Korea Winter December 2011 Day 1

Yes, call me a Procrastination Princess Queen and many will agree with both arms and legs! Here you go, my one year belated post on the "4S Rejuvenation Trip" to Korea in winter 2011.

Why 4S?

I would say, it's one of the best Sauna & spa + Skiing + Shopping + Sharing trip I've ever had, plus, it's SPONSORED...(hey, it's a WORKING TRIP ok!!!).

Day 1

Every journey begins with a smooth flight. I'm not being biased, and not because of my love for BLUE, Korean Air indeed deserves my two thumbs up, from the friendly smile of the stewardess in dragon-fly-ribbon and light BLUE uniform, the yummy food, the hospitality, the state-of-art inflight AVOD (Audio & Video on Demand) system...everything and anything on a KE flight puts a smile on our (Niuniu's & my) face...and it's super important when you're trying to rejuvenate after weeks of crazy wrap-ups before the trip.

A picture says a thousand words, let's check out the testimonial from a happy passenger:





Departure: 5 Dec 2011 KUL-ICN KE672






Return: 10 Dec 2011 ICN-KUL KE671



The cold winter breeze welcomed us with a 'friendly 5C'. Gathering at the Departure Hall of Incheon International Airport, our journey kicked started with an English speaking guide when all other participants (from Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam) arrived.

1st Destination: Changdeokgung 창독궁 昌德宫

Wahaha, I'm a tourist! 'm a tourist! Guided by a guide!

Introducing my lovely and caring travelmates...Fan-Shu (potato) travel experts from Malaysia!

(From the left: Mr. Yong, Mei Ling, Wei Tin)

1st Lunch: Tosokchon Samgyetang 토속촌삼계탕 土俗村参鸡汤

Can you resist this?!! On a freaking cool winter day?
"시원해요!" or "it feels so revivifying!" is the only expression that I can think of...

Samgyetang or ginseng chicken soup is made of a whole-bird, stuffed with glutinuos rice, chestnut, ginseng and home-recipe herbs. It's like a Korean version of bak kut teh, consumed during summer to defeat the heat (battle the heat with heat 이열치열 以热制热）and also to rejuvenate the lost energy. You can add a pinch of salt to eat with the boilling soup or dip the chicken shred with some salt, and have a bite of kimchi or the squarish cubbed radish called kkakdugi.

A satisfied diner...
Oh-ho, next time, 'm gonna try the grilled version!!

2nd Destination: N Seoul Tower





Despite being here for the N-times, 'm still anticipating!

All the trees're botak (bald)...yet it never stopped us from camwhoring...

Love is in the air:
"Sending your love" from the air is something that I picked up when I first visited Taipei 101 together.
"Locking your love", hmmm...I don't quite favour the idea of letting my love message read by others, and spoiled by the hot sun and heavy rains (or snow)...However, many do have a different thought, obviously!!

3rd Destination: Insadong 인사동 仁寺洞

Seoul version of Pasar Seni/ Central Market, also one of my fav spot in Seoul!
Korean traditional craft, tea, souvenirs, galleries...I love being spoiled here!

1st Hands-on Experience: Kimchi & Tteokbokgi Making

Caitrin, our collig from KTO S'pore possing with her tteokbokgi...
Oh, a kimchi making lesson becomes much more easier when you got a handsome Korean instructor, don't you agree?!!ㅋㅋ

1st Dinner: Hanjeongsik 한정식 韩定食 or Korean Full Course Meal at Hanmiri 한미리

Best part about a FAM trip, despite good stay, would be great food!
These're just SOME of the food we had...yummilicious to the max~

1st Accomodation: Vabien Suite

I would say, it's way TOO BIG for ONE PERSON!
Fully equipped with a kitchen, washing machine, living room...
Sweet dreams...recharging for TOMORROW!!