GAEPAN REOPENED! I HAVE VISITED IT DURING MY 2019 SUMMER TRIP! WILL BE SHARING MORE AND RE-LINK HERE!!!

[!!!!] Gaepan have officially closed on 29 November 2016. It’s been a great 7 years for Minwoo’s family. Lots of memories created too. For me, I bring most of my favourite people there to have a meal as well. It’s been a total of 23 trips and many of them makes me a happy person because the food is just so yummy just so tasty. I missed the egg roll alot because I don’t think I can or able to find one that taste this good. Thank you Gaepan  

[Last Travelled in March/April 2016]

I have been wanting to blog about this “a-must-visit-restaurant-every-korea-trip” since my first visit in 2013. But, I thought, I must leave the best to the last. And, I really want many people to try their SUPER DUPER YUMMY Cheese Egg Roll and Chicken Stew, and yes even their Lunch Box is nicer than any other restaurants I visited!

(Note, if you have bought “Oppa! Take me to Korea!” travel book, I have guest-feature in the book on Gaepan too! I’m also 1 of the creative designers behind this awesome travel book too!)

Every Korea trip since then, is a must visit to Gaepan! I checked my swarm for the address and realise, I actually check-in for 19 times! Hence, you can imagine how many foods I have tried here before listed my favourite dish here! :p

DIRECTION TO GAEPAN 개판

(Sorry for the low and bad lighting for direction)

Gaepan 개판

Address:서울 강남구 신사동 647-4 1층
Contact: 02-515-8381
Operation Hours: 7pm – till last guest leave
Subway: Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 5

*This restaurant belongs to SHINHWA’s Minwoo’s sister. She is often in the restaurant, and if you are lucky, you might meet celebrities there too. There’s once when I was there, I saw BEAST’s Yong Jun Hyung! Pretty much of lucks and love! <3<3<3

Hashtag #thankyouhellosihui if you visited this restaurant via my guide

I remembered watching this Sea Train ride from a taiwanese travel show on tv and I was quite excited to share this with my travel companions of the upcoming trip. And apparently, Carol knew about it too, maybe we watched the same show or so. So, we find that this Sea Train was pretty interesting as the seated are all facing 1 side where you get to see the pretty scenery. So, yeah, we managed to go during our #3doryinkr Wow, its been 2years coming 3 years ago! Its been a wonderful 2013.

#here’s our bus ticket from Express Bus Terminal. Please check the timing schedule.
Because in order to catch the train at Samcheok Station at 12noon, we had to catch the 7:10am bus!


#take note of your bus number because there’s rest stop and there will be many many buses there!

#our reserved tickets for seatrain!

#apparently, we were the maknaes during the train ride!

#짬뽕순두부 Handmade tofu in spicy broth! Its so awesome!!!


Our Daytrip to Gangwon/Samcheok-si
Your accommodation > Express Bus Terminal Station
Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal > Samcheok Station
Seatrain from Samcheok Station – Gangneung Station
We had our lunch at 동화가든 (Fairytale garden)
Took a cab back to Gangneung Bus Terminal
And take a express bus back to Seoul Express Bus Terminal

*Operation hours had changed from the time I took. Please double check with the bus terminal schedule while planning

Price
Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Samcheok Station: 17,400won
Seatrain: 15,000won
Gangneung Bus Terminal to Seoul Express Bus Terminal: 21,500won

Lunch @ 동화가든 (Fairytale garden)
Address: 309-1 Chodang-dong, Gangneung-si, Kangwon, South Korea

[!!! •  Updated on 20 February 2016] Cube Entertainment have shifted to Seongsu, Cube cafe is currently located at the level 1 of their new office building. Note that, the cafe now is currently renovating!

Every trip I will pay a visit to Cube Cafe, first their drinks are pretty not bad, and its a great place for a rest before heading to my favourite restaurant – Gaepan (which I will shortly share this place). And, of cos, it will be even awesome to see BEAST here too. If not, having a drink will be equally good and awesome

#a large poster of the current artist promoting – at that point of time is Hyunseung from BEAST

#cube is in pretty mint and pink. I quite like the colors!

