Korea Diary | Gwangjang Market Eats (Day 6)

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University campus, YISS 2014

Oh the beautiful campus that is Yonsei University! My friends told me that this particular area is often used as a location for Korean dramas. Does it look familiar to anyone?

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014 Orientation

We started off our morning with an orientation for the YISS program. Since everyone was pretty unfamiliar with the campus the presenters shared their favorite cafeterias and overviewed where everything was at Yonsei. It was all helpful information since lunch time came right after.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University Student Union Chicken Donburi, YISS 2014 South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, SK Global House Crazy Brown Lemonade
Chicken donburi
Lemonade

My first school cafeteria lunch at Yonsei was at the Student Union building. I don't know what it is about fried food in Korea but it is so good! (You will see evidence of it in later posts.)

Even though the drink is called lemonade, it is more correct to call it lemon-ade. Yup, there is a difference. The lemonade that I think most are used to is made of lemon, sugar, and water. In Korea, any "ade" drink is actually made of a fruit syrup or juice and cider (a.k.a. Sprite). I actually like this kind of drink but it is definitely an easy concoction to make at home.

I still can't believe how many cafeterias the Yonsei campus had. Practically each building has some sort of cafe or cafeteria. The Student Union building even had 2-3 cafeterias! Plenty of variety to pick from because each cafeteria serves something different.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand
Gwangjang Market - Gwangjangsijang (광장시장)
88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

After we all ran our errands (picking up shirts, paying any remaining fees, buying amenities, etc.), off we went to grab dinner. Our friends suggested this traditional market. The building has many food stalls and even clothing shops. There are many different dishes to try but a lot of the vendors also sell similar things.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand kalguksoo South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand soondae & jokbal South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand ddeokbokki
Kalguksoo
Blood sausage & Pigs feet - Soondae & Jokbal
Spicy Rice Cakes - Ddeokbokki

I think we ended up picking a spot that seemed popular but had enough seats for our group. This might not be the best food available but the atmosphere and quick service just can't be beat. For those that want to get a taste of many different things going to the market isn't a bad idea since some portion sizes are on the smaller size and food is relatively cheap.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand bindaetteok South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand bindaetteok

Perhaps the highlight of Gwangjang Market is the bindaetteok stands. They were many stalls grinding fresh beans and frying up perfectly portioned pancakes throughout the market.

Now that I am looking back at the photos I wish I can have some now. But I haven't heard of any place in New York City that sells these particular pancakes.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand makkeolli South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang food stand haemoolpajeon
Rice Wine - Daebak Makkeolli
Seafood Pancake - Haemoolpajeon

The good thing about going with a group is getting to try a lot of food. Someone had a hankering for seafood pancake and off we went. We got ours at one of the sit-down restaurants inside the market. Makkeolli seemed to be a popular pairing with the pancakes so we got a bottle too. My friends and I agreed that we didn't particularly like the rice wine alone but when mixed with cider/Sprite it wasn't too bad.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang Ade-stand
"Ade" Stand

Apparently lemonade is a pretty popular drink in the summer. It is common to see people buy them in zip-lock pouches with straws sticking out a corner.

South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang marinated crab sidedish South Korea, Seoul, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gwangjangsijang marinated crab sidedish
Marinated raw crabs side dish
Marinated little crabs side dish

Gwangjangsijang also has vendors who sell ready made banchan or side dishes that people typically have with their meals. If I was staying in Korea for a longer time and ate more where I stayed instead of eating out, many side dishes would have found it's way home with me.

While taking photos the ahjumma at the stand offered us to try the little crabs. I was hesitant at first but gave it a go anyways. It definitely wasn't as bad as I thought, just super crunchy. Have to try something new!

Current Faves | Underarm Deodorant Routine

Now that the summer season is in full swing, these two guys have been a lifesaver for me and my underarms.

Current Faves, Underarm Deodorant Routine

Stick deodorants were a part of my routine since I first started to buy deodorants in elementary school. A teacher I had then gave us a talk about growing up and body changes. One of the things she mentioned was body odor and deodorants. Can you believe that happened 13 years ago?

Since then I have very diligently applied deodorant every morning. I tend to get smelly even if I don't feel like I am sweating a lot. Genes...what can ya do?

Current Faves, Crystal Body Deodorant Spray, Natural Aluminum-free Deodorant

I forgot how long ago I decided to switch over to natural deodorant sprays but it has definitely been my staple underarm odor defender for at least 1 year.

The main reason why I changed from the traditional deodorants to this natural option was due to the yellow stains on my sleeved shirts. You know...those horrid patches where the shirt sits near your armpits! I've seen articles and tips where people use panty liners as protectors. But that idea never sat well with me. It would be an extra step in the day to remove the padding and I assumed having padding in the pits area couldn't be all that comfortable.

