tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56958798216585047492012-01-13T12:54:22.088+09:00Living creatively in Seoul, Korea with a bit of soul searching in between.seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.comBlogger1421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-88804495381275806192011-11-11T16:31:00.000+09:002011-11-11T16:31:32.838+09:00

When you're a city bumpkin like me, being surrounded by nature and nature only is something to relish. The fact that you can breathe in air that smells of nature is itself a blessing. It's almost like medicine that takes away all the ills and strains that come from city life. Jeju-do is abundant in untouched nature. I'll probably say this a million times over, but it is truly a beautiful

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-42074416829546603032011-11-09T02:26:00.000+09:002011-11-09T02:26:01.252+09:00

I've been blogging all year long for the Korea Blog, the accompanying blog for Korea.net, the official site for the Republic of Korea. (Sounds rather heavy written down like that.) At the end of October, several of the Korea Blog's Worldwide Korea Bloggers and I had the chance to visit Jeju-do (Jeju Island), courtesy of KOCIS (Korean Culture and Information Service) who runs the websites.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-35351264053880362642011-10-09T10:53:00.000+09:002011-10-09T10:53:08.761+09:00

October 9th marks the 565 anniversary of the proclamation of Hangeul, the Korean alphabet. The major portal sites changed their logos accordingly for the occasion. Naver has an animated logo going on - something which I don't know how to capture. Daum features King Sejong. As does Nate and Yahoo! Korea. And Google Korea opted for a simple logo in traditional tricolor. I wrote a long post

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-44022575466811223592011-09-25T15:28:00.002+09:002011-09-25T15:30:23.870+09:00

What I've been doing too much of during the past several weeks, if only to hold on to my sanity. "No Parking""No Drinking and Singing" Don't stay still, keep on moving.Don't play around, there's work to be done. Sometimes I wish I wasn't a responsible adult.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-17925929732783777332011-08-23T00:33:00.000+09:002011-08-23T00:33:00.801+09:00

...the spoiled rotten 11 year old family poodle. I spent more than half of August at my parents' place doggysitting while they were on vacation. Cocoa spent more than half of that time either sleeping or napping. Both of us were pretty tired of the rain. He finally got a haircut after my parents came back. I'm back home, trying to catch up on work, only to discover that my desktop is dying.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-20306092810724118682011-07-28T09:24:00.002+09:002011-07-28T09:40:26.927+09:00

We have had more than a year's worth of rainfall in the past month. Half of it seems to have fallen in the past two days, and more is falling today. When the guerilla rains started most thought it would last for about a day but it has been storming nonstop, complete with thunder and lightning. The first day I cancelled my evening appointment and hurried home to avoid the pelting rain. The next

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-30014973066649346362011-07-04T11:56:00.000+09:002011-07-04T11:56:54.942+09:00

Seoul Metro has poetry printed on most of the safety doors on the platforms. Some poems are good, some are puzzling, some are thought provoking. This one spoke to me that day. I wish I could translate it to exactly convey the feeling, but poetry really doesn't translate well unless in the hands of a brilliant writer. "Empty Thoughts" by Jung WijinUpon the swift steed called timeI furiously ran

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-54107700232110508932011-06-29T08:00:00.000+09:002011-06-29T08:00:53.355+09:00

Seoul Express Bus Terminal. (Yes, I go to that neighborhood a lot and not only because Shinsegae Department Store's wine shop has a good selection and friendly staff.) It has been raining constantly for the past two weeks. Monsoon season gets pretty dreary but I find myself filming rainy moments more than any other.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-52465767102823314852011-06-19T14:44:00.001+09:002011-06-19T14:50:05.730+09:00

When you're on a sweet kick and get tired of ice cream, there are many alternatives: cake and pastries, patbingsu, and puddings. Les Fruits N* is a pudding and dessert specialty cafe at the Samsung Town building in Gangnam. There's a selection of various puddings, cakes and pastries. Sweetness paired with bitter coffee is the best. The pudding is the chilled variety, not the creamy soft type

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-72203160260946821482011-05-29T12:55:00.001+09:002011-05-29T13:05:21.581+09:00

The underground mall at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal is closing for year long renovations on May 31st, 2011. The mall has been around forever; it's been over 30 years since it has opened and I have no recollection whatsoever of it ever having closed down for a long period of time. Like the renovations being done at Gangnam Metro Station, the mall is certainly to resurface bright and shiny,

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-90620041633244903112011-05-11T22:09:00.002+09:002011-05-11T22:10:25.186+09:00

It's getting hotter. Spring rains fell on the country during the long holidays from Children's Day to Buddha's Birthday, and after the rain completely evaporates I'm pretty sure spring will unceremoniously succumb to summer. I'm currently on a sweets kick. (Lethargy makes me crave sugar like no other and if this isn't the season to be drowsy and lethargic, I don't know what is.) My current haunt

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-33093998351556995222011-04-28T15:25:00.003+09:002011-11-09T02:29:36.195+09:00

The cherry blossoms fall. I did manage to catch glimpses of the blossoms before they passed; my apartment complex is full of them and my parents' neighborhood (where I spent most of April doggysitting) is also lined with cherry trees. Which is good for me, since I didn't have time nor the energy to haul my exhausted self to the flower festivals this year. My apartment complex, seen from my

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-61694206233968275472011-04-05T08:57:00.000+09:002011-04-05T08:57:40.442+09:00

