• Running Man EP249 Film Site: Jjajangmyeon (짜장면)

    June 3, 2015

    Following my last post on Running Man’s Episode 249 featuring After School’s UEE, I’m back with more filming site of that particular episode. In the episode, the cast of Running Man are split into 5 locations to taste different types of Jjajangmyeon (짜장면). I’ll be sharing with you the 5 restaurants they went.

    Song JiHyo and Kim JongKook chose the White Jjajangmyeon (백짜장). The usual dish is made with black bean sauce. The store they visited doesn’t make this with any black bean sauce at all. You can now eat Jjajangmyeon on days you are wearing white! No more fear of black stains on your white shirt.


    The restaurant is located in Korea Chinatown at Incheon, 1hour ride away from Seoul.

    If you have been watching recently ended drama “A Girl Who Sees Smell”, you might noticed that the male and female lead, Park YooChun and Shin SeKyung visited this place in episode 7.

    The restaurant looks majestic.

    연경대반점
    Address: 5-1, 3-ga, China town-ro, Jung-gu, Bukseong-dong, Incheon-si, Korea
    Operating Hours: 11am – 9:30pm Daily

    The restaurant Lee KwangSoo and UEE chose does not require you to use chopsticks to eat Jjajangmyeon. Jjajangmyeon is made in shapes different from the conventional long noodles. The particular dish KwangSoo and UEE ordered is Seafood Jjajangmyeon (해물수제비짜장), selling at 5,000KRW.


    The restaurant seems quite famous, being featured in KBS broadcasting programmes since year 2012. Guess the boss of the restaurant probably needs to have a new banner made to include in year 2015.

    The restaurant shop front.

    정주영의 얼큰 돼지짬뽕
    Address: 2302 Yeokchon Plaza, Jungwang-dong, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

    Haha was left alone to eat his Red Jjajangmyeon. I’m guessing this is like the dry version of Jjampong (짬뽕).  This restaurant has many franchises throughout Korea and the leads in the Running Man episode isn’t glaring enough. I spent 4 hours trying to locate the exact shop Haha went ㅠㅠ

    The above picture was lifted off their website. So I guess the picture below is more realistic of what you’d get when you order the dish. This bowl costs 5,500KRW.

    홍 짜장
    Address: 416-6 Gil-dong Gangdong-gu, Seoul South Korea‎

    Our National MC Yoo JaeSuk and comedian Kim JoonHyun had the Jjajangmyeon that requires usage of a hammer. The way Kim JoonHyun eats look super delicious. I’m going to rank this as second on this list that I want to try. This Seafood Jjajangmyeon costs 10,000KRW.

    리하
    875-3 Sutaek-dong Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea
    Operating Hours: 11:30am – 10pm Daily

    Kang Gary and Ji SukJin picked the Jjajangmyeon on Hot Plate. This appeals to me the most, out of the 5 dishes.


    A close up of the dish. This Seafood Jjajangmyeon on Hot Plate (해물철판짜장) is priced at 14,000KRW for 2pax.

    You can add on a side order of the Sweet Sour Pork with Korean Rice Cake (인절미 탕수육) at 12,000KRW. Before Gary and Sukjin sat down, they were already asking if they could add on this dish as well. It looks so yummy!

    This restaurant is quite easy to find. Ride the Seoul Subway Line 8 and get off at Moran Subway Station (모란역), exit 7. The restaurant will be on your right, at second floor. I’ve circled the entrance and the restaurant name in the picture below.

    The restaurant signboard in case you missed it.

    칭하이
    Address: 4159 Seongnam-dong, Jungwon-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

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  • Running Man EP249 Film Site: dal.komm Coffee

    June 1, 2015

    Not sure if you’ve watched the latest episode of Running Man, broadcasted on 31 May 2015. This is the episode that features UEE of After School. I was feeling bored from my drama film site research and decided to look for the cafe where Running Man held their introduction for this episode.

    So full of sense covering the cafe name with their signature R sticker. A close up of how the logo looks like with the sticker.

    The cafe dal.komm Coffee is located in Gwanghwamun, walking distance from the subway station. This cafe has a lot of outlets but my directions are pointing to the exact filming site of this Running Man episode.

