Great vlog. Was in Seoul March 24. Kakao Metro app was also extremely useful along with the Kakao and Naver maps. LOVED the jingles on the platforms when a train was imminent. And the T-Money card was brilliant - used that for the luggage lockers in Seoul Station as well as the metro and also a taxi on one occasion. Many thanks for the memories! 🇰🇷😊
@CatherineGrenfell15 сағат бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it, yes the jingles were delightful! I caught the train here in Sydney the other day and music started playing just before the train arrived I thought Sydney has upgraded the customer experience, alas it was just some guy with a boom box doing his thing. It's funny what the mind can think in a split second.
@britannia5516 күн бұрын
Most definitely good for ARMYS all those BTS dolls.
@CatherineGrenfell15 күн бұрын
Agree, the dolls were quite good quality/value. I am more of an ABBA fangirl :)
@David-wv5dd17 күн бұрын
Daiso is one of my favourite shop and your Korean is getting better 😂
@muanteakhiangte343317 күн бұрын
Can you buy wristwatch for me mom
@muanteakhiangte343317 күн бұрын
Love you from Mizoram,India
@jclulu394217 күн бұрын
I'm sure you bought only what you needed. 2:02 I was like "Oh no! no! no! Don't grab it" 🤣🤣🤣Your pronunciation of "Gamsa hamnida" was perfect. 👍
@CatherineGrenfell16 күн бұрын
Dog sunglasses count as essentials in my world 🤣🤣🤣 I was curious what was a 02:02 and it made me giggle when I saw them...... 👀👩🎤🇰🇷🎶
@jclulu394217 күн бұрын
There are several Starbucks coffee shops with Hangul name in Korea. The Insadong shop in the video is the first one with Hangul name. Fun facts : 1. The Starbucks headquarters has zero shares of the Starbucks Korea which is owned by e-mart (Korea) and GIC(Sovereign Wealth Fund of Singapore). 2. There are 1,893 Starbucks coffee shops in Korea, which is the world's 4th after The US, China and Japan. Its number is almost the same as that of Japan (1,901 shops) that has a populations 2.5 times the size of Korea. 3. Per-capita annual coffee consumption of Korea is the world's 2nd after France.
@CatherineGrenfell17 күн бұрын
Well, that was all very fascinating, thanks! 🙏😀 I thought there could be some other ones, thanks so much for the clarification. However, I had no idea Starbucks is not even owned by them, brands sure do have mysterious ways of working. I looked up Australia on coffee rankings and we don't even make the list, maybe we drink more tea down under. I think it would be worth visiting Korea just for the coffee shops, so many and such variation/vibe. My hubby thought all the coffee shops were white, modern and with lots of flowers, I had to explain that were just the ones I personally liked. 😍
@jclulu394217 күн бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell You're right. Starbucks Korea only pays a license fee for using the brand. A huge variety of coffee shops and cafes in Korea even attracts a lot of foreign tourists from abroad. However, it resulted in the extinction of traditional tea houses even though Korea has a 1400 year-long history of tea. I personally think it's so bad.
@CatherineGrenfell17 күн бұрын
@@jclulu3942 Yes, the loss of tea houses is sad. I am a big tea drinker and tried a tea house in Insadong, it was beautiful but underwhelming when compared to the buzz at many of the cafes. Maybe a tea house in the country on a future trip will be more my style.
@jclulu394217 күн бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell Sounds great! 👍 O'Sulloc Tea Museum in Jeju Island with English subs. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/kNuUgK6gmrHWloE.html
@jclulu394217 күн бұрын
That Koala seems to be looking for something or thinking about something. Can you interview it in your next video? 🤣🤣🤣 Thanks for the wonderful video. 👍
@CatherineGrenfell17 күн бұрын
Ha, ha will do! So Mr Koala, why are you in that tree? Oh, 'cause there is a goanna in the other tree and it won't share the space.
@David-wv5dd18 күн бұрын
I fimd Koalas very cute animal. ❤ thanks for sharing.
@josephwon100418 күн бұрын
so adorable!!!❤❤❤
@eprohoda18 күн бұрын
Greetings, Catherine! thank you,pro video! catch you later~ 😎
@britannia5519 күн бұрын
Cathrine I don’t like Kimchi either, I like Soju and Makgeolli, Bibimbap and Gimbap,
@CatherineGrenfell19 күн бұрын
Yeah, I am no longer the odd one out. I like Soju, Bibimbap and Gimbap too. But have not yet tried Makgeolli.
