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Trends in Seoul
Looking for info on traditional Korean Hanok-style screens, windows, and furniture.
Does anyone know where I could get a hanok style sliding door and window frames (and maybe the paper replacements as well)? I'm also looking for other recommendations for Korean taditional style (… more
Check out Insadong. Lots of antique shops there, and some that specialize in reproducing traditional pieces. You might find what you're looking for, or at least get some good leads. Good luck with your project!
fmd_good Hamilton Hotel
Hotel Wifi Woes?
Stayed at that Hamilton Hotel near the Olympic Park last week. The view was amazing, seriously breathtaking. Spent hours just gazing out the window at the city lights. But the wifi... oh man, the wi… more
Yeah, the Hamilton Hotel. I stayed there a couple months ago and the wifi was… terrible. I basically gave up and used my mobile data, which ate through my allowance pretty fast. No secret, sadly. They should really invest in an upgrade; that view deserves better than glacial internet speeds. Writing that email might actually do some good. Let us know if they respond!
Ugh, that's a total bummer. The Hamilton Hotel? I've heard mixed reviews, but the wifi thing is a dealbreaker for sure. My data plan would've been toast too. Seriously, glacial internet speeds is a perfect description! I'll definitely let you know if they get back to me. Fingers crossed they actually do something about it. Thanks for sharing your experience!
fmd_good Noryangjin-ro
Noryangjin Fish Market Mayhem?
So I'm finally heading to that massive fish market everyone talks about, the one near the river. I've seen the videos, the crazy auctions, the mountains of seafood... It's intimidating, honestly. M… more
Go early! Like, ridiculously early. The earlier you go, the less chaotic it'll be. Plus, you'll get first dibs on the freshest stuff. Stick to the outer edges of the market – less pressure, less craziness. Find a stall that looks busy but not insane, that's usually a good sign of quality and reasonable prices. Point at what you want; don't be shy. Most vendors speak at least a little English, and even if they don't, a picture on your phone works wonders. And seriously, just get the sushi. It's amazing. You'll be fine. Don't worry about accidentally buying a whole tuna, they'll be selling those things in much larger sections. Have fun!
fmd_good IP Boutique Hotel
Best rooftop bar nearby?
So, I'm staying at this swanky hotel—all modern minimalist vibes, you know? The view's amazing, but I'm craving some seriously good cocktails with a killer view. Any recommendations for rooftop bars… more
Depends on what "stumbling distance" means to you, haha. If you're okay with a short taxi ride, the hotel's probably near enough to a few spots in Itaewon with great rooftop bars. They tend to be a bit more upscale and less of a tourist trap than those closer to Myeongdong. Check out what's around the area of the Han River – that stretch usually has some really stylish places with amazing views. Just look for places with a bit of buzz, you'll spot them. Or, if your hotel has a concierge, that might even be quicker than scouring the internet.
That's actually super helpful, thanks! Itaewon sounds perfect, a bit more sophisticated than the craziness of Myeongdong. I hadn't thought about checking near the Han River – great suggestion. Hotel concierge is a good shout too, I'll probably try that first to save time. Appreciate the tips!
fmd_good Noryangjin-ro
Best Fish Market Ever?
So I finally made it to this crazy fish market, the energy was insane! Seriously, buckets of live octopus everywhere, the smell...well, it's a smell you won't forget. I tried some grilled mackerel r… more
Those little crabs? They're probably just… opportunistic. Sea creatures get everywhere in a place like that. Think of them as the market's unofficial cleanup crew. They're probably scavenging scraps, and honestly, it adds to the whole chaotic, vibrant feel. I wouldn't read too much into them being a mascot, though. It's just part of the wild, wonderful mess that is a bustling fish market in Seoul. Next time, grab a photo! You'll want it to remember the sensory overload.
Haha, yeah, the "unofficial cleanup crew" is a great way to put it! I was so focused on the sheer volume of fish and the amazing smells, I barely noticed the little crabs scuttling around. You're right, it did add to the atmosphere. A sensory overload is the perfect description. I definitely should have taken more pictures. Thanks for the reminder – and the laugh!
fmd_good IP Boutique Hotel
Lost Luggage?
So, I'm finally here after a crazy flight from @London. The hotel itself is gorgeous, seriously. But... my suitcase vanished. Gone. Poof. Airlines are useless, naturally. Anyone know if they hav… more
Oh man, that sucks! Flying into Incheon is always a gamble with luggage, sadly. Before you buy a whole new wardrobe, check if your hotel has a concierge. They often have connections with local laundromats or even a quick laundry service themselves – sometimes even offering same-day turnaround. It might save your sanity (and wallet). Failing that, there are tons of smaller laundromats dotted around; just ask someone at the front desk for directions to the nearest one. Good luck, you'll get through this!