#more spacious and more seats as compare

#new showcase area of their official merchandise and concert merchandise. you can get them here too!

After ordering our drinks, we started to tour around the new revamp cafe and one of the best thing ever, there’s WIFI here too! Pretty good wifi teeheehee… my cousin downloaded a bit of dramas here too hehe!

So, we headed over to the “Showroom Area”

#a common practice for the fans to do Rice Support for their idols. They will support their idol via doing donations for the needy – such a great practice that I think it shld widely spread around the world. In short, you doing a good deed! And during my May trip, its was 4Minutes – Gayoon’s birthday + BEAST’s Hyunseung solo comeback!

#Showcase of CUBE artists’ album and their signature cup PLUS cube cafe cup sleeves!

#cup sleeveless through the days of their artists’ comeback or fan supports during their birthdays *Very thoughtful!*

#hyunseung solo album introduction wall decal

#BEAST albums

Outdoor POP ART decals

#during my december trip, Junhyung Birthday banner was up!

The FOOD in the cube! 

#my cousin and I picked something that is CUBE’s specialities plus something that will be great for summer! The drink from cube now is much bigger, no they doesnt have Black Tea Latte anymore T.T Cheesecake frappe is pretty interesting and tasty, my cousin loves it alot – It does cost more now as well, but my cousin think is worth because the cup is so much bigger haha

I supposed to blog about the cube cafe when I first visited it in 2013, but I didn’t have the chance? or maybe I was too busy? Maybe I wanted and always love to keep the best last? That why Cube Cafe posting have always been delay. But, since I have already prepared to blog about the cube cafe back then, I thought will be interesting to share here to give everyone a recap how the old cube cafe look like. My cousins love the new cube cafe because its more lively and cheerful. Something very different. I love the new cube cafe color too. mint x pink is nothing but awesome. But, the old cube cafe looks very much like “CUBE” more. But, they removed the handprints from the old cube cafe. And, I missed out Dongwoon’s thought I will be able to take the picture the recent May trip but T.T its all gone!

– Old look of Cube Cafe

#during August 2013.

#during december 2014

#during january 2015 (I got to see Junhyung birthday support + Yoseob birthday support)

#March 2015, during Gikwang birthday!

#and yeah to Gikwang birthday sleeve!

#old cube cafe, where its no longer looking like this

#cube cafe interior.

#cube cafe’s toast, where they no longer sell it now.

#cube cafe’s brownie with ice cream – they no longer sell it now.

#brownie was a great birthday dessert for the birthday girls! that day was shumin’s birthday!

#my last day on january where I get to see dongwoon at cube cafe! lucky me!

Remember I mentioned about the handprints? They have all their cube artist handprints there.

#merchandises corner where you can grab some of them back home!

#throw an surprise event with carol that year for her birthday too Together with dooly hehe!

CUBE CAFE & STUDIO

Subway: Apgujeong Rodeo Station Exit 3
Direction:

Walking Route – Exit 3 you will able to see MCM, walk straight till you see the beautiful Dior Building on ur right, that very traffic junction next, turn left and continue to walk straight till you Baskin–Robbins and turned left and continuing walking and you will see CUBE Building on your right, continue walking…. You will see JYP building on your left, turn right and you will reach Cube Cafe

Bus Route – Exit 3, Take the bus 143/362/240/4318 and alight the next stop. Cross the road and walk into the street beside Baskin-Robbins. You will see CUBE Building on your right, continue walking…. You will see JYP building on your left, turn right and you will reach Cube Cafe

To visit any BEAST related cafe, read here

I always have friends asking me about Korea itinerary, Korea accommodation and everything in between. Yes, I love Korea, I been to Korea quite a lot. Lucky 7, yes 7, and all of them were Free & Easy. I have to thank all my travel companions to be really awesome.

There’s times, where my friends will made effort looking around for nice places to visit, while others did a great research on accommodation as well. Everyone plays a part in planning which I really think this is why a trip is successful.