@britannia5519 күн бұрын
A lot of people just walk though the subways when it’s raining and never get wet.
@CatherineGrenfell19 күн бұрын
I didn't know that, smart idea!
@yongburmkim965623 күн бұрын
Japanese Yen, Korean Won
@CatherineGrenfell23 күн бұрын
Agree, my mistake!
@David-wv5dd25 күн бұрын
It is indeed cool to see the name written in Hangeul, and this is first time seeing 스타벅스 for myself only from your video. 😂 If you are happen to be in Seoul again, recommend you to visit this Starbucks which used to be an old cinema inside Gyeongdong Market. maps.app.goo.gl/UVT6c1BT1GyKifcF8
@CatherineGrenfell24 күн бұрын
Oh, that Starbucks looks a little crazy, that's my kinda place. Thanks - added to my long 'next time' list. I am surprised you have not seen it, in my mind you have been ever where in Seoul. I really like Hangul characters there is a symmetry to them. Next time I am going to study the characters more before I go and see if I can figure out something simple without Google Translate.
@David-wv5dd27 күн бұрын
Saw Bowral, which is one of my favourite place for a short getaway from Sydney beside Blackheath.
@CatherineGrenfell27 күн бұрын
You get around! That was a catchup with my baby brother. :)
@David-wv5dd26 күн бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell I will be at Bowral next month for couple of days to see the tulip festival, and explore the areas such as Berrima, Carrington Falls, and twisty road at Macquarie Pass. 😅
@jclulu394227 күн бұрын
Did you return to Australia? Oh no! 😭😭😭Korea still wants you. Kangaroos and koalas will take good care of your house. Btw, I love your art works. 0:11 0:24 Two thumps up!👍👍
@CatherineGrenfell27 күн бұрын
Yes, back in Australia now and its our winter and freezing cold. Have not seen many 🦘🦘 lately but did see a 🐨 recently and we have a lot of lovely birds visiting atm. You have eagle eyes to spot those artworks. 👀🎨 Thanks for the 👍👍👩🎨
@jclulu394227 күн бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell Then please come back to Korea in winter. Nearly -30 degrees Celsius winter with biting wind from Siberia will help you forget the freezing cold in Australia. 🤣 Your artworks at 0:24 remind me of the painting of Nika, a fairy tale writer from Russia, who lives in Jeju Island in Korea. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/bruhidedtLTIkmw.html
@CatherineGrenfell25 күн бұрын
@@jclulu3942 no way I could handle that cold! 🥶 THANKS for the video, oh wow, her work is beautiful. It made me want to go to Jeju Island and meet her. I found her website as well tyfbooks.com
@dannyarcher9410Ай бұрын
Its not YEN. Its WON.
@CatherineGrenfell29 күн бұрын
@@dannyarcher9410 agree, my mistake!
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
I would like to recommand "Escape from camp 14" by Blaine Harden. A true story about a North Korean escapee.
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
@@josephwon1004 thanks for the recommendation. I just checked out that book and downloaded a sample it looks fascinating! Before my trip North Korea seemed like some mythical land that sometimes was mentioned on the news. Now I have a much deeper appreciation for the people in North Korea and the overall situation.
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
What is the most favorite books of yours?
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
@@josephwon1004 oh, this is an controversial answer nowadays, it’s Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I am a big fan of sweeping historical dramas.
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
My favorite is the lost wife by Alyson Richman, a true story.
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
I still remember the scene Clark Gable pointing out Scarlett's dress made with the curtain on the window. the best of the best historical movies.
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
I love Australia more after watching your beautiful vlogs... I recommand "Pachinko" written by Min Jin Lee..It is a historical novel book during Japanese occupation over Korea. I really enjoyed this book. ❤❤❤
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
I love the book ‘Pachinko’ and it’s in my top 10 fav books of all time. When I read it I had no idea about how hard things were during those times and the racism that existed. It was a real eye opener for me. I also liked the tv adaption but the book was much better!
@David-wv5ddАй бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell I was going to recommend this book too, but @josephwon1004 beat me into it.😅
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
@@David-wv5dd you have to be quick on KZfaq. I wondered if you read books set in Korea in-between your trips. Great way to travel virtually.
