Last Train to Seoul

Korea's Memorial Day is just after ours in America, on June 6th. There aren't many lakes and we don't know anyone with a boat, so, Amy and I got to take one last trip to Seoul for the long weekend!

We stayed at the new addition to the Hongdae Guesthouse, nicknamed 'The Yellow Submarine.'

The hosts and facilities were the best I've seen in a hostel, and even better than some hotels.

When in Seoul on a budget, stay at the Hongdae Guesthouse. It is cheap, friendly, clean, and smack-dab in the middle of one of the most exciting parts of Seoul.

Our first adventure of the Ju-mal (weekend), was to Myeong-dong for some shoppin' and ramen. This district of Seoul is home to any kind of shopping you could ever want to do. From souvenirs of Korea and cheap sunglasses to high end fashion boutiques or knock-off Louis Vuitton, Myeong-dong is a great place to get anything. It is also a great place to people watch. Amy and I did not escape a crowd of less than a thousand people until we left.

Another must-do in Myeong-dong is the Tum-Sae Ramen House. This was recommended by our friends Sean and Lauren, who visited Seoul last year. It may sound odd to westerners, but there are ramen restaurants. Tum-Sae is the best.

They only serve two different kinds: spicy and not spicy.

Amy got the non-, I got the spicy. Now, being from Texas, I eat a lot of spicy everything, but let me warn you....Tum-Sae spicy Ramen is no joke. It is delicious, but equally painful. That meal was one of the most intense flavor experiences of my life. I proudly finished it, but only after some sweat and tears. I literally teared up.

Amy's was not spicy at all, but also delicious. Their secret is in the broth.

It would be impossible for me to tell you how to get there, but everyone in Myeong-dong knows it. So, just ask any vendor, they will point you in the right direction.

That night we were lucky enough to meet up with many of our Seoul friends: Maddie, Matt, John, Soo, Ying-Ying, and some of Maddie's friends met us in Itaewon for dinner 'n drinks. Maddie and Matt were amazing in showing us Craftworks!

Craftworks is a microbrewery restaurant in Itaewon. They serve 5-6 kinds of house-made brew. I tried their: Kolsch, Pilsner, California Golden, and Stout. Craftworks also serves a Hefeweissen. We were just four days early for their release of an India Pale Ale. So, if you go, get one and let me know!

They also have a plethora of fantastic western food, like: hand-made pita chips w/spinach dip, chilli fries, chicken salad (not as popular as you might think in Korea), and wonderful burgers on wheat bread.