Trip to Seorae Island

The Banpo Seorae Island is an artificial island built in the mid-1980s. It is located in Banpo-jigu District by the Hangang riverside. The island is connected to Hangang Banpo Park by three bridges. The island features weeping willows along the edges, as well as a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and more.

This is the most beautiful bridge that connects Banpo Park to Seoraeseom. This is the first bridge you'll see from Dongjak Station.

There are also benches like these. The pond behind me is suitable for fishing. 

The Seorae Island has also some photo spots like this rainbow.

The rapeseed flowers aren't that tall so you have to be creative in taking pictures.

I chose to crouch so that the background will be filled with yellow flowers. LOL.

The park is really relaxing. I've seen some people having their picnics there... and of course a lot of people go there to have their photoshoot.

How to go there:

Take Seoul Subway Line 4 going to Dongjak Station (Exit 2)

Address:

137-41, Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul & Hangang River Waterfront Banpo District

Admission Fee:
It's free!

Trip to Jogyesa Temple

Jogyesa temple is the center of Zen Buddhism in Korea. If you're in Seoul and you want to experience some activities of Buddhism, this is the place to go.

It's my second time to visit this place. I went here last Autumn when they have some floral exhibitions. However, this Spring the temple is filled with lanterns. 

These statues are located at the entrance of the temple. Some people bow down when they see these statues. Maybe it's a part of their rituals.  I think these are the Catholic version of their saints.

When I was young, my Catholic grandmother asked me to come with her to church. I noticed two things. First, she dipped her finger in the holy water and made the sign of the cross. Second, she used her handkerchief to wipe some statues of the saints. 

When I arrived there, I notice that there are two water bottles near this Buddha. Before I leave the place, it became six bottles. I think these bottles of water are part of their offerings.

I didn't enter the temple. I'm not a Buddhist so I think I'm unworthy. LOL. In the picture you can see a lady wearing a Korean traditional dress. I think I saw several women wearing a hanbok that day. Those women who are wearing hanbok is assigned to help in a certain activity.

I tried one activity. It's called "Bathing of Buddha". In this activity, a laddle is used to bathe the Buddha. You have to pour water over the small Buddha statue 3 times.

While pouring water say:

1st wash: "May I eliminate all evil thoughts"

2nd wash: "May I cultivate good deeds"

3rd: "May I help save all living beings"

My visit to the temple is pleasant. I've seen the colorful lanterns around the temple. I've also watched their lantern festival after few days. I will write another post about the lotus lantern festival.

How to go there:

Take Seoul Subway Line 3 to Anguk Station (Exit 6)

Walk for 140 meters and turn left at Ujeongguk-ro, after Insadong-gil.

Continue walking for 190 meters to reach the temple on the left.

Trip to Seoul Zoo

Trip to Cheonggyecheon Stream

Trip to CaFace

Drinking some cold beverage is refreshing. But drinking something with your face on it is awesome!

There's a coffee shop named CaFace in Hongdae. The place is cozy and elegant. I think it's not that easy to find. LOL. I had to ask some tourist assistants to get there. 

Anyway, here's how to get your selfie coffee:

First, choose a cold drink from the menu. 

It costs 3,000 won to 6,500 won. 

Second, go to the photobooth. 

Oh before that, you have to pay 2,200 won if you want to have you face printed on your drink.

It's a small cubicle with white tiles. It looks like a restroom LOL. 

They have a phone there which you'll use to take your selfie. 

Lastly, carefully pick up your drink from the counter once the alarm (?!) rings. They have this small circle gadget that lightens up, vibrates, and alarm when the order is ready.

It's challenging to walk from the counter to your table without distorting your face. You have to be careful. HAHAHA! I'm not that clumsy though. After few minutes of photoshoot with the coffee. I tried to stir it and watched my face get distorted. 

How to go there: 

Take the Subway going to Hongdae Station (Exit 9). Take the second left. Cross over to the side with Forever 21, and take the third right. Go straight and take the third left. Follow the alley up and you'll see CaFace on your left.

Address: 

서울시 마포구 서교동 358-51 (358-51 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul)

Website: 
www.facebook.com/caface.seoul

Trip to Seoul Forest

This is my first and hopefully not the last photoshoot in Korea.

Trip to Sheep Cafe

I haven’t interacted with a sheep until I visited the Thanks Nature Café. I never thought that sheep can be clean and not smelly. 

I also like their presentation of beverages. I'm a fan of cute designs. 

Their honey bread toast with ice cream on the side also taste good.

You'll see portraits of known celebrities on the left side of the wall.

Well, the interior design is filled with sheep stuff.

Outside the cafe, you'll see the cage of the sheep.

I look weird in this picture. LOL.

How to go there:

Take a subway going to Hongik University Station. Then use the google maps! LOL. It can't be seen right away because it is underground. It is located under Cafe Cantata.

Admission:

You can't get inside the cage without buying food.

The price of a coffee starts at 5,500 won.