식당 주 는 대로 -  "sigdang juneun daero" (rough translation)

We arrived in Hwaseong Fortress just in time for lunch. If you want to know how to go to Hwaseong Fortress from Suwon, check my post here.

Before we got to tour the fortress, we ate lunch because we were really hungry. I am thankful that this was the nearest place to eat just right in front of the nearest entrance to the fortress from where we were. I want to share this restaurant that serves delicious and affordable Korean pork belly with lots of side dishes.

Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌 삼계탕


We just had to use google maps to walk almost less than 10 minutes from the palace to the restaurant. I think it is better to walk since you can also appreciate the view of Jong-no District.  The streets have clear and big signs so you would not get lost if you pay attention to these signs.

ADDRESS: 5, Jahamun-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 종로구 자하문로5길 5 (체부동)

Finally after walking straight and crossing the roads twice, we arrived in this fancy and traditional looking Korean restaurant. We arrived just in time for lunch and there was a long line of locals and tourists waiting for their turn to eat in the place. Since we were already there, we decided to wait for 5 minutes or so.
MENU
ㆍSamgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup)
ㆍOgol Samgye-tang (ginseng Silkie chicken soup)
ㆍOtgye-tang (chicken cooked in a Chinese sumac broth)
ㆍDak-bokkeum-tang (braised spicy chicken)
ㆍTongdak (roasted chicken)
ㆍHaemul Pajeon (green onion pancake with seafood)


They serve a few dishes in their menu but I already choose the samgyetang since I really wanted to try this Ginseng chicken that is originally found in Korea.

The samgyetang soup tastes healthy but I liked it. The clear chicken broth is refreshing and the chicken meat is chewy and tastes fresh. The portion is a lot so I think it is good for 3 people.

Haemul Pajeon (green onion pancake with seafood)

The pajeon is good and it's not very oily. I would like it if tasted a bit salty but that's just me. It's worth a try if you haven't tried this Korean pancake.

I paid 12,000 won. I shared the Samgyetang with a friend.

By the way, the place is big so you don't have to worry that you can't eat here because of the line. There is just that volume of customers who eat here during lunch time.

It was an unforgettable experience since this is my first time to try this Korean dish in its homeland. Korean food is tasty and I think healthier because they always include vegetables in their cuisine.

26 October 2016

It has been just weeks since I have been to Korea and I already miss it. One of the places in our first day in our itinerary was the Gyeongbokgung Palace.


Getting there
By Subway,  Gyeongbokgung Station Line 3, get off at Exit 5.


Admission Fees
Adults (ages 19-64) 3,000 won / Group 2,400 won (10 or more people)
Youths (ages 7-18) 1,500 won / Group 1,200 won (10 or more people)
Age 6 and under – FREE.
Opening Hours
March to October 09:00-18:00 / November to February 09:00-17:00.
Closed on Tuesday

Oh we were lucky when we visited because the admission was free :)


Yes, I agree that it is the grandest of all five palaces.
I just had to take this picture because they were so cute, Korean children forming a line and holding onto the rope while walking following their teacher, I think.



According to the online sources

"This is also called “Northern Palace” because it is the furthest north when compared to the neighboring palaces of Changdeokgung (Eastern Palace) and Gyeongheegung (Western Palace).

The name of the palace, Gyeongbokgung, translates in English as “Palace of Shining Happiness.”

All you do here is walk and appreciate the once exclusive and most guarded place in Korea. I also remembered tidbits of the Korean drama Jumong while in this palace.


 These massive doors just tell you that this place is grand.

When I saw these old wooden door architecture of the rooms, I remembered the traditional houses I saw in Korean shows.


I just found out that the premises were destroyed by fire at the time of Japanese occupation from 1592-1598, but all of the palace’s 7,700 rooms were later restored under the leadership of Heungseondaewongun during the reign of King Gojong.

Well, they did a great job restoring the palace. This is really a must place to visit if you opt for a relaxing activity in your itinerary in Seoul, Korea.