shopping malls are reinventing themselves through continued innovation to keep pace with the ever-changing tastes of domestic and foreign consumers. These places are breaking away from the traditional role of shopping malls that simply meet the basic needs of shoppers; they are designed to cater to a broader array of services, such as fine dining, a wide-range of entertainment, and much more! These huge recreation-integrated shopping malls are truly a one-stop destination for all, and have been fervently welcomed by people of all ages and backgrounds.

Getting in tune with the latest trend of “malling,” the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) carefully selected four outstanding malls that are setting the standard. Two of them, Parnas and COEX Mall of Gangnam, have been seeing a dramatic rise in popularity among both domestic and international visitors through their multinational fashion brands and premium food and beverage outlets.

In addition to Parnas and COEX Malls, Famille Station, conveniently located between Shinsegae Department Store (Gangnam Branch) and Seoul Express Bus Terminal, carries an upscale feel suited to high-end consumers and has been gaining a reputation among many.

Yeouido IFC Mall, the largest mall in Korea, is situated in the west end of Seoul. After the recent renovation that included a variety of newly opened brands, IFC is now setting the latest malling trends through successfully launching their “total mall experience,” a concept that promotes visitors from all over the world to not just do their shopping, but also find high quality restaurants, entertainment centers, and a wide range of cultural experiences all under one roof.

Last but not least, AK Mall (AK Plaza Department Store - Suwon Branch), located in Seoul’s suburb of Suwon, has been recently nicknamed a “shopper’s paradise” for its perfect integration of first-class premium shops and large discount stores.

Pop-up shops, brand collaborations, and premium outlets draw the attention of those hunting for an impressive atmosphere and a trendy shopping experience. The most popular food and beverage outlets in Gangnam and Shinsegae Department Stores are part of these popular malls in order to entice shoppers.

One of the best parts is that these mega malls are all indoors, meaning good weather is no longer required to have fun all year long. Decorated with an assortment of themes, these malls have garnered considerable popularity even among window shoppers. Why not give yourself some time and go venturing out to these hotspots for the upcoming weekend?

Life is unfolding at COEX Mall

Photo: Main gate of COEX Mall (top left) / Inside view of COEX Mall & Pororo Park Flagship Store

Recently added to the list of Seoul’s landmarks, COEX Mall has been the heart of international conventions. Now the mall is entering a new era on a larger scale, equipped with assorted cultural facilities that are sure to please everyone’s taste. After twenty months of renovation, it has been turned into more than just an art and exhibition hall; it has created a multi-layered concept of shopping, tourism and entertainment, dubbed a “culture platform.”

The venue’s foot traffic now has a more optimized flow and is set to offer a refreshing cultural experience for shoppers who frequent the Gangnam area.

Establishing itself as Gangnam’s top shopping mecca, COEX Mall extends itself more to fashion, accessories, beauty and lifestyle brands that meet the global standard. It is also conveniently connected to the nearest major transportation hubs City Airport Terminal and Samseong Subway Station, as well as InterContinental Hotel, Hyundai Department Store, ASEM Tower, COEX Artium, and more.

☞ Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 5 or 6. Enter COEX Mall through the connecting passageway. / Bongeunsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 9) Exit 6. Cross the road and walk left (south) for 120 m to reach COEX Mall.

☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours may vary by store)

☞ Brand information: Zara Home, Jaju, Mamas & Papas, Lounge P, Kakao Friends, and more

☞ Website: www.coexmall.com (Korean, English, Chinese)

☞ Nearest attractions: COEX Artium, COEX Aquarium, Megabox COEX

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6002-5300

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Parnas Mall, Asia’s largest underground shopping center

Photo: Shops and connecting passage at Parnas Mall

Parnas Mall, located in the underground level of the Grand InterContinental Seoul Parnas Hotel, features culture, shopping and a mass of good eats. In 2003, it claimed the title of largest underground shopping mall in Asia, and with its re-opening in October of 2014 with the renovations at neighboring COEX Mall, it now has extended its scale, being composed of dozens of shops carrying global fashion brands that were previously only available in duty free stores

Parnas is directly connected to Samseong Station, COEX Mall, a casino, and Hyundai Department Store, The mall claims to be a premium casual mall complimented with a sophisticated interior design, not to mention a luxurious and stylish atmosphere Also, cultural events are held regularly in the halls of this complex, which keep visitors pouring in.

More info

☞ Address: 521 Teheran-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 5 or 6. / Bongeunsa Station (Seoul Subway Line 9) Exit 6. Cross the road and walk left (south) for 120 m to reach COEX Mall. Follow signs through connecting passageway to Parnas Mall.

☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Brand information: [Fashion] Allsaints, Il Bisonte, Parsons. W, Millefiori, etc. / [Food and beverage] Junior’s Bakery & J’s Coffee, KuKuRuZa Gourmet Popcorn, Ramen Hansungmungo, etc.

☞ Website: www.parnasmall.com (Korean, English, Chinese)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-559-7089

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

A must stop for K-Pop fans! SM Town@COEX Artium

S.M. Entertainment, one of Korea’s largest entertainment companies, unveiled the building to immense fanfare in 2015 following the re-opening of COEX Mall.

Boasting itself with its scale of 8,000 square meters, SM Town took the first step into this uncharted territory by inventing a multi-purpose hallyu culture space never before done. At the first floor’s “Welcome Zone,” visitors are welcomed by top SM celebrities and offered a variety of fun experiences as they walk up to the top for some shopping at SUM, a store filled with celebrity-related merchandises, then on to becoming a K-Pop star at SM Town studio, and finally winding down with some sweets or beverages at SM Town’s LIVErary Cafe. On the fifth and sixth floors is SM Town Theater, the first hologram theater in Korea, and is set to dazzle all its visitors with futuristic visual presentations.