Since spring seems to be finally here I'm saying goodbye to the long(est) winter. Gyeongpodae, Gangneung, Gangwon Province, last winter. The waves say hello, goodbye. This couple made a pretty picture. My shadow likes to stretch flat and long. My friend Hannah likes to leave footprints in the sand. The waves hug the beach and disappear slowly. Listen to the waves.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-63631158900284535162011-03-31T15:48:00.000+09:002011-03-31T15:48:38.530+09:00

How time flies. Bring on April, I'm ready.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-12803998036249292632011-03-20T01:13:00.000+09:002011-03-20T01:13:48.919+09:00

To be honest, that's what I feel like these days. That's how the media is treating the public. Like clueless sheep. I know I'm not the only one annoyed at the media in the aftermath of the Japan earthquake. I want to know why some channels decide to hype things up and blow things out of proportion while feeding off from unreliable sources. What happened to journalistic integrity? It's not only

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-75743343281357483862011-03-17T21:11:00.000+09:002011-03-17T21:11:31.486+09:00

Since spring has decided to downplay its presence, I have no qualms about posting pictures with the remnants of winter blatant in the background. (With a Christmas tree to boot!) I found this coffee shop by accident; needing a caffeine fix while shopping at the New Core outlet in Ilsan,  I just ventured into the restaurant zone and there it was. The lighting of the coffee shop was warm and

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-29790984831704462272011-03-15T01:46:00.000+09:002011-03-15T01:46:34.178+09:00

Haneda airport, October, 2009 I go to Tokyo almost every year. I have friends and acquaintances who live there. There are memories that lurk in various corners of the city, where my stories have been written and told. Like most people, I have spent the past few days glued to the news of the terrible earthquake in Japan. Even after hearing news that those I know were okay, my heart sank lower and

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-88098930317319492072011-03-09T02:21:00.000+09:002011-03-09T02:21:01.877+09:00

Korea is blessed with many beautiful mountains. Among those mountains, Jirisan is known as the mountain to conquer if you're a serious mountaineer. The mountain is an enormous organism of hills and valleys, with fantastic views from all angles. I had a go around Jirisan last winter; not proper mountain climbing, but just a simple hike. The Jirisan Dullegils (지리산 둘레길, "paths that follow the

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-74323924064509054032011-03-04T21:01:00.001+09:002011-11-09T02:30:08.964+09:00

... just listen. (Even if the speaker is a repetitive, apologetic, ummm-er.) Video clips from January and February. Related detailed blog posts at: http://blog.korea.net/

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-62232852235982869032011-02-24T03:27:00.000+09:002011-02-24T03:27:31.610+09:00

When you're a foodie and wino, your friends tend to be foodies and winos as well and when you have classically trained ex-chefs in your regular group? Well then, it's paradise for us who aren't. Gina invited us over for dinner on a Friday night. Beautiful table setting. Her homemade olive tapenade with sliced baguette. Yummy! (Gina sells her tapenade by the jar and it's worth every bit.)

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-7388422089908657332011-02-09T17:05:00.010+09:002011-02-09T17:42:16.012+09:00

Mum's seafood tteok mandugukThe Seollal holidays have passed and gone yet my body is still stuck in holiday lethargy. My brain, on the other hand, is overcompensating for the hours it was underused so consequently the mismatch between mind and matter is stressing me out to no end. I need a holiday from the holidays, how typical.What I've been up to: Family New Year lunch with tteokmanduguk and

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-73177732485578031772011-02-02T16:38:00.007+09:002011-11-09T02:30:29.503+09:00

Hite beer promotion display for the Year of the Rabbit Remember the saying, "Chase two rabbits, catch none"? Well, do I really have to mention how ancient history that is? In this day and age of multi-everything, you can't do anything without chasing two (or even more) rabbits at once. Of course, you need to have the goods and skills to catch 'em, but that's totally something you can work on.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-1275336180835068962011-01-26T18:28:00.006+09:002011-01-27T22:29:32.995+09:00

A real cup, that is. Because sometimes you want your coffee in something other than a paper disposable or a mug.Despite my being a serious wino, if push comes to shove, I'd choose coffee over wine any day. I'll never, ever, ever be able to stop drinking coffee. It's what wakes me up in the mornings, what comforts me on gloomy days, what accompanies me on the all-nighters I spend writing, what

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-21471249928157105022011-01-20T07:56:00.002+09:002011-01-20T07:58:18.890+09:00

It has been freakishly cold and snowing a lot in Seoul lately. I took a short clip on a snowy evening, walking in Apgujeong.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-65702922162214294002011-01-17T18:20:00.012+09:002011-01-17T21:13:35.405+09:00

Down south of the Korean peninsula lies emerald waters adorned with weather-worn islands of rock cliffs and pine trees. This natural spectacular wonder is familiarly called the Hallyeosudo (한려수도), i.e. the Hallyeo Waterways, and formally Hallyeohaesang National Park.As 2010 was drawing to a close, I made a trip to breathe in the cold winter sea and reflect on the passing year.(Click on picture

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-50027010774755838962011-01-05T21:40:00.004+09:002011-01-05T22:02:37.137+09:00

SM Entertainment's official YT channel...although the now-a-duo DBSK/TVXQ/Tohoshinki thinks you should keep your head down. Still gutted that the group split, but I'm supporting the breakaways JYJ as well, although my Yunho bias keeps me rooting a tad bit more for the ones who stayed.And behold me, whose first post of 2011 is about a boyband. Oh, well. Some things never change.I spent the first

