Seoul Restaurant guide_Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi

*Bulgogi : thinly sliced marinated barbecued beef

Location : Sangsu-dong, Seoul

Type of Cuisine : Korean Food (primarily beef dishes)

Hours : 12:00~15:00, 18:00~02:00

(You can put your name on the wait list one hour before serving time. Ingredients may run out during opening hours.)

Holidays : 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month.

Telephone : 02-336-9371, 070-4090-9371

Address : Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi, 115 Sangsu-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Located under the pedestrian bridge between Sangsu Station and Kwangheung-chang Station.

Parking not available.

You will have to expect a long wait to eat at Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi. I had to wait 70 minutes to be seated, and it takes additional time for the meat to be prepared and served. As the quantity of food is enormous, it takes a while to finish eating, as well.

There was a closed “Take-out Booth”, which I suspect is opened during lunch, or after hours.

Lunch hours are from noon to 3 p.m., and seating requests are accepted from 11 a.m.

The Kalbi-tang (soup made with beef short ribs) and the beef soup with white radishes are known to be as popular as the Bulgogi.

 The price is quite reasonable, considering that they use only Korean beef.

Expect to pay 15,000 won for 300g of Bulgogi or 200g of sirloin.

The lunch menu consists of just three dishes.

 Laos Charcoal is used for cooking. 

The first thing you must do when you arrive at the restaurant is to put your name and total guest count on the waiting list. Be sure to look for the waiting list clip board!

This man is the owner of the establishment. His beard and red apron makes for a charismatic, Santa Claus-like appearance.

From slicing to seasoning, every step is done by him - alone. He does not pre-make any of his dishes.

As more people started to come to this restaurant, some customers started to voice complaints about the long wait.

Even so, he has no intention of changing his policy.

To watch him season the beef is like watching a dance. It shows how much he enjoys his work.

Here are the side dishes :

Kimchi

Green onion strips in sauce

Kkadugi (kimchi made with white radish)

Lettuce, chili, garlic, onions

Dongchimi (watery kimchi)

In the kitchen, you can see a refrigerator and a meat slicing machine. A huge bucket of green onion strips stand nearby. 

Before the owner relocated to Sangsu-dong, he used to do all the cooking, serving and billing all by himself. The store is bigger now, so he hired some employees and started to focus mainly on the cooking part. 

This is a picture of Bulgogi for two people. Regard the huge amounts of mushrooms and green onion.

 It is served in a small steel bucket. You can hardly see the bucket because of the sheer amount of ingredients.

Dig a little deeper and you can find an enormous quantity of beef. 

Beef freshly sliced by the owner just minutes ago. 

Finally, the reward of a long, long wait. I had to contain myself from eating it raw.

The cellophane noodles are served generously. Everything here is served generously. In fact, many other people were taking leftovers home, too stuffed to eat more. I resolved to clean my plate, though.

 When you order Bulgogi, you are served a free bowl of beef soup with white radishes.

 Lots of meat and vegetables bits are in the soup.

 One taste is all it takes to see why this restaurant is such a success.

I liked the soup better than the Bulgogi. I wonder how the Kalbi-tang taste? 

 The Bulgogi is all cooked on the copper pan. At this point, I’m so starved that I’m on the verge of passing out!

 So, it’s not the most unbelievably tasty dish in the world, but for this price and this quantity, I deem it excellent.

Next time, I’d like to try the sirloin and the raw beef dishes, too.

 I stuffed myself to the point of exploding. I even gained a few kilograms. But like I resolved earlier, I cleaned my plate. What can I say? I love meat!

Against my tummy’s better judgment, I ordered the cold kimchi noodle. 

 Not only did I want to finish the meal with something cool and spicy, but also, I did not think I’d be coming back here in the near future. I did not enjoy waiting for over an hour.

Maybe I was too full - the noodles were just so-so.

I recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants large quantities of reasonably priced beef. But those of you who are impatient should look elsewhere.

