Assalamualaikum
🔵Selepas selesai lawatan di DMZ, kami pulang ke Seoul.
🔵Hujan renyai semasa dalam perjalanan.
🔵Tiba kembali di Seoul.
🔵Beautiful sunset over Seoul.
🔵Tak sangka pula kami passed through di highway tepi sungai Han, Seoul ini ketika tengah sunset.
🔵Seongsan Bridge over the Han River in Seoul. The bridge connects Mapo District and Yeongdeungpo District in Seoul.
🔵The skyline of Yeouido, an island on the Han River in Seoul, South Korea.
🔹Yeouido is known as Seoul's primary finance, media, and investment banking district.
🔹It is located within the Yeongdeungpo District of Seoul and is often referred to as Yeoui Island.
🔹Notable landmarks on Yeouido include the National Assembly Building, the Korea Financial Investment Association, and the 63 Building, which was once the tallest office building in South Korea.
🔹The island also hosts popular annual events like the Cherry Blossom Festival in April and the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.
🔵The prominent buildings in the image are part of the Parc1 complex, which includes two landmark office towers, a luxury hotel, and a retail mall.
🔵Seogang Bridge, spans the Han River in Seoul, connecting the Mapo and Yeongdeungpo districts.
🔵Tak sengaja terklik butang kamera masa matahari betul-betul dalam Seogang Bridge's bridge arch 😄.
🔵Cantik pantulan cahaya matahari terbenam pada facade bangunan Parc1 complex.
🔵Skyscrappers, river, island and sunset.
🔵Absolutely stunning. SubhanAllah.
🔵War Memorial of Korea located in Yongsan-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
🔹It was established to commemorate the noble sacrifices of patriotic martyrs and to prevent future wars by learning lessons from past conflicts, particularly the Korean War.
🔵An elevated pedestrian walkway with an attached glass elevator structure.
🔵Grand Hyatt Seoul, a prominent 5-star hotel located in Seoul, South Korea.
🔹Situated in the Yongsan district of Seoul, nestled on the historic Mount Namsan. It offers views of the city and the Han River.
🔹The hotel is conveniently located near key districts of Seoul, including downtown, Myeongdong, and Itaewon. It is also accessible from Incheon International Airport
🔵The building is La Cucina / Myeongborang, designed by Choon Choi Architects.
🔹It is located in Myeongdong, South Korea.
🔹The project combines a restaurant (La Cucina) with a boutique shop/gallery (Myeongborang).
🔹Myeongborang, originally a metal craft gallery opened in 1975, is known for showcasing artistic talents.
🔹The architecture is notable for its design, which integrates these two distinct functions within a single structure.
🔵This is the Comme des Garçons flagship store in Hannam-dong, Seoul, South Korea.
🔹This six-story building serves as a cultural complex, showcasing the brand's philosophy beyond just fashion, including perfume, art, and food.
🔹It houses various Comme des Garçons lines and sub-brands, as well as other labels like adidas, Converse, and NikeLab.
🔹The store features a unique tunnel-like structure with different fashion areas and product lines.
🔹Beyond retail, it also includes an art space called "Gallery Six" and a French-inspired "Rose Bakery".
🔵Porsche Studio Hannam, its 5th studio in Korea.
🔵Di jalan Itaewon.
🔵Sampai saja di Itaewon ini, Clara park kereta dan bawa kami jalan kaki ke restoran untuk makan malam.
🔵Itaewon ialah kawasan di daerah Yongsan-gu, Seoul, Korea Selatan yang terkenal dengan kepelbagaian budaya dan suasana antarabangsa.
🔹Ia adalah kawasan pelancongan yang popular, dengan banyak restoran, bar, kelab, dan kedai yang menawarkan pelbagai jenis makanan dan barangan dari seluruh dunia.
🔹Itaewon juga terkenal dengan sejarahnya yang berkaitan dengan pangkalan tentera Amerika Syarikat dan menjadi tempat berkumpulnya pelbagai komuniti ekspatriat dan pelancong.
🔵Berikut adalah beberapa maklumat lanjut mengenai Itaewon:
🔹Kepelbagaian Budaya: Di Itaewon terdapat pelbagai budaya dan etnik, dengan banyak penduduk dan perniagaan yang dikendalikan oleh warga asing.
