As the name says it; its for children. I will let the photos do the talking.
I would think it worth a two-hour visit.
X100F
Splash! X100F
Take it up. X100F
Puppet Show. X100F
Common Ground is Korea’s first pop-up store made with 200 large
shipping containers. If you looking for cool stuff from local designer
and youth culture, this is a must stop destination. There is a lot of
buzz in this place. Stylishly Chic. Common Ground not only offer
shopping but there are also many cafes on both on the roof tops
and ground level. As my wife brings my daughter for some
shopping inside; I spend some time shooting the youth. As I
approach them for the picture; they are all very spontaneous.
GFX + GF23mm.Spontaneous local school gals. GFX + GF23mmI found the astronaut to bring me to the moon! GFX + GF23mm
On the top level. GFX + GF23mm
Ask for pose! And you get it! GFX +GF63mm.
Hello. GFX + GF63mm.
Now is my turn to be photography. GFX + GF63mm.
GFX + GF63mm.
GFX + GF63mm.
Summer showing off her new friend from Common Ground. GFX + GF63mm.Common Ground. GFX + GF23mm.
Next stop, Namsam Tower. Or also know as Seoul Tower. We were
told it takes about thirty to forty minutes to reach the top of Mount
Namsan by foot. For weaklings like us; we took the easy way out;
the cable car. The ride took less than three minutes. As we walk
toward the base of N Tower, we were greeted with thousand of
locks. These love lock trees is where couples would lock their
padlock and throw the keys away to symbolize that their love is
locked forever. I wonder how many of these locks are locked
forever.
Built in 1969 and standing tall at 1,574 above sea level, Namsam
Tower offers an awesome 360 degree view of Seoul. There is also
a souvenir store and a cafe on the observation deck; where
having a cuppa is mandatory to fully enjoy the view.
The cable car ride up. X100F.Baseball player climbing up Namsan as part of their training. GFX + GF23mmSeoul. GFX + GF23mm
X100F
Love locks. GFX + GF23mm
Lovely evening hue. GFX + GF23mm.
Day 5
After a hearty breakfast our first stop was Hongdae. Hongdae
is “university town” because of it proximity to Hongik University.
This town is known for its youth and underground culture.
Cozy galleries, fashion shops, street performances and cool cafes.
Speaking of cafes; the main reason why we are there is because
Summer wanted to visit a Raccoon Cafe. Its highly “raccoommended”
by a friend. When we finally arrived at the cafe and I could see
the 3 cute little raccoon on the ground of a enclose area together
with some dogs. Just as we are about to removed our shoes to go
in, Summer says she is scared and didn’t wanna go in! Welcome to
parenthood! Having said that I would still recommend everyone
to go to this cafe. Its worth a visit. There is a lot of energy along
the street of Hongdae. We had a nice time and had a yummy
Korean BBQ for lunch. One could easily spend 2-3 hours there.
Hongdae. GFX + GF23mm.Portraits of Tourist. GFX + GF63mmX100F
Check out the 2 cute raccoon having a drink. GFX + GF23mm.
Here finally. X100F.
Racoon and dog. GFX + GF23mm
GFX + GF23mm.
Hongdae. GFX + GF23mm.
Guess who? GFX + GF63mm.
GFX + GF63mm
Hongdae. X100F
X100F.
GFX + GF23mm.Shout to the Lord. GFX + GF23mm.
Yesterday along the way to the base of the cable car ride to N Tower
we saw Seoul Animation Center. As its not too far from Hongdae we
decided to visit before heading to Garoso-Gil for dinner. If your
kiddo is into Korean animation this is the place for a 2 hour visit.
Outside Seoul Animation Center one will be greeted with many cartoon
character statues like Pororo and Robocar Poli. Inside this three-story
complex building house many colourful murals of cartoon characters,
include a library, cinema and exhibition hall. Summer also spend
some time making a bunny doll. Beside Seoul Animation center is The
Cartoon Museum. we didn’t have the opportunity to visit as it closed
when we got there.
GFX + GF23mmX100FX100F + WCL.
Pororo! X100F
X100F
Doll decorating workshop. X100F
Summer showing off her design. X100F
X100F
I am scarier than you both. X100F
If there is one place I would like to visit again in my next trip to Seoul; it
has to be Garuso-gil. I didn’t really have a lot of time there because it
took us a while to look for a Japanese cafe; so that my dear Summer
could have her udon for dinner. I wish I could have pasta for dinner
instead!
Welcome to Garuso-gil. X100FLove is in the air. X100F.Alone. X100FWouldn’t trade my Brompton for the Lambo. Maybe tomorrow. X100F
My little princess. X100F
Summer’s udon with love. X100F.
Beary lovely. X100F
Iphone 6S + Oowa 15mm
Garuso-gil is charming and hip. Maybe the hippest that I have been
in Seoul. There are many cool cafes and shops. Instead of the touristy
Myedeong or Gangnam, I would highly recommend Garuso-gil. There
are many people but never too crowded. Its gives space to enjoy,
shop and people watch. Everyone looks like some celebs there.
Maybe I did walk pass a few that I don’t even know.