Keep in mind that there are more people waiting than the picture.

Yetmat Seoul Bulgogi is where you can meet the eccentric and stubborn owner, where you can’t believe the quantities of food, and where you really do have to wait for an hour to be able to eat.

I missed a lecture I wanted to attend, but I have no regrets.

from http://blog.naver.com/imcyl?Redirect=Log&logNo=110122774506

and translated

Korea Travel guide_Mega shopping malls

If you're interested in Korea fashion and "Hallyu", visit Seoul's mega sized shopping malls.

One-stop centers for dining, entertainment and more!

These days, the latest catchphrase that is sweeping the nation is "one-stop"- one-stop everythiing! As city life becomes more complex, more and more giant "one-stop, cultural complexes" are springing up across the capital city of Seoul. These huge centers are typically connected to major transport hubs and promise to save customers' time by combining department stores, supermarkets, bookstores, restaurants and movie theaters. The emergence of these multi-purpose mega complexes has changed the way people enjoy shopping and how they spend their leisure time.

Leading this new trend are TIMES SQUARE(Yeongdeungpo Station), I'PARKmall(Yongsan Station) and Central City(Express Bus Terminal Station). Directly linked to major transport hubs offering subway, train, and express bus services, these shopping centers have become major one-stop destinations for both travelers and locals alike.

TIMES SQUARE - Nature-Friendly Multi Space

Opened in September 2009, TIMES SQUARE is a mega multi-purpose shopping mall with a hotel, cinema, home store, department store, and countless other shops. As one of the newest shopping malls in Seoul, TIMES SQUARE features an urbanized interior combined with plenty of natural spaces like fountains and gardens. The Main Atrium, the symbol of TIMES SQUARE, is glass-roofed leisure space that stretches upward for five floors. 


What sets Times Square apart from other malls is its cultural spaces. Instead of being filled with stores from the ground up, the first floor features a spacious lobby and a small round stage. The upper floors offer well-spaced shops, a movie theater, a bookstore, a game center, coffee shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are plenty of open outdoor spaces like the ecology park, fountain, rooftop garden, and more.

Major Stores & Facilities Shinsegae Department Store, CGV Cinema, Kyobo Bookstore, Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Times Square, Amoris Banquet Hall, E-Mart, Kids’ Café: I Like Ddalki, Fitness Center, healthcare facilities (dentists, dermatologist, plastic surgeon), banks, restaurants, etc.

Address: Seoul-si, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Yeongdeungpo-dong, 4-ga
Tel.: +82-2-2638-2000
Transportation: Directly connected to Yeongdeungpo Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: http://www.timessquare.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

I'PARKmall - Digital Goods Shopping Center

Opened in August 2006 behind Yongsan Station (an area known for its electronic shops) I'PARKmall is a mega multi-purpose shopping mall of an overwhelming scale. It is conveniently linked to Yongsan Station, which is served by subway line 1 and a number of major bus routes. KTX trains to Korea's southwest region also start from Yongsan, so the area enjoys a considerably large amount of daily traffic. 


I’PARKmall features a department store that is divided into a ‘fashion zone,’ ‘living zone,’ and ‘culture zone.’ Also housed within this giant superstructure are CGV and the nation’s largest digital store, selling an astounding selection of computers, game equipment, mobile phones, cameras, and electronic household goods. Each floor specializes in certain items and a plethora of eager salespeople stand at the stores, ready to offer explanations about each brand. I’PARKmall also provides entertainment for younger visitors with the e-Sports Stadium (online gaming) and Putt-Putt Golf & Game, a miniature golf facility.

Major Stores & Facilities I’PARK Department Store, Digital Store, E-Mart, CGV Yongsan Cinema, e-Sports Stadium, Putt-Putt Golf & Game, bookstore, restaurants, etc.

