SEOUL HOLIDAY

Even though this is an insanely busy time at work, I had to make the trek to see my dad who is currently in Korea, the Asia home base of his retirement world tour. My brother, aunt, and uncle coming just made it a complete Christmas miracle (even though we technically missed Christmas on the plane). As soon as we landed, first stop sullung-tang!
The view from our hotel room right before it started dumping snow. I might have had an incrementally better time had it not felt like a million razors cutting my skin from the cold air. I felt like a misplaced lizard looking for patches of sunlight. On to Gyeongbokgung Palace for some sightseeing and #bricksquatting.

Got to visit the new National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Lots of things that I was not supposed to take pictures of *ahem*. But totally allowed to take photos of Do Ho Suh's Home Within Home Within Home Within Home Within Home. If you ever get a chance to see any of his work, you should go (run!) because it's really breathtaking and makes you feel so small in the best way.

My favorite part of Korea is always the eating. And not just eating famous food, but off-the-beaten-path food. My best friend in Korea took us to this place that we never in novemdecillion years would've found on our own. It was basically a grandma's house where she served us the freshest organic food in what I assume was her living room. This was definitely my favorite meal of the entire trip.

And sometimes when you don't have a savvy best friend, you might just try your luck with a friendly cab driver. We were looking for ganjang gejang and he dropped us off at this place that did not disappoint! Apologies to the ladies working there - my dad's highlight in life is bragging about his children. We just nod bashfully and stuff our faces.

15 layer #ootd wut wut

Korea is the land of advanced pastries if you didn't know. This is the most generic bakery chain. I said GENERIC.

...pause for mirror selfie...

My dad took us to one of the first bakeries in Seoul, Tae Guk Dang, which was established in 1946. While this is not the original location, they've kept everything as it was in the 60s. All the breads and packaging and interior, it's all like a time warp. But no need to update when you have the classic butter bread (full disclosure: I took a bite of that heavenly gluten pillow) (will not disclose after details).

Then over to To Sok Chon to squeeze in one last sam gye tang before the year is up.

New coat alert! Thanks D.Efect!

This is a real thing. I repeat, a...real...thing. That people eat. By paying money. A "burger" at KFC called the Maxx, which is 2 fried chicken breasts (in lieu of buns) with a hash brown, bacon, ketchup, and cheese in the center.

I was about to be proud of myself for having practiced such restraint. That is, until the last day my best friend took us wandering to some shops. Discovered my now favorite shop, Ecru. It's the flagship Undercover store in Seoul, as well as a multi brand boutique carrying Acne, D.Efect, Neighborhood, Zucca and basically all the brands that are enough for me not to have to go anywhere else. These trousers were, shockingly, my only purchase of the entire trip. Not even a silly keychain! or character socks! or faux fur lined leggings ( <---everywhere font="">! 

BFF

Last meal of 2013 - tuna sashimi complete with gold flakes. I'm fancy huh?

And then I fought the grandma in me (she let me win this once) and trekked it to a party (gasp!) to see my 360 Sounds buddies. Don't worry, I left as soon as the clock struck midnight. If I don't get home in time I turn into a pumpkin age appropriate socializing woman. AND WE WOULDN'T WANT THAT.

And the official Korean first meal of the new year - dduk guk

I'm not much for making new year's resolutions. I just always hope my loved ones are healthy and happy and that's good enough for me. Cheers to another year down friends! Thanks for sticking with me along this weird internet ride. Wishing you all the best in 2014.

29 comments :

Unknown said...

Awesome post, need to visit asia ASAP!!

www.greenopiates.blogspot.com

abby said...

I used to live in Seoul and these photos gave me flashbacks, in the most positive way. Lovely.
xx Abby | a geek tragedy

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

Thanks for sharing.

Простая пантера said...

You are BEAUTIFUL!

Joy. | JUSTLIKESUSHI.COM said...

Love to see bits and pieces of Korea and your onw personal life!
With love,

Joy

| justlikesushi.com |

Lala said...

Nice post! The food had to be delicious. :)
xo

http://lalaspointofview.wordpress.com

Anonymous said...

happy new yeeeear! all the best!
hope you had a grrreat time!

CDR

http://costumederigueur.com/

amalie said...

ohmygoodd. i need to visit. the food looks delish! i love your sheep coat x

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the photo diary-ah-mazing pictures. The food looks so so good. I kinda need to go to Seoul now, for that cake shop alone! As always your style is impeccable! Happy New Year to you too!!

Mafalda said...

Wonderful pictures, and your outfits are sooo gorgeous!
Mafalda ❤
www.mafaldadotzero.blogspot.fr

Anonymous said...

Happy new year! I truly enjoy reading through all your posts, this is no exception. I am looking even more forward to visiting Seoul one day. Sooner rather than later hopefully! x

www.armatura.com.au

S said...

ooh glad you managed to sneak some pics of do ho suh's work - it's incred!! and all that FOOD :)~~~

happy new year jayne!

steph / absolutely-fuzzy.com

www.theskimplelife.com said...

Love your blog... Was so happy to meet you last year at Jen Kao's show.... Been following you forever...

Hazel
www.theskimplelife.com

shesaidsomething said...

Thanks Jayne. Always love your posts (really - not just OMG! but really). I also added a new item to my list of products I will-not-skimp-on, along with toilet paper and hot cocoa, "advanced pastries". If I'm eating sugar-based substances it's going to be really, really good.

Cheers

revufashion said...

great post! loving the outfit choices

www.revufashion.com

Beckerman Girls said...

Happy Happppy NEW YEAR Jane!
Wishin you a super fabulous 2014!!!
Lots of love and awesomeness!!
Looks like u had the BEST TRIP EVER!!!
kisses
xoThe Beckerman Girls

www.BeckermanBlog.com

Alexandra said...

Great pictures!! Looks interesting.

Would be super nice, if you visit me too!
xx

Alexandra said...

Great pictures!! Looks interesting.

Would be super nice, if you visit me too!
xx

Unknown said...

I've always been so curious on what Korea would be like to visit...and you've summed it up perfectly = best food and best coats!

Seoul Tour said...

hope your trip was amazing..All the photos are awesome.

Julie said...

Your trip is motivating me to re-do my last visit to Seoul in 1996. (involved a gang of my aunts feeding me Patbingsu at Lotte World Mall on a daily basis).

Anonymous said...

i wish i could like this post!!!!

clarice said...

love the view...it is really a great place... also ...interesting food!:P

Eunice Yooni Kim said...

Oh wow that post made me super nostalgic for the last time I spent New Year's in Korea. I didn't even have any ddukgook this year. Woe is me.

Rebecca said...

love this pics and maynnnn the food looks tasty!

http://www.yess-please.blogspot.co.uk

Anonymous said...

That rip jeans really is lovely! It suits your body perfectly and I also love the shirt ;)

james said...

I love your layout. Beautiful blog, keep up the awesomeness!
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james said...

I love your layout. Beautiful blog, keep up the awesomeness!
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