🔹Nightlife: Itaewon terkenal dengan kehidupan malam yang meriah, dengan banyak bar, kelab, dan restoran yang buka sehingga lewat malam.
🔹Pusat Pelancong: Itaewon adalah salah satu kawasan pelancongan paling popular di Seoul, menarik pelancong dari seluruh dunia.
🔹Sejarah: Sejarah Itaewon dikaitkan dengan pangkalan tentera Amerika Syarikat ketika Perang Korea, tetapi kini telah berkembang menjadi pusat multikultural.
🔹Muzium: Itaewon menempatkan Leeum Museum of Art, Samsung, yang mempamerkan seni dan sejarah Korea.
🔹Seoul Central Mosque: Itaewon juga merupakan lokasi kepada Seoul Central Mosque, masjid terbesar di Korea Selatan, yang menarik komuniti Muslim.
🔹"Itaewon Class": Itaewon juga menjadi latar tempat untuk drama Korea popular, "Itaewon Class" (tahun 2020), yang menggambarkan kepelbagaian dan cabaran kehidupan di kawasan tersebut.
🔵Seoulites and their pets.
🔵Seoulites have a growing affection for pets, particularly dogs, with a notable increase in pet ownership and a thriving companion animal industry. This trend reflects a shift towards a more pet-centric culture in South Korea, with pet-friendly establishments and services becoming more common.
🔵Growing Pet Ownership and Industry:
🔹Increased Pet Ownership: Pet ownership in South Korea has risen, with dogs being the most popular choice, followed by cats.
🔹Thriving Industry: The companion animal industry in South Korea is a significant market, estimated at 3.4 trillion won (as of 2020), according to Wikipedia.
🔹Pet-Friendly Seoul: Seoul is witnessing a rise in pet-friendly places, including cafes, restaurants, malls, and even pet-specific stores.
🔵Cultural Shifts and Perceptions:
🔹Shifting Attitudes: While pet ownership is becoming more mainstream, there's still a perception that dogs can be status symbols or reflections of their owner's style, though this is not unique to Korea, according to Korea.net.
🔹Mixed-Breed Dogs: While purebred dogs are common in pet shops, the term "ddong-gae" (literally "poop dog") is sometimes used affectionately for mixed-breed dogs, indicating a nuanced perspective on canine diversity.
🔹Seeking Companionship: The increase in pet ownership is also linked to a rise in single-person households and a desire for companionship in a society where many choose to remain childless or single.
🔵Pet-Friendly Initiatives and Events:
🔹Marathon with Pets: The "Slow Marathon with Pets" in Seoul demonstrates the growing trend of pet-friendly events, with participants and their companion animals enjoying a walk along the Jamsu Bridge.
🔹Pet Cremation: Seoulites are even voting on public policy proposals related to pet cremation, indicating a growing awareness and consideration for pets' well-being even after their passing.
🔵Challenges and Considerations:
🔹Responsible Pet Ownership: Some concerns exist about responsible pet ownership, with instances of pets being left alone for extended periods, leading to barking and other issues, according to a Reddit thread.
🔹Breed Preferences and Attitudes: While mixed-breed dogs are becoming more accepted, there are still some lingering preferences for certain breeds, particularly purebreds.
🔵Overall, Seoul is experiencing a significant shift towards a more pet-friendly culture, with a growing number of Seoulites embracing pet ownership and the companion animal industry.
🔵Cheil Worldwide headquarters building.
🔵This is Light Projection Virtual Signs on the floor of the street.
🔹This is a public message or campaign by the local government or a related organization in Yongsan-gu, encouraging safety or well-being in the area.
🔹The main text reads "안심하고 하세요" (Ansimhago haseyo), which translates to "Do it with peace of mind" or "Do it safely."
🔹Below that, smaller text indicates "용산구" (Yongsan-gu), identifying Yongsan District, a district in Seoul, South Korea.
🔵The bright turquoise-colored LED strips embedded along the edge of the sidewalk are a form of pedestrian safety lighting.
🔹Pedestrian Safety: These lights can serve to clearly delineate the edge of the sidewalk, especially in low-light conditions or at night, making it safer for pedestrians to navigate and helping to prevent accidents. They can also highlight potential hazards or changes in elevation.
🔵Si Clara ni orangnya kecik je, tapi jalan bukan main laju lagi 😃.
