K-fashion Inspiration: Tee and skirt by After School's Nana

I really love it when I see that a simple tee and skirt can make a good fashion statement. The skirt worn by Nana in her photoshoot with BNT is the A-line skater skirt which makes your figure looks nicer even with a tucked in tee. I don't really recommend wearing high knee socks in a hot humid weather though. 

Closer up looks at the tucked tee. 

I'm quite sure everyone has a tee and a skirt somewhere in the wardrobe so this style is perfect for you, without the need to purchase new clothes (if you are in the saving mode). If your office casual Friday is casual enough, you can also wear this style to office on a TGIF. =)

We Just Have to Enjoy The Rides Because Nothing Lasts Forever

Nothing lasts forever so I guess in life, we should enjoy our ups and downs whenever they last. Because like what GD says in its lyrics...

...you can't turn it back.

"I used to believe in you alone and I was happy.

But like a joke, I am left alone.

You used to promise me with your pinky finger.

But in the end

nothing ever lasts forever."

- Crooked by G-Dragon

K-Fashion Inspiration: Denim on Denim SISTAR Style

Denim on denim is no longer a fashion faux pas nowadays. It's a trend in its own style. And the easiest way to make this style works is by mixing the color of the denim.

Confused much? No worry, the ladies from SISTAR will teach you how. 

Lighter shade of denim as a top combined with the darker one as the bottom and there you goes, a perfect combination of denim on denim. 

Anyone else digging this style?

Shopping Spree in E-dae, Seoul

After we have fun walking around Ewha University, now it's time to check the shopping area out. The shopping area of E-dae (the short form of Ewha University) is actually very accessible because the whole area opposite the university is actually full of shops and boutiques.

Don't you feel like entering all the boutiques if the boutique is prettily designed. This particular boutique even has its own version of a big pink shoe with ribbon. 

My haul from a shoe boutique in E-dae. 

We went into a stationery store and found something cute for our friend, Ernest. A sticker in his own name, how fun!

Other than shoes/clothes boutiques, E-dae also has a lot of hair salon. And this salon is designed very magically. Do you think I will come up with hair that can chance color magically like Tonks in Harry Potter series? Hehe.

If you have all day, you should check out the boutiques located further deep from the main road because you may never know what kind of a bargain you will find inside. If you want to eat or have a drink-out session after that, you can go to the next station, Hongdae (Hongik University). 

Ewha University Student for A Day

Ewha University is recently ranked 1st amongst Korean universities in Leiden ranking for the year 2015 (fyi, Leiden ranking is a ranking system for university worldwide). So it is quite a privilege to be able to visit Ewha University in one of my visits to Seoul (and since it's near the shopping area too). We came on a Sunday and oh yeay, it opens!

One of the iconic landmark of Ewha University is its monumental staircase throughout the campus centre, connecting all levels of the building. 

Just like the design outside, the design of the glassdoor inside is also magnificent. I feel like posing here but feeling a bit shy especially when a lot of pretty female students passing by. Oh yeah, have I mentioned that Ewha University is an all-female university?

Despite the modern design of the main campus, there are greens spotted in the area surrounding the campus. It kinda looks like studying in a some kind of a prairie in Europe.

The university church, surrounded by trees. Serene atmosphere befitting of a church. 

The easiest way to reach Ewha University is by taking the subway to Ewha University Station, which is located one stop away from Hongik University Station. So you can visit the university either before or after your trip to Hongdae. 

Loving the R&B version of Shake It

While I love the original MV, I'm digging into the R&B version of "Shake It" which is sang by K.Will and JooYoung. 

Click the link below to listen to the short cover.

The MV only lasts 1.5 minutes but it's cool enough as short as it is. 

Punch those annoying people

Sometimes in life, there is bound to be some people who want to make your life even more difficult. 

Well, I have one thing to say to this kind of people. 

Eat this! Pow Pow! 

Hahaha, I'm just playing around with the GIF which I randomly found on allkpop website. 

Someone did annoy me today, though. 

I'm so gonna give that fella an awesome punch with either Bora's or Soyou's style. 

For now, let's continue to shake it, baby! *shake shake*

K-Fashion Inspiration: Fringe it Out Like Son Dam Bi

It's summertime and hence, it's time for some fringes. I'm not really referring to your hair fringe although it's good if you have nicely cut fringe (mine's a mess, I can't live without my hairpin now). I'm referring to a fringe top. And if you have one but you have no idea how to wear it nicely, Son Dam Bi comes to your rescue. 

