Tuesday, January 14, 2014

Travelogue : Korea With Love, Jeju Island Part 2

Woke up at 3:00am local time, had homemade breakfast and made our way to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. Also known as 'Sunrise Peak', was formed through Hydro-volcanic eruptions. It was a volcanoes that were form by piles of volcanic ash, whereby the interaction of hot ascending magma and seawater or ground water about 5,000 years ago. This crater has a measurement of 180m tall, with a diameter of 600m and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, Seongsan Ilchulbong looks like a gigantic crown. I sounded so pro with the explanation right? I actually googled the information. LOL!! 


It was very dark when we went up the hill. Was suppose to pay for entrance fee of 2,000 Won but we went in for free as the ticketing counter is still closed. We met a few others - a Chinese couple from Shanghai and a few local Korean. Since it was so dark we barely see the steps, we walked and had some chat together. 


Reached the top after 45 minutes of walk. Feeling exhausted and had to catch my breath. Haven't been on hill tracks for a while. I lost all the stamina. I look very tired as barely had enough rest the night before. Wrapped myself like a bun. The weather is superb cold but still major love ok!!





Seongsan Ilchulbong is so breathtaking! The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Every time when I closed my eyes to reminisce my presence over this place, I can't even... I was feeling thankful being able to experience such a beautiful sight. Being able to witness with our own eyes, is was just awesome!! 


The awesome view


Walking down the hill

After all the sightseeing, we were just so hungry and went looking around for food. I think it was me who bugged for food all the while. Travel mate is just normal! Why you guys don't feel as hungry as my level? That's made me gained weight after coming back from Korea. 2 kg for 11 days is shocking!!! 

 Anyway, it was a long journey to the restaurant for me (due to hunger) T____________T 


We found you - Korean Coffee & Pizza & Beer




The menu is all in Korean (without picture) and the waitress only speaks Korean. So what do we do? Kakao Talk Ally to help? That's the best way.. And yea.. our pizza were ordered that way. Cool isn't it? LOL



Korean pizza is filled with lots of veges and nuts! Taste different back home but still good! 

Had a good meal and chit-chat before we proceed for another beautiful wonders in Jeju Island.



Awww.... Nearly died seeing this!! Why you have to be so pretty!!! 




This is Samgumburi Crater - another crater of an extinct volcano. This one exploded quickly as compared to the Seongsan Ilchulbong, but did not spew much lava nor did it form much of a surrounding cone. This is the only one of its kind in the country, making it the natural monument. 





We can walk around the part of the rim but cannot venture down inside the crater. They have a well-paved path that leads us to the viewing area. At the park entrance are several large rocks from the crater. It was during the eruption, molten  rock flew from the volcano into the air and cooled into many exotic shapes. 




Feeling extremely cold when we reached here. The hot coffee turned cold in minutes! 




The other side of the view. You should visit Sangumburi Crater if you had the chance. The entrance fee is 3,000 won per adult.



Head to eMart after that. We felt a little warm and decide to take off our outer wear but Emily was super daring. She removed her legging. Salute her!! But in fact, Jeju Island is a little warmer compared to the rest of Korea cities.


Waiting for our sandwich to be served

Since we wanted to spend some time at the hostel, we went to eMart to buy some Korean snacks and tidbits. On our way, we stopped by to get some  yummy sandwiches. 

We ordered Korean fried chicken and rice for dinner. We were too hungry and none of us actually took any picture of the food! Sorry couldn't share those delicious chicken we had! LOL! 


Say "Annyeong" to Tamna. It belongs to the owner of the guesthouse we stayed. We were able to play with Tamna that evening before her bath time. 


Tamna is kind of big in size and it likes licking and smelling. I tried not to stay too close from her as she gets real excited when she sees human. No, I am not afraid of doggie but Tamna is BIG!!! Not a toy dog ok.. T_____T



Emily loves doggie so much that she missed her "babies" back home. In fact, her babies are cuter cos not big.. LOL.. Anyway, Tamna likes to play with Emily. Thankfully, QQ and Goofy were not there. Else, jealous max! HAHA




Tamna can do stunt from the slides. It's a very clever doggie. We went to the nearby kindy where there's a playground in the school. Some of the kids were still around; so we had fun together with Tamna. 


 Aww... Cute kids in the house. How not to selca with them? Thanks MC for the pictures! 



With the owner having some chit chat time and with Tamna after her bath time. 

