Gwanghwamun area, Seoul. This fast-paced, super modern area also houses statues and old palaces memorializing Korean history. This statue of Admiral Yi Sun Sin (이순신) overlooks the busy streets filled with cars and pedestrians. He is considered a Korean hero – as a Naval commander, he battled against Japanese invasion. Apparently, one of his most remarkable defeats was during the battle of Myeongnyang where his soldiers were outnumbered 333 ships to 13. Admiral Yi died in 1598 during battle.
Just a short post here. Fell + Cole ice cream was started by San Francisco native, Choi Ho June or “Tristan.”
My friend Ari introduced me to them and they did not fail to please!
They serve up organic, unique flavors of ice cream in Hongdae. The shop is unassuming – a rather bare-bones kind of a place.
Great customer service and ice cream. Below are the salted caramel ice cream (A++!) and “grandma’s persimmon” scoops.
One of the many pet cafes in Hongdae. This cat cafe is particularly full of friendly cats.
Once visitors enter, lockers and slippers are provided – visitors then buy their ticket for 1 visit and 1 drink.
Pet cafes aren’t really “allowed” in the states for health and safety reasons so it was a fun and interesting experience for me.
I would definitely visit again!
HoHo Myoll is a whimsical, cute, and cozy cafe in Hongdae, Seoul.
Apparently, HoHo Myoll is a name derived from the Volkswagen van plus the owner’s cat’s name. The cafe is thematic in 60s and 70s nostalgic items.
The lattes, mochas, and cakes are pretty tasty – not the best but made with care and served with a smile.
It’s a rather comfy and welcoming cafe worth visiting!
[Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
One quirky thing I noticed about majority of Seoulites is that they love mascots.
Nearly every eatery, store, cafe, and even town has their own mascot. And of course, Seoul has a city mascot – Haechi.
Here are just a few “live” mascots that I’ve spotted…
Garfield mascot(s) for a Cat Cafe in Hyehwa, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
Garfield mascot hanging out with doll-head mascots in Hongdae, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
Accessories and clothing shop mascot in Myeongdong, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
Haechi, Seoul’s mascot in CheongGyeCheon, Seoul (left). School Food (a cafe) mascot in Myeongdong, Seoul (right) [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
Mascot for the Crocs store in Myeongdong, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
Dried squid and gingko beans. Myeongdong, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
A family run street food vendor. Myeongdong, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]
Veggie hodduk at Namdaemun, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 14-24mm wide angle lens]
Egg bread in front of Insadong, Seoul [Nikon D3s, 50mm lens]