[PUB] Seoul Pingpong Pub - 서울 핑풍팝

Apologise for the lack of updates lately. Both Celine and I are really busy with work. But we finally have some time now to work on this post.  

So, Celine and I are big fans of the lifestyle program - Style Log (스타일 로그). Style Log showcases the current hot spots and culture in Seoul (We especially love the season with Lee Soo Hyuk (이수혁)  and Hong Jong Hyun (홍종현)). The season that just ended introduced us to another qtpie model Jo Minho (조민호). Watching Style Log always makes us miss Seoul so much but we still love watching it so that we can start planning our next trip with all the awesome recommendations from the program. The current season is hosted by model Do Sang Woo (도상우), B2ST's Ki Kwang (기광), and 4Minute's Gayoon (가윤)!

Even before it was introduced on Style Log, we actually saw a lot of models and Instagram "celebs" frequenting this place. So one of the top places we listed as "must-go" for this trip is Seoul Ping Pong Pub, managed by K-model, Do Sang Woo (도상우). Took us awhile to find the place (GOOGLE MAPS FAILED US, SIGH). Anyway, we were expecting it to be a really huge place, but it was rather small. Nevertheless, the pub was really nice and cosy. Pardon the quality of the pictures. It was pretty dark and we didn't dare to use flash photography hahaha! We were there really early.. Around 7ish pm? So the pub was empty. Customers started coming in at around 8ish? So if you want to be there and enjoy the music and crowd, go later!

They serve finger food and drinks. Food's really not bad! We had the wings and fries and it was yumyum! I was really sick the day before so I didn't drink. I had a sip of Celine's coke with rum and I think it was pretty good. Overall, Seoul Ping Pong Pub is a really nice place to chill with friends. You can even play Beer Pong there! Lots of k-models hang out there so you may even spot some of them there! The most recent celebrity spotted there is - G-Dragon! Drop by if you are in Seoul, and see if you have the luck to see someone famous! ^^

 Directions

(Purple star represents Seoul Ping Pong Pub)

Alight at Noksapyeong (녹사평) station Exit 2, and walk straight all the way until you see an overhead bridge. Cross the overhead bridge and you will see a cafe - The Bakers Table. Turn into the alley, and Seoul Ping Pong Pub is beside this mart - 우리슈퍼 (on the left of the street). The pub is in the basement so it is easy to miss, so make sure to look really carefully!


On a side note, will anyone be interested if we post recipes of Korean food? Please let us know in the comments! :) 

[RESTAURANT] THE GLAMPING - 더 글램핑

If you watch Stylelog, you will know the Koreans are currently into the trend of Glamorous Camping (or Glamping, in short). Simply put, Glamorous Camping means camping in a glamorous way, without all the dirt and trouble. There are glamping sites where they provide you a huge tent equipped with fridge, beds, etc. We have no idea which came first - the glamping sites, or this glamping restaurant - but if you want to experience the hottest trend in Seoul right now, this is the place to go!

The Glamping is located at Itaewon(이태원), pretty near to the subway station. We went in the afternoon, and the place was pretty quiet. Upon arrival, the staff asked if we made a reservation. We were ushered to the second level afterwards (I'm guessing the first/third level are for those who made reservations?). 

We ordered a Set A (for 2; 38,000won), and added a few side dishes. Can't deny that the food here is quite pricey, but it was good! 

All these for the four of us. We were beyond full. @@ The windows were opened and it was sooooo breezy, and we felt like taking a nap there. Lol. 

There was also a caucasian working there, so no worries if you can't speak Korean! Here are some pictures of the first and third floor:

Directions

(Yellow arrow represents The Glamping in the map)

Getting there is fairly easy. Get off at Itaewon(이테원) Station Exit 1, and walk straight all the way until you spot New Era. You will pass by New Balance, ABC Mart, Adidas, and New Era. There is a steep slope in between New Era and Coffee Smith, just walk up and it will lead you straight to The Glamping (as seen below)!

Overall, I think it's worth to give it a try! I might go back there again at night, if I have a chance. *^^*

p/s: we are preparing more posts from our latest trip. stay tuned!

Summer in Seoul Part 3!

Hello, my lovely earthlings! It is I, Celine, who is bringing you this piece of news!