@itscarleymarieАй бұрын
If you're looking for more books based in Korea, the Canadian-Korean author June Hur is one of my favourites! Her books "The Red Palace", "The Forest Of Stolen Girls" and "A Crane Among Wolves" Are incredible and based off real historical events. <3
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
@@itscarleymarie thanks! They sound interesting I will check them out.
@koreantourguideyoun3635Ай бұрын
I Enjoyed the godd video:)
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Glad you enjoyed!
@jclulu3942Ай бұрын
Korea has developed AI-based automatic driving robots for serving first in the world in 2017. Please be careful! If you stand in its way, they will send an assassin robot from the future to eliminate you. 🤣🤣🤣
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
@@jclulu3942 Korea always ahead of the curve on tech. 💪 🤣 🤖 “I'll be back!” 🤖 🤣
@youngjd3254Ай бұрын
enjoy your beautiful life !!!
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Aww, thank you. 😍
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
Hi Catherine, thank you for the most beautiful smile in the world. ❤❤❤❤
@cheerupkoreaАй бұрын
I support your beautiful journey.👍👋 I think the subway is a symbol of the city. Now, there are subways in provincial cities, but in the past, there were only subways in Seoul. When I first rode the subway in Seoul in the early 1990s when I was in my early 20s, I felt like "Ah, I'm in the capital of Korea, Seoul!" when I heard the noise from the subway station, the countless number of people getting on and off during rush hour, and the spider web-like subway map. However, in your video, it is translated that T-money can only be charged with cash, but T-money can also be charged in the following ways. I think it was a mistake by the person who explained T-money to you. Here are the ways to recharge T-money: 1. Cash recharge: You can recharge with cash at vending machines at bus stops or subway stations, convenience stores (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven, etc.), banks or post offices. 2. Card recharge: You can recharge using a credit card or debit card online or through the T-money app. 3. Mobile recharge: You can recharge with your phone using the T-money app or mobile wallet. 4. ATM recharge: Most banks' ATMs, such as Hana Bank, Kookmin Bank, and Woori Bank, can recharge T-money cards. You can recharge using cash or account transfer. Convenience stores allow you to recharge with various payment methods, including cash, credit cards, debit cards, and mobile payments. Always be happy and healthy.😄
@jclulu3942Ай бұрын
0:55 Most Koreans use their credit card that doesn't need to be charged with cash. 2:33 In Tokyo, you even need to get out of a station and go to another station and buy a new ticket to transfer because the Tokyo subway lines are run by several different companies. 2:53 Korea is the only country that the American search engine and messenger failed to devour because Korea has its own Naver, kakao and LINE that are much better. 4:15 Don't worry. You can charge your phone battery for free everywhere you go such as bus stop, cafe, restaurant, convenient stores, airport and even inside of KTX and express bus . 4:47 It's said that another purpose of deep subway stations and long platforms is to give you a chance to walk for your health and fitness. This is a Korean joke. 😂😂😂 In addition to what you mentioned, there are safety walls on every subway platform in Korea to prevent passengers from falling into the railway and breathing dust from the railway, and you can get a discount when you transfer between subway and bus, and with T-money card you pay for all kinds of public transportation (subway, bus, taxi, train) and even highway tolls all over the country. I'm sure this video will be very helpful for foreigner visitors to Korea. Two thumps up to you! 👍👍
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thanks for all the extra tips! Extra walking for health and fitness made me laugh. 😆Good info on the safety walls I wondered if they were at every station, this is the only city I know of that has this. 👍
@David-wv5ddАй бұрын
Your video(s) will help many overseas tourists with so many useful tips for while visiting Korea. 👋👋👋
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thanks for your continued support David. I hope so, it's a big city so well worth using.
@idonthaveaname6085Ай бұрын
You are so confident and with a smile on your face. Keep going !!😁🫶🏻💖
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
😍😍😍
@mrjinkoreaАй бұрын
Most subway cars in Seoul do have display monitors in each car that show you what the next station is. Some of the older cars might not have it, but that's very rare.
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Interesting, I only came across one display monitor during my trip. But overall so impressive, clean and efficient!
