Apgujeong Graffiti Tunnels

     Art is such a short word that holds a lot...A LOT in it's resume. Given how open-minded art is, I'm wanting to get closer to it, become better buddies with it...spend a couple nights a week getting to know more about it! The other week ago I wandered to the graffiti tunnels and got blown away with the sick writing that gave life to Seoul's little cave! Check this out~

Just do it~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

photo taken by VeganBeats

     All the writers/artists are pretty well-known, but I'm still on the glimpse of the culture here...until Art starts trusting me more....

lights on the Han~ (photo taken by VeganBeats)

WAIT~~!!!

How do you see these tunnels?

Apgujeong station exit 1 (압구정역 1번)

walk out straight for maybe 10 minutes, when you see the Galleria, take the LEFT...you'll be going through an apartment complex...when you get to the end of the apartments, you'll be at a walkway...take a RIGHT. Keep going until you see an entrance on your RIGHT side...wander down and be inspired~~

Easter, Friends, and Photographs~

     This is a tad belated but "better late than never" right?
Easter was about a week ago and it crept up on me...
     I had NO idea Easter was happening until my friends set up an "Easter brunch" and I got an invite...even after pouring over food blogs and foodie news, the connection didn't happen. Peeps were scrolling through all my damned news feeds and somehow Easter didn't show up on my radar.
     Oops~ (Catholic school...guess I didn't take the core from it, eh?)

     Sunday morning, I met up with a bunch of friends at Big Rock in Gangnam. For vegans and vegetarians there were several options, much more so for the vegetarian folk. What does a veganbeater stuff their face with? Iceberg lettuce, vegetable spring rolls, tator tots (ughghg liger....I'm sorry thighs), couscous, and coffee~ I neglected to take pictures, don't really have a worthy excuse so...skipping over this.

     After brunch we wandered to the Han and enjoyed the wind, wine, drinks, company... and laughter. My Easter's, back home, many years ago~ involved my nana hiding loads of chocolate eggs all over her house while my brother and I exchanged challenging looks...who will be swifter, faster, and efficient~ who can hold more eggs?
     As soon as Vegan hit my life, my Easter's became less exciting and competitive. The chocolate competition essentially died...while Alex got chocolate bunnies, cadbury eggs, and peeps, I got hummus and carrots...you may think this isn't an equal trade.

I agree...it's not~ hummus and carrots are better!

     Anyways....this post is more or less and excuse to post the photographs I gathered of my beautiful friends~ I want to get better...must learn photography~~

the belt~ photo taken by VeganBeats

the approach~ photo taken by VeganBeats

peace~ photo taken by VeganBeats

concentrated unassuming beauty~ photo taken by VeganBeats

light~ photo taken by VeganBeats

suave~ photo taken by VeganBeats

pose~ photo taken by VeganBeats

shaded stunner~ photo taken by VeganBeats

adorable~ photo taken by VeganBeats

love~ photo taken by VeganBeats

o'really~ photo taken by VeganBeats

     Nearly half of the photographs I took I was unhappy with...I need to improve and need to learn. 

I am also more than open to feedback...actually, I want feedback!

After getting chilled by the Han, a few of us tried out a restaurant...review to come soon! 

"I don't want to drink too much tonight." uhhh~

     I never thought I'd come to be thoroughly grateful for a Sunday, a minor break in the weekend~ 

     Since my brother has been here, we've been on the go, and I love it! The first night he got here was a drunken wander post dinner followed by an early rise and schedule-packed Friday. I went to work, worked out (Red Foo is always mumbling in my ear) then we went to Western Seoul to kick it with my mom and 이모. After that, we booked it to 강남 to meet up with the Wonderful Pol and David for dinner pre-Todde's Woodstock party. My aunt's clinic is nearly an hour away so we had time to chill before dinner. The closer we got to Gangnam, the hungrier I realized I was getting. While scrolling through health dishes in my head my brother looked at me and said:

