Travelogue #3 Seoul, Korea Winter 2014 Palace Heritage & Must Visit

(source: http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/) 

1. Deoksugung Palace
Location : 99, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

2. Gyeonghuigung Palace
Location : 55, Saemunan-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

3. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Location: 161. Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 110-820, Republic of Korea

Nearest train station: Gyeongbokgung train station line 3, exit 5

4. Changdeokgung Palace
Location : 99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

5. Changgyeonggung Palace
Location : 185, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

6. Unhyeongung Royal Residences

Location : 464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Tips #1 

Decided to go for Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace because Gyeongbokgung Palace is the most upkeep and grandest of all while Changdeokgung Palace Secret garden is a must visit according to those who went before.

Tips #2

Not joining the tour for Gyeongbokgung Palace because it takes 1 hour long and Changdeokgung Palace - Secret Garden tour guide is a must for entrance which consume 90mins of my valuable time. 

Tips #3

Make it a first trip in the morning so that you are still full or energy to walk. 

Tips #4

If you are a heritage lover and have time to visit all 5 palaces then get the book combination ticket at a lower price. Can be purchase at any of the palace.

With the purchase of a book of Combination Tickets (adults 10,000won, Youth 5,000won), one admission for each of the five different palaces is available within one month. (Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung - the Secret Garden included, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung and Jongmyo Shrine).

Tips #5

Book online for Secret Gardens as it cater for 100visitor per tour only.

Information:

Gyeongbokgung Palace

Admission Fee: 

Age 19~: 3,000 won / 2.400 won ( group, 10 or more ) 

Age 7-18: 1,500 won / 1,200 won ( group, 10 or more ) 

* Free: Children(ages 6 and under),Permanent Residency(F-5) Status Holder(Age 65 and Older) * 

Opening hours:

09:00~18:00(Final admission at 17:00) 

June through August 09:00~18:30(Final admission at 17:30) 

November through February 09:00~17:00(Final admission at 16:00) 

Closed on Tuesdays

Tour in foreign languages 

English : 11:00, 13:30, 15:30 

Japanese : 10:00, 12:30, 14:30 

Chinese : 10:30, 13:00, 15:00 

Tour starts in front of Gyeongbokgung Information Center inside the Heungnyemun Gate. Tour lasts for an hour to an hour and thirty minutes

Changdeokgung Palace

Admission Fee:
Regular Tour (Changdeokgung Palace)-Adults 3,000 won/Children 1,500 won
Huwon Tour (Secret Garden area)-Adults 5,000 won/Children 2,500 won

Opening hours:

General Palace

09:00~18:00 (Final admission at 17:00) 

June through August 09:00~18:30 (Final admission at 17:30) 

November through February 09:00~17:30 (Final admission at 16:00) 

Secret Garden - all operating time closed 1 hour earlier 

Closed on Mondays

※Visitors to the Secret Garden are required to join a guided tour.
※There are only 100 tickets available for each tour. 50 Internet booking in advance and the remaining 50 are sold at a ticket office on the day.
※The tour time and course are subject to change due to the weather conditions

Interpretation Services-Changdeokgung Palace:
Korean: 09:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30, 17:30

English: Mar - Oct 11:30 13:30 15:30 Nov - Feb 11:30 13:30

Japanese: 12:30/Chinese: 16:00

Duration: 90mins

Unhyeongung Royal Residences

Hours & Admission

Apr - Oct 09:00 - 19:30 (Last admission 18:30)

Nov - Mar 09:00 -18:00 (Last admission 17:30)

Close on Mon

Admission ticket

Free

Tradition custome

10:00 - 17:00

3,300 won for 10mins

How to get there

Line 3 (Anguk) Gate #4

Line 5 (Jongno 3ga) Gate #5

Source: 

http://everyday-im-travelling.blogspot.com/2014/01/korea-seoul-gyeongbokgung-palace.html

http://kampungboycitygal.com/2013/02/seoul-itinerary-day-4-changdeokgung-palace-huwon-tour/

http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264348

Love,
HotMama

Christmas Decoration Malls in KL / Klang Valley Comparison

Jingle bell Jingle bell ~ ~
Santa is Coming to Town ~ ~
Get ready for fun ~ ~

Every year, I will do mall hopping to look at all the Christmas deco ever since I reside in KL. Used to visit Singapore everyday since hometown is near but it seems a little too far for now. 