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-12383165821964621122010-12-31T20:43:00.016+09:002011-01-01T08:06:37.163+09:00

I recently got a new haircut. Instead of going to my regular stylist, I lugged my lazy derriere to the neighborhood salon (which is 7 minutes away) and surrendered my hair to the no-nonsense-efficient-as-heck ajumma whose scissors snipped snipped snipped in a blur of metallic color. I wound up with a very proper middle school student bowl cut. The haircut isn't bad at all, it's just that seeing

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-89922506564337439842010-12-24T15:31:00.004+09:002010-12-24T16:07:07.305+09:00

Christmas tree lights at Shinsegae Department Store (Gangnam)Aaargh! So when did this happen? It's already Christmas?I'm in panic mode. It's because by the time the holidays roll around, I finally realize that the year is nearly over and I have to look back at my doings (and undoings) for the past year and start serious evaluation, which is something for which I'm truly not in the mood. Year's

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-85669249322348276672010-12-21T02:07:00.003+09:002010-12-21T02:45:46.291+09:00

Spicy veggie curry with nanRule of thumb about curry in Korea: if it's pronounced 'kah-reh', it's the Japanese style curry we're talking about; if it's pronounced 'kuh-rhee', it's the Indian style. I went for some 'kuh-rhee' at Asia Asia, an "authentic" Indian curry place at the Western Dom in Ilsan.Gum-achingly sweet plain lassi. There are fruit varieties as well, but I prefer the plain.Tandoori

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-50632742186399406142010-12-18T01:19:00.006+09:002010-12-18T02:22:04.292+09:00

Photo from MnetYear's end, the holidays, 'tis the season to be jolly and attend the slew of Christmas and New Year's concerts that pepper December. Although I'd like to join the enthusiastic crowd, the thought of going to and coming from the concert is very dissuading; total traffic chaos descends upon Seoul d and unless you're prepared to curse like mad while driving or curse like mad while

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-81750032364599890462010-12-05T20:44:00.013+09:002010-12-06T01:34:22.249+09:00

It's cold, you need something hot, and if it's nourishing to boot? You go for soup.Cheongjinok is a 70+ year old eatery, famous for its haejangguk. The old place was demolished due to city renovation in 2008 and the new place is in a modern building. Although the old charm is somewhat lost, the taste is the same.It's not one of those fancy-schmancy restaurants, it's one of those

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-22970567395213657182010-11-25T19:08:00.010+09:002010-12-05T20:42:48.948+09:00

Yeonpyeong Island in flames - photo from Yonhap NewsI've written and rewritten this post about a dozen times.On November 23rd, the North lost its mind and a small island inhabited by fishermen and their families soon found itself in total chaos, with both military and civilian casualties. The whole country was in complete shock and bewilderment. Even my loquacious self was at a loss for words;

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-58998023290871032712010-11-10T20:13:00.013+09:002010-11-23T02:32:23.667+09:00

The whole country (or to be more specific, Seoul) has been in an uproar for the G20 summit for the past few weeks. Security levels were hiked up (although nothing compared to the '80s), various campaigns were launched for public awareness (some were ridiculously patronizing), and all that you heard on the news was G20, G20, G20.Unfortunately, I haven't been able to take in the various G20 related

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-54749855602194404512010-11-04T21:06:00.003+09:002010-11-04T21:10:01.975+09:00

from Banpo to Nonhyeon's "furniture street"I use public transportation a lot. I usually read on the metro; something I can't do on the bus because I get carsick. I either doze off, stare aimlessly out the window, or make unedited "as is" video clips.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-78251133124016046042010-11-01T14:19:00.005+09:002010-11-01T16:52:26.812+09:00

There's a November Legend in the Korean entertainment industry - it's an extremely unlucky month. Many scandals, accidents and deaths occurred during November for the past several decades.Talented singers Yoo Jae Ha and Kim Hyeon Sik both died on the first day of November; Yoo in 1987 from a car accident, Kim in 1990 from health problems. Before the Korean music scene became peppered with

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-80323440248825698952010-10-15T16:19:00.015+09:002010-10-15T21:03:59.284+09:00

The same September day I went to Olympic Park, I checked out the Keith Haring exhibit at the Soma Museum. Barking doggy sign marks the spot. Upright Torso by German artist Wieland Förster greets you at the museum entrance.This cute university student couple made me realize that I had never, ever been on an art date. I've been to plenty of concerts (rock and classical), movies, musicals, theatre,

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-11419426102327073662010-10-02T12:09:00.008+09:002010-10-06T23:18:25.814+09:00

There are tons of places in Seoul that I've never been to. It's just that you rarely get to play tourist in your hometown; landmarks are sometimes too familiar that they blend into the background, and unless there's a special occasion or event that brings you there, you don't find particular reason to venture outside of your regular stomping grounds.I think I went to Olympic Park during the '88

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-57160600610809040172010-09-13T23:58:00.004+09:002010-09-14T00:31:28.737+09:00

"Wow, what an impressive spec you have!"The above is part of an advertisement from the Korea Student Aid Foundation and the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology. The ad was promoting how both organizations could help students in obtaining the best "spec".So what is spec? It's a Konglish word based on "specifications", basically meaning notable credentials that would show up on a resume/

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-69573282760811586942010-09-10T16:32:00.006+09:002010-09-15T02:30:08.546+09:00