     "I don't want to drink too much tonight."

uhhh~

     Avoiding answering, once we got to Gangnam we grabbed some mojitos then chilled at a busy restaurant where the guys got 순대 and I got 보리밥 (boribap) which is really 비빔밥 (bibimbap) but with barley versus rice...but being the picky lady I am...opted out on the grains and had a 비빔 salad~

no barley, and pre-고추장 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     A couple beers and three 막골리's (maekgoli) later we hit up Woodstock where we were to celebrate a final evening with Todde~

     Now...it's fuzzy, I took a nap...woke up, raring to go, more drinks, dancing loads, smoking hookahs, swilling drinks, then 노래방'n!

     Alex and I walked home, woke up, downed coffees, tried not to vomit, packed bags, met up with the mom at the aunt's house and passed out. 

     On the subway ride there, again, my brother turned to me and though foggy I heard:

     "I'm still buzzed, I didn't want to drink so much...your friends are awesome."

     By the time we woke up, we were brought to a restaurant, got nourished, passed out again, then peaced out of Seoul to Soraksan...

The "nourishing" place will be a later post...same with the mountain...for now...rest~

Coco Curry House

     I was first introduced to curry when I was 12 years old. My family used to host Korean students attending schools in the states and one of my "brothers" loved this stuff. To make people feel at home (especially during holidays when students spent it with us versus their family) my mom would whip up anything they wanted. (Think "last meal" except you'll still be alive tomorrow morning). While cooking, this spicy, heavy, thick smell coated our house and with the first spoonful, there was instant "mmhhmmmm!" Chalk full of veggies, served over brown rice, Kyle may have been happy, but we were grateful for our blind date with curry. It's become a comfort food, the spice delivered from curry is different from Mexican and Korean spices, it's a deep, belly-rolling warmth that...feels just cozy.
     Since then, I've had curry all over parts of the world, obviously stateside, Japan, Korea, Vietnam, and China. In China there was a curry house that had all sorts of vegan options. Any veggie you wanted, you could add it, and it wasn't wallet harming at all. This curry place is Coco Curry House...and there's one in Seoul! This past weekend, a few of us sauntered into the 강남 (Gangnam) curry house and it brought me back home, back to China, and back to food coma bliss.
     The great thing about this Curry House is there are options, not just veggie but rice serving size, spice level, and the salad and drink option. I went with a smaller portion of rice (500원 cheaper), spice level of 6 (or 9...second hottest on the list), americano, and a salad with peanut ground dressing.

salad (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The salad was the smallest thing ever, a couple crumbled leaves, some quartered cherry tomatoes, a slice or two of cucumber, and the peanut sesame dressing. It was good, though...I wish it was generous in serving...this lady loves her greens!
     In terms of the curry, I got the tomato and asparagus with spinach added!

more than filling! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     The veggie curries are all around 7,200 원! And the add-ins range from vegetables, mushrooms, spinach, asparagus and tomato, spinach, natto, etc. If you add the salad and drink option, it is an additional 2,000원! This was filling, took me on a little trip, and a perfect meal for a groggy head~

How to get to Coco Curry House in Gangnam, 
강남역 line 2, go out exit 11 and walk straight. When you pass the Paris Baguette, take that right, then the first left on the lain street. You will get to a strange 3/4 way, veer to the right and Coco Curry House is right there!!