Cheryl and I, along with our two younger siblings are heading to Seoul next week! We are doing a Summer in Seoul Part 3 after all, despite saying we will never touch Korea's ground in Summer ever again. It is a short trip because all four of us are unfortunately, busy bees. :( It has been almost a year since Cheryl and I last visited, so we are really excited! In the midst of planning the itinerary but we are afraid we might not be able to comb as many places as we like. We will also be staying in Seoul only, even though we are dying to visit other cities. Anyway, we just hope that this trip will give us more materials to blog about! We will take more pictures, and hopefully some videos, too. So stay tuned!! ^.^ 

Meanwhile, if anyone who's reading this has any recommendations on where to go, we are open to ideas! Leave us a comment so we can check out new places! 자, 그럼 여기까지! 뿅!❤️

[PRE-DEPARTURE] How much to bring to Seoul

"How much do you usually bring to Korea?"

"How much should I bring to Korea?"

These are literally the most asked question when friends and/or relatives talk to us about Korea. The thing is - we can't tell for sure. Cheryl and I are HUGE spenders; we spend a lot on anything and everything. But I came up with a few points that determine how much you should bring to Seoul.

Duration of your stay 

Of course, how long you stay determines how much you should bring. If you are visiting for 5 - 7 days, you will definitely be needing less than how much you need for 8 - 12 days. 

The season
Okay, this may vary according to where you come from. I'm Singaporean, so I don't get to buy much in Korea during winter time. I spend the most when I visit in summer. So if you come from a place where there are four seasons, you might spend quite a lot on winter clothes etc. 

On a side note, I do recommend buying winter clothes in Korea if you are into k-style. The clothes are really cheap and keep you warm. 

Purpose of your visit 

Are you a sight-seeing person, or shopping person? If you only plan to go to palaces and historical places or museums, you probably won't spend much beside paying the entrance fees. If your sole purpose is to shop, you will need lots, and lots of money.

Our Recommendation  

5 - 7 days: 800,000won ~ 1000,000won
8 - 12 days: 1000,000won ~ 1500,000won
13days ~ a month: 1500,000won ~ 2500,000won

Transport expenses
You will most likely be travelling a lot by subway, not so much by bus. If you are planning to book a cab from the airport to your accommodation, or from your accommodation to the airport, remember to set aside some money!
Train rides: 12,000won ~ 15,000won (5 - 7 days)
Taxi ride: 50,000won ~ 100,000won (airport to accommodation/accommodation to airport)

Food expenses
Per meal: 10,000 won ~ 20,000won
Street food: 1,000 won ~ 6,000won
This depends on where, and what you eat. Traditional set meals (e.g. kimchi soup with rice and side dishes) in small restaurants can be as cheap as 5,000won, and bbq food servings can cost 5,000 - 9,000won per serving. One serving sometimes serve 1, or 2 - 3 people, so if you are sharing food, your meal will cost much lesser than eating alone.


Of course, it varies according to each individual, so what we recommend is just a rough gauge, and according to our past experiences. Sight-seeing fees, and shopping expenses aside, don't forget to factor in your transport and food expenses!

Also bear in mind that this post is dedicated to those who will be in Seoul ONLY. If you are travelling out of Seoul, you probably need to prepare more money for train/air tickets!

[PRE-DEPARTURE] Choosing the Airline to Take

Travelling used to be very expensive, but with all the promotion fares and budget airlines, travelling is actually more affordable than it used to. If you are planning your trip to Seoul, and are spoilt for choices, check out this post.

Source: x

Here are some of the airlines you can take if you are going to Seoul from Singapore: - 

• Singapore Airlines
• Asiana Airlines
• Korean Air
• Scoot (non-direct, transit in Taipei)
• AirAsia (non-direct, transit in KL)
• Cathay Pacific (non-direct, transit in Hong Kong)

Personally, I've taken Singapore Airlines and Asiana Airlines for a couple of times. The 3 direct flights (SQ, Asiana and Korean Air) are my perferred airlines when travelling to Seoul. I will explain why in a bit. Most people choose budget flights because they think that the fares of major carriers are expensive. This is only true to a certain extent. In recent years, there are many promotions for major carriers and sometimes, they are even cheaper, or even better, same price as budget flights. You get to enjoy in-flight entertainment, 20 to 30kgs check-in baggage and best thing? No transit. Direct flight 6 hours to Seoul. So you should always monitor the prices for all the airlines for awhile before you book your flight!

