So about two weeks ago I wrote about a photo-shoot at Changgyeonggung Palace, where two other prominent expat bloggers and I had a photo taken for the cover of Seoul Magazine. (You can read about how that photo-shoot led me to do my own sel-ca here.) Well, it’s out. I got my hands on a copy and finally found some time to write about it.
You can take a sneak preview of the issue here:
[xyz-ihs snippet=”SeoulMagazineAugust”]
The cover photo is a bit goofy, but I don’t really mind it. My only regret is that I should have submitted my own photos for my page in the cover story. I just couldn’t find time to sort through my archive and send them on time. Ahh well, what can ya do about that?
Anyway, it’s my first magazine cover and I’m honored. Thanks again to Stephanie McDonald and Robert Koehler for putting the story together and featuring us on the cover. You guys are awesome!
The cover story is Blogger Favorites, and here is an unedited version of my story. I’ll try to supplement photos or write separate posts on the venues that I recommended. Please do keep in mind that my answers might be highly subjective.
– What are two places in Seoul that you think people should visit and why?
Get out of downtown Seoul – Itaewon, Ganganam, or Hongdae. I think Bukhan-san(북한산) and Inwang-san(인왕산) are nice places to visit if you’re interested in hiking. Korean mountains aren’t as grandiose as the Rockies but they’re more friendly and inviting. Even if you don’t like mountains, it’s worth a visit at least once, especially in spring and fall. You will get a great view of Seoul from atop and it’s beautiful: There will be flowers and leaves will change colors and so on.
There is an art book cafe/wine bar called Taschen in Daehakro(대학로). It’s a neat place actually run by the German art book publisher Taschen. You can relax, have a cup of coffee and browse through art books there. I like Daehakro area a lot. It’s more cozy and historical. You can take a nice walk to Naksan Park(낙산공원) on the small hilltop.
– Can you provide two places that you think are good to eat at and why? Can you also recommend some dishes to try at your recommended restaurants?
I think Paris-Hanoi (빠리하노이) in Daehakro is the best pho place in Seoul. I’ve been a regular customer for almost 10 years.There is also a Korean BBQ place called Jungeegane(정이가네) right across the street.
They offer marinated pork and beef BBQ, grilled over charcoal fire, at a reasonable price. However, you have to keep in mind that a lot of these places don’t have English menus or English-speaking employees.
There is a traditional food district between Dongdaemun station and Gwangjang market. It’s well known for grilled fish, Jeon(전) and Dakhanmari(닭한마리). It’s within the Dongdaemun market in the back alleys. Older generations of Koreans used to treat themselves with soju and Dakhanmari. It’s an ordinary people’s place. My favorite place is Jinwonjo Dakhanmari (진원조 닭한마리).
– Can you provide two places to drink at and why? And what drinks people should try at each venue?
Wolhyang (월향) has branches in Hongdae, Itaewon and Daehakro. It’s a Makegeolli (막걸리) parlor with tasty side dishes. It’s bit pricey, but serves many different kinds of Makegeolli. It’s a great gathering place as well. If you like Maggoli but would rather stay away from the crowd, try Gazette Suljib (가제트술집) in Hapjeong. It’s small, maybe 5-6 tables, but great for Makegeolli sampling.