Sometimes...

photo taken by VeganBeats

      There are very some things that I care for so dearly and value so greatly, things, and people that make my life, literally make my life. They bring more comfort, joy, and peace than words can describe. I have a lot of life in me, but stress and anxiety are a big part of that. These people, these souls have held my feet to the ground, they've let me float off and wander, but have allowed me the chance to regain focus.
     I am fully aware that I am running thoughts right now...
     It is because of these people, these few major fibers of my life that I have been able to enjoy, breathe, succeed, and...continue.  My crew back home...is... indescribably brilliant, interesting, and astounding. In everything that I do, parts of them are with me...even now they keep me going.
     I am also very fortunate to have my sister here, not only someone to share Seoul with but to just be with. On any given night, we've soaked up Seoul together and those moments are times when I feel like the floating confusion I'm lost in is brought down slightly and my vision is a little clearer.

photo taken by VeganBeats

     Granted, drinks don't make your vision any more set then a hit in the face but...sharing a skyline view with your best friend of nearly ten years...is just about as grounded as you can get...

photo taken by VeganBeats

...even if your hundred of feet in the air.

sketch via VeganBeats

Meer Attempts at Photography..

     I always want to explore new areas, especially artistically. Writing is a constant, my brains always working on new sketches, but photography is always something I've wanted to learn. Here are some random shots...they could use work...but early early starts...

driving down south (photo taken by VeganBeats)

my 할머니 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

I love the next one~~~

heads will roll~ by a hair salon (photo taken by VeganBeats)

sad ape (photo taken by VeganBeats)

fruit stand in 인사동 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

서초 path (photo taken by VeganBeats)

horse sculptures (photo taken by VeganBeats)

more horse sculptures (photo taken by VeganBeats)

flowers with visitors (photo taken by VeganBeats)

alone on the subway (horrid quality ) photo taken by VeganBeats)

할아버지(photo taken by VeganBeats)

rainbow bar in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

rainbow bar in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Rainbow bar in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

in 강남 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     I always promise to learn...

Sawole Boribap: 사월보리밥

     Before peacing to Vietnam, I grabbed some noms with a couchsurfer at Sawole Boribap (사월보리밥). I've eaten here before and love the 도토리묵, so naturally, grabbed this again.

dotori muk (도토리묵) and banchan (반찬) photo taken by VeganBeats

     There are loads of vegan options at Sawole. A bunch of different types of 부리밥, vegan 반찬, and of course the 도토리묵. Their 도토리묵 is served on a big plate, and they don't skimp on anything. There's fresh greens chopped up and mixed throughout, along with thin cuts of cucumber, and thin ribbon strips of sweet onion. They also layer it in soft and crisp seaweed (김) and ground peanuts. The sauce is spicy, cool, and refreshing and the 묵 is soft and lovely. I really love this dish...so healthy!

yum! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Directions: Gangnam station (강남역)line 2,
get out of exit 5 and walk straight and take the second left (7 eleven is on the corner)
Walk straight and pass about three buildings on your left side,
It's in the same building as the Mister Pizza.


Address:
사월에보리밥 강남점
South Korea 서울특별시 서초동 1316-29
Phone #: +82-2-596-5292

New Start Buffet

     I took advantage of my free time and decided to take my books, writing materials, and ideas over to the all vegan buffet spot New Start. I've heard nothing but good things about it and was more than curious...but of course my camera's batteries died on instant so, apologies for the poor image quality.
     The spread is small but various, and concentrates more so on veggies versus meat imitation. I personally get kind of creeped out by veggie meat...so seeing broccoli, sprouts, loads of greens and definitely made me happier.

From top left and clockwise: 물김치 (water kimchi), lettuce, 김치 (kimchi), quesedillas, 두부 (tofu), pumpkin, 불고기 (soy bulgogi), broccoli, 고추장 beans, and cabbage rolls. (photo taken by VeganBeats) 

     My first plate was loaded up...really loaded up, and so was my second! I wanted to try everything! They had a lot of stuff. Seasoned tofu, vegan kimchi, pumpkin, gochujang sweet beans (??), cabbage rolls, kimbap, etc...small table, but lots to choose from...LOTS!