Singapore Airlines

Price: Approx SGD650 to SGD1,200 (Economy)

Flight timings are pretty good. I usually take the morning flight and will reach Seoul by late afternoon. The flight back is around 4pm so you still have ample time to do some last minute shopping. SQ offers better timings but at a steeper price. I like travelling with SQ because hahaha I'm a Singaporean and travelling on your country's airlines always make one feel more comfortable. If you are a Krisflyer member, you get to accumulate miles too. SQ has also recently increase their baggage allowance so if you are travelling on Economy, you get to check in up to 30kg worth of baggage. No more worrying about paying for excess baggage. Trust me, you really don't want to pay for excess baggage because they are so not worth the money!

Sign up for SQ's mailing list and they will e-mail you once they have promotions. Fastest fingers first! Their promo fares sell out pretty fast. Promo fares are usually SGD600-800 All-In. Very very worth it for SQ's standards. 

Asiana Airlines

Price: Approx SGD600 to SGD1200 (Economy)

If you prefer midnight flights, then Asiana timings will be perfect for you. You will reach Seoul in the morning and will have the entire day without "wasting time" on the flight. You can have a good night sleep on the plane and when you are up, you've arrived in Seoul! I took Asiana twice and I have not paid more than $800 for my tickets. The only point to note about Asiana is that, their flights are very prone to delays. Of the two times I took Asiana, both flights got delayed. Also, Asiana is really strict about excess baggage. I've paid SGD150 for my excess baggage before. I usually book my flight through Zuji.com. Do check the price of the fares on Asiana's website. Sometimes, Zuji maybe slightly more expensive. 

These are the only two airlines that I've taken to Seoul. Some of the prices of the other airlines are

• Korean Air: Similar to Asiana and SQ
• Scoot: Approx SGD600-700 (add-on for check-in baggage and in-flight food)
• AirAsia: Approx 400-900 (add-on for baggage)
• Cathay Pacific: SGD600 to SGD800 with 23kg check-in baggage

As you can see, budget flights aren't neccessary cheap. You just need to top up a small amount and you get to travel in comfort (not saying budget flights are not comfortable), and get more baggage space. 

Korean Language Program in Korea

I've seen an influx of FB posts of ex-school mates who are going/went to Korea for an exchange program in recent years. And while they are there, many of them take up korean classes. I am sure there are tons of blog posts providing information on what to prepare for your exchange trip. Today, I will be sharing my experience with Seoul National University (SNU), not as an exchange student, but as a foreign student studying there!

Please note that this post is based on my personal experience. I attended SNU, so I am not sure how other universities are like. This post will only give you a rough idea of what to expect/do if you plan to study korean in Korea.

So, while I was taking a gap year in 2012, I decided to sign up for a Korean Language Program (KLP) in Korea! A lot of universities in Korea offer korean language programs for foreigners. Some of the more popular universities (in Seoul) will be - SNU, Yonsei, Kyunghee, and Korea Uni. In recent years, I've been seeing some people attending Sogang and Sungkyunkwan. You can attend the classes regardless of age and nationality! All the universities I listed are in Seoul. If you are interested in other cities in Korea, you can check out a list of universities here!

Prior to studying there, I did some research on the different programs available under different universities since 2011. My original plan was to apply for a 3-months program in September, but due to some reasons, I decided on SNU's 3-week intensive program.

I guess if you are going there as an exchange student, your local university will more or less help in the application? Applying for the KLP directly to the korean university might seem a little tough, but it was relatively easy. For SNU, you will have to create an account. Log in, and apply for your preferred program. There was an application fee of 50,000won, and the tuition fee for the 3-weeks intensive program was 650,000won. I had trouble paying the application fee through the online credit card payment, so I emailed the school. They then informed me that the online payment system doesn't work in some countries, so I had to do a wire transfer. To save on the remittance fee, I was told to transfer both the application fee and tuition fee at one go.

If you have learnt korean before, you can do an online placement test, or choose to do it on the first day of the program. If you do not state anything, you will be automatically put into the beginner class.