During my 3rd trip to Korea, which was my longest trip ever – 6 weeks with my dory. We were a little worried about our accommodation because its a long 6 weeks for 3 pax. All thanks to Carol, who found our favourite accommodation till date – Chocolate Tree (CT) via some reviews online. We contacted CT via email, everywhere was pretty smooth since its all convey in English.

So, 3 months passed, and we were all ready to head for our longest trip ever. Definitely, we were a little worried about our guesthouse, because 1) Its our very first time staying in Sinchon and 2) If we doesn’t like the guesthouse, it will be a straight 6 weeks of discomfort. Many thoughts since we boarded the plane, but trying our best to look positive that nothing can be worst.

We reached CT without hassle, pretty happy that its not too difficult to get around Sinchon as well. CT is located pretty near the main road, which I really really like. Some of the guesthouses I stayed were really far away from the road, and took about 15minutes walk along the dark alley. Hence I really like the location of CT. Our guesthouse check-in time is around 2pm, and we were pretty early (10am). Hence, we won’t be able to do any check-in but CT offered us to keep our luggage so that we will able to come back later. 3 of us, actually were heading straight to the concert venue at Olympic Park and will be only back at night. So, we were really delighted after a crazy-high-session of 3 hours straight concert without any sleeps from our midnight flight to find our luggages seated in a all clean and neat room.

Look like, my previous worries were gone. The first impression was awesome enough that all these were taken of. CT wasn’t the biggest guesthouse I stayed, but definitely a comfortable and clean one. In the morning, we will definitely greet by the CT Staff (CTS) with a cheerful voice, and at the end of the tired shopping day… we will still greeted by them. How nice? Its my first time where guesthouse staff was so friendly and always bring smile to us.

Reason why I was back again in August 2013, December 2013, March 2014 and my most recent trip December 2014?

I remembered, a few times during my stay at CT, they really helped me a lot which not all guesthouse have such friendly boss and staff. I guessed CT trained their staff really well. They are all very proactive, helpful and always smiling That could be why, I don’t feel worried staying in a foreign country and always think they give their very best to help us. I remembered, we have a few problem the other trips when we need to book our sea train tickets, Thomas actually helped us to book, even paying in advance for us. Thomas even helped us with purchase of WOLFM cap hurhur~ And at times, late night, we actually asked help from Haein and Mei to call for delivery too *I miss eating Kyochon Honey Chicken & Chicken Mania*

-Chicken Mania: first meal of 2015 picture- 
I have to really praise Cho who helped us with the order and our ‘greedy’ request too. It was 31st December that day, my cousin and I was heading out in the morning and won’t be back so early because we were heading for Dongwan’s Starlight Concert that starts at 10pm. Since it is a countdown concert, I guessed we won’t be able to ask help from the staff when we are back. Hence, in the morning, I have ‘troubled’ Eric (once again) to help us order the chicken before they knocked off work and left it in the pantry. I will collect it when I came back from the concert. Eric offered to place it in the room, if we doesn’t mind (how nice, I mean, they doesn’t mind going up 3 levels and leave it there!). I also requested for a chicken mania calendar if possible. Back in our room at around 2am odd, we found the food smell deliciously on our dressing table, and Cho whom was really thoughtful to put the can of pepsi in the fridge to keep it cold! And, because of our greedy request for the calendar, Cho asked for posters for us since the store have run out of calendar. Thank you Cho, I didn’t manage to see you in person, but really thank you so much for helping and being so extremely thoughtful too!

And, of cos, Eric the boss of CT really have been the nicest host ever during all my Korea trips! Eric have really helped us at all times – from carrying the heavy luggage up, and down the stairs when we leave for airport. Eric even helped us with the 4D movie booking, and, keke, the photo card ticket as well. You know your guesthouse owner doesn’t need to help you to this extend, but ERIC did! Thank you Eric. Thank for being such a nice host See you soon!