I didn't realize how large a river the Han was until I saw rivers in other countries. Like the first time I saw the Seine. 'That's a river????', I thought. It looked like what we Seoulites would call a brook or a stream. You could cross it on foot in 15 minutes or less, whereas I don't think anyone in their right mind would cross the Han by walking, as it'll probably take 40 minutes to an hour.(I

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-38013990106218698702010-09-07T21:34:00.008+09:002010-09-08T15:55:28.262+09:00

Autumn is here but the summer heat is stubbornly hanging on, so I'm still consuming naengmyeon to my heart's content. Any sort of cold noodles are good. This time around it's the Chinese version, or to be more exact, the Koreanized Chinese version.Unlike Korean naengmyeon, the noodles are made of wheat flour like the noodles of jjajangmyeon and jjampong, so if you like naengmyeon mostly because

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-25740633499251248992010-09-05T21:53:00.008+09:002010-09-05T23:28:04.143+09:00

Photo from NewsenSending sincere birthday wishes to Yuna Kim, who really needs all the support she can get right now. For the past several weeks, Yuna has been the center of a controversy regarding her parting ways with coach Brian Orser, which hasn't been mentioned in the media in a positive light.Athletes change coaches all the time, so what's the big deal, you might ask? In a country where the

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-3213153419689905452010-09-03T11:14:00.010+09:002011-02-09T17:18:53.541+09:00

North Gate #2, Gwangjang MarketIt was a hot and mucky day. The city was hot, the people were hot, the whole country was hot. Our forefathers used to say when it's truly truly hot, overcome the heat with heat (이열치열, 以熱治熱). So when a case of daytime munchies attacked, several friends and I descended upon Gwangjang Market, the street food stall mecca in Seoul, to get something good and hot to

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-90581981212663629192010-09-02T00:17:00.012+09:002010-11-23T02:33:37.909+09:00

Forget the introductory prattle, let's get to the point. In chronological production year order: Fantasia (1940)My mother would put on classical music instead of singing lullabys so seeing familiar music scores play on screen Disney-style really blew me away when I was a kid. Beethoven's Pastoral Symphony wasn't so boring any more, and I was introduced to Mussorgsky. An American in Paris (1951)I

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-5527888405704609952010-08-30T13:03:00.005+09:002010-08-30T16:46:56.070+09:00

Or in this case, let one sleeping family poodle lie.August is coming to a close. I spent most of the month at my parents' place doggysitting while they were on holiday. (Not having a 8-to-7 job makes me a very convenient dogsitter.) Although it wasn't truly "take care of the dog" but more of a "watch the dog sleep" kind of thing. Powersleeping on the sofa, on dad's chair, with a red blanky in my

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-44422642544831070062010-08-28T16:17:00.008+09:002010-08-28T16:53:16.921+09:00

Summer heat rages on but that doesn't mean I can lie back and do nothing. I've been mad busy, running around north, south, east and west. I spent so much time waiting for buses in the burning sun, dripping sweat like a new water gwishin - deodorant was my best friend this month.Waiting for the bus at Paldalmun (Paldal Gate) in Suwon. A very different atmosphere from Seoul downtown bus stops, it's

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-15742001617446332382010-08-17T12:55:00.005+09:002010-09-15T02:31:37.106+09:00

From the Yonsei University bus stop in Sinchon to the City Hall Plaza area via Gwanghwamun.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-31470002106290354232010-08-09T21:08:00.016+09:002010-08-16T16:30:31.683+09:00

And the saga continues...Wara Store is one of the longest running featured webtoons on portal site Naver. It chronicles the happenings and doings in a convenience store - the interactions between boss, employees, and the customers. Very relatable and funny, and the illustrations cute without going overboard.Viscat is another webtoon that I like. The characters - cats, ape, catfish (I think),

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-34757222463311888532010-08-07T15:36:00.014+09:002010-08-09T21:16:01.964+09:00

I'm at the family homestead doggysitting spoiled rotten poodle Cocoa (it's impossible not to use those adjectives every time I describe him) while the parents are on holiday, so I'm taking advantage of the air-conditioned environment to catch up on overdue posts.The 2010 Seoul International Cartoon & Animation Festival took place in July. I go every single year - check out last year's posts in

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-75855050944286321302010-08-05T21:09:00.006+09:002010-08-05T21:42:00.775+09:00

Kids playing in the water fountains at Gwanghwamun Plaza (Photo from Yonhap News)Is it hot as heck where you are as it is in Seoul? It's a sticky, stifling, fry-an-egg-on-the-hood-of-your-car, watch-the-steam-rise-from-the-city-asphalt, shirt-will-be-wet-after-a-5-minute-walk, sweltering, melting hot hot hot summer here.Summer is my favorite season (I'm so bad with cold) but wow, is this year's

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-49081085672520788682010-07-21T18:04:00.003+09:002010-07-21T18:56:25.483+09:00

Hamheung, the second largest city in North Korea, is the other city famous for the cold noodle dish naengmyeon. (The other being Pyongyang, whose naengmyeon style I've posted about before.) Although naengmyeon comes in both bibim (mixed) and mul ("water") styles in both cities, the Hamheung is known for the former and Pyongyang for the latter.Pyongyang naengmyeon noodles are made from buckwheat.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-15905319968883399812010-07-17T02:18:00.008+09:002010-07-17T02:36:52.583+09:00

Before the thunder and lightning went into full-on party mode, I ventured to go out because I was all out of veggies. I had initially wanted to sing "Bohemian Rhapsody" (very badly) while shooting but an alarming number of people were around so I chickened out.P.S. What my apartment complex looks like. P.P.S. Uber-short, because the rain started pounding sideways and I was getting all wet;

