I woke up relatively late in the morning, around 11 am. I lounged around in my PJs, munched on a banana and some peanut butter, and stopped by the convenient store for cold brew coffee. Since Caillean and Ava had plans, I was left to come up with something to do on my own. I decided to embrace the moment and take myself out on a date.
In the US, you might opt in for a self care night at home. Unfortunately, I do not have a bathtub here, no books, and definitely not the ingredients for a mugcake. Besides, Seoul is a country built to spend time outside of the home. Here is how to enjoy your alone time when in Korea:
I started out around 4:30 pm, enjoying a walk around Sinchon station. Although the sun was setting, the warmth of the day still lingered on for just a bit longer, enough for me to stay cozy in my big penguin padding. On my walk, I observed the many lights that brighten up the popular university area, even more sparkling in the wake of Christmas.
A crowd huddled around the center of the street. And curiosity drove me off my path to take a closer look. I watched as a man drew a whip into the air. It seemed to be ridden with soot. Its reasoning became clear as he doused the whip in liquid, then produced a lighter from his pocket, setting fire to the weapon. In the presence of epic music and an anxious crowd, the man presented a bewildering combination of dance and martial arts, creating a passionate performance. The whip circled over head, cracked against the crowd, and entangled him like a python capturing its prey. He hissed as it just nearly misses his skin. But you could tell his love for the bizarre art outweighed the pain. Perhaps even the crowd's gasps bringing him a slight bit of witty success.
After an explosive finale that left me wondering what I could be doing more with my life, I pondered off down the road in my original direction. At the end of the street, I was met by the words 막걸리 쌀롱 (Makgeolli Ssallong). By now, it should be obvious that I love makgeolli, even going so far as to be the well known makgeolli model of my friends. And it was getting rather close to the feasting hour... So I figured this was a great chance to check out the second location of my all time favorite restaurant.
I ordered my usual, 해물김치전 (Seafood kimchi jeon) and my unusual, a bottle of 알밤 막걸리 (chestnut makgeolli). 알밤 막걸리 tastes a lot like cotton candy, by the way.
To be honest, the 전 (jeon) at the 신촌 (Sinchon) location was a major let down. The main reason I love the 홍대 (Hongdae) location so much is due to the perfect crisp that each cake is made with. But in 신촌, it seems the use a less desirable, and more fluffy recipe. But its hard to screw up 막걸리, and thats why I proceeded to treat myself to two more bottles of my favorites: 옥수수 (Corn) and 감음콩 (black soy bean). I still recommend this 막걸리 쌀롱 even if their 전 isn't as great as the 홍대 location. And if you do find yourself here, please beware of the uneven steps up to the bathroom. I fell three times without touching an ounce of alcohol. Luckily no one saw me... Except the CCTV.
After eating about half my weight in 김치, I followed the sweet, sweet sounds of awkward drunk singing into a 노래방 hole. A 노래방 hole is the term I use for the underground cove that is a maze of hallways, with small, shower sized rooms just big enough for two people. Well the real winner was me because I had twice the space as a couple. Ha.
So I tossed in a couple hundred 원 (won) and selected my personal best karaoke song. Rain by 김예림. If you do find yourself in Korea... ever. And want to have friends, I highly suggest you begin practicing your karaoke skills now. The majority of Korea, no matter how bad they swear they are, are amazing at karaoke. And they will ask you what your "best song" is. And you better have a good five or more prepared. I happen to excel in anything Adele. And a whole portfolio of Korean songs as well. But I try to avoid them since I'm a slow reader, and usually my concentration on the lyrics takes away from my ability to sound decent. So unless you can read fast or know the song by heart, I suggest sticking to English in front of others. Don't try to impress anyone with your Korean skills. Don't be a hero.
After 노래방, I treated myself to a sparkling apple juice by minute maid, as well as a small pint of green tea and chest nut ice cream. Overall, the day felt pretty successful, and I got to enjoy my time thoroughly. It was good practice for when Caillean and Ava would be leaving the next week.
In the US, you might opt in for a self care night at home. Unfortunately, I do not have a bathtub here, no books, and definitely not the ingredients for a mugcake. Besides, Seoul is a country built to spend time outside of the home. Here is how to enjoy your alone time when in Korea:
After an explosive finale that left me wondering what I could be doing more with my life, I pondered off down the road in my original direction. At the end of the street, I was met by the words 막걸리 쌀롱 (Makgeolli Ssallong). By now, it should be obvious that I love makgeolli, even going so far as to be the well known makgeolli model of my friends. And it was getting rather close to the feasting hour... So I figured this was a great chance to check out the second location of my all time favorite restaurant.
I ordered my usual, 해물김치전 (Seafood kimchi jeon) and my unusual, a bottle of 알밤 막걸리 (chestnut makgeolli). 알밤 막걸리 tastes a lot like cotton candy, by the way.
To be honest, the 전 (jeon) at the 신촌 (Sinchon) location was a major let down. The main reason I love the 홍대 (Hongdae) location so much is due to the perfect crisp that each cake is made with. But in 신촌, it seems the use a less desirable, and more fluffy recipe. But its hard to screw up 막걸리, and thats why I proceeded to treat myself to two more bottles of my favorites: 옥수수 (Corn) and 감음콩 (black soy bean). I still recommend this 막걸리 쌀롱 even if their 전 isn't as great as the 홍대 location. And if you do find yourself here, please beware of the uneven steps up to the bathroom. I fell three times without touching an ounce of alcohol. Luckily no one saw me... Except the CCTV.
After eating about half my weight in 김치, I followed the sweet, sweet sounds of awkward drunk singing into a 노래방 hole. A 노래방 hole is the term I use for the underground cove that is a maze of hallways, with small, shower sized rooms just big enough for two people. Well the real winner was me because I had twice the space as a couple. Ha.
So I tossed in a couple hundred 원 (won) and selected my personal best karaoke song. Rain by 김예림. If you do find yourself in Korea... ever. And want to have friends, I highly suggest you begin practicing your karaoke skills now. The majority of Korea, no matter how bad they swear they are, are amazing at karaoke. And they will ask you what your "best song" is. And you better have a good five or more prepared. I happen to excel in anything Adele. And a whole portfolio of Korean songs as well. But I try to avoid them since I'm a slow reader, and usually my concentration on the lyrics takes away from my ability to sound decent. So unless you can read fast or know the song by heart, I suggest sticking to English in front of others. Don't try to impress anyone with your Korean skills. Don't be a hero.
After 노래방, I treated myself to a sparkling apple juice by minute maid, as well as a small pint of green tea and chest nut ice cream. Overall, the day felt pretty successful, and I got to enjoy my time thoroughly. It was good practice for when Caillean and Ava would be leaving the next week.
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