Day 6
Today is special. Its my wifey’s birthday. Its a holiday to celebrate her
birthday! As Four Season Hotel is not very far from Gyeongbokgung
Palace. Been seeing the palace view from the hotel but nothing beats
seeing it upclose. A lovely 15 minutes walk get us to the grand entrance
of Gyeongbokgung Palace. If you love history and architecture this is
a must visit place.
Gals checking how they look with smart phone. GFX + GF110mmOverview of Gyeongbokgung Palace. Taken from Four Seasons Hotel. GFX + GF110mm.GFX + GF110mm F2GFX + GF23mm.
X100F.
Guards at Gyeongbokgung Palace. GFX + GF110mm F2
Birthday girl. GFX + GF23mm.
GFX + GF23mm
We headed back to Four Seasons Hotel for a Birthday lunch at Yu Yuan
Chinese Restaurant. This intimate restaurant has a modern chic and
traditional theme infuse into one. As the staff knows it was wifey
birthday and they were kind enough to offer us a private dining room.
Yu Yuan is awarded one Michelin Star by the first edition of the
Michelin Guide Seoul 2017. Its mandatory to order a Peking Duck
as its their signature dish and wifey’s favorite! Was told they even
imported an authentic oven for it! Yu Yuan specialized in Cantonese
cuisine; we have had Dim Sum too. Best of all Summer had her
favorite steam Cod fish. There is another unique thing worth
mentioning; one could order Dim Sum by a single order instead
of 3 in a basket! Finally a restaurant that understands customer’s
needs.
Yu Yuan Chinese Restaurant. GFX + GF23mmFriendly Yura. GFX + GF63mmChef Sunho checking on the peking ducks. GFX + GF23mm
Cod Fish and rice is all Summer needs. GFX + GF63mm
Selfie with the birthday gal. iPhone 6s + Oowa 15mm.
Dim Sum by a single order!
Chocolate Ice Cream makes everyone happy. X100F.
Chef Sunho slicing the crispy Peking Duck skin.GFX + GF63mmSummer watches tentatively on how this dish is being prepared. GFX +GF23mm
When the Chef was serving us the Peking duck; he saw my GFX and
was curious. Chef Sunho is also an avid photographer. From this
picture you could tell he liking the GFX.
After lunch its certainly not a good idea to head to the pool with a full
stomach. So we decided to bring Summer to visit the Kids Club instead.
And boy, were we are glad we came here. At kids club; this is where parents
take a little break while the friendly Four Season staff conducts art and craft
session for Summer.
Kids Club at Four Season Hotel. GFX + GF110mm F2.
Summer enjoying every minutes of her art and craft session. GFX + GF23mm
GFX + GF63mm
Temptation. GFX + GF63mm
I am one of those season. GFX + GF63mm
Like my crown? X100F
In the evening we walk to Myedong and had dinner at Ding Tai Fung.
Yes; again! After dinner Summer and I went walking around looking for
a cafe to buy a cake to celebrate Mama birthday. But we were not
successful. We decided to go back to Four Season Hotel Instead. As
Mama headed back to the room; Summer and I went to Maru Bar and
hopefully we could get something there. It was rather late and they don’t
have any chocolate cake left. Why Chocolate cake? Its Summer’s fav,
not mama!!!!! The staff went down to the kitchen and brought up the
3 different kind of cakes that was currently available. As we are not sure;
so we took all 3 slices. Everything was pack perfectly to the tee.
Candle; knife and match sticks.
Protest. Taken from the hotel room. GFX + GF110mm.
X100F
Mr Bird is on vacation. X100F
Dinner at Ting Tai Fung. X100F
Tulips. X100F.
Street Food. X100F + WCL
Oowa lens. X100F
Nothing beats having a quiet little birthday celebration in the comfort of
your well appointed hotel room. Happy Birthday Baby!
God is blessing you Mama. X100F
X100F
Every we need is in the birthday box. X100F
The birthday cake. X100F
Birthday birthday darling. X100F
Let me serve you. X100F
Yummy right? X100F
Day 7.
Left the hotel at 630am to DDP, Dongdaemum Design Plaza. When I finally
see it live; its all worth waking up for. Spend a good hour shooting before
heading back to Four Season to have brekky with my daughter and wife.
It was love at “first site.” Started doing research on how to book it. I was looking
for it for almost 3 days without any success. In the end I ask a korean friend;
Hyewon. She manage to find it for me in a couple of minutes!!! The moral of the story,
anything in Korea; just ask a korean friend to help! Its called “On The Rock.” http://ontherock.kr
Glamping at the finest. GFX + GF23mmView from Glamping Site. GFX + GF23mmRound Glamping Tents. GFX + GF23mmEvening Light. Round Glamping Tents. GFX + GF23mm
As there are only 7 tents available. We wanted to stay 2 nights but they are fully
booked. Thankfully we still could have a night stay. There are 2 type of tents options.
Our tents have a nice deck with table and bench and also 2 deck chairs. Inside
the tent there are air-con and also heater. There is a queen size bed and also a sofa
bed. A little kitchen area where you could cook your own instant noodles. The
bathroom is very tiny and it does takes some skills to maneuver around.
