Day 4 of 8 in Seoul: Myeongdong (Free Hanbok Experience) & Sinchon

Yes, the word "Myeongdong" wasn't repeated unintentionally. Our trip to Myeongdong on day 3 could be counted as a recee site before we officially explore the area.

It was a Monday afternoon and once again we hailed a cab down to Myeongdong. If you were to calculate the transportation fee wise, the cab fare is cheaper compared to the subway (priced at 1,600won per head)

Ever heard of Free Hanbok Experience at Myeongdong? Yes, you do not need to pay a single won to take pictures of yourself in their traditional costume.

Steady lah~

Most frequently asked questions: 

• Exact location for this experience?
• Opening hours?
• Since this service is complimentary, do we need to put on the costume ourselves?
• Will the place get crowded with tourist?
• Any tripod/selfie stick available?
• Can we stay there for long?

Location: M Plaza Myeongdong Level 5

It is very unlikely to give a definite directions guide due to the perplexing as well as duplicate shops around... If you still remember that image of Ibis Hotel, I took that image right at the Suok Dental Clinic shown above. If your taxi driver drops you to that entrance instead, walk straight all the way and only turn right after the 2nd lane. 

(Credits here)

Once you spot Zara right opposite The Body Shop, you know you're at the correct place. This building over here is known as the M Plaza. 

Take the escalator/lift up to level 5 & look for Seoul Global Culture & Tourism Center.

Opening Hours: 10.30am to 7.00pm (last slot at 6.30pm)

They do not accept advance reservations, only walk-in bookings are accepted. Therefore, we headed straight to the tourism center to grab a slot first (which is usually 3-4 hours ahead, however it also depends on that day's availability) before shopping time at Myeongdong.

The on-site staff will be assisting with the Hanbok costume

Initially I was worried that I might have difficulty figuring out how to wear the Hanbok in a proper manner. Fortunately, the female staff assisted without hesitation haha. The only downside is that there isn't any Hanbok for you to choose, the variety is extremely limited. Hence this explains why both my Mum and I wore the same Hanbok colour.

Yes, the tourism center is popular among tourists

Despite walking in on a Monday afternoon, they were only left with 1 slot, which is 3.30pm in our case. I think we spotted Singaporeans too lol.

They provide camera tripod stand as well as selfie stick!

I brought my own selfie stick as well, but I utilize their tripod stand for my camera! It is user-friendly and I totally didn't expect these minor equipment to encourage tourists to take more photos there...

Each designated slot is only available for 10 minutes (excluding changing of attire)

Since we got the 3.30pm timeslot, changing of attire took about 5 minutes and they will mention that we have 10 minutes at the station. Actually 10 minutes is more than enough, there are only 2 backgrounds for your photography session.

2 backgrounds for you to choose. Haha

Satisfied my craving for crepe again hehe

LOOK AT THE CORNFLAKES ZOMG

The next destination at night has changed to Sinchon instead. My dad had been pestering us to bring him out at night... while my mother is complaining about the freezing weather -_- it is very difficult to satisfy both of them at the same time.

Took a cab to Sinchon (I just realized we seldom take their subway haha) after our scrumptious dinner!

Directions: Simply take to Sinchon (Seoul Subway Line 2). Sinchon is located between Hongdae and Ewha Womans University station.

Loving these 2 tourist-y shots

 Their streets were crowded despite on a weekday night! 

Now I can truly understand why people commented that Singapore's working hours are the longest in the world

Photo inception

More random shops along Sinchon

Decided to chill out at Angel-in-US cafe before heading back to our apartment.

 The cafe itself is 4-storey high.

 *trying to step one atas drinking coffee but failed*

Thanks to Mummy's poor photography skills haha

 Their waffle is quite tasty! It'll be great if they offer a scoop of ice-cream too

Some noobshit breakfast set for my Dad (he is ALWAYS hungry)

Sinchon wasn't really an enjoyable place for us as all the shops were duplicated, and we can simply find them at other streets as well. Maybe we didn't know how to navigate ourselves well around the vicinity, but I personally won't make another trip down if I'm planning to visit Seoul again.

Day 1 of 8 in Seoul: here

Day 2 of 8 in Seoul: here

Day 3 of 8 in Seoul: here