From top left clockwise: 불고기 (soy bulgogi), 김치 (kimchi), beets and cabbage, cabbage rolls, 김밥 (kimbap...with brown rice!!), apple salad, rice noodles and squash tomatoe sauce, 묵(muk/acorn jelly), 반찬 (banchan), and more 두부 (tofu) (photo taken by VeganBeats)

    My favorite was the cabbage rolls, they were small and very flavorful. Steamed cabbage leaves filled with a tofu and veggie mix, light, clean, and healthy! The broccoli was also great, it was steamed in a light miso sauce with mushrooms and onions.
~~I got loads of writing in, read a bunch and ate...more than I have in AGES~ took me about 3 hours...whatever!
     The price wasn't bad, 12,000W (50% off for people between 5 and 12 years old!) and considering there was so much to choose from..I left full, productive, and very tired.

New Start Info:
Open Sunday through Friday
Lunch~ 11:30-3pm
Dinner~ 5-8:30 pm

Food shop~ 9am-9pm

How to get there:
line 2, Seolleung station.
Exit out of gate 2 and walk about 50m past Burger king. On the left is an office supply store called 'Linko', turn left and when you see the Holly's on your left, look across the street, there's New Start~> go to the second floor!!!

RocKorea, getting out of Seoul, the Tatles, and Burlesque! ^NSFW^

     I'm now smack dab in the middle of my long weekend, my three days of...full fledge breathing smiling dancing being weekend. I planned on doing lots of Seoul searching, doing me things...and so far I have been, all while being with loved ones as well.
     This Saturday I had plans to go to RocKorea, a small fesitival in Midan packed full with cover bands. Chris got some free tickets (thanks you!) and we ventured off early afternoon out of Seoul!
I met Chris and Amy over at DosTacos, a place I have yet to try and even this time around, we'll just say my stomach wasn't really feeling for anything besides liquids. >.<# Chris went with the broccoli and refried bean burrito, sans sour cream and cheese and Amy went with the fried veggie burrito, both were colorful, well portioned, and not too pricey, around 8,5000W per rito!

Chris' refried bean broc-rito! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

Amy's fried veggie rito! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

How to get to DosTacos in Gangnam

Gangnam station, line 2, get out exit 6 walk straight for about 5-7 minutes, Left before FRISBEE. 

    After nomming (and water guzzling) we ventured off to find a bus to Incheon airport...after much confusion, the right buses passing by us and farting buses, we enjoyed a long nap to the airport where we met with Mipa and others for another bus ride to the festival. 

     About twenty minutes from the airport, and through a lot of construction sites, we arrived at a small, middle-of-nowhere mud pit with a single stage and about thirty tends outlining a rectangle. This was no Bonnaroo! Mipa and I did some tent wandering and found some potential vegan energy stops...but, bringing something with us may have been much smarter. 

the nacho stand was the closest to vegan...photo taken by VeganBeats

독벅이 and 라면 photo taken by VeganBeats

     On the RocKorea site both Mipa and I read about some art tents...we found two, more like one and a half. I'll be honest, I was really hoping for some full fledge festival-like art tents...

cool concept, art tent 1 (photo taken by VeganBeats)

art tent '2' photo taken by VeganBeats

     The first band I recall playing and actually got me moving and singing out loud were the Tatles, a Beates cover band. They were great, adorable, and got the crowd really going. Be it the Beatles, the songs, their energy...I think they got/gave four encores!

the Tatles (Beatles cover band) photo taken by VeganBeats

yea yea I know...bloated and huge, baggy sweatshirts and several gallons of water...leave me alone. 

     The next act, after about thirty minutes of dj mixes was the much anticipated Burlesque show. This was the first one I've ever really seen and man...you're eyes don't leave the stage or sight of these beautiful confident women. 

"~~~> *" photo taken by VeganBeats

O_o# photo taken by VeganBeats

Todde (right) joined in on the fun! (photo taken by VeganBeats)

     If anything, this was empowering. Fabulous, sexy, and more than confident women strutting around...hell yea! 

A bit after the Burlesque act, the temperature got the best of me and I decided to venture back Seoul side...

Saturday was a lovely day, thank you crew, Chris, and Mipa ^^*!~