Address: Seoul-si, Yongsan-gu, Hangang-ro 3-ga, 40-999
Tel.: +82-2-2012-0101
Transportation: Directly connected to Yongsan Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: www.iparkmall.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Central City - City of its Own

Central City is located in the Express Bus Terminal Station, which is served by subway lines 3, 7, and 9 as well as express buses connecting Seoul to 70 major cities across Korea. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people pass through the station, making it a bustling area where the “one-stop” mindset is a must.

True to its name, Central City is much like a city within a city and offers busy travelers and commuters a myriad of amenities. The fountain plaza in the center is a main rest stop and the large bookstore, record store, cinema, food courts, and stores are usually buzzing with activity. The shopping complex caters to the well-to-do with the nearby Shinsegae Department Store and JW Marriott Hotel, and to younger customers with Famille Park, an entertainment place for children. Of course, the shopping center also offers “one-stop” basics like banks and healthcare facilities.

Major Stores & Facilities Shinsegae Department Store, JW Marriott Seoul,Cinus Central Cinema, Youngpoong Bookstore, Central Terminal, Synnara Record, Famille Park, Convention & Wedding Hall, Food Court, etc.

Address: Seoul-si Seocho-gu Banpo-dong 19-3
Tel.: +82-2-6282-0114
Transportation: Directly connected to the Express Bus Terminal Station
(Seoul Subway Line 3, 7, 9)
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Homepage: http://www.centralcityseoul.co.kr/ (Korean)

D-Cube City

D-Cube City, in terms of height and size, has emerged as a new landmark of southwestern Seoul. Opened just a few short months ago in August of 2011, the shopping complex is located at Sindorim Station, a major transportation hub connecting lines 1 and 2 of the Seoul Metro and the satellite cities of Ansan, Suwon, Incheon and Bucheon. 

D-Cube City consists of 51 stories of residential apartments and a 42-story cultural complex housing a hotel, offices, a department store, an art center, and a theme park. Not just a retail space for fashion and clothing, 30% of D-Cube’s total area is designated as ‘food & beverage space’ with an array of restaurants to suit any taste. At Sweet Castle, you’ll be met by an army of desserts from all over the world. At ‘Theme Noodle Center’ noodle dishes abound, while the ‘Korean Market Street’ offers the opportunity to taste local Korean gourmet dishes while sitting in a traditional Hanok-style eatery. 

If you are looking for a fun place for you and your children, look no further! The D-Cube Art Center features the ‘D-Cube Theater,’ an exclusive theater for musicals, and ‘Space Sindorim,’ a multi-purpose theater for plays, exhibitions, and lectures. There’s even a super-sized kids play land (Pororo Park) on the 4th floor themed after the beloved cartoon character Pororo and his friends. 

Providing a leisure space that’s fun for the whole family, the center is also emerging as a top tourist spot thanks to its great selection of food and merchandise. As an added convenience for guests, the center includes the Sheraton Seoul D-Cube City Hotel – the only super deluxe hotel in southwest Seoul. The hotel boasts 269 guestrooms as well as a banquet hall, fitness center, and spa.

Major Stores & Facilities: Sheraton Seoul D-Cube City Hotel, D-Cube Department Store, D-Cube Arts Center, D-Cube Park, Pororo Theme Park, Food Theme Restaurant (Hansik Street, World Street Food, Chinese Food Theme Hall)

Address: Seoul-si Guro-gu Gyeongin-ro 662 D-Cube City
Tel: +82-2-2211-1000
Transportation: Exit 1 of Sindorim Station (Subway Lines 1 &2) 
1330 tt call center: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) 
Homepage: http://www.dcubecity.com/ (Korean)