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-47220049488006017552010-07-12T19:43:00.008+09:002010-07-12T20:39:33.547+09:00

I have been listening to this song all day, the opening lyrics running through my head over and over, most likely because of a final deadline this week. I'm not freaking out over it, though. One thing I like about being old(er) is that I don't go maniacal stressed-out control-freak batshit crazy as much as I used to. (Hey, I'm blogging in the midst of this - proof enough.)As the song looped on

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-21475093118977004572010-07-10T03:45:00.007+09:002010-07-10T04:08:52.922+09:00

Crossing the Dongjak Bridge, Seoul Metro Line 4With the exception of horrific sardine-can rush hours, I generally like public transportation. Instead of listening to really loud music through car speakers (which I usually do while driving), I like to eavesdrop on other peoples' conversations, try to guess what song a person is listening to by the fractions of noise and beat that escape their

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-73968671520133112822010-07-05T19:31:00.016+09:002010-07-05T21:04:16.031+09:00

Before the summer heat descended upon the peninsula, I took a trip to Seonyudo Park on a cloudy day. Seonyudo Park is an island on the Han River; it used to be the site for water purification plants but was closed down in 2000, and Seoul city renovated the island into an ecological park and reopened the area in 2002.The entryway from the bus stop is on a low slope.Entry. Being a public park,

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-88937327626352195872010-06-28T14:56:00.011+09:002010-07-02T20:37:18.846+09:00

My desktop wallpaper of June, courtesy of NaverSo we're out. We made it to top 16, but Uruguay, or should I say Luis Suarez, made us bid farewell to World Cup 2010. Such a disappointment. Not only for the team, but for the whole nation that was in absolute festival mood.Of course the tournament lasts till July, but the other team in red that I was rooting for, England, got trashed by Germany (

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-57756910851124766882010-06-22T23:23:00.009+09:002010-11-23T02:35:00.565+09:00

Support banner in front of the World Trade Center complex COEXBear with me. As long as Korea is still in this, I'm going to be talking about the World Cup. Since our final match of the first round is coming up with our team's future uncertain, I'm posting the remainder of my photos to be on the safe side.Should we pass this round, I assure you there still would be endless things to post about,

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-46906882612506839182010-06-18T23:17:00.006+09:002010-06-19T00:50:33.441+09:00

Lionel Messi (Argentina) and Park Chu Young (ROK) for AdidasSo Argentina totally creamed us yesterday. I mean, like totally. OMG they were good. They wove in and out of our defense like pro skiiers on amateur slaloms. Our players were playing with all their might, we were cheering them on like no tomorrow, but it just wasn't enough. You really do have to give credit where credit is due -

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-31071800170691100622010-06-17T02:57:00.009+09:002010-06-23T01:02:26.639+09:00

Screen capture from top Korean portal sites Naver and DaumHe's everywhere. Park Ji Sung. Or, I should say, as the post title says: THE Park Ji Sung. Manchester United midfielder, current captain of the national football team, and a marketer's dream of a poster boy for World Cup season. Hey, the Cup only comes once every four years, so you have to milk it, eh? Not that I'm complaining. The guy is

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-55203418403139616262010-06-10T00:32:00.006+09:002010-06-10T17:35:49.789+09:00

Seoul Square is situated directly across Seoul Station and their LED displays are always interesting. This has been my favorite so far - taped in January. It somehow represents what my life has been like for the first half of this year; strange, unsettling, thought-provoking, but still quite delightful. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magritte

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-80681444442130724052010-06-09T01:23:00.010+09:002010-09-15T02:31:56.504+09:00

Check-in counters at Incheon International AirportI feel like going somewhere. I actually don't like to travel, though. Perhaps it's due to my long history of motion sickness, but I'm like the kid in the back seat with the perpetual question: "Are we there yet?" I want to be there already.Reason why I prefer buses to the metro; at least you have an outside view. Cars and taxis, you're most

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-39260375693718096412010-06-07T20:30:00.006+09:002010-06-07T20:39:38.934+09:00

Do you know why Rain won the 2010 MTV movie award for biggest badass star? Just sayin'.(Of course, having rabid internet voting K-pop fangirls as your main fanbase is a big help.)

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-66005496878528331292010-06-03T19:31:00.007+09:002010-06-04T23:13:01.698+09:00

I like eating out a lot. Mostly because I get so darn tired of my own cooking; there's a limit to the experimentation of new recipes one is willing to go through when you're cooking for yourself. And I'm not fond of entertaining either so off to restaurants I go.Gallery Hyun is a wine and art gallery / Italian restaurant in the alley of Samcheongdong. Besides the hall floors where artwork is on

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-79537620936474297882010-06-01T00:05:00.006+09:002010-06-01T00:54:02.831+09:00

May swept by so swiftly, what have I done?Talked endlessly at softly lit coffee shops,sewed beads on a painting in progress ("Kitsch Fish"), reveled in clean and empty city buses. Drank red red wine, chilled pink omija tea, and crisp cold beer. Took geeky doll photos at fancy restaurants, and shaky blurry ones with best friend Tanya who flew in from Beijing. Went to Seonyoo Park on a cloudy day,

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-14395008325473503542010-05-24T22:48:00.008+09:002010-05-27T00:09:40.796+09:00

