Alicia Chon is the mind behind
The Raw Book, a website that delivers a journal of unique conversations that Alicia herself curates. Residing in Philadelphia, Alicia has chosen to share with us her experience of Seoul. A beautiful city, steeped in history and also contemporary ways of live, there is much to learn about this city, and thanks to Instagram (you can follow Alicia herself on @aliciajchon) we can catch a glimpse of it! Here is Seoul, by Alicia.
Best
thing about your city?
Bingsoo, which is “shaved ice dessert”. My dad introduced me to a cafe that
serves sujeonggwa bingsoo, which is
flavored with persimmons, cinnamon, and ginger. It’s as good as it sounds.
Worst
thing about your city?
The subways stop running around midnight.
What
is the best place for morning coffee?
I’ve never drank coffee in my life, but this past winter, my friend Charles
introduced me to a great tea house called Osulloc. It’s located in Myeongdong,
which many refer to as the Times Square of Seoul. There are tea sommeliers and
you can watch fresh tea leaves being roasted in a large cauldron.
A
meal with friends?
There’s always something delicious to eat in
Gangnam.
A
romantic rendezvous?
You’re asking the wrong girl. I only went on one
date in Seoul and wouldn’t categorize it “romantic” by any means.
A
late night drink?
Bunker or Help Me in Apgujeong Rodeo.
An
even later dance?
Ellui, Octagon, Answer, or Monkey Beach 2.
Where
is the best secret spot?
It wouldn’t be a secret if I shared.
And
where is the everybody-knows-about-this-but-it’s-still-good spot?
The Han River for running.
What’s
one new thing you’ve discovered about your city?
I was at the Leeum Museum to check out the Hiroshi
Sugimoto exhibit when I stumbled across the Comme des Garçons store in
Itaewon. It is seven floors, contains five enclosed sloping tunnels, and
carried everything from the PLAY collection to the CDGxBeatles collaboration
pieces. The mirrors and white walls were also really nice.
What
is one of your favorite locations in the city?
I enjoy the more historical and cultural aspects of
Korea, so I always make an effort to visit Gyeongbokgung Palace. After I took a
Modern Korean History course at Yonsei University in Seoul this past summer, I
became fascinated by the architecture of each hall and quarter within the royal
palace.
Where
is the best shopping?
My mom and I always dedicate a day to Doota in
Dongdaemun Market. They carry Korean designers rather than typical chains. There,
I picked up one of my favorite navy jackets from General Idea, which is designed
by Bumsuk Choi. It happens to be a men’s coat, but I haven’t met anyone in the
states with the same piece.
What
is something that you can only do in your city?
At the gym, you can always find grandmas walking on
treadmills while watching Korean dramas.
How
would you describe your city to someone who has never been there before?
Seoul juxtaposes both modern and traditional aspects
beautifully.
Benah's This Is My City guides:
