Last night in Korea, we wish to have the best stay. Thus, we went to BENIKEA Hotel Acacia. BENIKEA means "best night" in Korean. Only those hotels that can meet the high evaluation criteria can attain the membership of BENIKEA. The participants of BENIKEA hotels offer clean, comfortable and relaxing facilities at affordable price. Room rate is at the average of below KRW 100,000 with guaranteed superb quality from KTO :) Great deal right? We had made an excellent choice ^.^
Upon arrival, we were served by the very friendly hotel staff who can speak decent English. The lobby is equipped with computers and printers for guests.
Both of us were extremely excited when we saw the Santorini photo on the wall. This is our dream destination!!We loved the room so much! The room was comfy and luxurious with just little money spent :)
BENIKEA hotel Acacia is located strategically near Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Namdaemun and Gwanghwamun which are among the popular shopping districts in Seoul. We planned to have a crazy midnight shopping at Dongdaemun to spend all our Korean Won as it was the last night in Korea. hohoho!
After a short nap in the cozy hotel, we headed to a famous tourist spot, Insadong. Insadong is one of the memorable attraction in Seoul that represents Korea traditional culture and craft. Many tiny shops that sells a variety of Korean-made products can be found here. There were many alleys on the both side Insadong main road, full of galleries, traditional restaurants, tea houses and cafes.
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Upon arrival, we were welcomed by a traditional live music and dance performance. The performance was nice, but I was attracted by the old folks dancing near the stage. I enjoyed watching them, feeling a peacefu atmosphere :)
Insadong is lined with a lot of roadside stalls as well. Keep an eye on every stall! Especially girls! You will like it! *^.^*
I felt in love with every single corner and alley in Insadong. They are so artistic and charming!
The Starbucks signboard in Korean! :)
Shrek in the house!! Spot him? XD
We tried Hotteok, Korean pancake filled with brown sugar and peanut. Yee Pei told me that this is among the most popular street food in Korea. Consume it quickly, it was so tasty while still hot.
What you can't miss in Insadong is a nice chit chat in an exquisite tea house or cafe. It's a MUST! You will love it! We ordered patbingsu with omija tea and rice cake snacks. It was my first tryon Omija tea (five flavor tea) and I love it! A little bit sour, sweet, salty ;)
OSULLOC Tea house. You can test fresh green tea prepared by the tea master for free :)
A very unique signboard for the information counter in Insadong.
Last shopping night in Korea, we promised ourselves it would be a crazy one! Dongdaemun, Korea's largest wholesale and shopping district - here we come! Dongdaemun consists of 26 shopping malls, 30000 shops, and 50000 manufacturers. It's definitely a shopping paradise for EVERYONE! You can shop even after midnight in most of the shopping malls until 5am. Wow! Shopaholic anyone???
The street was crowded with foreigners and locals as they bargained for high quality goods at affordable price here.
The street overflow with street food too. We had our dinner here to save more time for shopping. You know, nothing is more important than shopping for girls :P
After your crazy shopping, do remember to ask for a tax refund form from the tax free counter. Fill in your particular and get the cash refund in the Global Tax Free counter in the airport. Simple steps as shown below :)
With that, we ended a fruitful midnight shopping ^.^
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Operating hours: 10.00am - (closing time varies with each stalls)
Dongdaemun
Free admission
Operating hours [shopping malls] : 10am-5am (next day)
Transportation:
Insadong
[Subway]
*Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 6.
Go 100m straight, then turn left.
OR
*Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 3.
Go straight 300m, and turn left at the 4-way Intersection.
Go straight 100m, and take the left road towards Insadong-gil Road.
[Bus]
*Take any bus bound for Jongno 2-ga or Jongno Police Station.
Jongno 2-ga: 101, 103, 143, 150, 160, 201, 260, 262, 270, 271, 273, 370, 408, 470,
471, 601, 708, 710, 720, 721
Jongno Police Station: 109, 151, 162, 171, 172, 272, 601, 708
Dongdaemun
[Subway]
Dondaemun station (Seoul subway Line 1,4) Exit 8 or 9
~Map courtesy of KTO Website ~
Travel tips:
1. If you have time, do stroll down the Insadong alleys, many surprises awaits you. Worth spending time
there as you can get many special items :)
2. Try Hotteok!(Korean pancake) eat it when it's hot.
3. Have an afternoon tea break in any of the tea house or cafe, feel so good!
4. Experience midnight shopping in Dongdaemun :) Most of the shopping malls open till 5am.
5. Rent a hotel that is within walking distance to Dongdaemun. Then you will have no worries on your
midnight transportation after shopping.
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*Click
here for travel highlight of Insadong.
*Click
here for travel highlight of Dongdaemun.
