Read Part 3 HERE !
Scheduling an appointment for 6 PM in Gangnam on a Friday was not a well-informed decision on my part. I had forgotten that rush hour existed and, if anything, was exaggerated due to the sheer population density in Asia.
It took some time to navigate through Samseong station, given that the signage lacked clarity. Descending down the platform stairs towards the subway was another mission altogether. Swarms of young adults filed down the stairs, pressed against one another like sardines. They didn't seem to mind the lack of personal space, but I did, very much so.
While I fretted over accidentally tripping and falling, there were those nearby that continued to immerse themselves in footage playing on their phone while descending down the stairs. It was baffling to see that phones could not put away for even thirty seconds to maintain vigilance in a potentially hazardous environment.
It took some time to navigate through Samseong station, given that the signage lacked clarity. Descending down the platform stairs towards the subway was another mission altogether. Swarms of young adults filed down the stairs, pressed against one another like sardines. They didn't seem to mind the lack of personal space, but I did, very much so.
While I fretted over accidentally tripping and falling, there were those nearby that continued to immerse themselves in footage playing on their phone while descending down the stairs. It was baffling to see that phones could not put away for even thirty seconds to maintain vigilance in a potentially hazardous environment.
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The interior of each subway car was also packed beyond belief. While TTC-goers may have opted to wait for the next car, Koreans didn't seem to mind squishing into the car. The close proximity was unbearable, but it also identified several aspects of note:
- Firstly, no one reeked. By upholding high standards of hygiene, locals had managed to eliminate foul odours from themselves and prevent inhaling such fumes from surrounding riders. This would not be a reasonable assumption in North America, where clothes are filthy, hair is revolting, and people are generally unclean.
- There is no stealing. Despite being packed tightly in a passenger car, no one seemed to worry about items being stolen from their bags and backpacks.
- No one glances up from their phone or Airpods. Perhaps the only one with their head raised high and soul engaged in the present was myself.
- No one moves aside to allow others to exit, prompting all passengers to resort to pushing through the crowd for their chance. The wave of "Sorry"s and apologetic glances would definitely be unheard of over here.
The trip via subway was just two stops and four minutes. However, due to Naver Maps' inability to correctly represent cardinal directions on the app, I paced back and forth between exits in search of my appointment location. Despite exiting on the correct side of the street, Naver had informed me I was on the wrong side. Perspiration was inevitable after pacing back and forth between the subway exits and connecting corridors.
I was due for my 6 PM appointment at Ocean Clinic, a foreigner-friendly beauty clinic in central Gangnam. After reading countless reviews, I became determined to change my reality - or my appearance, anyway. Invasive procedures were not in the plans; underarm hair removal and mole removal were my primary concerns.
A mandatory consultation proceeded after check-in. My needs were discussed with a bob-bearing, blazer-donning lady, while a second member of staff joined to provide English translation services. I was able to understand most of blazer lady's questions and responses, with the exception of vocabulary-specific phrases. Nonetheless, the staff member's English interpretation skills were found to be incredibly speedy and precise.
Small moles were priced at 10,000 KRW each, while large ones at 30,000 KRW each. One session of underarm laser removal plus Pico laser toning (whitening) came to 80,000 KRW. The subtotal came to 450,000 KRW before tax refund, but ultimately cost me one-third of the price I would pay back home. Not to mention, South Korea was at the forefront of medical technologies.
A mandatory consultation proceeded after check-in. My needs were discussed with a bob-bearing, blazer-donning lady, while a second member of staff joined to provide English translation services. I was able to understand most of blazer lady's questions and responses, with the exception of vocabulary-specific phrases. Nonetheless, the staff member's English interpretation skills were found to be incredibly speedy and precise.
Small moles were priced at 10,000 KRW each, while large ones at 30,000 KRW each. One session of underarm laser removal plus Pico laser toning (whitening) came to 80,000 KRW. The subtotal came to 450,000 KRW before tax refund, but ultimately cost me one-third of the price I would pay back home. Not to mention, South Korea was at the forefront of medical technologies.
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Alas, all discussions would come to a grinding halt when it was discovered that mole removal involved more comprehensive aftercare than I was initially told. Following the "procedure", I was required to apply spot band-aids for a 7-day period, changing once a day for the first 3 days then once every 2 days on days 3 to 7. Clearly, this wasn't the "no downtime" treatment I was expecting.
I was also required to shave one day prior to laser hair removal. Having not done so, the staff recommended heading to a nearby Olive Young to purchase a razor and complete the task before treatment. At hearing this, my brows furrowed immediately. I had no shave gel on hand, the bathroom was dingy and unclean, and, most importantly, I saw no need to bring an extra razor home with me.
In the end, the staff at Ocean Clinic agreed to postpone the appointment to the following afternoon, such that I could shave in the evening and complete my scheduled meetups as planned. Their accommodating was greatly appreciated, for the following day was my last full day in the country.