Eyeglasses, black fringe top, white short and heels. Son Dam Bi is a really a fashionista. Pairing fringe top with short can apparently goes a long way especially if you want to flaunt your perfectly toned legs (haizz, still my dream at the moment). 

If only I can wear this style to office tomorrow...#weekendissofaraway

The Queen of Summer is Back, SISTAR!

SISTAR has always been my biased and this summer, they are making a comeback with another fun summer tune, Shake It.

The MV is full of bright color, catchy tone and oh-my-gawd, hot sexy bodies. SISTAR is seriously the sexiest K-pop girl group. If you want to dress up like SISTAR's latest MV, Shake It, you just have to get your bright color prints and pair it with denim (pattern denim will make a good pairing).

Otherwise, since it's summer holiday and all, how about coloring your hair in ombre like Soyou?

Okay, let's all go shaking our way this summer. Woot!

K-Fashion: I Eye that Lapalette Bag

There is this Korean brand called Lapalette which I know from watching the Jung sisters' reality show called Jessica (ex-SNSD) and Krystal (f(x)). In the show, the sisters had a photoshoot to endorse Lapalette. The sisters are pretty as usual but those bags are really eye-catching. 

While the blue bag is still nowhere to see, I've managed to find the orange bag which is held by Krystal above in Lapalette's website. The name of the bag is Eye Coupe Medium Tote. The pricetag for the bag is 239,000 KRW (there is 10% discount spotted on the website but not sure if it's only for Korean buyer). This is equivalent to S$289,- when converted using today's exchange rate.

So far, I haven't seen the bag yet in Singapore website of Lapalette. But the Qoo10 website sells the same bag for S$333,80. So, I suppose the mark-up is around S$45,-. I think I'd rather ask someone's help to buy in Korea directly. #cheapo

Anyone else in love with this brand?

K-fashion Inspiration: IU's Stripes and Short

I love stripes and short combination and one of IU's airport fashion shows a perfect way to combine both style. 

The top and the bottom are simple if worn on each own but when combined, apparently it works! You don't have to style the clothes with accessories, etc. 

Since it's summer now, it'll be easier to find both the top and the short as well. Now that I think of it, I have no stripes. Time to shop then! =)

The Green Tea Haven at O'sulloc Tea House

After an uncountable visit to whatever stores we can see in Myeongdong, Noona is literally on the brink of extinction exhaustion. And so is Noona's friends. So we decided to take a break at O'sulloc Tea House in Myeongdong. The tea house was quite empty when we visited. Oh well, good for us since we did not have to queue for the seats. 

O'sulloc is really a paradise for green tea lovers. This is because O'sulloc sells drinks and desserts which use green tea as its main ingredient. A glass of green tea latte is in order. 

My friend ordered green tea ice cream. We quite like green tea so this kind of tea house goes well with us. And more importantly, we could stretch our legs while enjoying a nice glass of green tea. Blissful!

How to go to O'sulloc Tea House:

1. Take subway to Myeongdong Station 

2. Go out from exit 6 and go straight for 400m

3. O'sulloc Tea House is located on your right, 80m after Woori Bank

If you are hungry, O'sulloc Tea House also sells some desserts. Otherwise, since you are already in Myeongdong, you can either try the street food called egg bread or have a lovely dinner of bibimbap and makgeolli. 

A splendid changing ceremony of the Korean Royal Guards

After a numerous steps were taken inside Deoksugung Palace , Noona is finally ready to watch the royal changing guard ceremony. Worried about the crowd, Noona and friend came back 30 minutes to 11 AM, which is the first timing for the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony at Deoksugung Palace. Th royal guard changing ceremony is held in front of Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung Palace. 

After waiting and waiting, finally the ceremony started. Noona likes how colorful the traditional uniform of the guards is. However, Noona kinda wonders whether the guards will feel very hot and suffocated inside that traditional uniform in summertime. #workcommitment

All the royal guards with each flag are stationed at their position. These royal guards were responsible for guarding and patrolling the gates of the capital city and royal palaces in Joseon era. Even in that era, the guards are working in a shift, divided into day and night shifts. And hence, comes the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. 

Close up view of the royal guards. Any handsome oppa spotted? Hmm~~ 

This is the main parade of the Changing of the Royal Guard ceremony. The whole procession is done exactly like how it is used to be back then in Joseon dynasty. There is a team of musician playing traditional instruments to play the background music of the ceremony. 

After the ceremony, tourists can take commemorative picture with the royal guards. They are nice enough up to the point they don't immediately disperse after the whole ceremony is over. 

Tourists can watch the whole ceremony for free. So this is a good chance for you to experience one of the traditional ceremony in South Korea. 