Even though the health trend is pretty strong nowadays, I didn't even know much about the supposed harmful things related to aluminum ingredients in the big name deodorants. This was solely an aesthetic reason.

Current Faves, Crystal Body Deodorant Spray Label, Natural Aluminum-free Deodorant

The ingredients list on this is short but whatever is in there is effective. Few spritz on the left size, few spritz on the right side, and done! It may not block your body odor 100% but the smell is neutralized enough, at least for me, so that it isn't so offensive. I feel confident enough to even hold the over-head bars in the New York City subways when I am wearing a tank in the summer heat.

I didn't realize it before but I think the key player in the odor neutralizing is Sodium Bicarbonate a.k.a. baking soda. If you're looking into natural deodorants, it is probably better to go with one that has this ingredient in it.

Crystal brand's Body Deodorant Spray is one that I have used over and over again. It may be a little difficult to find in drugstores like CVS and Walgreens but some may carry it. If not try a GNC shop (that's where I found my most recent one). Otherwise natural supermarkets like Whole Foods also carry other brands of deodorant sprays as well.

Current Faves, Deodorant Sprays

The Crystal deodorant spray is scentless. The only scented deodorant spray I have tried is the Welda Citrus Deodorant. I found this one at Whole Foods when I was in need of a travel-sized deodorant.

Current Faves, Welda Citrus Deodorant Spray Label

For those that like a scent this may be the way to go but the ingredients list doesn't look as natural/minimal as the Crystal spray. This Welda spray has alcohol and fragrances as the top few ingredients. Those sensitive to these may want to skip it.

If I were to compare the two the Crystal spray is more deodorant like (neutralizes odor) while the Welda spray is more body spray like (adds a better scent on top). If you are looking for an anti-perspirant these probably aren't the products to look at.

Current Faves, Etude House Put Your Hands Up Deo Multi-Powder

After spraying my underarms, I like to go about my skincare and makeup routine to give the spray a chance to dry. Before changing into my clothes for the day I make sure to tap each armpit with this Etude House Put Your Hands Up Deo Multi-Powder (boy that was a mouthful).

I picked this up while in Korea last summer and am loving it. Even though the deodorant spray isn't tacky or anything when it dries, there is still the slight moist feeling sometimes when I don't wait long enough. The powder helps to set it much like how one would use powder to set liquid makeup.

Current Faves, Etude House Put Your Hands Up Deo Multi-Powder Label
Current Faves, Etude House Put Your Hands Up Deo Multi-Powder Label

The Etude House powder seems to have talc, silica, dimethicones, and other things I've heard that people could be sensitive to. But I am sure other powder products like talc-free baby powder will probably have the same effect as well. It is just that I really like this oversized puff applicator/container. It makes applying the powder a breeze. I will definitely be cleaning it out and reusing it after I use up the pre-existing powder.

For those who are feeling crafty there are many tutorials to make DIY natural deodorant sticks, sprays, and powders. I only recently found those out so I may or may not try it in the future. Will definitely share results if I do.

What's your deodorant routine like (if you don't mind me asking)?

Korea Diary | Last of the Jeju Field Trip (Day 5)

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Jusangjeolli Cliff, Dol Hareubang

Onward to the last day in Jeju-do!

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Teddy Valley Golf & Resort, Breakfast buffet

Before the busy morning of packing and checking out, we had another breakfast buffet to fill our tummies. Yes yes that is quite a plate full for the morning but I wasn't keeping a track of our itinerary. Better to stuff myself incase lunch was late, right?

Tip: Must try the Jeju tangerine juice! I think the brand that we had was Lotte. (Click here to see what it looks like.)

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Jusangjeolli Cliff South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Jusangjeolli Cliff
Jusangjeolli Cliff (주상절리) or Daepo Jisatgae (대포동지삿개)
2663, Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
제주 서귀포시 중문동 2663

The first stop of the day brought us to Jusangjeolli Cliff. The rocks near the water is the sight to see. Apparently the hexagonal shaped rocks were made as a result of the lava from the Halla Mountain. Nature for ya~

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Jeju Circus World South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Jeju Circus World
Jeju Circus World
214 Donggwang-ro, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

To be completely honest, I think I dozed off for a majority of the show. Tired me, dark setting, and comfy-ish chairs didn't go well together. The bits of the show that I did catch were interesting. I vaguely remember a motorcycle act where performers rode around a metal cage sphere and various acrobatics performances.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Mysterious Road South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Mysterious Road South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Mysterious Road
Mysterious Road or Dokkaebi Road (신비의도로)
2894-63, 1100-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (Nohyeong-dong)
제주특별자치도 제주시 1100로 2894-63 (노형동)