I was also required to shave one day prior to laser hair removal. Having not done so, the staff recommended heading to a nearby Olive Young to purchase a razor and complete the task before treatment. At hearing this, my brows furrowed immediately. I had no shave gel on hand, the bathroom was dingy and unclean, and, most importantly, I saw no need to bring an extra razor home with me.
In the end, the staff at Ocean Clinic agreed to postpone the appointment to the following afternoon, such that I could shave in the evening and complete my scheduled meetups as planned. Their accommodating was greatly appreciated, for the following day was my last full day in the country.
I informed my browsing partner that the appointment had failed. We contemplated meeting up back to COEX, but seeing queues pour out of the subway station, it seemed appropriate to wait until rush hour had passed.
Consequently, shops in the vicinity were perused:
Consequently, shops in the vicinity were perused:
- Olive Young for CLIO Foundation
- Daiso for assorted household items
- The local pharmacy for Duoderm bandages and skin plasters
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Back at COEX, we collectively browsed Innisfree and a coffee shop by the name of Peer Coffee.
A pricey Choco Matcha Butter Bar was procured for 5,800 KRW.
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It was along the way to the nearest subway station that my eyes fell upon Gyeongbokgung Black. Labelled as "Korean Grill Dining", we entered into Oakwood Premier Coex Center Seoul for a gander.
My browsing partner had insisted that we sample a Korean grill restaurant at some point during our stay, despite neither of us being fans of K-BBQ. Gyeongbokgung, while pricey, would indeed meet the criteria.
My browsing partner had insisted that we sample a Korean grill restaurant at some point during our stay, despite neither of us being fans of K-BBQ. Gyeongbokgung, while pricey, would indeed meet the criteria.
The spectacled young man at the front desk welcomed us within. "Do you have a reservation?" He asked in Korean. I immediately shook my head, not knowing the rest of the stay would require continued use of the Korean language.
He guided us into a private room, then proceeded to hand us menus. "Only grill dining is offered today - is that alright with you?"
I met his gaze and nodded to show comprehension, though my browsing partner would rely on my later translations.
As different members of staff entered to serve us, it dawned on me that it was too late to explain the partial language barrier. And so I felt obliged to continue the act.
He guided us into a private room, then proceeded to hand us menus. "Only grill dining is offered today - is that alright with you?"
I met his gaze and nodded to show comprehension, though my browsing partner would rely on my later translations.
As different members of staff entered to serve us, it dawned on me that it was too late to explain the partial language barrier. And so I felt obliged to continue the act.
Our selection resided with the Korean Beef Rib-eye Course Signature Grill Course. There was a minimum order of two, which would have brought our total to 260,000 KRW. We hadn't given much consideration to the other components besides the Hanwoo main, but our expectations were gradually exceeded with the arrival of each dish.
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Listed simply as "Welcome Starters", the presentation far outdid its minimalist description. Served atop ceramic plates in a textured mahogany tray were a trio of elevated (presumed) acorn jelly, yuzu-topped charred yam, and prune-mint pairing, abalone and beef tartare, porridge, and cold, sour noodles.
The starters on the elongated white ceramic plate aimed to cleanse the palate, providing mild zestiness and cooling sensations. Unfathomably tender was the bisected abalone. The spoonful of beef tartare was also nothing short of exceptional with bits of garlic and a mustard sauce to pair.
Cold, sour noodles further stimulated the appetite, while porridge provided a sense of heartiness.
The starters on the elongated white ceramic plate aimed to cleanse the palate, providing mild zestiness and cooling sensations. Unfathomably tender was the bisected abalone. The spoonful of beef tartare was also nothing short of exceptional with bits of garlic and a mustard sauce to pair.
Cold, sour noodles further stimulated the appetite, while porridge provided a sense of heartiness.
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Assorted Sashimi, Chef's Special Green Salad, and Special Appetizers were supposedly next.
Without a doubt, the sashimi platter had us awestruck. Served on a sturdy, coal-tinted apparatus complete with liquid nitrogen smoke, the visuals alone would have set us back at least seventy dollars back home. Two pieces of each variety were meticulously arranged across the platter. The two types of shrimp were placed atop lemon slices, while the smoky saba, crosshatched amberjack, and shimmery tilapia on perilla leaves. While these varieties were relatively accessible and economic, the presentation captivated the diner's attention immediately.
Without a doubt, the sashimi platter had us awestruck. Served on a sturdy, coal-tinted apparatus complete with liquid nitrogen smoke, the visuals alone would have set us back at least seventy dollars back home. Two pieces of each variety were meticulously arranged across the platter. The two types of shrimp were placed atop lemon slices, while the smoky saba, crosshatched amberjack, and shimmery tilapia on perilla leaves. While these varieties were relatively accessible and economic, the presentation captivated the diner's attention immediately.