May had a hot spell in the middle of the month. Hot weather = perfect time for cold noodles. A crisply cold pasta salad would have been good, but since this is Korea - naengmyeon time.Naengmyeon originates from North Korea. The noodles are either made from buckwheat or potato starch, the former being Hamhung style and the latter, Pyongyang. The buckwheat noodles are extremely long and chewy and

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-88012087010456838422010-05-14T00:18:00.039+09:002010-11-23T02:33:03.860+09:00

I tried to design a mug this afternoon. My brain was on overload with editing and writing so I decided to take a break and take advantage of an online event offering a personally designed mug. 'Ooooh, a mug. Simple! It'll be a good diversion and then I'll get back to work', I thought.I'm an idiot. You should never assume anything is easy until you've actually done it yourself. After getting a

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-11975606731298133222010-05-10T23:32:00.018+09:002010-05-14T14:47:53.049+09:00

Izakayas are tricky. Especially those in Seoul. Some serve highly Koreanized versions of Japanese side dishes, others with more authentic cuisine may charge you an arm and a leg and still leave you hungry.However, there are always exceptions. Good exceptions. Fabulous exceptions, in fact.Genji in Hongdae is one of those exceptions. Owned by a chef who honed his skills at a hardcore Japanese

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-76840310874826547192010-05-10T21:44:00.011+09:002010-05-10T23:29:29.174+09:00

Flowers come and go every season, every year, yet people still get all excited over them again and again. It's quite endearing to be honest. Makes you want to believe in the good side of mankind, no matter how hard a cynic you may be.This spring has been the wonkiest spring that I can remember. It caused the flowers and trees to go through identity crises. (Heck, it almost made me go through an

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-8540767506908851492010-05-03T17:14:00.008+09:002010-05-09T05:03:58.364+09:00

When I was a kid I never understood why grownups would constanty talk about weather. I mean, really. Weather? What is there to talk about? It's always there. Yes, of course it changes but there so many other change evoking factors in life that you'd think you'd take something like mercurial weather for granted. Shows you what the fark I know. (Absolutely nothing.)I have never bitched, whined and

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-13896103509286185492010-04-22T19:09:00.014+09:002010-04-23T02:47:20.357+09:00

If you're a hardcore vegetarian in Korea and tired of eating the same old salads in mediocre "American food" restaurants or shunning Korean vegetable dishes because you're not quite sure what is used in the marinating sauce, the best option is to go for temple food.What is temple food? It is a loose English translation for seonshik(선식) or "zen food"; food that is consumed while a person is going

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-19260691691602641072010-02-08T19:06:00.004+09:002010-04-22T15:02:54.370+09:00

Because I've been sitting on my lazy derriere and not editing the gazillion food and travel related photos taking up space on my harddrive, I present you (rather) old photos of Cocoa in his usual glory.In his seat of power, i.e. my dad's lap. Dad is his favorite head-scratcher.Aaaaaaah, that feels good.Aiiiieeeeee! Happy screams! He also likes to have his neck scritched.So what's your problem?

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-50403893079548327512010-02-08T15:44:00.010+09:002010-02-08T16:44:44.376+09:00

When you think of Chinese dining in Korea, it's probably the ubiquitous jjajangmyun that first comes to mind. It's a highly Koreanized noodle dish whose main forte is the fact that it can be delivered anywhere, and by anywhere I mean from living quarters to office buildings to the banks of the Han river where you might be picnicking. (Once you get spoiled by the 24hour Korean food delivery

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-58563437488018874782010-02-03T19:21:00.009+09:002010-02-03T22:59:38.170+09:00

Lights at Gwanghwamun PlazaPeople in the western world, what was the groundhog's verdict?Is everyone in the northern hemisphere as sick of winter as I am? Odd, for winter was my favourite season as a kid. It still was when I was in uni as well, come to think of it. I loved strolling along the deserted city streets with my walkman blasting my music of the mo' (yes, I'm of that generation) and

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-23949036797871574452010-01-25T20:23:00.016+09:002010-01-26T00:56:24.474+09:00

The area of Gwanghwamun is surrounded by landmarks, both ancient and modern. To the north is Gyeongbok Palace of which Gwanghwamun is the main gate; to the east are other palaces, the American Embassy, my favorite bookstore Kyobo, the Gwanghwamun post office; to the south is City Hall, the stream Cheongyecheon flowing horizontally and Deoksu Palace; to the west is the Sejong Center for the

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-71638699161667897862010-01-25T13:56:00.008+09:002010-01-25T15:42:11.956+09:00

There are moments when the fountain waters in front of the Honorable Admiral cease to sing but the sounds of the city endlessly fill in the void; Seoul is never silent. Behind the Admiral lies a sloping walkway (here under holiday lights) that enters the underground to Haechi Madang, a tidy exhibition hall where you can meet the mythical symbol of Seoul, the Haechi.So what's a haechi, anyway? Ask

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-8279110333720469842010-01-18T21:11:00.008+09:002010-01-20T00:34:07.824+09:00

Gwanghwamun in 2007The locals simply call it Gwanghwamun. The word itself is the name of the main gate to Gyeongbokgung (Gyeongbok Palace), the largest palace built in the Chosun Dynasty. The gate faces one of the largest main streets in central Seoul with the prominent statue of Admiral Yi Sun Shin staring solemnly upon the millions of cars that rush by.The statue and a handful of trees were

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-70410760960311618122010-01-17T14:11:00.011+09:002010-06-06T18:58:34.216+09:00

