Changdeokgung Palace, Seoul (Part 1)

One summer day in Seoul and we are currently at Changdeokgung Palace, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Korea. The sky was so blue that day, it kinda lifted my mood to a positive note. Perfect day to go for history exploration in Seoul I must say. 

Changdeokgung Palace is one of the most well-preserved royal palaces from the Joseon Dynasty. This is where the Royal Family discussed state affairs for the people. You can join a walking tour or do a free-and-easy tour inside the palace compound. However, you must join a walking tour if you want to explore Secret Garden. The tour is provided by the palace and there is no advance booking required. The starting point for the tour will be here at Donhwamun Gate. 

Similar to Gyeongbokgung Palace, there is a deep ditch leading to the way inside the palace complex. The ditch here is dry though. I wonder why it is left dry because it is supposedly filled with water to bring good luck.

Few metres later, we have arrived at Injeongjeon Hall, the throne hall of Changdeokgung Palace. Countless major state affairs such as the coronation of a new king and reception of foreign envoys took place here. 

The next area after Injeongjeon Hall is an open area with a few historical building in site. The weather was so hot that day, we started to take out our umbrellas just like what the Koreans do to avoid exposure to the sun. Hahaha.

I love the design and structure of Seonjeongjeon Hall. This is where the King worked at his convenience to discuss routine state affairs with high ranking officials. In summary, this is the office of the King during Joseon area. 

Right before the Secret Garden lies Seongjeonggak Hall, which was used to be the crown prince's residence. The hall started to look similar to one another but what makes this area unique is the design of the wall. 

How to go to Changdeokgung Palace:

1. Take subway to Anguk Station

2. Make your way to Exit 3

3. Walk for 5 minutes to Changdeokgung Palace

Coex Aquarium, Seoul

Noona is not really an aquarium fan so this trip to Coex Aquarium in Seoul is pretty much a surprise even to herself. Well, perhaps it was due to the influence of Korean TV show called Running Man which is still popular until today (although not as popular as before). Noona watched an episode whereby the cast of Running Man need to go to Coex Aquarium for a set of task. Because of that, Noona included a visit to Coex Aquarium in her itinerary.

Coex Aquarium is located within the massive mall with the same name. The aquarium is unique in Korea because it showcases a "water journey". The transition for each segment inside the aquarium makes visitors feel that they are swimming from one water to another water. Btw, can you spot the fish below?

The journey started pretty peaceful with a lot of fish pond including the traditional koi pond. 

There are a lot of small fishes showcased in creative way. For instance, the little white fish here is sharing her "room" with not one, not two, but three Spiderman (including his alter-ego). 

The best area in Coex Aquarium is gotta be the massive water tank containing a lot of colorful corals and beautiful fishes. 

The fishes here are cohabit very peacefully. At one point, we saw a tiny shark swimming together around the other fish including the stingray. 

I find Nemo! But, hey, where's Dory? I guess we have to wait for the movie to come out to find Dory. 

The main star of Coex Aquarium is definitely the Korean mermaid. Despite the high standard of beauty in the K-pop world, dugong is considered the most beautiful fish in Korea. Noona means, it even earns the nickname "Korean mermaid" so she should be a babe amongst the sea creatures, right? 

Coex Aquarium's opening hours:

10AM - 10PM

Steal Her Look: Hani's Summer Plaid Look

Her Look

It's finally summer and it's time to finally take off all those jackets and coats. Noona is looking for an inspiration for summer in the city style and she saw this wonderful picture of Hani from Exid. The picture is for InStyle magazine for the month of June 2016. Hani is wearing a plaid dress and she pairs the dress with a casual pair of white oxford shoes. Her bob hairstyle and the whole look is so refreshing for summer, don't you think?

How to get her look:

Noona asked her the LINE Friends group to go source for the necessary items required to re-create Hani's style. Let's see what did they find out. 

Choco's choice:  Coach's Tour Dress in Houndstooth, $64.99 from Modcloth

Sally's choice: People tree organic fairtrade cotton shirt dress in check, $121.31 from Asos

Cony's choice: Check pinafore dress, $61 from Topshop

All of the girls' picks look great. While Choco, Sally and Cony are busy looking for dress, Noona asked the boys, Brown and Moon to look for the shoes. Let's see how well the boys fare, shall we?

Brown's choice: Keds Champions perforated sneakers, $84.11 from Asos

Moon's choice: Vagabond Kenova oxford, $49.99 from Urban Outfitters

Let's have fun this summer, peeps.

Steal Her Look: UEE's Fairy Tale Look

Her Look

Noona has randomly stumbled upon UEE's photoshoot for InStyle magazine last year. UEE is so pretty, she managed to look so flawless and fairy-like in that photoshoot, which was shot inside what seems to be a rose garden. Even though we may not have garden (and hence, must go and probably even pay for an access to a lovely garden outside), we can achieve that simple fairy style #ootd that UEE wore for this photoshoot. #thereishope

UEE's shoot is purposely done in a way with some sort of filter which makes the picture look washed out. This means that the color of that dress and the shoes in real life should be brighter than the photoshoot. Noona thinks peach color may work well because the washed out peach color will look kinda pinkish (depending on which filter that you are using). #vivaphotoediting

How to get her look:

1. Greeted by grace dress, $54.99 from Modcloth

2. Hamptons of fun dress in petal, $69.99 from Modcloth

3. Melissa ultragirl + Jeremy Scott, $110

4. Melissa space love + Jeremy Scott, $120 

Steal Her Look: Black OOTD by Kim Jae Kyung

Her Look:

Anyeong! It has been a while since the last time Noona feels inspired in real life, and hence, lack of posting here. But, now with the summer in season, Noona is back. Summer is a great season to wear t-shirt and shorts. Hm? They are too basic? But they look pretty good on celebrity too, you see. If you don't believe Noona, let's stroll the street and see whether Noona's friend from LINE, James-ssi, has found someone who we can refer to as inspiration.

Apparently, he already fell head over heels to none other than Jaekyung, the leader of Korean girl group, Rainbow. Jaekyung's IG is really full of fashion inspiration and here is one of them. Black shirt - checked, Black shorts - checked. 

How to get her look:

1. Hollister drapey easy pocket T-shirt, $24.26 from ASOS

2. California tee, $16.16 from New Look

3. Denim Kitty knicker short in black, $24.26 from ASOS

4. Petite Moto ripped mom shorts, $58 from Topshop

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