The Chef's Special Green Salad included purple cabbage, abalone, perilla leaves, cucumber, onion, and the white part of scallions. Each ingredient was prepared to the same dimensions for a sense of uniformity and cohesiveness. This salad was my entryway into fresh greens for the first time in a long time.
A second salad would later follow. It is uncertain whether the subsequent spread would assume the title of "Special Appetizers".
Mung Bean Jelly Salad was another refreshing element in the setlist. The noodles were slippery and cooling, yet gratifying and toothsome in ways that konjac could never be. Pairing alongside classic bibimbap toppings further ensured contentment and depth of flavour.
A second salad would later follow. It is uncertain whether the subsequent spread would assume the title of "Special Appetizers".
Mung Bean Jelly Salad was another refreshing element in the setlist. The noodles were slippery and cooling, yet gratifying and toothsome in ways that konjac could never be. Pairing alongside classic bibimbap toppings further ensured contentment and depth of flavour.
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We were also served a tangy and slightly savoury radish soup. Fruit soy sauce, wine salt, and wasabi with light soy sauce were also made available as beef condiments.
Pepper-speckled chive salad, pickled root vegetables, cabbage rolls with pine nuts, and a creamy cabbage slaw followed shortly afterwards. Our sliding door opened periodically, alternating the delivery of "cool" and "hot" dishes with plate collection.
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The Hanwoo order was showcased before us on a parchment-lined wooden platter, accompanied by a sprig of fresh rosemary.
Once the coals had reached adequate temperature for grilling, our bespectacled server would grill and cut the rib-eye before our eyes. Smaller cuts were cooked first and served to customers. Meanwhile, the large piece was set on the grill to acquire char, then cut into smaller pieces for ease of cooking.
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My browsing partner noted the experience to be noticeably less "hands-on" than anticipated. I agreed with a big smile, for I had no qualms about this whatsoever.
Hanwoo was remarkably delicious: tender yet fleshy - a superior choice to the satiating A5 wagyu of Japan. The portion wasn't considerable, however it was executed spectacularly.
Hanwoo was remarkably delicious: tender yet fleshy - a superior choice to the satiating A5 wagyu of Japan. The portion wasn't considerable, however it was executed spectacularly.
Side Dishes, A La Cart, and Meal items followed suit. Both of us received a pepper-laden broth of shrimp, clam, and scallion.
We were then asked about our carb preference for the meal set. I opted for a Bibimnaengmyeon for myself and requested the Nurungji, a scorched, broken rice noodle for my browsing partner.
A part of me found relief in this approach, for I was no longer required to translate using my broken Korean skills. The other part of me grew annoyed at my browsing partner for faulting my automatic responses.
"They can probably speak English. This is a hotel that seems to get foreign clients." I was told.
"So what do you want me to do about it?" I retorted. A response was not given.
"They can probably speak English. This is a hotel that seems to get foreign clients." I was told.
"So what do you want me to do about it?" I retorted. A response was not given.
Deep-Fried Whole Fish somehow emerged later on. The first few bites were crispy, evoking similarities with Korean fried chicken. In due time though, the exterior became soggy, making the dish less desirable in the face of shrinking stomach capacity.
Although I couldn't be sure of my browsing partner's Nurungji, I deeply adored the Bibimnaengmyeon presented before me. It was, hands down, the best variation of the dish sampled in my entire lifetime. Its appearance was rather commonplace and even foreshadowed possible fieriness, but, in actuality, boasted a luxurious sweet-and-salty profile with fragrant notes of sesame. This rendition was phenomenal and, consequently, irresistible.
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Dessert comprised of an Injeolmi Cheesecake slice and green plum juice.
Overly icy with forgettable qualities, the sliver of cheesecake was more or less forgettable. The Maeshil Juice, on the other hand, was a superb conclusion to the meal, aiding in digestion while simultaneously instilling a fruity, tart finish.
My browsing partner expressed distaste for the glass' contents though, so I eagerly downed the rest.
My browsing partner expressed distaste for the glass' contents though, so I eagerly downed the rest.
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Washrooms were located outside of the restaurant, in the lobby of the hotel.
The bespectacled server/host thanked us in Korean-esque English on our way out, having adjusted for comprehension on both ends of the table. Our total came to 264,000 KRW, easily becoming the best meal in Seoul!
(Of course, I had few points of reference given that we had consistently missed dining hours.)
(Of course, I had few points of reference given that we had consistently missed dining hours.)
Around 10:30 PM, after a sixty-minute long subway ride, we were back at the hotel. Fruit was finally transferred to the fridge, while souvenirs laid out along the lounge chair.
Had the Gyeongbokgung Black's last call not be slated for 9:30 PM, we may have still be out roaming the streets in search of sustenance - an unfortunate result of allowing my browsing partner to derail my plans.
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