Things to do in Seoul when it's raining

As I've mentioned...my sussie, Laura, came to visit me in Korea these past weeks.

If you're unaware of this, you can read all about it here.

The visit was too short but also very lovely.

And I got presents (BIG SMILE OF HAPPINESS)

I had an AMAZING game plan:

- Feed Her

- See Exciting Stuffs

_ See Korean Stuffs

- Go Shopping

and then the unthinkable happened...

MONSOON SEASON

soooooo....

Yeah, I had no plan B.

Sometimes... not all the time... not even a lot of the time... actually almost never really (no matter what anyone else may say)
I can be a little stubborn.

I was determined to not let the rain win.

Cue epic music as I lead my sister into the most amazing Korean adventure of her life.
One careful step at a time.
Full of excitement and anticipation.

...

But this didn't go as smoothly as I'd hoped.

But I quickly learnt 
that people are cranky when they're soaking wet
how to adjust our plans accordingly.

Commence Epic Planning:
What to do in Seoul when it's raining

1. Go Shopping

At least this activity could be salvaged from my previous epic plans.
We adjusted the shopping areas to malls and underground markets
in an effort to stay out of the rain as much as possible.

Laura's first outing alone was to Gimpo Airport Mall (this mall boasts international brands such as Zara, Bershka, H&M and Stradivarius to name a few).
It also has other entertainment facilities like a theme park, theatre and outlet mall.
Everything is connected so it's a fail-proof way to ensure you don't lose the sister.

COEX is another gigantic mall.
The mall is huge and boasts an aquarium,
one of the world's biggest indoor theme parks, LOTTEWORLD,
theatre performances,
4D movies
and a Kimchi Museum.

Our underground shopping expeditions included stops at
Bupyeong, Gangnam, Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Myeong-dong.

Rating 8/10

2. Watch Nanta

Nanta is a great way to spend an evening in Seoul. 

This nonverbal, percussion show is a lovely combination of old and new.

It's a contemporary and entertaining experience of Korean culture, humour and food.  

I laughed out loud several times. 

Rating 10/10

3. Eat Yummy Korean Food

Luckily, the rain only fueled our desire to stay inside and try new food.

Laura's best Korean dishes:

No. 1 Samgypsal and Galbi Barbeque.
Meat is grilled in the middle of your table. You use lettuce leaves to wrap the meat, sauce and veggies.
Eat and enjoy.

No.2 Galbi ZZim
Meat ribs alongside side dishes of assorted soups and veggies.
Yum.

No. 3 Dakgalbi
Fried chicken, rice, rice cakes and cheese.
Not the healthiest but definitely tasty. 

Rating 10/10

4. Visit the Trick Eye Museum

The Trick Eye Museum is located in Hongdae (near Hongik University).

It is an underground museum with an interesting twist.

Instead of admiring artwork or sculptures from a distance, you actually become part of the art.

If you've never experienced a trick eye museum before, definitely give it a try.

Rating 7/10

4. Go to a Spa

Korea has it covered when it comes to anything beauty related.

Go for a spa day at one of the many jimjibangs, 

have a manicure or pedicure and be sure to get bright, glittery colours

or visit a Doctor Fish and have little fishies nibble your dead skin cells off your feet 

(if you're into that kind of thing).

Rating 8/10

5. If all else fails, go for a drink and noraebang the night away

Korea's drinking culture is something that needs to be seen to be believed,

but it makes for some good stories.

Take yourself out to one of the many bars or clubs around Seoul 

or visit a Noraebang (karaoke room) to sing some tunes.

Rating 8/10

We did our best to not let the weather get us down.

But when it did, we stayed home, got takeout and had some sister time.

When you really can't face the weather you have to take advantage 

of Korea's fast food delivery. It's great.

Although the lengthy monsoon season put a damper on things,

we were blessed with some beautiful and sunny days too.

More to come on that a little later.