    Interestingly, Lee Kwangsoo is the ambassador for this cafe! Fans of Giraffe Lee Kwangsoo, you probably don’t want to miss this place. Visit the cafe’s website and you will be greeted with his face.


    Their twitter header is him too!

    The cafe interior looks very welcoming.


    I don’t  know about you, but I have this particular keen interest in sofa chairs in cafe. After all, you are not going to sip down your coffee in 2min and leave a cafe. You probably would stay hours in your seat to chat with your friends, or even read a good book on your own. A comfortable chair is very important! Especially one with cushion is a bonus. Put it behind you and rely on it to protect your back or put it on your lap for ladies with short skirts.

    How to get to dal.komm Coffee at Gwanghwamun

    Naver map street view isn’t anywhere near HD so please bear with me on the quality of the pictures.

    Hop on the subway to Gwanghwamun Station and take exit 6. Walk towards the direction of the red arrow below.

    Walk straight and you will need to cross the road where Twosome Place cafe is.

    I know you can’t really see from the glaring sunlight in the previous picture. Here’s another view. 
    After crossing the road, continue to walk straight and keep a look out to your left. You will pass by Starbucks before getting to this dal.komm Coffee.

    A proper shot of cafe exterior.

    The item the Running Man members were having is the Honey Donuts. Priced at 5,500KRW and add another 2,000KRW for a scoop of ice-cream.

    dal.komm COFFEE
    Gwanghwamun Office, #163,1-ga Shinmunno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea 110-999
    Monday – Friday: 7am – 11pm
    Weekends: 8am – 10pm
    Tel: +82 2-735-1744

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  • Bojeong-dong Café Street

    November 14, 2014
    If you’ve been watching Korean drama, the drama “Gentleman’s Dignity (신사의 품격)” is one you shouldn’t miss. It is a light hearted drama that talks about the love life of four men in their forties. Yes, you might think men in forties are old uncles and nothing enticing in the drama. You are wrong. One of the 4 male leads is Jang Dong Gun! CNBlue guitarist, Lee Jonghyun is also one of the fixed cast. Kim Woobin appears once in a while. Even CNBlue leader, Yong Hwa made a special appearance in one of the episodes. So much eye candies to look out for!
    When watching the drama, I couldn’t help but notice how beautiful a certain filming site is. The very place where Do Jin and Yi Soo met and had their first interaction. Yi Soo’s skirt was unravelled and Do Jin came to the rescue. It is also the place where Do Jin proposed to Yi Soo in the last episode.

    The filming site is called Eco’s Library (에코의 서재), located on the Bojeong-dong Café Street. This cafe is the oldest book cafe on the street, whereas the street is full of cafes, apparels and accessories shops. A good place to sit back and relax, and enjoy a quiet afternoon.


    The cafe is filled with books and giving a warm, fuzzy feeling with it’s wooden furniture and high ceiling. (2 above pictures lifted off Korean Tourism Board website)


    I went on a weekday afternoon and you can see the street is almost empty. It is really a good place for leisure and chillax.

    I went online to search for guides on how to head to this place, and the furthest I came across doesn’t lead to the destination. Most people got lost trying to come to this place because it is quite a walk from the subway station. I relied on Google Map to get me there. Good old reliable Google Map heh~

    The subway station itself is outside of Seoul. Prepare ample of time for travelling and I’m sure you’d want to spend some time here, considering the amount of time you travelled just to get to this place. Below, I’ve prepared a guide to the Bojeong-dong Café Street.

    How to get to Bojeong-dong Café Street

    Take the subway to Jukjeon Station, Seoul Subway Bundang line and take exit 1. You will see Shinsegae Shopping Mall.

    Walk past Shinsegae, towards the E-Mart.

    See the logo “e”? That’s the E-Mart. We are going to walk to the street behind the E-Mart. So cross the street and walk towards that building.

    You can head in here to get some drinks to get you going for the long walk. The gate below is the entrance into the E-Mart.

    If not, keep on walking past the entrance, and you will see the road below. Just keep walking straight.

    And walk straight further… …

    You will need to cross the road and get onto this bridge below.