Gonna continue my last day at Jeju Island on the next post.  Stay tuned for more magnificent view and tempting-licious meal ^_^

If you haven't read my Korea travelogue, check this out :  

Jeju Island 
Mt Seorak & Yongmunsa
Nami Island

Saturday, January 4, 2014

Beauty Shopping KOREA

Korea is so famous for its beauty products and shopping is not to be missed!! As usual, I would stock up my products whenever I am out of the country. Shopping locally is just not worth it. Some of the item I fancy, I would not be able to get them here. 

What to buy


My shopping haul!! 

Before leaving for Korea, I have done some homework on my shopping list. Checking out blog reviews, you tube tutorial and even hunt for what must have item from Korea! We have heard of The Face Shop, Skin Food, Nature Republic and even Etude House. These brands are easily available here but they cost much lower in the home country. So if you are going to Korea, you must visit these store yea ^_^


MUST BUY Soothing Gel from Nature Republic

All from Etude House!! 

My favourite brands among these is Etude House! I have been using their make-up items and I must say their packaging attracts me. They have very cute and girly design which I love so much! I found out that some of the item I've bought from Etude House in Korea is not available in Malaysia yet. That's the perk of shopping at its country of origin!! Everything first to get!! HAHA


Laneige is MUST GRAB!! 

As for beauty products, aside from Laneige,  I am so into Innisfree. Not sure it's Yoona (Innisfree Ambassador) that attracts me or it's the product!! The organic and non harsh ingredient in this product and the pleasant smell makes me wanna buy its brand compared to the other local brands. 

I bought BB Cream and primer(make-up base) from Innisfree. They were both of different range. Since they seems to be so good, I bought another different range of BB cream for my sister. In the below picture (L-to-R) Innisfree cleansing cream, Eco science cream, Eco daily sunblock,  Natural Green Tea BB cream, Mineral Moisture Base, Jejubija Anti-Trouble BB Cream and Eco-Science Wrinkle Spot Essence. 


Tested Innisfree and I super love them!! 

BB creams and CC creams are a hit thing in Korea. Whatever brands store you walk into, you definitely get them - not one but many range for you to choose! It just so many that without any homework, you could end up buying nothing! Dizzy and undecided!! LOL 


CC Creams and It's Skin Serum

I have optioned for Banila & Co; the very famous CC Cream and not forgetting Tony Moly - as many raved for this CC cream too. I got the latter for my sister-in law. They will always be real happy when I am away for holiday as I could help them to get some beauty stuff ^_^

Too Cool for School is real cool!! 

Heard of Too Cool for School? Yeah! Another famous brands from Korea. I bought their pink blusher and lip crayon! Since I missed getting 3CE as they were not easily available, I bought Too Cool for School to compensate myself. What a "good" excuse! LOL


Free Samples!!

Korean are very generous when it comes to beauty products. When you buy one product, they give you samples. If you buy lots, they give you even more. There are some shops even if you don't buy, they still give you. Sounds so nice right? You can't get them here le!  

Clothing were considered affordable to me as their materials and quality were superb. Even so, we couldn't bought much as they were now having autumn and winter wear. Wear in Malaysia? Unless you wanna sweat like you've just bathe :-P 

Socks were very cute!! They were thick and cheap! I bought a few as souvenirs. Of course, I had some for myself too. HAHAHA

Since I major love Korean coffee, I bought this Soy Green Tea Latte from Osulloc at Jeju Island. With 10 packets in a box, I hope I don't finish it that fast!:(



Where to shop

I bought most of the items from Dongdaemun District at Seoul. Some can be bought from Lotte and Shilla Duty Free Store (no free sample but can be slightly cheaper). As for Laneige, I got them from Aritaum and Watson. 

If you are going to Korea on your own (free & easy), you may want to do some short tour around before you decide to get the items as some place could sell cheaper than the other. Some came with free gifts and vice versa. 

Don't worry about the distance as each shop is just located closely at the same area. For example, you can find Aritaum at the same street - one in the front and probably another one in the middle. LOL

I found a website that has some coupons for discounts - VISIT KOREA If you are planning for a trip there, you may not want to miss this sale ^_^


Using all Korean Beauty Products ^_^
Korean make-up is always about youthful look with dewy complexion. Super love them!!! 

Hope this entry would help a little for those who going to Korea for shopping! ^_^ I'ma gonna make time to review most of these item I bought from Korea soon and probably with some detailed location on purchasing the item. 

Going out now.. Till then, Bye!!