🔵Beautiful evening twilight, while the sky is still illuminated by diffused sunlight. SubhanAllah.
🔵Ada plastic food replicas yang nampak menyelerakan 😄.
🔵Kervan Menu.
🔵Yum! 😋😄.
🔵Suasana di dalam restoran.
🔵Saya gembira sebab dalam menu ada Lahmajun atau Lahmacun.
🔹Dalam menu ini namanya Findik Lahmajun.
🔹Kalau ada peluang makan di restoran Turki, saya mesti cari Lahmacun.
🔹Tapi kalau travel dengan group tak boleh la nak order that food sebab selalunya packaged tour kita kena makan apa yang travel agent tetapkan.
🔹Lahmacun, often called "Turkish pizza" or "Armenian pizza," is a thin, crispy flatbread topped with a flavorful mixture of minced meat (usually beef or lamb), vegetables, and spices.
🔹It's a popular street food and appetizer in the Middle East.
🔵Sambil tunggu makanan tiba, saya pusing-pusing dalam restoran ini ambil gambar. Nice ambiance dengan deco Turkish.
🔵Makanan dah sampai. Jemput makan 😀.
🔵Isteri ordered Chicken Shish Kebab. Punya la dia terkejut sebab besar sungguh portion kebab ini 😅.
🔵Delicious Lahmajun/Lahmacun 😋😃. Alhamdulillah, dapat rezeki sekali lagi makan Lahmacun ini.
🔵Clara ordered the Greek Avocado Salad.
🔵Sup yang sedap sangat.
🔵Selesai makan, kami berjalan semula ke kereta.
🔵Elok la berjalan sebab dinner kami tadi sungguh mengenyangkan.
🔵Masa berjalan itu, Clara offer untuk bawa kami melawat Seoul Central Mosque di Itaewon ini. Baik sungguh si Clara, dah malam-malam begini dia tetap nak bawa kami jalan-jalan lagi.
🔹Kami berdua walau pun sebenarnya memanglah mahu untuk ke masjid itu, tapi terpaksa la politely decline sebab kami sudah keletihan. Lagi pun esok kami sudah hendak berangkat pulang ke Malaysia, jadi mestilah pack malam ini.
🔵Kedai arak.
🔹In Seoul, as in the rest of South Korea, alcohol consumption is deeply ingrained in social culture, with a high rate of drinking and a strong emphasis on social gatherings centered around alcohol. While overall per capita consumption has decreased in recent years, high-risk drinking remains a concern.
🔵Prevalence of Drinking:
🔹High overall drinking rate: A significant portion of Korean adults, including those in Seoul, drink alcohol.
🔹High-risk drinking: A notable percentage of the population engages in high-risk drinking patterns, meaning they consume alcohol in ways that pose significant health risks.
🔹Social drinking: Social drinking, particularly among women, has increased, with a notable rise in high-risk drinking among women aged 20-59.
🔵Cultural Context:
🔹Social gatherings: Drinking is a central part of social interactions, from casual gatherings with friends to business-related events.
🔹Respect and etiquette: There are specific social customs and etiquette surrounding alcohol consumption, such as pouring and receiving drinks with both hands, especially when elders are involved.
🔹"Bottoms up" culture: A common practice is the "bottoms up" approach, where drinks are consumed quickly, often in one gulp, rather than sipping.
🔵Trends and Concerns:
🔹Declining per capita consumption: While the overall drinking rate remains high, per capita alcohol consumption has decreased in recent years.
🔹Health concerns: Excessive drinking is linked to various health issues, including alcoholic liver disease and other health problems.
🔹Socioeconomic costs: Excessive drinking also leads to significant socioeconomic costs, impacting businesses and healthcare systems.
🔹Changing drinking culture: There are indications of a shift in drinking culture, with a decline in some traditional drinking establishments and an increase in health consciousness among younger generations.
🔵This is "Spain Club," a Spanish tapas-style bar located in Seoul, South Korea.
🔹Spanish restaurants, particularly those offering tapas, are popular in Seoul with long lines on weekend evenings.
🔵Pedestrian safety lighting atas jalan seperti ini bukan sahaja ada di lokasi atau laluan untuk melintas jalan raya yang sibuk tetapi juga ada di laluan kereta keluar dan masuk ke/dari tempat parking dalam bangunan.
