[Seoul: Ikseon-dong] Beautiful Hanok Cafes in Seoul

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while I was in Seoul last autumn, I finally got to go to this new hipster-ish area near Bukchon Hanok Village; Ikseon-dong. unlike Bukchon, this place isn’t situated on the hill but all the homes here, like Bukchon are the only few areas in Seoul where people actually still live in Hanoks. while I have an obsession with Hanoks, I also love Hanok cafes because they seem to be Hanoks at its best.

I guess I was always very fascinated with these Korean traditional buildings because they are sturdy although built without nails, look absolutely phenomenal, normally have a 마루 (Maru; a flat elevated deck) in their yard where people can chill at and great great heating systems; the 온돌 (Ondol).

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[HK: Wan Chai] Classified — best place for brunch.

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nothing’s better for an expat working in hectic HK other than Saturday brunches. I just felt like brunch is the only time where I can slow down at this very fast-paced city. there are quite a number of places offering brunch in HK but they are normally over-crowded, not brunch-like and over-priced. but classified, a chic european styled chain here, is really my style. Continue reading “[HK: Wan Chai] Classified — best place for brunch.”

[Seoul: Bukchon] Layered – Cake Cafe

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so right before leaving Korea, I went to one of the most amazing (and hip) cafe I’ve ever been to. unlike many other cafes’ that’s only pretty and ONLY instagram worthy, this place is a little different because not only is it great for instagram, it has one of the most delectable cakes in Seoul — baked FRESH. Continue reading “[Seoul: Bukchon] Layered – Cake Cafe”

[Taipei: Dazhi] Indoor Picnic at Yellow Lemon

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just a stones throw away from the hotel we were staying at– the Grand Mayfull Hotel, was this famous fine dining restaurant/desserant called Yellow Lemon. I was truly intrigued by their picnic styled high-tea set which I first saw on instagram and since it was so near to our hotel, we decided to give it a try.

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[Seoul: Gongdeok] Sasimgadeuk Cafe; a beautiful cafe to chill at.

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so last month, I visited my senior’s newly opened cafe and it was.. one of the most beautiful cafes I’ve ever been to. maybe because I know how much work and effort they made into designing this cafe, but whatever it is, I absolutely loved it.

it’s located at a new park area in Gongdeok (near Sogang Univ.!) and when I went, there was a coincidental bridal shower and it sparked me, if I have a bridal shower in the future, I would love it to be at this place too because it is just SO BEAUTIFUL. I mean, like REALLY beautiful. along the street there are quite a number of hipster and beautiful cafes as well so I really recommend checking the area out if you have free time in Seoul! especially if you would just want to chill out and have a relaxing day.

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[Seoul: Hongdae] Bonita Di Cafe; a Raccoon Cafe

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okay, I have to admit, I went to see Raccoons but I was more attracted to this cute little baby Corgi in the end.

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anyways, here’s a baby Raccoon!

PS: this is a long post with a lot of cuteness overload pictures. so brace yourself for all that cuteness!

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[Seoul: Hongdae] my favourite cake shop! Peony!

OKAY. so there are a lot of nice places in Seoul but good cakes? well.. I’ve not had many good cakes in Seoul that doesn’t cost a bomb. I’m not saying that the cakes from Peony is very cheap but.. it’s average and yet it tastes sooooo heavenly! I love their cakes so much I queued for an hour to get their cake for my birthday last year. yes, their whole cakes requires queuing.

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SO! the bakery is named Peony. lovely name isn’t it? it moved from the old location to this new location still in Hongdae. near Hongik University! Continue reading “[Seoul: Hongdae] my favourite cake shop! Peony!”

[Yangpyeong] Dreamy Camera 꿈꾸는 사진기, 양평

okay, to be honest, I had a hard time translating the name of this spectacular cafe in Yangpyeong, South Korea. it’s literally called the dreaming camera. but.. it can also mean dream camera too. like.. the camera that’s like a dream. and it actually is. and it is a place for you to share your dream.

there were actually nothing much nearby and it’s ridiculously difficult to go as it’s ridiculously far from Seoul. but for a ridiculous reason I find myself having the urge to go back there every season. because.. well look at it.

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this cafe has a surprisingly short history. it opened back in 2013 but from what I heard from the lady owner, they had planned for this from a long time ago. it was modeled after a twin lens Rolleiflex and it just look phenomenal from every angle. and there IS a reason to come here. similar to how this couple managed to build this dreamy camera, they try to spread their positive aura to motivate others achieve their dreams too! and the owner would LOVE to listen to your dreams! that’s actually what this cafe is for, to share your dreams. it ain’t just a normal cafe you go to and it is definitely not just a camera themed cafe.

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[Seoul: Samcheongdong] the 2nd best place in Seoul 서울서 둘째로 잘하는 집

the 2nd best place in Seoul is one of the oldest cafe/dabang around as they are open since 1976. although not as old as Hakrim Dabang, this is actually my.. 3rd time here? and my second post on it. the first post here.

ever since my good friend came with me 3 years ago and I’ve never once came here again since he passed away.. but it’s a cafe filled with our memories and the cafe stayed the same.

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located at the end of Samcheongdong street, the cafe isn’t difficult to find. Continue reading “[Seoul: Samcheongdong] the 2nd best place in Seoul 서울서 둘째로 잘하는 집”