I'm not that much of a beer drinker. My alcohol of choice is either soju or wine, and the only times I find myself craving the hops drink is during hot and humid summer nights or when I'm eating German wurst dishes.(It's probably the fizz and not the taste that doesn't make me a fan. I'm not that fond of champagne for that same reason. I prefer my drinks without bubbles that tickle my nose.)Since

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-65114102360935175312010-01-14T16:34:00.007+09:002010-01-14T17:42:44.684+09:00

Earth is throwing a tantrum. What with the devastating earthquake in Haiti, killer heat in the southern hemisphere and the ice age invoking cold that has hit the north, it seems like Earth's energy is bursting in directions which we meager humans can't understand.We really messed up this planet, haven't we? It's all our fault. 'Global warming' doesn't sound urgent enough; we should start calling

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-83143735217286311922010-01-11T21:39:00.007+09:002010-01-11T22:23:16.099+09:00

Can anyone enlighten me the difference between a marron and a châtaigne? I'd like to think I know the difference when the words refer to color - marron being a shade darker - but the nut? Is one a regular chestnut and the other a water chestnut? If so, which is which?Châtaigne is the name of the French restaurant hidden away in a corner of Samcheong-dong, away from the main alley to the trendy

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-44611239608252458302010-01-06T17:22:00.004+09:002010-01-06T17:44:15.155+09:00

On New Year's Day, the snow lay light and bright. My footprints left slight imprints in my parents' yard.But then a few days later snow just BOMBARDED the whole Korean peninsula. Seoul had no idea what to do. Absolutely clueless. Roads were completely clogged. I took the metro to avoid delays but had to change trains twice because the snow drifts were causing multiple problems. (Not to mention I

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-7143676439320878512010-01-04T13:51:00.002+09:002010-01-04T14:02:12.493+09:00

It's the year of the Tiger but I did not have any tiger figurines handy so deer will have to do.One of my New Year resolutions is to update this blog more frequently instead of posting in splurges. Let's see how that goes. Hope everyone had a fabulous start for a year of good fortune.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-79292978967666804602009-12-31T06:32:00.006+09:002010-11-23T02:36:37.646+09:00

@ Avenue LBecause my brain is too tired to write a proper essay, here's the standard meme:1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?Hiked up a mountain in high heels. Totally idiotic. Long story.Got a "setting perm" and hated it.Took Japanese cooking classes at my friend Doma's.2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions and will you make more for next year?Some. Didn't get sick (

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-31307488567540469572009-12-25T02:22:00.009+09:002009-12-29T02:32:08.913+09:00

I sound weird and unnatural and tired. Phooey. Doesn't mean that I'm not sincere, though. If you're not in the mood to listen to my voice, a still version of Cheonggyecheon at Christmas:Christmas is a national holiday in Korea as is Buddha's birthday in the spring, but like most capitalist societies it has become a holiday of avid consumerism more than anything else.The Christmas decorations were

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-63646989344087703612009-12-24T01:46:00.006+09:002009-12-24T02:57:55.573+09:00

Juk is the chicken soup of Korea. When you get sick, you eat juk. The main ingredient is rice, which provides lots of carbohydrates (= just enough energy), it's a porridge and either lightly seasoned or not seasoned at all so it's very easy on the stomach, it's hot and warm.It's not only food for the ailing, though. (I like chicken soup anytime, for example.) Many ingredients such as assorted

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-2162868056722727352009-12-20T16:21:00.005+09:002009-12-20T21:37:58.466+09:00

Gah, all the Tokyo posts are finally up now. All I have left is the megapile of accumulated posts-to-be about life here in Seoul. Which is several months worth. Ahahahahaha! (If you haven't guessed already, this is an almost demented laugh.)I'm trying to get them out of the way before this year is over because honestly, who wants to be posting about 2009 when it's 2010?By the way, isn't the

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-35537111968248054592009-12-20T14:53:00.009+09:002009-12-24T02:59:26.961+09:00

I had debated long before my Tokyo trip whether to make a visit to L'Atelier or not, although Joel Robuchon is probably the most influential French chef of modern times (some might argue that it's Bocuse), you never know whether a restaurant is really that good or whether its reputation is built upon name value and hype.Because you never know until you try out yourself and taste is subjective, I

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-83304188051978795992009-12-16T17:22:00.006+09:002009-12-24T03:00:02.275+09:00

I stay at Shinjuku a lot when in Tokyo. Mostly because I dislike taking the train into the city from the airport (hate changing lines). The airport limousine bus stop in west Shinjuku is close to almost everything, so despite my wanting to try out other neighborhoods, the convenience of the neighborhood beckons me back.The neighborhood is home to many department stores. When I don't have an

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-51622407160276615802009-12-16T17:05:00.004+09:002009-12-20T14:31:11.855+09:00

I had some time to kill before a dinner appointment, so I dropped by wine shop and brasserie bar Bisty's at Omotesando Hills.I was given permission to take photos. The place was practically empty due to the odd hour. Bisty's is one of those dispenser wine bars, where you can drink and taste various types of wines with a debit card. They have a great selection of wines from all over the world;

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-79647348146618810812009-12-16T16:57:00.007+09:002009-12-20T14:12:50.322+09:00

Chinese artist Ai Weiwei was showing at the Mori Art Museum with the title of "According to What?" when I visited. The Mori always has fabulous exhibitions of modern art; I've never been disappointed so it's another place that I always drop by during my visits to Tokyo.Ai Weiwei's installations were thought provoking with a good dose of whimsy thrown in. Everyday objects viewed through the