🔵Suasana malam yang indah di Itaewon.
🔵Kami singgah sebentar di bangunan Hyundai Card Music Library yang cantik ini.
🔵The Hyundai Card Music Library in Itaewon, Seoul, is a unique space dedicated to music, particularly vinyl records.
🔹It's a popular destination for music lovers and those interested in architecture and design.
🔹The library houses a vast collection of vinyl records, magazines, and offers spaces for listening, browsing, and even live performances.
🔵Key Features:
🔹Extensive Vinyl Collection: The library boasts a large collection of vinyl records, including both popular and rare titles.
🔹Listening Stations: Visitors can listen to their chosen records at dedicated turntables within the library.
🔹Architectural Design: The building itself is notable, with a modern design and unique spatial configurations.
🔹Hyundai Card Membership: While some areas are accessible to the public, Hyundai Card members and their guests enjoy special access to the library's full resources.
🔹Underground Performance Space: The library includes an underground stage, known as Understage, for concerts and events.
🔹Practice Studios: Musicians can utilize the library's rehearsal studios.
🔹Cafe: A cafe is available for visitors to enjoy refreshments.
🔵This is Maxim Plant, a cultural center and cafe in Hannam-dong, central Seoul, South Korea.
🔹Flagship Store: It serves as the flagship store and first cafe for Dongsuh Foods Corporation, a well-known instant coffee producer in South Korea.
🔹Coffee Experience: Maxim Plant aims to provide a unique coffee experience, showcasing the process from bean sourcing and roasting to brewing and tasting.
🔹Cultural Space: Beyond being a cafe, it also functions as a cultural space, offering coffee classes and a sensory experience called "Synesthesia Coffee" where visitors can explore coffee through different senses.
🔹Popularity: Since its opening in 2018, Maxim Plant has gained significant popularity, attracting over 1.31 million visitors as of the end of 2024.
🔹Architecture: The building itself is notable for its modern, box-shaped design with a dark brown panel finish and a front facade featuring a mix of glass windows and panels.
🔵Walking down Itaewon-ro. It was around 7:20 pm.
🔵Tak ingat dah apa yang Clara ceritakan pada saya masa ini.
🔹Bagus sangat si Clara ini. Kami berdua memang puas hati dengan khidmat sebagai tour guide oleh Clara.
🔹She is very knowledgable, informative, enthusiastic, helpful, and able to create many enjoyable experiences and moments for us.
🔵This is Hunter store, known for its iconic waterproof boots and other weather-ready apparel and accessories.
🔹Hunter is a British heritage brand with a legacy spanning over 135 years, primarily recognized for its Original Tall Wellington boots.
🔹The brand has expanded its global presence, including physical stores like the pop-up in Shanghai, China, which marked its first foray into brick-and-mortar retail in that market.
🔹Hunter products, including boots, bags, and clothing, are available through various channels, including their official website and online marketplaces like Lazada in Malaysia.
🔵This is Diesel Hannam store in Seoul, South Korea.
🔹This store is part of a new pop-up store concept launched by Diesel under the creative direction of Glenn Martens.
🔹The design emphasizes Diesel's iconic red color and prominently features the brand's logo and "For Successful Living" catchphrase, creating an immersive brand experience.
🔹The Hannam outpost served as a test for this new concept, which was later expanded to a larger Diesel Dosan store in Seoul.
🔹The store showcases Diesel's collections for women, men, and accessories, with an industrial aesthetic on the lower floors and a VIP area on the third floor.
🔵Tiang lampu yang dihias dengan pokok bunga. A beautiful decorative planter of Surfinia petunias.
🔵While Surfinia petunias are not inherently a significant cultural symbol in South Korea, they are commercially relevant due to their popularity as ornamental plants and the development of a genome-edited petunia by a South Korean research team.
🔹This team, led by professor Geung-Ju Lee, focused on developing new varieties and addressing domestic regulatory issues.
🔹Additionally, petunias, including Surfinia, have been found to be hosts for certain phytoplasmas in South Korea, indicating a scientific and agricultural interest in the plant.
🔵Here's a more detailed look:
🔹Commercial Importance: Petunias, in general, are popular ornamental plants worldwide, including South Korea, and are widely cultivated.
