where and what to eat lah?

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The Trick Eye Museum 트릭아이미술관 is an art gallery with paintings that give each 2D art piece the illusion of being in 3D. Located at the Hongdae area (홍대앞), a region in Seoul, near the Hongik University, this area is known for its urban arts and indie music culture, clubs and entertainments.


Instead of merely viewing paintings (as in a typical art gallery) visitors can interact with the paintings, posing themselves just right so that they look as if they are part of the original work.


Be sure to have your camera fully charged and have plenty of memory space because this place is one of the most quirky and fun tourist spots out of all the places we went in Seoul!


It was a lot of fun taking our pictures in front of the funny art paintings, but it was also comical to see others doing the same. Everyone was obvious enjoying themselves.


When we were here having so much fun in taking all our comical pictures, time past so fast and we didn't even realize it. To ensure that even its busiest patrons have time to enjoy the fun, the museum stays open each day from 10am until 10pm, making it a popular date and hang-out place.


Admission is 13,000 won (RM 37) for adults and 11,000 won (RM 31) for kids. To get there, take the subway to Hongik University (Line 2, Exit 9). Walk straight then turn left at the first intersection. Walk until you reach Starbucks on the left. Cross the main street on your right and go down the alley next to Holika Holika. Continue walking for a minute and Santorini Seoul will be on your right.












Many of the displays look best in photos with 2 people. At certain stations, there are staffs around to offer to take photos for you.


















The museum featured various rooms, each with a different theme.


By using one sculpture and two light sources, we have the shadows of the famous Venus de Milo, an ancient Greek statue and The Thinker.



Are you looking from the top or below?



From a smiley Queen, it shapes into a sad looking Queen.


Do you believe what you see? You wonder if your eyes are playing tricks on you.



Ann trying to find the little things in the picture to redeem for a prize.

Verdict: It was really fun and definitely one of the best place to visit at Seoul! It was filled with laughter throughout the day.


Address:
Seoul-si Mapo-gu,
Seogyo-dong,
357-1 Seogyo Plaza B02-01
Business Hours: Opens daily from 10.00am - 10.00pm
Value:
GPS: 37.553453, 126.921684
Map:

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Tosokchon is possibly Korea's most famous purveyor of Samgyetang (Chicken Ginseng Soup), a Korean summertime specialty. Located in Chebu-dong, just to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace, this place was a favorite of late president Roh Moo-hyun.

This 30-year-old icon is housed in a sprawling hanok (traditional house), and for many locals – and even ex-president – it's the best in Seoul. Walk straight for 100m from Exit 2, Gyeongbokgung station, turn left at the GS25 convenience store and it's on your left.

Tosokchon features traditional Korean style tables inside small divided rooms. Before entering the dining room, guests first remove their shoes and sit on the ground on padded floor mats while eating. With its warm wood accents and traditional wood low tables, Tosokchon is a cozy spot to build up your appetite.


The soup is served with a small cup of ginseng wine which can be drunk as it is or added to the soup for the extra kick.


Despite the crowds, the samgyetang (KRW 15,000 / RM 41) arrives fast and still bubbling.
It is made of a whole young chicken, stuffed with glutinous rice, a ginseng root, gingko nuts, garlic, jujube and boiled in a ginseng broth prepared with about 30 different ingredients, including medicinal herbs, nuts, grains and ginseng.


The broth was thick, rich and the hearty chicken meat falls off the bone tenderly. The unique taste and aroma were simply intoxicating even for someone like me who doesn't fancy medicinal soup.


We were so hooked to the taste till when we got back to Malaysia, we tried at least 4 different samgyetangs but none of them lived up to the expectations. That really made us appreciate Tosokchon more.


The other specialty dish of Tosokchon is the Ogolgyetang (Black Chicken Ginseng Soup, KRW 22,000 / RM 60). It didn't taste much of a difference but historically, black chicken is eaten by the Chinese as a medicinal cure. It is said to have a positive effect on the yin, blood, lungs and stomach. It may appear bizarre to some, but the nutritional values pack a punch.


Well, Roast Chicken (KRW 14,000 / RM 38) was a mistake in our order. We wanted the ogolgyetang but the waitress mistakenly understood it as roast chicken. Luckily, it wasn't too bad and it had a whiff of ginseng aroma in it. Tipped some salt and pepper together into a small saucer and used it as a dip.


Tosokchon can be crowded with locals and tourists during lunch and dinner hours. You can expect there to be a line to get in and the best time to visit is one hour before or one hour after the peak dining hours.

Verdict: It was expensive but it was well worth it! Definitely the best ginseng chicken soup we've had and must try whenever you are around Gyeongbokgung.


Address:
Seoul-si Jongno-gu,
Chebu-dong 85-1,
Tel: 02-737 7446
Business Hours: Opens daily from 10.00am - 10.00pm
Taste:
Value:
GPS: 37.577744, 126.971593.
Map:

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