Thus, let me compile a few mall Christmas decoration (credit to all the blogger below) before you head down to town!! My favourite will be listed below from the less to most (last one is officially my FAV for the year!)


Mid Valley

Fairy Tail Christmas theme. Very much fairy tale and warmth feeling. The favourite part is the santa photography time. 

When I was there, it was so crowded that I could barely move around. The space is so small and que for the santa photo shooting is too long. 

Tips: Go to Body Shop kiosk. The deco is superb and the Christmas tree in front of it is so nice for photo taking.


Source: Google

 

Sunway Pyramid

Hoopful Christmas theme. It looks more like a circus theme to me thou. Sunway got old wing and new wing. I personally prefer new wing. 


Source from ohfishlee

Pavillion

Pavilion this year have Sesame Street themed Christmas! Lots of performance on stage and the entrance is so so GRAND. Full of red and shimmering Christmas tree awaiting :)


Credit to Tianchad

Love,
Hot MaMa

Discover Scuba Diving! PJ KL City Folks

Discover Scuba Diving!

Well, try everything at least once in your life, huh?

Lucky me that one of my colleague is a Pro - instructor. A stylo-pretty-cun lady who have much passion in scuba diving. She gave us a free introduction class (yeah, free!) to let us experience how it feels to breath under the water.

Let it begin..

There's a few things to get ready prior to the DSD session. 

1. Necessary paperwork to be filled in
2. A briefing video to be watch - learning the dive equipment, sign language (you can talk underwater ya :) 
3. Have fun!

BRING IT ON!

We headed to PADI DSD at PJ, Jalan Gasing for our first session. Instructor began to introduce the equipment, safety rules and explanation on sign language will be used once we are under water.

First rule! NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH!

Golden rule! NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH!

Important rule! NEVER HOLD YOUR BREATH!

It is so so important that you death and life fall on this rule. ok? 

In total there are 9 hand sign , 8 basic equipments and 1 rule to remember. We equip ourself with swim wear ( or muslimah wear) with t-shirt and shorts outside.

My experience 

Picture says more than words.. Just scroll down and you make your judge!

This is my style instructor! Cool right? Tell me about it.. *drool*

Learning how to breath and let the water out when it accidentally slip in.. I drank A LOT OF WATER in this session..

This is me after finally conquer the skill of breathing and clearing the water.. A victory pose :P

It is us! We enjoy so much! Time to swim after all the skills acquired.. Mermaid on the way.. Excuse me!

Well.. I look less mermaid than my instructor..

Photo bomb!!!

We really have so much fun for the day. Would want to share some useful information with you.

Useful info:

• Take you course early of the year as the monsoon season allow DSD at certain island only (thus restricted your dive travelling date choices)
• Stick with a instructor that you like because you gonna stick with her till you are and Advance or Master Diver (you can't dive alone) plus you have to see her for the whole Open Water Dive for at least a month!
• PADI have a few place that you can go the the DSD
• PADI website http://www.padi.com/scuba-diving/padi-courses/course-catalog/try-scuba-diving/
• Go for certificate as you do not want to risk your life
• My instructor name is Audrey, based at Jalan Gasing PJ

Love,

Hot Mama

Christmas Celebration Dinner Idea - Family & Baby Friendly Menu Set

Merry Merry Christmas!! 

It's mid week but folks staying in KL or Klang Valley are spoilt by various Restaurant that offer wide range of menu!