SUM Cafe on the fourth floor, is a must-see spot for all who wish to visit SM Town. It features limited edition desserts inspired by SM artists in collaboration with a famous dessert brand, as well as showcases SM artists’ personal items. You can also create your own jukebox by recording your favorite songs here. Try not to lose track of time as you cruise along the lavish exhibit spaces and browse through the assortment of products.

More info

☞ Address: 513 Yeongdong-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Samseong Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) Exit 5 & 6.

- Walk through the connecting passageway (Located next to COEX mall)

☞ Hours: 11:00-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours are subject to change.)

☞ Inquiries: +82-1644-0180 (Phone number differs by floor.)

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Famille Station, the place to dine and drink

As an affiliate of the Shinsegae brand adjacent to Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Famille Station opened its doors to the public in November 2014 after a three-month renovation. To its credit, the area has now become more modernized and organized, as it houses famous food chains, allowing diners to cruise along the street and entertain great dining choices from the famous restaurants of Garosu-gil and Sinsa-dong, exclusive picks from restaurants and bars in Gyeongnidan-gil and Itaewon-dong, and hidden gems brought from Sangsu-dong in Mapo-gu. They are so irresistible that you won’t be able to leave the place on an empty stomach. For this reason, Famille Station it’s a common site to see heavy influxes of people making long lineups during lunch or dinner times.

A variety of cuisines are available throughout Famille Station, everything from buffet-style Korean dining and Hamburg steakhouses to those looking for health-food options. The amount of options for customers is the reason so many don’t mind waiting an hour or two to sit down for a bite at this gourmet paradise.

The mall is also situated in a convenient location, as it’s directly connected to Express Bus Terminal Subway Station, where Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7, and 9 intersect, making it even more appealing to tourists who look for a one-stop-for-all shopping experience.

More info

☞ Address: 205 Sapyeong-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Express Bus Terminal Station (Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9) Exit 3. Follow signs through connecting passageway to Famille Plaza.

☞ Hours: 10:00-22:00 (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6282-0114 

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Enjoy smart, global trends at Yeouido’s IFC Mall

Located in Yeouido, the home of the National Assembly, various broadcasting corporations and financial institutions, IFC Mall is an international-style shopping mall containing various global brands.

On basement level 3 is a restaurant area with a European theme called Food Empire, where shoppers can satisfy their appetites with any kind of cuisine, including Korean, Indian, Southeast Asian, American, Japanese, and European. Across from Food Empire is CJ FoodWorld, owned and operated by CJ Group Across the street from IFC Mall is Yeouido Park, an excellent little haven to feel like you’ve escaped from the bustle of city life. And, if you walk just a little further, you will reach the Hangang River, an ideal place for family picnic.

More info

☞ Address: 10 Gukjegeumyung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul (23, Yeouido-dong)

☞ Directions: Yeouido Station (Seoul Subway Line 5, 9) Exit 3. Follow signs through the connecting passageway to IFC Mall.

☞ Hours: IFC Mall 10:00-22:00 / IFC Street Mall 10:00-21:00 (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Website: www.ifcmallseoul.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-6137-5000

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Yeongdeungpo Times Square, Urban Entertaining Lifestyle Center

Located at Yeongdeungpo Station on Seoul Subway’s Line 1, Times Square serves the city of Seoul as a fully-equipped entertainment and culture space, with the Courtyard Marriot Hotel, Shinsegae Department Store, CGV Movie Theater, E-Mart, Kyobo Bookstore, Amoris Wedding Hall, as well as countless clothing stores and over 200 restaurants. Times Square also houses the world’s largest movie theater screen, as recorded by Guinness World Records.

Is the largest open space of its kind in Asia, and extends all the way to the roof. On Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can enjoy, and the venue also holds numerous launch events for global companies. You can also often find famous celebrities holding autograph sessions, and even TV broadcasts being filmed here, making it a place where shopping is only the beginning.

More info

☞ Address: 15 Yeongjung-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul

☞ Directions: Yeongdeungpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 1). Leave the station through Lotte Department Store. Cross the street and continue (northwest) for 150 m. Turn left and Times Square will be on your left after another 200 m.

☞ Hours: 10:30-22:00 / Open all year round (Hours may vary by store.)

☞ Website: www.timessquare.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

☞ Inquiries: +82-2-2638-2000

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

From luxury shoppers to penny pinchers, Suwon AK Plaza

has it all!

AK Plaza, located at Suwon Station, has been Gyeonggi-do’s top shopping ground and one of the city’s landmarks. Since its opening in 2003, the shopping center has received much attention from both local and international visitors. AK Plaza embarked on a new plan to take another leap in December of 2014 after a huge renovation to offer even better shopping experiences for all. At the head of its renewal effort was the opening of the trendy AK &, AK Town and Novotel Ambassador Hotel, which has definitely added extra value and attracted additional visitors to the center.

This latest fashion district that also has dining establishments and many entertainment facilities, including a movie theater, lead to its shopping and culture image. It also makes it a popular place for young adults and teenagers to hang out. In particular is the basement level’s food street, which was designed to look like 1970s Korea, where you can check out all the cool retro artifacts after enjoying your lunch in a restored 1970s bus or train car.

More info

☞ Address: 924 Deogyeong-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (18, Maesanno 1-ga)

☞ Directions: Suwon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1). Follow the passageway connected to the second floor of the plaza.

☞ Website: www.akplaza.com (Korean only)

☞ Inquiries: +82-31-1661-1114

☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/