Having never done k-beauty treatments before, we weren't really sure how much recovery time we would need -- happy to report that for the types of treatments we did, we were all feeling pretty good by the next day. I had some more early morning work so H and Y hit up the downstairs MMC cafe for some caffeine and sugar. I'm told the basque cheesecake was delicious!
Ah, never too old for a milk mustache!
By mid-day, I'd cleared out some of my inbox and we were ready to explore more of Seoul...or at least more of Seoul's eating and shopping offerings! Today's destination was the Coex mall, home of the famous Starfield library. And also, Sea Life -- an aquarium in the mall. Based on the crowd gathered outside, it seemed quite popular with the kids.
Seoul seemed to have a thing for fresh fruit juices -- I had my first orange one in Myeongdong which was delicious and then a carrot apple at the Google cafe -- today I decided to go green. Kale pineapple --to keep hydrated and immunity-strong.
It was interesting doing a trip with only girlfriends -- there were no husbands complaining about every stop at a shop or no kids complaining that they were bored. It was a little dangerous feeding off of each others' shopping energy. We stopped into a few boutiques and an Artbox (as the name implies, art supplies and little knickknacks -- I'm pretty sure my kids would have stayed for hours there) before deciding that it was time for lunch -- the much-recommended samgyetang: whole chicken ginseng herbal soup! We stopped into Gobong Samgyetang -- seated and ordered right away - time zone conversion meant we were always VERY hungry in the mornings!
This meal involves a whole chicken that is stuffed with rice and other herbs cooked in different types of broths -- you break off some of the chicken and then sprinkle some salt on it (to taste). It also comes with some vinegar wine that you're supposed to sip along with the soup. I appreciated the menu with the labels and instructions because we would have been lost otherwise!
We tried two different varietals of the ginseng broths (top two entries): the "Sanghwang" (mulberry) and "Hanbang" (Chinese). I am not sure which is more traditional - but both were tasty!
This one -- the Chinese ginseng -- had a thicker, more seasoned broth.
This was the Mulberry ginseng: more clear and herb-forward.
We also got a chicken "pancake" -- at first I thought it tasted like a bbq meatloaf - not objectionable per se, but nothing I'd write home about.
It slowly grew on me as the meal went on...but probably still won't order it again next time. Overall our impression was that the meal was very nourishing and healthy-feeling (so good for travel) and I'm glad I tried it so I know what it tastes like now...but it probably wasn't my favorite of the trip. I tend to prefer stronger flavors so delicate and elegant aren't the profiles I gravitate towards.
After lunch we made the obligatory visit to the Coex library/bookstore. It was indeed quite impressive:
Panoramic shot to try and capture the grandioseness -- pictures can't quite do it justice though - definitely worth a visit to see it for yourself.
We didn't go here...but I'd consider it next trip for a special occasion! I'm told that it's about $200 per person, but all you can eat seafood at the top of the tower with amazing views of Seoul.
What is a trip to a mall in Seoul without another visit to Olive Young? We were actually here for Korea's "Black Friday" (I guess at the end of October instead of November?) - there did seem to be a bunch of pretty good sales...or at least that's what all the salespeople claimed as they talked us into some "you can't NOT buy this - such a good deal" purchases.
We also hit up some shoe shopping.
Yes, I know we just went to Tokyo earlier this year...but the shopping experience at the Onitsuka Tiger store in Tokyo was so crazy that we lasted all of 5 minutes there I think...I acknowledge that these same shoes probably would have cost another 10% less in Tokyo...but hey, at least they're cheaper than the US!
H and Y had a micro-blading appointment this evening to get their brows done - I'm not a big make-up person, so I went back home to do a little bit more work. They don't have photos to share, but report that the price was VERY good and they're very happy with how it turned out. Here's a screenshot from their Instagram account of what they offer.
Per Y, our resident pain-wimp, it did not hurt much (or at least it didn't once she added the numbing cream). But the cream was wearing off halfway through and she started to complain so they paused and numbed her up a second time which helped get her through it. By comparison though, H apparently fell asleep during the treatment. 😆 They did also say it stung a little at night when they put on the healing cream (no numbing assistance there!) but not unmanageable. Here's the contact info if you want to try it:
After they finished, we all met up for another Korean must-do meal: KFC! (Korean fried chicken). V protested that we weren't doing the meal properly because we were all not big beer drinkers but I would say the chicken is hella good even without the beer!
It's just so light and crispy but juicy and tender inside - and then the garlic soy coating sauce is also SO good. We were at Daily Beer (Seolleung Station location) but there is also a Kkanbu chain and a BHC chain - like literally in a one mile radius I think there were at least a dozen places -- Korean folks like their beer and fried chicken!
V and F also recommended the half dried squid - I really enjoyed the mayonnaise dipping sauce:
And then also some spicy-sweet "Army Stew" -
budae jjigae - apparently this became popular as a stew that featured a lot of "American" items (like hot dogs) inside. It also had some instant ramen noodles and fish cakes. I have no idea how a person could possibly eat all of this -- but maybe when you've had a lot of alcohol, you need something heavy like this in your stomach?
Another great deal -- this area was actually walkable from our apartment so we tried to walk home - got some nice night-time street scenes:
Unfortunately I navigated us in the wrong direction at a stoplight...but happened to stop right in front of yet another Olive Young, so we made what had to be our fifth trip into Olive Young and then taxi'd home instead.
I received a "take more PTO" reminder email yesterday so I have decided to take tomorrow off - it will be our last full day in Seoul! Can't believe the trip is almost over already!
Nice to see you appreciating ginseng! ;)
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