5th Annual KAFLA Charity Walkathon

2015 KTO Adventure on May 17

What we are doing: 

Walking, walking, and walking (and some other fun stuff) all for a good cause: to help Nepal in this time of need.

We are also seeing cool cultural things like this gayageum performance. 

Where we are going:

Start/Finish line- Gwanghwamun Civil Park

How to get there:

1) Get your cute lil self to the subway.

2) Work your magic or subway app to transfer to the orange line (line 3).

3) You have to station options: Anguk or Gyeongbokgung and walk out exit 6 (yes, from both stations)

4) Head toward the front of Gyungbok Palace and the park is across the street.

5) If you get lost, ask a police officer (there are plenty in this area)

6) You can also walk from Gwanghwamun Station (purple line 5) exit 2.

What to see:

Gyungbok Palace: this is a must see if you're visiting Seoul. Once a year they open up the palace at night. I want to go soon!

Samcheongdong: this area of Seoul boasts quite an impressive hanook village (traditional Korean style houses). It also has many cafes and shops with super cute clothing and jewelry. 

Click here to see more pictures from the area.

What we are wearing:

Anything ending in -thon requires your trusty broken in tennies. Don't wear those brand new runners, you never know how they will rub your feet when you're covering this kind of ground. 

What we are bringing:

Since this was a walkathon I didn't want to carry much. Thankfully, card wallets attached to a lanyard is a popular thing in Korea. On the other hand what I brought home was so many prizes! Thanks to all the donors!

Our wonderful sponsor, the KTO donated chopstick and spoon sets. 

What we are eating:

This area is known for its cute and unique cafes. It also has a pretty good selection of restaurants. My sister and I had a hankering for one of Seoulites' favorites: Café Mamas. 

I would recommend it for anyone in the mood for good sandwiches and salads. 

What we are going to remember for next time: 

Sunscreen, sunscreen and sunglasses!

DOs and DON'Ts 

DO take pictures!

DON'T be loud or disrespectful. This is a residential neighborhood. 

DO drink plenty of water.

DON'T litter. Yes, I know bins are difficult to come by but bear the burden to keep the city clean. 

DO eat yammy food! (Always!)

Amanda's thoughts:

The day was great! One of the most fun times I've had in awhile. Personally I love walking and even more exploring. With the exception of my pretty little sunburn the day was perfect including my sun induced nap after the event. 

It also reminded me of all the places I want to return to and spend more time at. This area is great for dates (even friend dates, if your single like me).

Thanks to KAFLA, I had a great time with other Seoul residents. There was adventure, entertainment, prizes and all for a great cause! Remember to keep Nepal in your prayers!

Door to Samcheongdong

Come with me to Samcheongdong: Story in pictures.

Historia de Amor

2015 KTO Adventure on May 12

What we are doing: Watching a theatrical performance at the 14th Uijeonbu Music Theatre Festival called Historia de Amor. 

Where we are going: Uijeonbu Arts Center... This is how you are going to get there. 

1) Hop on the subway nearest you (for us we rode line 7 all the way up north)

2) Get off the subway at Dobongsan (line 7 and 1).

3) Walk out exit 1, turn left and walk up the stairs through the tunnel until you go up the stairs to the main road. (You'll see the mountain, which one? I'm not sure but you will also see a gas/petrol station across the street. Cross the street to the middle bus way (go to the left bus stop)

4) Wait for the 133 bus... When it comes get on! Don't forget to use your T-Money card (public transportation discounts and transfer benefits)

5) You'll be on this bus for awhile so get a seat if possible but be respectful and give up your seat for the elderly, pregnant, and disabled. You'll pass Hoeryong Station, a McDonald's, VIPs 

6) When you see an abandoned restaurant with a giant crab on it get off or if you're not quick enough you can get off at the next stop. The arts center is visible from both stops. 

7) Walk... You've arrived! Congratulations~

Getting home... Follow directions in reverse except lucky you, the bus stop is immediately in front of the arts center. 

What we are wearing:

I figured I'm watching a story about amor I should be sporting red lips. The lace top is smart for summer but I'm glad I wore my leather jacket over it when the cold rain came. 

What we are bringing:

Don't forget to bring your lip color for touch ups. Bring some cash (always a good idea) and what you normally take with you when you venture outside. 

Had I known the food situation I would have packed a snack, granola bar or kimbap (mmmm kimbap!) I also brought my yellow umbrella (not pictured).

What we are eating: Honestly the area is very limited when it comes to food choices. Come prepared or eat before/after. We decided to stop at our beloved 김밥나라 (review coming soon) on our way home for some monster 소고기김밥 (beef kimbap).

What we are going to remember for next time: 

1) English subtitles may not be provided so come with an open mind and your best interpretive skills.

2) Food! Like mentioned above, don't expect to have many options. There is a buffet and a small cafe on location and a GS down the street. 

3) Check the weather forecast!!! Don't be caught using the restroom hand-dryers to dry off your soaked shoes. 

DOs and DON'Ts

Do use public transport (there is ample parking, however)

Don't let buses scare you (there's even an app!)

Do go with friends (events like this are meant to be shared and discussed) or a twin sister ^_^

Don't use your phone during the performance (this includes taking photos and videos)

Do play on the spiral piano stair case!

Amanda's thoughts: So, what did I think about the actual performance? 

First of all, it was in Spanish with Korean subtitles. I took Spanish in highschool and I'm continuously studying Korean; however, most details were lost on me. And to be honest I completely disliked the plot: a man who is obsessed with a woman named Sophia so he repeatedly rapes her and controls her with fear. Perhaps the performance had a message about this kind of abuse but again I could not understand it if it was deep in the dialogue (which was heavy on the male lead's monologues). Personally, I do not like sexually explicit anything. I would have preferred to see one of the Korean acts. That being said, the creative way it was done was interesting: only two actors behind a screen onto which was projected an entirely animated storyboard. With the help of ingenious lighting the "real" actors fit into the drawn backgrounds. 

There are always amazing experiences and not so enthralling ones when you venture out of your norm. Don't let the possibility of disappointment ever stop you from trying something. 

KLive Hologram Concert

April 27, my twin sister brought me along to a Kpop hologram concert. I've heard about this new technology and had at first written it off. Why would you want to see a concert without live performances? To my surprise there were live dance performances and the hologram technology was beyond all my expectations. For brief moments I forgot TOP wasn't actually standing in front of me. 

Before the concert we hung out with life size cardboard cutouts of Big Bang, checked out merchandise and experienced the many interactive stations Klive offered. There was even a small art gallery. 

I've seen the new TOP campaign playing on the subway tvs lately. If only I was their marketing agent, I'd have a campaign called "From The TOP down" (could make for some fun photo shoots, think about it ^_~)

The venue was in Dongdaemoon which is quite beautiful at night from the balcony. Check out the finally completed- newly opened History and Culture Center.

Wow, pretty light~~~ we were welcomed to the concert with a DJ mixing the music of the three performers. As we walked in we took a selfie that was later used to give away prizes. Psy decided I deserved a special gift. All in all, a pretty fun night.