I ventured out on my own when I went to Hongdae to get eyelash extensions. The lady spoke English and was very efficient. On the 20-minute walk home, I passed by a shop where 90% of the items were on sale. I bought 2 dresses and the total was $42. On the way home I stopped and got a brown sugar boba from one of the many coffee shops that have an electronic kiosk you can order at. It was a nice sunny day and I was proud of myself.
It has been a very eventful few weeks as I have finally discovered how to use the subway. Sinchon Line 2 has been my best friend as I have begun to branch out more. I first rode it with my friend to Myeong-dong to get to a mall. Before we arrived we stopped at a restaurant to have some iced peach tea and pasta.
Myeong-dong had impressive skyscrapers but I also saw some interesting old-style architecture among them.
The mall we went to was called Shinsaegae and it was way too expensive for me. I learned I have expensive taste when I picked up a dress and saw it was $1000. I did not buy anything but my friend bought a wallet and a belt.
We went to another mall on Wednesday named CoEx Mall. The subway ride took 40 minutes. On the way there we got to sit but we had to stand the whole way back. My feet hurt so bad at the end. For lunch we had sushi and I bought a shirt and skirt set that was very comfy. This mall is also the home of the famous Starfield Library.
The Library had a cute cafe on the second level.
I also discovered a store called Pop Mart which sells collectible figures in mystery blind boxes. I am now officially obsessed and have started to build an army.
Today I went to Hongdae with my friend and we first went to a shoe store she had been wanting to visit. My friend takes a long time to pick something she likes but I came in knowing I wanted some cute white shoes. I ended up paying $22 and the kind store lady made sure there were no imperfections on them.
My friend then went into a store across the street but I wasn’t interested in it so I waited outside and look at a shop that had some jackets out on the street. The Older lady inside saw me staring at a jacket then pulled it and me into the store. She had me try it on and told me it would be better for me to wear because it is a jacket for spring. I was wearing a winter jacket at the time and agreed a thinner jacket would be nice. She was sweet and tried to tell me how to style it (my Korean is not that proficient yet but I tried).
On the way home I took the subway alone for the first time. I was standing holding onto the handle of the train. A nice older lady patted the seat next to her and let me sit by her. When I got off I waved to her and she waved back. It was a small interaction but it made me smile.
Using my transportation cad I can pay to get on any bus and subway with it. I enjoy the subway more than the bus so far. The subway system is built great with trains always there to hop on. My confidence is building thanks to the subway.
Gracie