from Korea Tourism Organization

Seoul Travel guide_How to use the subway

How to Use the Subway

A subway map is usually located above the ticket window (see right). Most subway maps are written in both Korean and English. The numbers next to the name of each station on the map indicate the subway fare for the destination from the present station. Simply tell the worker behind the ticket window your destination, and they will issue you the appropriate ticket. The yellow box next to the ticket window contains free subway maps that you can take and keep. Some subway stations do not provide free subway maps. Subway fares are as below (foreign currency is not accepted at subway ticket windows, so please prepare Korean won). Seoul Subway Fares Base fare for 12km 19 years and older 13-18 years old 7-12 years old Transportation Card 900 Won 720 Won 450 Won Cash 1,000 Won 1,000 Won 450 Won - Free for children 6 years or younger. - For total distances exceeding 10 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers. - For total distances exceeding 40 kilometers, the charge is 100 won for each additional 10 kilometers. - For journeys outside Seoul, the charge is 100 won for each additional 5 kilometers and 100 won for each additional 10 kilometers if the total trip exceeds 35 kilometers.

How to Purchase Single Journey Ticket Cards  In order to use the subway systems in the metropolitan areas, you must first purchase a single journey ticket card from one of the “Ticket Vending and Reload Device” located inside the subway station.  The single journey ticket cards can only be used on the subway and cannot be used in buses or taxis. • How to Use the Single Journey Ticket Cards 1.  At the ticket vending machine, select your destination (rates will differ depending on your destination) 2.  To receive your single journey ticket card, you will also need to pay a 500won deposit. 3.  To enter the subway, look for the subway turnstiles with the little green arrow, as the ones with indicated with a red 'X' are for passengers passing through in the opposite direction. Place your card on the electronic card reader (which says T-money), located on the right side of the turnstile, and pass through. 4.  After you arrive at your destination, check which is the best exit for you, and walk through the subway turnstiles, placing your single journey card on the electronic card reader on your right-hand side once again. 5.  Make sure you return your single journey ticket card to the “Deposit Refund Device” to receive your 500 won deposit back. <Tip 1> On the first screen, you can select "ENG" for English.  If you need to transfer to a different subway line on your journey, make sure you follow the signs in the subway station to get to the other line.  When transferring, you do not need to pass through a turnstile, and you will not need to purchase another card.

	How to Purchase Transportation Card The most frequently used transportation card is the ‘T-money Card.’ It is available for purchase at ticket windows of subway stations or at convenience stores and vendor kiosks that post a ‘T-money’ signboard. By using the T-money Card, instead of cash, the card user can get an approximately 10% discount on the regular fare. The price of the T-money Card is 2,500 won, and the card can be easily recharged for amounts ranging from 1,000 won to 90,000 won. In particular, the deluxe type card offers mileage points based on total fare paid. For detailed information visit the webpage for transportation card information.
	• How to Use the Automated Travel Card Recharging Machine in a Subway Station
	The Automated Travel Card Recharging Machine installed in most subway stations is convenient to use because of its clearly labeled numbers displayed on the orange colored screen. It is really easy to recharge the card when following the simple steps. 1. Place the T-money card on the money insert slot numbered 1 as shown in the photo. 2. Check the balance shown on the first row of the black liquid crystal display (LCD) screen. 3. Press the button of your choice. There are 8 options of varying monetary amounts: 1,000 won, 2,000 won, 3,000 won, 5,000 won, 10,000 won, 20,000 won, 30,000 won, and 50,000 won. 4. The machine will confirm the amount before charging and display it on the second row of the black LCD screen, 5. Insert money. Only 1,000 won, 5,000 won, and 10,000 won denominations are accepted. In 2007, the Korean Government issued new bills with sizes smaller than that of old bills. Although almost every automated machine was adjusted to accept the new bills, it is still best to insert the bill as close to the left side of the money insert slot as possible when you insert the new bill into the travel card recharging machine. 6. When the money is inserted, the bottom row of the black LCD screen will show the new balance (old balance + amount of newly charged money). Note that the amount of money shown on the black LCD screen (upper right side of the photo) stands for the money you inserted for recharging.

