Read my 1st post on series - “20 Must Dos On Your First Trip To Seoul” here.
Seoul Must-Do #5: Visit Ehwa Women’s University!
When I was doing my research on Seoul, I came across many recommendations from various travelers to visit Ehwa Women’s University, simply because the campus is beautiful with shopping in its vicinity as well. I thought to myself that it is probably over-rated but I will still go because it is my first visit to Seoul anyway. When I reached Ehwa Women’s University, I was still won over by its architecture, landscaping and the general vastness and peacefulness of the whole place. We were there on a school-less Sunday, and the whole campus was full of people taking photographs and just hanging around in groups of twos and threes.
I was told that this is the first Women-Only University in Korea, thus warranting the attention it’s been getting over the years. I am sure the beauty of the campus is also one major reason why tourists flock to this University everyday. I felt so relaxed strolling in the campus, sitting down to take in the sights and then finally settling down at the cafe to have a hand-dripped coffee. I would love to study in a campus like this!
On the way from the subway to Ehwa Women’s University, make sure you try the street snacks from many stalls set up a long the way. This interesting egg bread was piping hot and smelled really good when we passed by one of the stalls. It’s actually fried egg on top of a soft cake-like bread, served in a paper cup. Comfort food!
The sausage & bacon-wrapped topokki was awesomely yummy – Savory and chewy goodness all in one skewer!
And this is my favorite combination of all – Sweet chili fried chicken, potatoes and topokki! So very appetizing – I love it!!
There are also abundant shopping on both sides of the road leading to Ehwa Women’s University, so you can easily spend half a day here!
Seoul Must-Do #6: Fry Your Own Chicken Galbi!
Singapore has many Korean shops offering us the chicken galbi experience as well, but somehow it tastes way better in Seoul! The meat is more tender and the sauces are lovely. We tried ours at Yoogane (yes, we have that in Singapore too!) and everything was so delicious, accompanied by fruity soju! =D
In our galbi, we had chicken, octopus, topokki, lots of veggies and ramen! So yummy.
Seoul Must-Do #7: Check out the Guard Changing Ceremony at Gyeongbokgung Palace!
This is yet another tourist must-do for all first-timers to Seoul. Even if you are not a fan of palaces (like me), you would also be in awe of its magnificence and the detailed workmanship on the traditional buildings. There are costume-trying activities offered free-of-charge on first-come-first-serve basis as well, so you can try pretending to be one of the palace guards (Take note that the costume trying is available every hour except 12pm – 2pm).
The guard-changing ceremony happens hourly, so make sure you are there to snap your videos and pictures. It is not spectacular, but always interesting to see how the guards change positions and the solemn expressions on their faces. I was told that I can pose and take a proper photo with the guards but no selfies are allowed. Maybe because selfies make the guards look less dignified?
There were many people (Koreans & tourists alike) all dressed up in traditional Korean hanboks and wandering around the palace grounds for photoshoots. This is also part of the experience you can go for when in Seoul. Costumes are available for rental at many places in Seoul, complete with hairdo and makeup services as well. However, if you only want to take a photograph in the costume, you can consider visiting the Myeongdong Tourist Centre for free costume trying services. In my opinion, there is really no need to waste your money on rentals.
Stay tuned for more recommendations in my next post in this series. :)
