Seoul, South Korea Day One - Two

So if you guys didn't know last week Mr Pham, Maddy and myself went on a family holiday to Seoul, South Korea for 7 days.

It was such a wonderful holiday, and being a tourist such as myself, I was able to soak in so much culture and food.

If you are into spicy food, forward fashion, beauty products, history and culture I definitely recommend you all pay a visit to South Korea.

There is so much to see and do there, one week didn't seem enough.

Mr Pham & Maddy at our stop over in Guangzhou Airport to South Korea
We are so lucky, Maddy was a very good girl during both 13 hour flights.

Our first stop the night we arrived to Seoul was Namdaemun Markets.

Namdaemun Markets were opened in 1964, selling things such as souvenirs, traditional clothing, womens wear, baby wear, mens wear, bags, shoes, kitchenware, Korean Ginseng (which isn't exported out of the country)... the list of things sold here is endless!

Unfortunately we came here when things were closing and only a few stalls stay open till early morning, so we had revisited Namdaemun Markets later on in the week.

Trying to find our first grub at Namdaemun

Delicious Bulgogi (marinated beef)! Korean dishes are ALWAYS served with at least 5 other side dishes.

Maddy isn't use to waking up in a baby cot that isn't hers.

Mr Pham and Maddy at Myeongdong shopping district

Myeongdong is located at the heart of Seoul. It was one of my favourite places to shop in Seoul and the one place we revisited nearly everyday! 

So many varieties here, they have markets which open midday, department stores, quality brand named stores, mid-class brand named stores and little no name stores. The streets are lined with all Korean beauty stores, fashion boutiques and endless alleys of Western and Asian cuisine restaurants. If there was a happening place - it would definitely be Myeongdong. There's always something to taste, buy and see there (even performers to park their stereo and mic in the middle of the street and b-boy dance to their hearts content). 

Streets of Myeongdong Shopping District

Myeongdongs underground subway shopping district! - I guess they ran out of space to shop?
If you do go here, remember where you are walking... we went upstairs and realized we had walked all the way to the other side of the city. Didn't even realize!

The cute set up of all their beauty stores. They have women standing at the shop front handing out baskets of generous sized free samples asking you to come inside.

You know how in Australia there is a Mcdonalds at every corner? In Seoul they have a coffee shop every second door! And they have such an adorable set up!

Trying out a 32cm long icecream! Maddy was hypnotized.

Even Maddy couldn't resist.

Letting mummy and daddy have some peaceful shopping time.

What are the chances?! They were filming a T.V show while we were shopping at Myeongdong

Korean street food - so convenient, cheap and delicious. One skewer of meat would be about $1AU.
We couldn't resist but taste every bit of grub that we could find.

Ddeokbokki - Korean rice cake in spicy sauce.

Delicious cakes and pastries at their Dunkin' Donuts.

Maddy and Myself taking selfies in front of Seoul Station, where lotte mart is also located.

Lotte Mart is Koreas leading department store branch - selling many things from groceries (fresh produce also!), clothes, shoes, electronics, markets, toys, furniture... the list is endless! 

Outside Seoul Station, this featured in many Korean dramas including My Girl.

Stay tuned for more Seoul, South Korea stories!