    Get off the bridge and cross the road junction. Continue walking straight.

    The plants I saw on the way. I recalled at this point in time, I started wondering if I was lost. The kind where you start to self-doubt because there are no indications at all if you’re in the right direction? I wanted to ask for directions but the streets were almost empty. There were no other options except to trust the Google Map and continue walking straight.

    When you see the Kraze Burgers, you’re halfway there. Cross the street and keep walking straight.

    You will arrive at a big junction where you can even cross the junction diagonally. You need to get to the side where Caffe Bene is.


    Keep walking straight and you will see this Japanese restaurant below. Turn to your right, after this restaurant and you’ll reach the Bojeong-dong Café Street!

    The exterior of the Eco’s Library cafe. Look at all the books. Not a word I understand. LOL


    Their menu and the waffle I ordered.


    Hope this guide helps you find the street safely. Do share with me your experiences on this street too!

    Eco’s Library (에코의 서재)
    Address: 11-3 Jukjeon-ro 15beon-gil, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
    Operating Hours: 11:00 – 23:00
    Tel: +82 31 266 1138

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  • S.M Entertainment

    November 18, 2012

    It is now customary that I will pay S.M Entertainment at least one visit, every time I visit Seoul. The surprises you get of not knowing who you will meet there is exhilarating. Like I mentioned earlier, artists I’ve met so far include Girls Generation (SooYoung Yoona Sunny Jessica Hyoyeon Taeyeon…etc) and DBSK (Yunho).

    Today, I’m going to share on how to go to S.M Entertainment! Before you rejoice, I must first warn you how far the building is from the subway station. My pictures are all screenshots using Google Map so no complaints on the quality of the pictures please.

    Take subway line 3 and alight at Apgujeong Station, exit 2. Turn and walk in the opposite direction of the exit. Turn right around KEB Private Bank.


    From here onwards, it is endless walking straight. The following are some shops you will pass by.




    Continue walking straight and you will see a big cross-intersection. Cross the road and you will reach a gas station S-OIL.


    Continue walking straight.



    Keep walking until you see The Galleria. Cross the road to The Galleria and continue walking in the same direction you were walking in.

    You will pass by Louis Vuitton. Cross the road and keep walking straight.

    Continue walking straight until you see the S.M Entertainment building!

    The middle panel was renovated and newly added words “SMTown”. It lits up at night and this is how it looks like.

    Hope this guide is useful in helping you reach S.M Entertainment and meet dazzling world stars!

    If you happen to see any artists, please don’t take photographs, scream or cause any inconvenience to them. I can’t guarantee you won’t be chased away by the ahjussi security.

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  • Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken

    September 27, 2012

    I crave for Korean ginseng chicken so badly and must eat them every time I visit Korea
    Regardless of season, be it winter or summer

    During winter, all I want to do is sip this hot pipping soup and feel the warmth spread through my body
    During summer, all the more we should eat ginseng chicken!
    This dish is exceptionally popular during bok days (복날)
    Bok days are the three hottest days of the year according to Lunar Calendar
    It believed that the nutrients from the dish will protect one from illness and provide strength
    I need lots of strength to continue sight seeing in Korea
    Heh~

    My favourite store would be Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken 토속촌삼계탕
    The location is easily accessible, and most importantly, they serve very yummy ginseng chicken!

    How to get to Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken

    Take Seoul subway line 3, and alight at Gyeongbokgung Station (경복궁역) Exit 2

    Walk straight and these are some of the shops you will see along the way

    Turn left at this GS25 shop onto Jahamun-ro 5-gil Road

    Tosokchon Ginseng Chicken is right in front of you!

    This is how the menu looks like
    Usually I order the second option priced at KRW$15,000

    Every bowl of ginseng chicken comes with a small cup of ginseng wine or insamju (인삼주)
    Pour it in, mix well and get ready to enjoy the delicious soup broth and soft tender chicken!

    When you finish dining, remember to bring this to counter near the door for payment

    Address: Seoul-si Jongno-gu Jahamun-ro 5-gil 5 (Chebu-dong 85-1)
    Operating Hours: 10:00-22:00
    Telephone Number: +82-2-737-7444

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