Early Signs of Spring

This past weekend, we met up with Mr. B’s cousin Kelsey to celebrate her birthday and a group of our friends that are shortly departing South Korea, for a day of all play in the magical city of Seoul. What is it about that city? You know, it’s really hard to put into thoughts and words and I feel that the photos just never do it justice so I always yearn to go back every chance I get. Despite the typical haze, the weather was gorgeous and it was as if Spring unexpectedly surfaced just for us for the day.

Ah! the history, the food, the massive building structures, and the seemingly endless panoramic views from Namsan mountain’s Seoul Tower. Don’t just take my word for it, enjoy some of my favorite moments captured below why don’t you…

We started the day early with our daily dose of protein, fresh milkshakes, and perfectly crisp french-fries at Brooklyn Burger. Our friends found this restaurant and immediately decided this needed to be included on our next adventure. The arteries might be clogged, but the rave reviews truly didn’t disappoint! Even baby Jilly bean approved as she tasted my peanut butter banana milkshake. Then again who doesn’t trust a place that features a photo of Ice Cube on ice machine?

PS: Get to Brooklyn Burger early and get your name on the waiting list. The restaurant only has about 5 tables and it doesn’t take long until the place gets a crowd.

We then walked around the French district, Seorae Village. We checked out a few little gift stores in the area and of course made a stop by Paris Croissant and picked up some handmade chocolat and macarons. I was absolutely in my element. I learned that although Paris Croissant is a chain bakery, this location was the only in South Korea that uses true French flour. Oh! the aroma…As soon as we crossed the entryway the amazing aroma of freshly baked breads and pastries filled the air. The space was beautiful with a grand staircase that lead down to the basement where you could shop for incredible cakes, French cheeses, wine, macarons and chocolat. If you went up the staircase from the main floor, you could eat the goodies purchased from the main floor or basement, or continue up the staircase to the Café. I found myself stopping on the staircase watching the bakers as they prepped the counter space for another batch of bread. I was in a trance as they kneaded and rolled. I then realized that everyone had already left and was waiting for me outside. I snapped a few more photos and jetted out the door. à bientôt as ah bee-ahn-too!

(I’m loving the photo bomb of Kelsey’s kimchi fingers)

After our shortly lived trip to “Paris” we hailed a cab and headed over to Namsan mountain to take the cable car up to Seoul Tower. Unfortunately a lot of other people had the same thoughts as us and the lines were a bit out of control. Nonetheless, we eventually made it as the sun was starting to set. We walked around a bit, checked out the views both from the observatory and from the restrooms. LOL yes… the restrooms.

After we took the cable car back down the mountain we hailed another cab and headed for our predetermined sushi house dinner. You know when we come to Seoul sushi is almost mandatory, few exceptions.

Sunday morning we all slept in, truly it was needed after the long fun-filled Saturday we had. It was another beautiful spring like day so we took a walk to show Kelsey around our little neighborhood. To continue on with celebrating Kelsey’s birthday we went to Dino meats, previously featured on the blog, introduced Kelsey to various cuts of meat, followed up by a birthday potbingsu. A perfect ending to an absolutely perfect weekend!

Happy birthday dear Kelsey! We are over the moon your here and we got to celebrate your special day with you!

Brooklyn Burgers:
551-32 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu.
02-533-7180

Paris Croissant:
Address: 95-9 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu
Telephone: 02-3478-9139
Hours: 7am – 11pm

Namsan Cable Car:
Fare: Round-trip: 6,300 won, One-way: 4,800 won
Hours: 10:00~22:30
83, Sopa-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
서울특별시 중구 소파로 83 (회현동1가)

Backpackbees

16 comments

  1. I love the pics of the bakery! Josh is so jealous of the peanut butter milkshake! He loves them! Looks like another great weekend in South Korea!

    1. Cassie and josh I’ll make you a deal… Come over for a visit soon and I’ll buy you both peanut butter milkshakes! Or perhaps the toasted marshmallow Nutella on? Whatever tickles your fancy 😉 miss you guys!

  2. What a fun time! Love all the pictures and the Paris bakery looks amazing. I can’t wait to go with you guys. And, to top it off with Cafe Bene…..oh boy, heaven!

  3. YUM! is the sushi there the best thing ever? I swear I can live off of sashimi alone.

    Adored the French touch.

    1. Surprisingly Korean sushi isn’t that fabulous. This is a more americanized place that we fell in love with. I could live off sashimi too! I think we might even go again tonight. Blushing…

  4. That burger has chips in it. CHIPS. I have a chips addiction, I want that. Actually, I want all of it. All that food looks amazing!

    1. YES! It was perfect too! Have you ever had a chipwich? Maybe it’s just a weird thing that I did when I was a kid.. we took bread to make a sandwich, lunch meat, cheese, whatever condiment you fancy and your favorite chips. Put it all together and smash it down. DELISH! (Try not to judge to much)

  5. It’s so hard for me to read your posts, I miss Korea so much. My hubs is half Japanese so we are planning a Korea-Japan trip later this year, I can’t wait! Also, I have a lock for me and my hubby up there on Namsan tower! That’s when we had only been dating a few months kkk

    1. That is too cute! Well I hope that you guys enjoy every minute of the Korea-Japan tour when you guys get to go! I feel like even though I miss my home in the states sometimes.. I know once we leave Korea one day I will miss it equally as well. It’s my home too.

  6. Possibly the best graffiti ever!
    I have too many questions right now, I won’t ask them all – how long have you lived in Korea? Do you speak the language? What do you do out there for work?
    A select few : ) x

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