(I’m glad to introduce CT to some of my friends. They loves it and become a regular too ^^) 

Chocolate Tree (Guesthouse)

Address: 서울시 마포구 노고산동 109-91 초콜릿 트리
Nearest Subway: Sinchon (Line 2) / Seogang Univ (Gyeongui Line)

Overall Rating: 6/10
Booking: http://www.chocolate-tree.co.kr

HELLOSIHUI’S TIPS:

• Their receptionist can speak english and chinese well
• Make your own free-breakfast daily

Follow me: IG @superstarhui
#hellosihuigoeskorea for Korea travels
#hellosihuigoestravels for any travel destination! 

Myeongdong is a street of skincare and fashion, where you will definitely visit whenever you head over to Korea. But, in between the shopping, I am very sure that your hungry stomach will growl and you need a meal. If its at night, street food is usually your number 1 choice, how about when its lunch time? The answer will be Myeongdong Kyoja! I love the place when Im visiting there in group of 3-4 persons, so I can get to order all 3 items from the menu.  And with no fear, the kalguksu’s noodles and rice are available for free refill! Omg! How I wish, the soup does come for free refill too, its too tasty with flavourful broth that you can’t stop tasting it. hehe.

Direction to명동교자 Myeongdong Kyoja

명동교자 Myeongdong Kyoja

Address: 서울특별시 중구 명동10길 29 (명동2가)
Operating Hours: 10:30AM – 9:30PM
Website: www.mdkj.co.kr
Subway Station: Myeongdong Station

Hermès Cafe Madang
Address: 서울 강남구 신사동 630-26 (630-26 Sinsa-dong Gangnam-gu Seoul )
Website: http://stores.hermes.com/Asia/South-Korea/Seoul/Hermes-Dosan-Park
Tel: +82-2-3015-3208
Subway: Apgujeong Exit 3

P.S. Pardon the photos in this entire entry, because it was taken way ago, and not using a better camera. But, I really wanted to share this place!

The outlet that Kyungbin bought Cin to was the Samcheongdong’s while we had ours at Myeongdong after a “tiring?” shopping day

The wait is definitely worth! Look at the WAFFLE!!! It was covered mostly by fresh juicy sweet strawberries. The generous portion of strawberries are really so awesome because its not often that waffles are served this much, especially its only W15,000 (USD15). I’m not a fan of cream but its so fresh, that every mouthful of cream + waffles + strawberries will definitely forget that you ate CREAM!

Cute, Pink is something I believe most girls’ can’t resist.
Furthermore, a cafe that give you everything from cute to sweet treats!

Finally during my 3rd trip! I’m able to go experience the cuteness of the cafe!

Address:
358-112, Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Contact:
02-334-6570

Web:
http://www.hellokittycafe.co.kr

Its gonna be the most awesome concert I ever attend. I love the fun and the joy they gave to us, despite its just a short 3 hours. They worked hard enough to give us their very best. We worked hard enough to earn the little bit to give them the maximum support.

The orange sea is ever, forever.

I also want to thank my 2 best travel companion ever. because of you two, it marked my most awesome trip ever. Thanks for taking care of my crazy moment

I didn’t mean to keep singing that few songs haha :/

This galbi place is just 1minute walk away from my guesthouse
It’s always crowded inside, and the queue were long (maybe 20-30pax)
So, one day, we decided, to give it a try!

And what’s so special about this galbi place?

Yes! It’s a standing BBQ place!

Yes, they only sell beef, and they serve per pax serving.
If you have 4 person, there’s 4 servings

Look how juicy the galbi were.
As a non-beef person, I thought the meat was rather juicy and soft.
Cin, Carol and Stacey loves the galbi though its a little pricey.

Address:
서울 마포구 노고산동 109-69.
109-69 Nogosan-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea

Price:
15,000W per serving

Contact:
02-716-2520

Direction:
Sinchon Station Exit 7
Walk straight along the road…
You will pass by Lotteria, continue to walk straight!
You will pass by CU, continue to walk straight!
Pass by Hana Bank, cross the traffic light to the left side of the road!
Turned left when cross the road, and turn right immediately at the junction!
Walk up the slope and you will reach