Let me share with you a few short listed restaurant that I would love to patron:

• Reasonable priced
• Kids & baby friendly
• Good food

1. Antipodean

Photo source: MakChic

My review: 

Antipodean is located at Bangsar which can be easily located at Telawi. The food is good and environment is comfortable. The reason of me coming back here for twice is mainly because of the food and the kids play area. 

Weekend is rather packed (like almost for whole day starting from 10am till late lunch). The only thing that would hinder you from coming is the parking! Finding a parking in Telawi is a nightmare so if you can, get hubby to drop you at the shop and park at BV.


Price Range: ~ RM30/pax
Kids Meals: -
Website: www.antipodeancoffee.com/v2/
Address: No. 20, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: 03-2282 0411


2. Good Friends

Photo source: MakChic

My review: 

It is Fusion Shop! A lot of friend visit and gave good comment. However, my experience was not that pleasant because that day was too packed! Plus, food is not up to my expectation. The only plus point is that it is near my house.


Price Range: RM10 – RM30
Kids Meals: Available by request
Address: Good Friends Cafe, 15&17,  Jalan SS15/8A, 47500 Petaling Jaya
Phone Number: 03-5613 1415
Facebook: www.facebook.com/goodfriendsrestaurantandcafe

3. Fit for 2

Photo source: MakChic


My review: 

I am an typical Asian mum who appreciate very much on freebie! LOL 

Baby muffin and baby cino was given to me for free! Even thou the food is nothing to shout about, limited range but the environment is just nice for mummies to catch up.


Price Range: RM4 – RM 20
Kids Meals: Available
Website: www.fitfor2.com.my/new/Address: Fit For 2, Lot 3F-1B, Third Floor, Bangsar Village II, 2 Jalan Telawi 1, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: 03 – 2287 5001

4. Marmalade

Photo source: MakChic


My review: 

Love marmalade! Loving it! Food is good, toys are clean, spacious dinner area, and it is BV! Meaning shopping comes together after the food. I always come and leave my kids with my hubby here while I do a quick shopping on my own. 

Mummy need some ME-time, right?


Price Range: RM5 – RM 30
Kids Meals: Available
Website: www.ilovemarmalade.comAddress: Marmalade, 1F-18, 1st floor, Bangsar Village II, No. 1, Jalan Telawi 2, Bangsar Baru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Phone Number: 03-2282 8301

5. Wondermilk Cafe

Photo source: MakChic


My review: 

Wondermilk have got the cutest play area. Cozy and clean. Conveniently located inside the mall (my favourite plus point - a non crowded mall) enable you and your friend to gather quickly without much effort of worrying finding parking.

This shop is not very crowded so if you are coming with a big bunch of friends, this is where you should meet.


Price Range: RM10 – RM20
Kids Meals: Available
Website: www.ilovewondermilk.comAddress: 41 Jalan SS 21/1A Damansara Utama, 47400 Petaling Jaya; Lot G-48 Citta Mall, Jalan PJU 1A/48, Ara Damansara, 47301 Petaling Jaya
Phone Number: 03-7725 8930


Hope you find this useful. Have a good holiday :)

Love,
Hot MaMa

Happy Winter Solstice @ Dong Zhi Festival!

People says this Dong Zhi festival is more important than any other festival... Hmmm....

Well it's probably another reason for the loved ones to get-together?

Anyway, have a fabulous time enjoying the tang yuen with your loved ones tonight!

Happy Dong Zhi Festival everyonee~!

~Lots of love from~

miss2mrschic

Travelogue #2 Everland - How to get there!

Obtained these information from Overland website. When I googled map it says, 2 hours approximate to reach Everland if take bus 5002 and M5107 from Seoul. However, the information provided by Everland is only 40-50mins. 

Update you once I am there!

