[카테고리:] English Picks

Simple English posts and tips for global readers.

  • 🎄A Weekend Holiday Visit to Seoul Finance Center (SFC)

    🎄 Weekend Holiday Visit to Seoul Finance Center (SFC), Map link

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    <Source: Official photos of Seoul Finance Center (SFC)>

    On a weekend evening just before Christmas, I visited the Seoul Finance Center (SFC) to enjoy some fresh air and the holiday atmosphere.
    Located right next to Cheonggyecheon, SFC is a great place to enjoy both indoor comfort and outdoor scenery, especially during winter.


    sfc 크리스마스

    Photo credit: Author

    ✨ Christmas Decorations & Festive Mood

    As soon as I arrived, I noticed the beautiful Christmas decorations throughout the building.
    The lights and ornaments created a warm, cozy atmosphere without feeling overwhelming.

    It’s a great place to take photos and enjoy the holiday season with family or friends.


    sfc 초콜렛집

    Photo credit: Author

    ☕ Restaurants & Cafes Underground

    Most of the restaurants and cafes are located on B1 and B2 levels.

    You can find a wide variety of options, including:

    • Steak houses
    • Premium Korean beef restaurants
    • Traditional rice pot (Sot Bap) places
    • Vietnamese and Thai restaurants
    • Dakgalbi and shabushabu
    • Cozy dessert and chocolate shops

    We stopped by Coffee Bean, ordered our favorite drinks, and sat near the indoor terrace to enjoy the Christmas vibe while staying warm indoors.

    sfc coffee bean 1

    Photo credit: Author


    🚗 Convenient Parking

    One big advantage is that many restaurants and cafes offer parking discounts.
    Even during the busy holiday season, this made our visit much more convenient.


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    Photo credit: Author

    🌉 Cheonggyecheon Walk & Performances

    From the first floor, you can walk directly to Cheonggyecheon Stream.
    During our visit, there was a musical performance featuring a man wearing traditional Korean clothing, along with festive lights, traditional style figures, and Christmas decorations.

    With so many people around, the area truly felt like a holiday festival.


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    Photo credit: Author

    💭 Nostalgic Memories

    I also remembered visiting this place more than ten years ago when my children were babies.
    It felt like yesterday, bringing back warm and nostalgic memories.

    Some places stay special no matter how much time passes.


    ✅ My Review

    Seoul Finance Center is a wonderful place where you can:

    • Stay warm indoors
    • Take a short walk along Cheonggyecheon
    • Enjoy holiday decorations
    • Choose from many great restaurants and cafes

    If you’re looking for a relaxed and festive weekend outing in Seoul,
    SFC is a place I’d happily recommend.

  • 🔥 Family-Friendly Korean BBQ in Gonjiam: Seorak Makguksu Chuncheon Dakgalbi Review

    On our way to Pyeongchang for a family trip, we decided to stop for lunch at Seorak Makguksu Chuncheon Dakgalbi Gonjiam, and wow—it turned out to be a great choice.


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    <Photo courtesy of Naver Map – Restaurant listing>

    🚗 Convenient Location & Spacious Parking

    The restaurant is conveniently located near Gonjiam IC, and the parking lot is huge and super easy to access, which is a relief when traveling with kids.
    Inside, the restaurant was clean and tidy, making it very comfortable for a family meal.


    🔥 Charcoal-Grilled Dakgalbi, Twice-Cooked at Your Table

    Their signature is pre-grilled dakgalbi that you finish cooking on a charcoal grill at your table.
    The moment it hits the charcoal, the aroma comes alive. The seasoning isn’t too heavy, so the natural flavor of the chicken shines through.


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    <Photo by author>

    🌶️ Mild & Delicious for Kids

    They offer spicy and soy sauce flavors, but the spicy version isn’t really hot, so the kids enjoyed both.
    No stress about overly spicy chicken—perfect for families.


    🍽️ Generous Portions

    We were a group of four (two adults, two kids) and ordered six servings. The portions were quite large, almost too much to finish, so adjust orders accordingly.


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    <Photo by author>

    🍲 The Delectable Doenjang Jjigae

    The doenjang stew deserves a special mention. Rich and savory, it complemented the dakgalbi perfectly. Definitely a highlight among the side dishes.


    ☕ Continuing Our Trip

    After lunch, we stopped by Eomji-ne Cockle in Pyeongchang and later visited the coastal area in Gangneung, including a Starbucks with a view of the sea and historical sites.
    Our eldest daughter, who loves history, was thrilled with the combination of history and ocean views.


    ❤️ Small Gesture, Big Impression

    I accidentally left my Starbucks tumbler at the restaurant, and the staff kept it safe until I picked it up the next day. Little things like this make a big difference.


    ✔️ Final Thoughts

    • Convenient location for travelers
    • Spacious and easy parking
    • Charcoal-grilled dakgalbi with rich flavor
    • Mild seasoning, kid-friendly
    • Clean, tidy restaurant and attentive staff

    If you’re heading toward Pyeongchang or Gangneung, this is a solid stop for a hearty, family-friendly Korean BBQ meal.
    We’ll definitely return next time we’re in the area.