Itaewon: 10 best pictures from Flickr (My retarded opinion..again)

One of the many reasons that I want to go to Itaewon is because there's a big mosque there and amidst that are fusion of culture western, asian and everything jumbled into one. The place seems to emerge a whole new small world on its own in the middle of Seoul.

Another perspective by machomikemd from Virtual Tourist. "Itaewon is a kitchsy, touristy area of seoul. It is the international part of seoul since it is in proximity of yongsan garrison of the US Army. However, it is not a representative of seoul since it mostly caters to tourist and US Troops. The main street runs for 1.4 kilometers between the Itaewon Junction at the west end and the Hannam 2-dong ward office at the opposite eastern end. Off this main street lie a score of alleyways and underground arcades crammed with stores, eateries, nightclubs and bars."

Here are the top 10 pictures (from my opinion) taken from Flickr that embodies the epitome of Itaewon:

1. jump in snow! by youngdoo
Particularly like this work of art because of the fallen snow and the energy by these people. Hmm..Itaewon, the name itself sounds very energetic with its fusion of culture.



2.Seoul Central Masjid, Itaewon by Mohamad Faizal Omar
Great angle! Most of the shot taken of this mosque is from the front which I don't feel the serenity evoked in me but this one does. ^^. No doubt, a huge landmark in Itaewon.


3. Way Too Much by Ronnie Fung
Frankyly, not a good shot at all from a photography point of view. But the way Ronnie describes Itaewon is mind blowing..haha I agree, indeed. ROFL

"Itaewon, Korea. This was taken on a Saturday night. There is a man busking in a Spiderman outfit, he can't play guitar. There is a man selling watermelons, some may be rotten, some not, either way, in between sales he scratches his boys with no shame. There is also a prostitute in a doorway, sending a text message and a blur of motion from a group of MP's taking away a criminal of some sort. Lord knows what else is going on. This place is mind blowing. "

4. The street in Itaewon II by awe2020

Brrr...it's cold. An evening after work. Look at the lady snuggled with her muffler. Itaewon couldn't be much prettier than this right?


5. A sprinkle of light by Lindsaymp

Simply because of the comment.
I just feel that the picture is quite ok but one of the comment is so hilarious : Cosplay?
Haha..It's not even nearer to that in Harajuku, eh?


6. Itaewon market by mister bokeh

Just because.. I like Mr Bokeh!! Hahah..I just admire all his pictures. It can conjure subtle feelings. Wish had that gift in me. This bike is sooo..lonely.


7. I have a Rotiboy problem by superlocal

If I ever got to Itaewon, I will..oopss no..I MUST visit this shop. Why? Cause Malaysia has this bakery too. But not with this option: Vanilla ice-cream as filling. Hmm..I'm a fan!! The smell is just so irresistible even from far.


8. Itaewon Scene: Underwear Street Store by RMJimenez

Hmm..a racy, saucy image. Nothing better than an ahjumma to sell this stuff. Hehe..no offense to all the ahjummas. Ahjumma fighting!!



9. ebikka by numberof

2 korean friends making a fool out of each other. Sweet!



10. Itaewon Alley by oceandesetoiles

My most favourite picture out of the 10. Reminds me the sunshine in Malaysia. Arghh..I love the warmth and the girl holding her puppy, isn't that sweet?

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Winter clothes in South Korea

I had two coats prepared for winter but after getting some advice from my korean friends, it would be better if I shop once I reach Seoul.

Around February, I bought two coats for my travel to Hong Kong from this website : Color Shopping. Hong Kong is on winter season around February but not that cold around 15 celcius. Luckily the clothes helped especially when we need to sleep in the airport for a stayover. Hehee..

The site is worth a look. Shipping to Malaysia plus the coat price on average roughly around MYR120 which is cheaper than if you buy in local shopping outlets.

The downside, the fashion a bit outdated. Let's say if you want to use for autumn 2009, the listed fashion would be from autumn 2008. Tested clothes postage took me around 5-7 days delivery which was quite fast and the owner never fail to reply my email for any queries.

Though the fashion stated its from Korea but the factory comes from China which justifies the cheap price.

Another downside is that online shopping will minus the experience of having to inspect the whole clothes before you buy, the color of clothes would be slightly different from what was shown and the return policy is a bit absurd. You can't simply return it like you buy it next door.

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Walking Street : ChiangMai, Thailand

The ChiangMai's walking street is more than the normal Night Bazaar but it is the signature destination for local and tourists who want to travel to the cultural product. The walking street is opened on every Sunday, stretching from Tha Pae Gate square to the most of Ratchadamnoen street, the area is blocked off the traffic from late Sunday afternoon to midnight. This is the one program you must not miss from travel in Chiangmai.

The whole of Ratchadamnoen street, and the wats along its length, are filled with colourful stalls selling wares ranging from hill-tribe crafts and blinking lights, to wooden bangles and tasty morsels. There is a great atmosphere helped along by buskers playing down the street. When tired of the shopping, it is fun to sit at one of the bars or restaurants along the strip and watch the hubbub go by, welcome to the walking street!! Don't miss when you travel Chiangmai!!

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Doi Suthep-Doi Pui National Park : ChiangMai, Thailand

Doi Suthep-Pui used to be known as Doi Oi Chang. Its new name comes from the name of a hermit, Prarusiwasuthep who lived at Doi Suthep-Pui was a protected forest. In 1973, The Royal Forest Department decided that Doi Suthep and 13 other forest areas in the country should eventually be national parks. The Royal Forest Department sent Mr.Panya Boonsomboon to survey the area. After that, the national park committed decided that only forest in good condition should be included in Doi Suthep-Pui National park and areas occupied by villagers should be excluded. In 1981, as the 24th national park of Thailand which encompasses 161.06 square kilometers. The following year, an additional 100 square kilometers were annexed to the park, bringing the total to 261.06 square kilometers.

Doi Suthep, Doi Buakha and Doi Pui are the three main peaks in the park. The highest peak, Doi Pui, rises to 1,685 meters above mean sea levels.

There are two basic types of forest on the mountain in Doi Suthep-Pui: Deciduous forest below about 1,000 m elevation and evergreen forest above. The deciduous is further divided into two kinds, deciduous dipterocarp-oak Forest in the driest areas and mixed evergreen deciduous forest along streams and gullies. Common species are trees of the families Dipterocarpaceae, Fagaceae and Magnoliaceae. Wildlife in the park includes common muntjac, wild boar, macaque and other small mammals. More than 300 species of birds can be seen here, including red junglefowl, pheasants, eagles, parrots, bulbuls and minivets. Rare species of amphibian, the crocodile salamander that can be found in only four localities in Thailand, one in Doi Suthep. Chiangmai

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