_________________________________________________________

**Information sourced from Everland

Public Transportation

Metropoilitan Subway

• Transfer to Yongin Ever Line at Giheung Station on Bundang Line!
• - It takes 30 minutes from Giheung Station to Jeondae Everland Station (last stop) on Yongin Ever Line. 
• - You can take the shuttle bus (free of charge) from Yongin Ever Line and go to Everland or Caribbean Bay. 
• - Ever Line operation hours 05:30~23:30 

☞ In this page:
- Yongin Ever Line is not shown.
- Estimated time and fee can be calculated.

Bus from Seoul

• Regular bus

• Shuttle Bus 1
• - Time: Approx. 40~50 minutes
• - Bus fare: 12,000 won (round trip)
• - Call center: 82-32-322-7001 / 82-31-919-1244  * Prior booking required *
• - Site link: http://www.daesungtour.co.kr/sub3.php

Route	Departure	Time	Bus Stop
Seoul->Everland	Hotel Seokyo (Hongik Univ.)	09:00 10:00	The front gate (Exit No.9)
	Shinchon	09:10 10:10	Exit No.5
	Seoul City Hall	09:30 10:30	Exit No.5
	Dongdaemun History & Culture Park	09:50 10:50	Exit No.11
	Jongno 3 ga	09:40	Exit No.12
Everland->Seoul	Everland	18:00 21:00	Parking lot No.5 (Platform No.7~8)

• Shuttle Bus 2
• - Time: Approx. 40~50 minutes
• - Bus fare: 12,000 won (round trip) * Prior booking required *
• - Call center: 82-10-4718-7440 / 82-2-778-6212
• - Site link: http://7331078.wix.com/everlandshuttlebus

Route	Departure	Time	Bus Stop
Seoul->Everland	Myeong-Dong Shinsegae Dept. store	09:30	Shinsegae department store bus stop (No. 143)
	Myeong-Dong Tourist Information Center	10:00	KEB Bank AirBus shuttle stop
	Itaewon	10:20	Exit No.4
	Sinsa	10:30	Exit No.5
	Sinnonhyeon	10:35	Exit No.6
	Gangnam	10:40	Exit No.6
Everland->Seoul	Everland	18:30	Group bus turning place

Travelogue #1 Seoul Korea Winter 2015 Ski Tips and Review Compilation List

SKI REVIEW 

My comprehensive list of top 5 nearest to Seoul Ski choice. Review in terms of price, how to get there (duration) and compilation of blogger experiences. These compilation is to suit my need where; no stay over required and cater of 2 pax.

Source from KTO

BearTown

Per Pax price information
Price Lift : 52,000 won
Price Class : 50,000 won (1:5) / 70,000 won (personal coach with Shoun as linked below)
Price Ski Rental : 30,000 won
Price Sled : 22,000 won
Location : 2 hours from Insa-Dong

Operating Hours

Daytime 09:00-16:30  Morning 09:00-13:00  Afternoon 12:30-16:30  Evening 18:30-24:00 (except on Fridays, Saturdays and national holidays / the time is subject to change for snow maintenance.)  Midnight 20:00-24:00 (except on Fridays, Saturdays and national holidays / the time is subject to change for snow maintenance.)  Daybreak 24:00-04:00 (except on Fridays, Saturdays and national holidays) Open from : 4 Dec 2014 Directions From Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, Exit 4)  - From exit 4, cross the street and walk to the right. Cross the street again to find the bus stop.  - Take Bus 11 (강변역A) and get off at Bears Town (베어스타운) Bus Stop (approx. 1hr 38min). - First bus 6:05 / Last bus: 00:20 / Interval: 15-20min

Review here and Source here
Korean Good Looking Coach ~ here




Source: KTO

Jisan Forest

Per Pax price information

Price Lift : 35,000 -65,000won (various according to timing)

Price Class : 35,000 -65,000won 

Price Ski Rental : 20,000 won

Price Sled : not stated

Location : 2.5 hours from Insa-Dong

Operating Hours

Full-day 09:00 ~ 17:00 Morning 10:00 ~ 15:30 Afternoon 12:30 ~ 17:00 Click here for more info. Directions- The bus runs every 20 minutes from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. Take this bus and get off at Icheon coach bus terminal. Then take Bus No. 12 from Icheon and get off at Jisan Resort.(40 min ) - Take City Coach Bus No.9800 at Gangnam Station(exit No.7) or Yangjae Station(Yangjae bus station). (bus- 9:00~13:00 every hour/ 15:00/16:00/17:30/19:00/20:00)