🔹Genome Editing Research: The research team at Chungnam National University and Toolgen is notable for developing a genome-edited petunia. This work is significant for promoting new crop varieties and addressing regulatory considerations in South Korea.
🔹Phytoplasma Infections: Studies have identified phytoplasmas in commercial petunias in South Korea, highlighting the plant's role in agricultural research and disease studies. For example, a study in 2013 reported the presence of "stolbur" phytoplasmas in commercial petunias exhibiting unusual growth.
🔹Scientific Significance: The research on phytoplasmas in petunias contributes to understanding plant diseases and their impact on agricultural production.
🔹Ornamental Value: Like many other places, petunias are valued for their aesthetic appeal and are commonly used in gardens and landscaping in South Korea.
🔵Itaewon is a well-known commercial district in Seoul with many modern buildings, illuminated storefronts, and a large outdoor advertisements.
🔵This is Kolon Sport store, a South Korean outdoor and lifestyle brand.
🔹The store features a striking exterior with large mountain-themed graphics and a modern, illuminated entrance, reflecting the brand's focus on outdoor apparel and gear.
🔹Kolon Sport offers a range of products including jackets, pants, footwear, and accessories designed for various outdoor activities.
🔵Across the road is a South Korean ambulance, identifiable by the prominent "119" marking on its side, which is the emergency number for fire, ambulance services and other medical emergencies in South Korea.
🔵On the right is Passion 5, a premium dessert patisserie and cafe located in the trendy Hannam-dong district of Seoul, South Korea.
🔹Concept & Offerings: Passion 5 is known for its exquisite French patisserie and bakery items, including breads, pastries, cakes, puddings, cookies, and gelato. It also features a restaurant on the second floor.
🔹Name Origin: The name "Passion 5" is derived from its five key components: bakery, chocolates, patisserie, cafe, and the passion of the creators behind the desserts.
🔹Accessibility & Design: Strategically situated near Hangangjin Station, it's easily accessible. The building's design and concept aim to create a lasting impression on visitors, with each level featuring unique concepts.
🔹Reputation: Passion 5 is particularly famous for its puddings and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.
🔵A night street scene at Itaewon-ro, featuring distinctive "Albero" streetlights by iGuzzini, known for their tree-like design.
🔵Entrnce to Passion 5.
🔵Jom kita tengok di dalam.
🔵Grand sungguh!
🔹A luxurious and modern interior space, likely a lobby or atrium, characterized by a grand, multi-tiered chandelier illuminating the central area.
🔹The space features highly reflective surfaces, possibly glass or polished stone, creating a sense of depth and mirroring the surroundings.
🔹A prominent water feature with lush greenery is situated at the base, adding a natural element to the contemporary design.
🔹Seating areas with white sofas are visible along the edges, suggesting a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
🔵Dari Itaewon, kami kembali ke hotel penginapan kami Hotel Bernoui Seoul yang terletak di Guro District.
🔵Apartment dwellings are extremely popular in Seoul.
🔹Apartments are the dominant housing type, with over 60% of South Korean households residing in them, and this percentage is even higher in Seoul.
🔹The prevalence of apartments is a result of rapid urbanization, economic growth, and government initiatives promoting apartment construction.
🔵Pemandangan kota Seoul di seberang Han River.
🔵Bangunan Parc1.
🔵That's Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market.
🔹Noryangjin Fisheries Wholesale Market in Seoul is a large and popular market known for its fresh seafood.
🔹Visitors can purchase live seafood from vendors in the market and have it prepared at nearby restaurants.
🔹It is one of the largest and most well-known seafood markets in South Korea, and a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
🔵Hyundai Motor Company is a South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer headquartered in Seoul, South Korea.
🔵This is Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul.
🔹First Domed Baseball Stadium: Completed in September 2015, it's South Korea's first domed baseball stadium and serves as the home ground for the KBO League's Kiwoom Heroes.
🔹Multi-purpose Venue: While primarily a baseball stadium, it's also a cultural sports complex that hosts various events, including concerts and awards ceremonies, with a capacity of around 25,000 for concerts.
🔵Tiba di Hotel Bernoui Seoul.
To be continued.
Till the next coming entry, inshaAllah. Meanwhile do take care.
No photograph or videos may be reproduced, downloaded, copied, stored, manipulated, or used whole or in part of a derivative work, without written permission from Syed Amran. All rights reserved.
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