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-67993105300439602702009-12-16T16:53:00.003+09:002009-12-24T03:00:32.757+09:00

If I had to eat one thing for the rest of my life, it'll probably be noodles. I love noodles in every form: Korean janchi guksu, Chinese chow mein, Italian pasta, Japanese udon and soba.I only had time to visit two noodle places this time around.Kyutoku at Roppongi Hills : I had an appetizer of sauteed eggplant first, followed by a tempura udon set. The tempura comes on a separate plate, unlike

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-42651407567967205152009-12-16T16:37:00.008+09:002009-12-20T13:14:11.478+09:00

I've been frequenting Design Festa for several years now, it's a great venue to check out the independent art (and design and crafts) scene. Most of the exhibitors are Japanese, but there are more and more international participants each year.Loved the main poster illustrations, did my own version for my Napzzak Project.The event area at Tokyo Big Sight in Odaiba is huuuuuuuge. A view of the

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-64774165136237251132009-12-16T16:33:00.003+09:002009-12-26T11:05:52.676+09:00

You run into interesting people at Design Festa, even non-real ones. This girl needed a tissue.Duo in white. Couldn't find their booth, maybe they didn't have one, so never found out what they were about.The boudoir look reinterpreted by a Japanese cosplayer. Her falsh lashes were so thick they completely hooded her eyes.A kawaii illustrator Alice. (Can't find her namecard, boo.) Oh, and there's

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-85139445097007671602009-12-16T15:37:00.005+09:002009-12-20T12:27:52.901+09:00

Watching artists in action is another great part of the event. I love how large scale these are. (But how do they "take" their art home? Are they discarded after the event? I should ask next time.) I once heard an indie artist say that they became an artist because they always wanted to draw on the walls without getting yelled at. I totally get that. My friend Tibiloo and I left our mark on a

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-49869930754784513222009-12-16T15:27:00.004+09:002009-12-20T12:21:30.870+09:00

As much as I like Design Festa, I like their gallery in Harajuku; it's such a funky casual place, much like the event itself. I took pictures for my Napzzak Project while I visited.The gallery has a drinking and dining area, both indoors and out, but I never had the time to lounge.Many independent artists show their work inside the gallery, which consists of series of rooms of various sizes. I

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-45546059195135954032009-12-15T13:58:00.011+09:002009-12-20T12:11:09.326+09:00

Treasures of the Habsburg Monarchy (140th Jubilee of the Friendship Treaty between Austria , Hungary and Japan)I make it a point to go to as many art exhibitions as possible during my stays in Tokyo, however short a stay it may be, mostly to catch the big scale ones that have little possibility to be shown here in Seoul.Although I go to the Mori Art Museum every single time I visit (probably due

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-43219126303877928672009-12-10T11:40:00.003+09:002009-12-15T13:57:04.751+09:00

Courtesy of http://tweetcloud.icodeforlove.com/Telling, ain't it? Insomnia with bursts of oversleep, lack of time (where can I get some, please?), emotions and such. My mind is simple, despite what others may say.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-5428546711524835252009-12-10T11:24:00.007+09:002009-12-16T17:08:29.156+09:00

Yes, Thanksgiving is over and it's almost Christmas and I'm talking about Halloween! Better late than never, I say.For me, Tokyo is food, art and Blythe. Didn't have time to go to the main Junie Moon in Daikanyama but I dropped by the store at Marui One (0101) in Shinjuku.Halloween display with customized Blythes by Honey Drops & Daisy D. I love their collaboration work. Back window display.

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-8492946255012275832009-12-10T11:21:00.004+09:002009-12-16T17:09:05.522+09:00

Before meeting up with a hubae in Roppongi Hills, I killed some time in the plaza. The Tokyo Internation Film Festival was going on during that time with "green" as its main theme, to promote TIFF's ecology initiative. The event area was decked out in posters and displays about the environment, with green carpet rolled out instead of the traditional red.The plaza where I was lounging was occupied

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-70112660834041211302009-12-10T10:28:00.006+09:002009-12-16T17:09:55.971+09:00

I'm finally getting around posting about Tokyo because I realize that this year is practically over and if I don't do it now, procrastination will never ever end. I have a tendency to procrastinate when I assume the task at hand isn't urgent nor very time consuming. Not very good judgement about the latter, though. Everything usually takes about two times more than I usually anticipate, in

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-73331941784562571862009-12-05T00:00:00.005+09:002009-12-05T00:22:57.715+09:00

Autumn has already faded away in memory, but its scent still lingers in the air. Unfortunately.I have heard of foreigners coming to Seoul during autumn and being taken aback by the smell. Some are too polite to mention it, thinking it is perhaps emitted by the locals, or the food, aka the infamous 'smells of garlic', but in fact it's the burst fruit of the gingko trees rotting in the city

seoulsuzyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12856429336143081394noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5695879821658504749.post-61183971896453728382009-12-04T23:40:00.006+09:002009-12-24T03:00:53.115+09:00

Wine group gathering at the ever accomodating Red Brick in Seorae Maeul. The food is what I call 'as is'; nothing more, nothing less than what you'd expect at a casual Italian bistro. The atmosphere is quite casual as well, so we never worry about being the obnoxiously loud group acting all snobbish while swirling wine in their glasses.Open kitchen: The light crispy pizzas are baked in

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