Review here and here and here

Daily tour here and here which cost 145,000 ~ 150,000won (all in)

Source : KTO

Konjiam Resort

Per Pax price information

Price Lift : Not Found

Price Class :  Not Found

Price Ski Rental : Not Found

Price Sled : Not Found

Location : 2.5 hours from Insa-Dong

Operating Hours

Mon - Fri 9am Sat - Sun 7am Closing 4am everyday ** As at 16/12/2014 there is no announcement from the FB page that the slope is open :( and so no rate available Click here for more info. Tips This ski place have 2 unique things to offer 1. It has a Me-Time that works like a clock in ticket. You pay according to the time spend in the ski resort! Well, it does not really benefit me since I am a tourist that travel a mile there just for ski purposes. Weekdays: One-time - 10,000won 2hrs - 34,000won 3hrs - 42,000won 4hrs - 48,000won 6hrs - 62,000won 8hrs - 70,000won Weekend: One-time - 10,000won 2hrs - 40,000won 3hrs - 49,000won 4hrs - 56,000won 6hrs - 72,000won 8hrs - 80,000won 2. It can accommodate 7,000 people once (good and bad - I don't like crowd) DirectionsFrom Exit #1 at Gangbyeon Station (Subway Line 2) take Bus No.1113-1, and get off at Gonjiam Terminal. (곤지암터미널) ** OR From Exit #6 at Jamsil Station take Bus No. 500-1, OR From Exit #7 of Gangnam Station, take Bus No. 500-2. ** Get off at Gonjiam Terminal and take a taxi to Konjiam Resort (10~15 mins, about 8,000 to 10,000 won) Free shuttle bus also available there! * Shuttle bus schedule: 09:30-20:30, 1 hour intervals (no bus at 12:30 & 18:30)

Review here

Daily tour #notfound

Source: Travel CNN


Source: Travel CNN

Yangji Pine

Per Pax price information

Price Lift : 50,000 - 75,000won

Price Class :  70,000won (2 hrs)

Price Ski Rental : 30,000 - 39,000won

Price Sled : 32,000 - 47,000won

Admission Price: 387,000 - 495,000won

Location : 2.5 hours from Insa-Dong

Operating Hours

Morning 09:00-13:00 Afternoon 13:00-17:00 Evening Zone 1 18:20-23:20 Evening Zone 2 18:50-23:20 Night 22:00-03:00 All-night 24:00-05:00 Full-day 09:00-17:00 Daybreak Zone 1 18:20-03:00 Daybreak Zone 2 18:50-03:00 Night to Dawn 22:00-05:00 Afternoon to Night 13:00-23:20 Afternoon to Dawn 18:30-05:00 ※ Times are subject to change. ※ 1 Zone slopes: Yellow, Orange, Green, Blue ※ 2 Zone slopes: Avec, Challenge, Challenge Plus Directions From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus bound for Yongin via Yangji. Get off at Yangji Terminal, and take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Yangji Pine Resort. OR From Yongin Intercity Bus Terminal, take a shuttle bus or a taxi to Yangji Pine Resort.

Review 

Daily tour here which cost 75,000 - 95,000 won (30mins lesson only)

Source: KTO

My verdict:

Bears Town is good if you want to have a plain experience of ski. It is near, decent and reasonable price.

Jisan is a little bit further, priced almost like Bears Town. Nothing much to brag about.

Yanji Pine is something that you would want to go for - better quality ski experience due to the slope and space they offer. More price, further but still acceptable distance. If you intend to spend more time on ski - go for this. Better still, spend a night there for night ski too!

Will be updating my experience soon :)