When our tour guide told us to look outside, we were confused.
When she said water flows uphill here, we couldn't believe it.
When we all filed off our buses and watched the demonstration, we were intrigued.
The uphill seems slight but noticeable. Water didn't roll upwards quickly but it definitely happened. I have forgotten her explanation but the Internet says it's all but an optical illusion.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Mysterious Road, Dol Hareubang
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Mysterious Road, Dol Hareubang souvenirs

Many of us lost interest after we saw the evidence of water trickling uphill. Luckily there were food stands and souvenir shops set up to keep visitors' attention.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Halla Arboretum South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Halla Arboretum
South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Halla Arborteum
Halla Arboretum (한라수목원)
72 Sumogwon-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (Yeon-dong)
제주특별자치도 제주시 수목원길 72 (연동)

The last attraction in Jeju that we visited. After taking a commemorative group photo we all went off in different directions to explore the arboretum. My newly acquainted friends and I chose to hike upwards. While it wasn't a long and strenuous stair climbing session like Sunrise Peak was, this trek was a pretty difficult one for me. I remember huffing and puffing the whole way up while everyone else was many many many steps ahead.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Samgyetang South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Samgyetang restaurant celebrity autographs
Chicken ginseng soup - Samgyetang (삼계탕)
Celebrity autographs

Even though I was super hot and sweaty whilst eating this lunch, it was too delicious to stay annoyed. This was actually my first time having samgyetang and I came back from Korea wishing I had more. Samgyetang is supposedly a really popular summer dish to help beat the heat. If I had to pick, I would gladly choose this dish to help me cool down over something super spicy.

South Korea, Jeju Island, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Samgyetang restaurant ginseng wine Insamju

Ginseng Wine - Insamju (인삼주)
Our meal even came with a little tasting of the ginseng wine the restaurant makes. I am not sure if I disliked the ginseng taste or the alcohol taste but it felt strong! Then again I am a weak sauce when it comes to alcohol. The other tables in our group actually asked others to have theirs as well. To each their own?

South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Jeju to Seoul South Korea, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Gimpo Airport

On our way back to Seoul~ Gimpo airport was the first airport that I experienced walking on the tarmac. We exited via the moveable stairs instead of the typical boarding bridges. There were even shuttle buses to take us back to the airport gates. It's the little things that get me excited!

South Korea, Seoul, Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014
Nice to see you again Yonsei

South Korea, Seoul, Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, SK Global House double dorm room South Korea, Seoul Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, SK Global House double dorm room

While this was day 5 in Korea for me and Bestie, this day was day 1 for many other YISS summer exchange students. Dorm check-in was pretty hectic and we couldn't wait to settle ourselves in for the next few weeks.

Since Bestie and I were in SK Global House, our room had an en suite. I think all rooms regardless has a twin bed, desk, and small closet. The separate toilet and shower/sink area was a little weird to me but got to make do. We were glad to be rooming with each other since there was only a shower door and no separate "room" door.

Once we got acquainted with the new surroundings and bought some toiletries, our friends and I headed to explore Sinchon for dinner.

Tips: 
  • Toilet paper is not included in the en suite style rooms. I packed a roll in case we needed to go right away. There are convenience stores downstairs of the dorms and nearby but since there are so many people at the dorms it could be difficult.
  • Internet is accessed via LAN cable inside the rooms. Bring that extra one you have lying at home with you or buy one from the convenience store at the dorms for a few thousand won.

South Korea, Seoul, Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Parmi Italiano Pasta & Pizza

Since everyone was pretty worn out and hungry, we didn't go very far until we found Parmi. I was hesitant since Western foods in Korea tend to be altered to Korean tastes but Parmi was pretty good. Everyone agreed that even if it wasn't 100% authentic Italian food, it definitely wasn't Korean-Italian cuisine.

South Korea, Seoul, Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Wangffle stand South Korea, Seoul Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, Wangffle stand, Waffle and ice cream

We spotted a street food stand on our walk back to SK Global House. Waffles? Ice cream? Together? How can we say no! This dessert cost ₩3,000 each for your choice of flavor. Looks like I went classic with cookie ice cream.

South Korea, Seoul, Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, SK Global House entrance South Korea, Seoul Sinchon, Yonsei University, YISS 2014, SK Global House male laundry room
Home for my summer of 2015
Laundry pile in the male laundry room

I think the Spring session's international students must have left not long before we arrived. Snippet of what the end of our time at SK Global House would look like.
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