Description of signs in the subway
(1) Exits
(2) Transfer points
The color coding system of the subway makes for a convenient ride. If one needs to transfer to the number 7 line, all one has to do is follow the dark green line and you are there before you know it. The arrows on the signs, along with the colors, will easily guide you in the appropriate direction.

(3) The subway line colors

(4) The maps as shown inside the subway station
	* The above information may be altered.		The exit numbers are circled and highlighted in yellow. The red circle alerts you to your current location. These maps are extremely helpful and will help you find the proper exit with ease. You can find these maps located near every stairwell.

How to Use Subway Locker

Almost every station of the Seoul Metro's lines 1 through 4 is equipped with the most advanced locker system called ‘easy locker.’ These yellow colored lockers are truly multi-functional in that they provide not only luggage storage service but also receiving/shipping services for home delivered or registered mail and quick delivered parcel, and even laundry service. The most helpful service for foreign tourists is supposed to be the luggage storage service, but unfortunately it is not currently available for coin purchase. Payments can be made only through the deluxe type T-money card (costs 2,500 won), credit card, or cell phone. Since foreign tourists are not expected to make a payment through a cell phone, the only payment methods left are: T-money Card and credit card. • Locker Usage Fee 1. Luggage storage: Small locker 1,200 won / Large locker 2,000 won (based on 24 hours, extra charge for additional hours) 2. Home delivered parcel pick-up: Small locker 1,200 won / Large locker 2,000 won (based on 24 hours, extra charge for additional hour) 3. Home delivered parcel storage: Small locker 1,200 won / Large locker 2,000 won (based on 24 hours, extra charge for additional hours) 4. Transfer to another station and storage: 5,000 won/box (based on small box, less than 10Kg) 5. Long-term exclusive use: 100,000 won/month (based on large box) 6. Registered mail pick-up: Free (based on 24 hours, extra charge for additional hours)

How to Store Luggage

• 1. LCD screen that displays all the ongoing processes for storage and pick-up • 2. T-money Card payment • 3. Credit card payment • 4. Receipt pick-up slot • 5. CCTV video recording window How to Store Luggage into the Locker in Featured Photo 1. Press the upper button ‘Storage’ from the two blue buttons displayed on the LCD screen. 2, Click the first button ‘Luggage storage' (pick-up in person) that is displayed on the upper left side of the screen. 3. When the numbers of the locker that are available for storage come up on the screen, touch the number of the locker of your choice with your finger. The number of the locker you chose will be displayed on the screen. Then, touch the ‘Confirm’ button that is displayed on the bottom right side of the screen. 4, Then the ‘locker usage fee payment’ sign comes up on the screen. The first row will show the daily storage fee 1,200 won (for small box), and then three-payment option buttons. They are T-money card, credit card, and cell phone from the left to the right side of the row. For foreign tourists, only T-money Card and credit card are available for payment. Click the button of your choice (i.e. click the T-money Card button on the left side). 5. The screen will display where to place the T-money Card for payment in a red circle. 6. In order to complete the transaction, place the T-money Card on the designated place (shown on the right side of the photo). Then the door of your locker will be open. Pick up and place your luggage on the place where the red laser indicates, and then close the door. You will find the receipt in the receipt pick-up slot (shown on the left side of the photo). The receipt contains information on the location of locker, the date and time of storage, payment method. Keep your receipt with you at all times, preferably in a secure area. * In order to pick up your luggage, you need to bring the T-money Card or the credit card that you used for payment. Be careful not to lose it. How to Pick-up Luggage Press the ‘Pick-up' (찾기) button out of two blue buttons on the bottom. → The screen will ask you what kind of payment method you will be using. If your payment method was the T-money Card, press the ‘T-money Card’ button displayed on the left side of the screen, then press the 'Confirm' (확인) button displayed on the left side out of three blue buttons on the bottom. → Place your T-money Card on the T-money Card Reader located on the lower part of the machine. → When the door of your locker is open, pick up your luggage.

from Korea Tourism Organization page