The owner. Mr Pak. GFX + GF23mm.
During dinner time, we had BBQ at our own deck. I was told there was no
charcoal used but rather a local wood was used. This wood supposedly gives
the meat a better taste. After dinner we went out for a little walk around. Met the
owner, Mr Pak. As he set up a bon fire for us. A few other “ glamper” join in for
this communal get together. Sky gave us some sparkler earlier. Summer
together with her new found friends, Sara and Emma had some fun with the
sparkler under the chilly night sky.
Mr Pak setting up the bonfire. GFX + GF23mm
Emma sharing her toys with Summer. X100F.
Thank you Sky for the sparklers. X100F
Now is Emma’s turn. X100F.
X100F.
Day 9
Woke up this morning and spend sometime taking pictures of this lovely Glamping
site. Here are more pics to share.
What a view. GFX + GF110mm F2We pitch a tent within a tent. Could be world’s first! GFX + GF23mm.Any urbanite could could live here for a long time. GFX + GF23mmDining hall with all the breakfast. X100F + WCL.
I wasn’t brave enough to sleep here last night. GFX + GF23mm
Cute security dogs. GFX + GF110mm
Summer saying good bye. Till we meet again. X100F
Pool deck. GFX + GF23mm
Firewood. GFX + GF110mm.
Recycling. GFX +GF23mm
On The Rock. X100F + WCL.Breakfast Menu. GFX + GF63mmMr Pak preparing breakfast for the guest. GFX + GF63mm.
Portrait of Summer outside our tent. GFX + GF23mm
We are the first at breakfast! GFX + GF23mm
View from the dining hall. GFX + GF23mm
You shoot me and I shoot you. X100F + WCL
Selfie. X100F.
Summer having her breakfast. X100F + WCL.
Dining hall with all the breakfast. X100F + WCL.
Sarah and Emma. X100F + WCL.
Coffee anyone? X100F + WCL.
My fav model. X100F.
Morning Play date with Sarah and Emma. X100F + WCL.
Morning Play date with Sarah and Emma. X100F + WCL.
Mr Pak with kids. X100F + WCL
After breakfast we headed to Eldewiss Theme park with our new found Korean
friends. Its nice little theme park with Swiss influence. One will take about 1 hour
to finish walking this place. I would it recommend it a miss if anyone is planning
to visit. After a quick lunch at the only cafe at the Eldewiss, we left for our last
stop. A 2 hour ride brings us back to Incheon.
Sarah and Summer. X100FA beary good looking korean couple. X100F
X100F
My Family. X100F
The burning bush at Edelweiss. X100F
Our last night accommodation is at Nest Hotel. I can’t fault this hotel for its
design and location. I did encounter something very unpleasant. My wife
called room service for 2 extra pillow in the late evening. We were shock
to know that extra pillow is chargeable! In the end; we were given the
two extra pillow for free. And was told that its a “service to us”. Other than
this unique encounter; first of its kind for us. I would still highly recommend
this airport hotel unless you are those that needed extra pillow for your
stay. I love the room’s sea view and also a lovely playground by the beach.
Nest Hotel. GFX + GF23mm
Play ground. Nest Hotel. GFX + GF23mm
Can you see Summer? Nest Hotel. GFX + GF23mm
Nest Hotel, GFX + GF110mm
Dining hall. Nest Hotel. GFX + GF23mm
Nest Hotel. GFX + GF23mm
Selfie. Nest Hotel. GFX + GF23mm
Day 10
Last day in Korea. Link up with a Korean friend who is also an X-photographer
in morning. As there is new lens from Fujifilm and we decided to do a video
review of 2 Fujifilm lenses. Here is link of the video.
Ivan Loh, A Fuji X-photographer is known for his quirky and different approach through his lens. He has received numerous accolades from the International Photography Award, New York and Photography Master Cup. Most Recently a Gold, 1st Place at the 2014 PX3 Prix De La Photographie in Paris .
Ivan started shooting since his teenage years with his father’s Nikon SLR and he hasn’t stopped since. He has lensed campaigns for clients such as Singapore Airlines, MTV Asia, Nike, Bossini, Nanyang Technological University(NTU) Tuas Power, Allianz Insurance, Manulife Insurance, HSBC Insurance, DHL. TNT, UOB, CAAS, Hilton Group, Intercontinental Hotel Group, Raffles Hotel, Diegeo, Embraer, Carlson, TATA Communication, HDB, Clark Quay, HOT FM 91.3, Kiss 92FM, JIA 88.3, Power 98, and CHIMJES.
His editorial works have appeared in magazines such as Conde Nast, Home+Living, TopGear Singapore, Her World, Cleo, Seventeen, FHM, Parents World and Home & Decor. His works have also glossed the pages of international magazines such as Asian Photography and Digital Photography(UK).
View all posts by ivanjoshualoh
4 Comments
hello Ivan, beautiful pics and story. You don’t do anything by halves 🙂
hello Ivan, beautiful pics and story. You don’t do anything by halves 🙂
Hello Andy. Thanks and you have a superday ahead!
Beautiful pictures and write up as always, gosh your blog gives me so many travel ideas. Keep it up!