@luckyblue2758Ай бұрын
Great vlog and your beautiful smile 🔥🔥🔥🍀
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thank you 😍
@David-wv5ddАй бұрын
As usual, thank you for uploading another video of different part of Seoul. In a cool autumn weather, it is a nice walking up to the top while taking many photos with beautiful autumn leaves along the way. Highly recommended if you are fit to walking up to the top slowly, and I have done this few times with my wife.
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
@@David-wv5dd thanks! Gee, not sure about walking from the bottom, but with autumn leaves that does sound nice. On my last night I did a night time bus tour the bus stopped at a lookout below the tower (I had incorrectly assumed it took you to tower). I had 30 mins to run to the top, take some photos and run back down. I slept well that night. 🏃♀️😥💤
@SimplyNyanderartАй бұрын
Super crowded in the train. Interesting. Dropped a like for you!
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thanks for the like and comment! Yes, it was crowded on the train, it was one of the most crowded tourist venues I visited on my trip.
@SimplyNyanderartАй бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell ohhhh! Makes sense. But I thought there were locals. You’re welcome!
@jclulu3942Ай бұрын
I've put up a love lock twice at Namsan Tower but I got married to another lady who never asked for a love lock in the end. 😂😂😂
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
That made me giggle, looks like you found the right one in the end. 😍
@josephwon1004Ай бұрын
I love your vlog, and lovely australian accent...❤❤❤
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thank you! Glad you can understand me :) 🦘🇦🇺
@tinsilogxАй бұрын
Which spa did you go to?
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Insadong Spa and Sauna, it was a small local place close to where I stayed. I am not sure they expected a tourist to arrive early on a Sunday morning. But all the ladies helped a clueless Aussie figure out what to do with much pointing. insadongspa.modoo.at/?link=1xpty5mx
@WandrativeАй бұрын
The wall part that you called ‘old’ were rushed patches up parts when the walls were breached in the old times. This is in contrast to the more organized square large stone blocks. So actually the ‘old’ walls are newer then the ‘new’ walls.
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thank you for explaining that. I always find myself thinking about the little details and I really appreciate you sharing your knowledge with me.
@masonju5854Ай бұрын
That park looks wonderful. Nice video!
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thank you!
@wilncАй бұрын
The Korean metro system may seem complicated at first, but the routes are well-differentiated by color, so it is very convenient once you understand them. I'd like to see you transfer to the bus almost free with your T-money card. After using the subway or bus, you can transfer to another mode of transportation almost free of charge. Taxis are excluded. Find out more about it. You can enjoy Seoul more conveniently.
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
You have explained something to me that I was puzzled about. When I was on a bus from Changuimun Gate back down to Jongo, I was not charged (I think). I thought maybe I had tapped on incorrectly, but maybe it was because I caught the subway earlier in the day? Either way its a great system! 🚊🚌
@wilncАй бұрын
@@CatherineGrenfell When getting off the bus with a T-money card, be sure to tap the card before getting off. If so, otherwise the longest distance fare for that bus will be charged to your T-money card. As you know, the T-money card can be used as a payment method when purchasing items at convenience stores or taking a taxi. 😎
@user-fm9jv4tr7gАй бұрын
즐겁고 기억에 남는 여행 되시길 바랍니다
@user-mb9uo1ov9nАй бұрын
사랑해요
@InchonseoulАй бұрын
👌
@kitch-guyАй бұрын
Hope you enjoy Korea!
@jclulu3942Ай бұрын
3:52 I love how you change the scenes with proper music. 👍 The upbeat music represents how women feel when they shop for clothes, right? 😂
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thanks for the positive feedback! 👍 Ha ha, shopping = adrenaline 🤣
@jclulu3942Ай бұрын
Your smiley face is the best clickbait. I love it! I can't help but click.
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Thank you for that lovely comment. 😍
@jayhojay4363Ай бұрын
Gday mate
@CatherineGrenfellАй бұрын
Gday to you too!
@user-tc8uv2gg2eАй бұрын
Welcome to korea ♡^^♡ Go to Busan...and go to mt.황령산...^^ You can see the whole Busan with beautiful day and night panoramic views ^^...good luck 😅😅
@user-xh8mg1po6sАй бұрын
낯선 나라에 와서 스트레스도 많이 받으실텐데 항상 웃음 잃지 않으시려고 노력하는모습 존경합니다 너무 멋지십니다❤❤