Jeonju Bibimbap, one of the best dishes in Joseon Dynasty

Noona can't have enough bibimbap so whenever there is a chance to eat bibimbap, Noona will drag a friend with her to eat bibimbap. This time around, Noona ordered a Jeonju bibimbap. Based on Noona's research about Jeonju bibimbap, it is apparently one of the best 3 dishes in Joseon Dynasty.

Noona was too hungry so she did not really count how many ingredients were thrown inside the bibimbap. However, there are three key ingredients for Jeonju bibimbap which are soy bean sprouts, yellow mung bean jelly (hwang-po-muk) and Korean style beef tartare (yook-whey). The rice is made with beef bone broth. 

Last but not least, Jeonju Bibimbap was not served in a hot stoned pot. So the beef tartare is rare. If you prefer your meat to be fully cooked, you should probably stick to the dolsot bibimbap. 

Overpriced Latte at Coffee Prince Coffee Shop

Have you watched the K-drama called Coffee Prince? The drama is basically revolving around a coffee shop whereby the main casts are mostly acting as baristas. Well the good thing for us in real life is, a coffee shop called Coffee Prince does exist. And the waiter is kinda cute! Noona is pretty much swooned. XD

The memorabilia(s) from the drama can be spotted all over the cafe. After all, the reception to the drama was quite huge when it was aired. 

The signature and comments from the main actors and actresses involved in the drama. 

Of course we must order coffee here. Here comes the heart-shaped cafe latte. 

Another type of latte. The thing about Coffee Prince Coffee Shop is...Noona find the price of the drinks is so expensive for Noona's wallet. Even though the coffee shop is so famous in the drama, it would be great if the customers do not feel so ripped off after drinking the latte here. 

For consolation, at least their coffees are drinkable (plus the waiter is really cute, Noona feels like kidnapping him). Although they do not justify the price tag. 

Noona and friends did not try the desserts because we have cried our wallet out paying for the drinks. 

If you decided to skip the cafe, there are other things that you can do in Hongdae like visiting Trick Eye Museum or doing some sightseing around Hongdae. 

Burning calories at Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace is one of the four palaces in South Korea which are still preserved until today. One of the main attractions at Deoksugung Palace is the guard changing ceremony which is held at the main gate. However, when Noona arrived, it was still early for the ceremony, so Noona decided to burn the calorie she ate for breakfast by walking around the palace complex.

A few metres away from the main gate, Noona found herself at the main palace area which is so tranquil and peaceful. Green trees, a traditional palace and modern buildings as the background. 

Back in the Joseon era, each general and ministers must stand at where the stone statues are placed now. From the closer look of the stone statue, you can see the rank of the person who used to stand there. Imagine it as a morning assembly in the Joseon era. All hail the King! 

Inside the Deoksugung Palace lies the King's throne and the dragon at the ceiling. The design of the throne and the decoration are pretty similar amongst palaces in Seoul.

What is special about Deoksugung Palace is the color of the palace. The yellow windows make the palace looks more lively compared to other palaces. 

At the other section of the complex, there is the National Museum of Art. Noona wanted to catch the guard changing ceremony so she gave this museum a miss. Maybe next time! 

One last shot of Deoksugung Palace before Noona stormed off to the gate to watch the guard changing ceremony. 

How to go to Deoksugung Palace?

1. Take subway to City Hall Station and go to exit 2.

2. Walk straight for 100m to arrive at the main gate on the right

Admission 

1. Ticket costs 1,000 KRW

2. Deoksugung Palace is closed on Monday. It opens from 9am - 9pm on other days. 

How to go to Busan from Seoul by train?

The fastest way to go to Busan from Seoul is by riding KTX, Korean High Speed Rail. You can take the KTX either from Incheon Airport or Seoul Station. 

The journey from Seoul Station to Busan, the 2nd largest metropolis in Seoul, takes 2.5 hours. A return ticket costs around 100,000 KRW and a 3-day rail pass costs 84,600 KRW. So it is more economical to buy the rail pass. 

Once you have buy the ticket, you can proceed to the train gate where all the trains are docked. 

Before making your way downstairs, you should see the board for the KTX number, don't worry, they will display the information in both Korean and English. KTX departs from Seoul Station to Busan Station pretty frequently.

This is how the KTX looks like from outside. 

The inside of the KTX looks pretty cozy just like the High Speed Rail in Taiwan or Shinkansen in Japan. I guess that's the reason why the ticket is kinda pricey. 

If you have time to explore Seoul Station before your trip to Busan, you should walk around outside Seoul Station because there are a lot of things to see outside.