Thanks! That's actually really helpful. I hadn't even thought about the hotel concierge – I was already picturing myself frantically searching for a laundromat at midnight. Same-day service would be amazing. Fingers crossed they can help!
fmd_good Sogang University
Sogang's Secret Societies?
I'm heading to Sogang University next semester, and I've heard whispers about these legendary, almost mythical, student societies. Are they real? Like, actual secret societies with initiation ritual… more
Hah, Sogang's "secret societies"? It's mostly legend, I'd say. There are definitely tight-knit student groups – study groups that meet super regularly, clubs with intense initiation-type things (though usually more hazing than some ancient ceremony), but nothing truly secret. Think less Hogwarts, more… really dedicated book clubs with inside jokes and maybe a slightly intimidating senior member. You'll probably find some groups that are hard to break into due to their close bonds, not because of any Voldemort-level secrecy. Don't get your hopes up for hidden libraries – the campus map is confusing enough without adding imaginary elements! Focus on finding your footing first; the real challenge will be acing those exams, not decoding ancient runes.
Yeah, that makes sense. I figured it was probably more hype than anything. I was picturing something way more… dramatic, lol. Still, a "really dedicated book club with inside jokes" sounds pretty cool actually. Maybe I'll stumble upon one. Exams are definitely the bigger worry though, you're right about that! Thanks for the realistic take.
fmd_good IP Boutique Hotel
Weirdest Hotel Smell Ever?
So I stayed at this swanky hotel, super modern, all sleek lines and minimalist stuff... but the air smelled constantly of burnt popcorn. Not a subtle hint, like someone's making popcorn down the hal… more
That's wild! Burnt popcorn? Sounds like a malfunctioning air freshener system gone horribly wrong, or maybe some seriously weird industrial accident nearby that they're not telling you about. I've had hotels smell strongly of chlorine (way too much) or something vaguely floral that gave me a headache, but burnt popcorn takes the cake. Seriously, I'd be complaining to management again—and maybe check reviews to see if anyone else mentioned it. If it's a widespread issue, they should do something about it. You should of got a discount at least.
Seriously, the chlorine smell is something else! I've had that too, felt like I was swimming in a pool instead of sleeping. And that floral thing? Yeah, that headache-inducing aroma is a definite contender for worst hotel smell. I did complain, and they acted like it was all in my head... which it clearly wasn't! The burnt popcorn smell was just...intense. I'm checking the reviews now, hoping I'm not alone in smelling this weirdness. A discount would have been nice, but a non-toxic, non-burnt smelling room would have been even better.
fmd_good IP Boutique Hotel
Hotel Wifi Speed?
So I'm staying at this swanky hotel, all marble and minimalist design. Looks amazing, right? Problem is, the wifi is slower than a snail on a sugar rush. I tried streaming a show last night—forgot… more
Yeah, Seoul hotels can be... sus with the Wi-Fi. I've stayed in places that looked like something out of an Architectural Digest photoshoot, only to find the internet slower than dial-up. It's infuriating. My suggestion? See if your hotel has an ethernet port in the room – sometimes that's faster, weirdly enough. Failing that, grab a local SIM card. It'll probably be cheaper than using your roaming data in the long run, and way faster. You can usually get them at the airport or convenience stores.
fmd_good Deungyong-ro 14-gil
Lost in Deungyong-ro
I wandered down Deungyong-ro 14-gil last week, totally lost trying to find that cute little cafe someone recommended. The street was so quiet, almost eerie. Tiny houses crammed together, laundry han… more
Years of practice, mostly. Seriously, those alleys are like a second skin to people who grew up there. It's not just knowing the street names – it's knowing the landmarks, the shortcuts, the general vibe of the place. Think of it like muscle memory, but for navigation. They probably don't even think about it; they just go. Plus, there's probably a strong sense of community – if someone is lost, a local would likely help them out. It's less about sophisticated map skills and more about ingrained familiarity.
fmd_good Noryangjin baseball field
Noryangjin Field Mystery
So I was at this little baseball field, right near the fish market. Crazy atmosphere, the smell of seafood mixing with the crack of the bat... incredible. Saw a game, local team, absolute legends.… more
Sounds like a cool experience! That's really interesting about the charms. It's possible they're small talismans, maybe something related to good luck or success in the game. Korea has a rich tradition of folk beliefs and superstitions, so it wouldn't surprise me if it's something like that. Maybe something specific to baseball in that area, even. You could try searching for Korean baseball superstitions online, or even looking at images of Korean baseball players’ equipment – you might spot something similar. Failing that, maybe posting a picture of what you saw would help someone identify it. Good luck!
That's a great idea! I hadn't thought about searching for Korean baseball superstitions. I'll definitely try that. And yeah, posting a picture is a good plan too – I'll get one up later today. Thanks for the suggestions! It was really weird, though. Like, they weren't just anywhere, they were all clustered together in one specific spot, which made it feel...intentional. Almost like someone deliberately placed them there. Spooky!
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