Depending on the availability, SNU provides off-campus dormitories (you can get information of it on their website). I paid 500,000won for a 1-month stay. There were a few buses you can take to school, and it takes about 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can find a 고시원/goshiwon (one-room) near campus. My classmates paid 300,000won ~ 400,000won for a month.

So what's the difference between staying in dorm and staying in a goshiwon? According to my classmates, the air-con is centralised and controlled by the goshiwon manager. Which meant - despite it being summer, they couldn't switch on the air-con when they needed it. On the other hand, I had the air-con controller in my room, and I could do whatever I want with it! The wifi was also really fast!

(Pardon my korean. It was kinda bad that time)

If you are thinking of signing up for the SNU 3-week intensive program, here's the schedule:
Mon - Fri: 9am - 1pm
Complete a textbook by the end of 3 weeks (1 topic each day).
Homework everyday, 2 quizzes, 2 roleplays, 1 individual oral presentation, & final exam.

You will be issued this student certificate to prove that you are a student of SNU KLEC. You will be allowed to eat at their canteen if you show them the certificate. The canteen serves 2 sets of food, and they change everyday. Price ranges from 2,500won ~ 4,500won. Not the most delicious, but it's quite cheap so yeah.

Oh yes! Since I was only there for a month, I didn't have to apply for a student visa. So I'm not too sure about the procedure.

I think that's pretty much it. If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment! I'll try my best to answer :)

You can read my adventure as a foreign student here at my personal blog.

Christmas in Korea & 5 Christmas Songs

It's three days to Christmas, and I thought I'd talk a little about what I know on Christmas in Korea. Note that I've only spent Christmas in Korea ONCE, when I was still a kid. So what I'm going to talk about is what I heard from my Korean teachers and friends.

Some of you may have heard that Christmas in Korea is quite different from Christmas anywhere else. It is one of the national holidays, but they do not celebrate it like the Westerners. In Korea, Christmas is like a holiday for couples. Instead of having family dinners, couples go on dates on Christmas. Ice-skating, skiing, hanging out in cafes, etc. So it is actually a really sad (if not the s a d d e s t) day for the single souls there. Even Korea's Tourism Organisation named it as a "couples' holiday"! I haven't had a chance to be in Korea for Christmas, but I would love to see for myself how they celebrate it! If anyone has experienced Christmas in Korea, please share with us? ^^


On another note, lots of Korean artistes have been releasing some christmasy songs in the past week. Here are five songs I came across and really like!

Mistletoe (미슬토 우) by Geeks (긱스) / Esna (에스나) / Phantom (팬텀)

Listen to it here.

This is probably my favourite out of the five! Geeks' Louie, Phantom's Hanhae and Esna came together came together and presented this gem. I was expecting something ordinary but this blew my mind! A refreshing concept for a Christmas song.

Christmas Present (크리스마스 선물) by Kim Jee Eun (김지은)

Listen to it here.

A simple, upbeat melody paired with Kim Jee Eun's sweet voice. The song really brings out the festive mood! 

The Christmas Song by Melo-D (멜로디)

Listen to it here.

Melo-D, a project group, consists of Taeyeon from She'z, and Lee Hyun Wook. A classic Christmas song, perfect rendition by the two. 

All I Want For Christmas Is You by Bom(박봄) & HI(이하이)

Listen to it here. 

YG Entertainment's latest unit - Park Bom from 2NE1 and solo artiste Lee Hi. I have always been a fan of the two of them since their debut, and was thrilled to see the announcement of this unit. But as much as I adore Bom, I can't deny that her voice wasn't that suitable for this song. On the other hand, I love Hayi's voice in it.

Lonely Christmas (꾸리스마스) by Crayon Pop (크래용팝)

Listen to it here.

Crayon Pop did it once again! Following Bar Bar Bar (which I am very addicted to even after so long), the girls released Lonely Christmas on the first day of December. I wouldn't say it is a Christmas song; more like a Christmas-themed song. This is for all the lonely singles out there! ;) 

Have a merry Christmas, everyone! 

메리크리스마 스~~

p/s: I know we haven't been updating often but we do have lots of drafts waiting to be published. Stay tuned!