Bongeunsa Temple

As a penniless student who does not celebrate Seollal, I decided to go on 'budget tour' in Seoul. I checked the list of things to do in Seoul on Tripadvisor and I have visited 25 out of the big 30. Those I haven't visited are palaces, Bukhansan (no thanks, I am not an outdoor person) and Bongeunsa.

Bongeunsa, the famous temple in Gangnam area, is on my list this time. Actually I don't really like temple and I really wanted to go to palaces instead but we need to buy ticket so mmm, no no, next time. Turned out it wasn't bad. Bongeunsa was pretty.

There was nothing attractive on the main gate. But we will be greeted by colorful lanterns aka lampion once we enter the temple area. You will also feel the solemnity of this place in every corner of it. This temple is located just right at a busy road but it was very quiet and peaceful. I have been to Jogyesa, another temple in Insadong, numerous times but it still have the busy-city-feeling and the atmosphere is not as quiet as this one.

Main gate. Source here

Bongeunsa area is pretty big and there are several buildings for praying and education. But nothing attract us more than the 23 meter tall Buddha statue at the back of the main building!

Buddha statue at Bongeunsa Temple

I think Bongeunsa is the second prettiest temple in Korea. The first one? Yonggungsa in Busan!

We spent like 40 minutes exploring and trying to read things in Korean before heading back to Coex. While we were walking down to the main gate, we heard the people/monks reciting mantra (not sure if its called mantra?) and it really gives 'legit' temple feeling. I heard that they also offer famous Temple Stay program here. Maybe I should try it someday :)))

So if you are a businessman or visitor staying in Coex/Gangnam area and have few hours to stay, Bongeunsa is definitely worth a visit. It is located just right across Coex and Grand Intercontinental Parnas. Like most temples in Korea, they are a bit hilly but it's okay - it's nothing too challenging tho :D

If you are staying closer to the city center like Insadong, Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, try to visit Jogyesa. Its fairly small compared to this one but they have a better information center (more touristy, I suppose) and Temple Stay information center is also located just right across it. Temples in Seoul (or maybe in Korea?) will be full of lantern during May-June and make sure to check the Buddha's Birthday and Lotus Lantern Festival date every year for one of a kind temple visit! :)

one last selfie before leaving

O Shake: The Mighty Milkshake

O Shake Devil Shake

I am a huge fan of milk. I was really crazy about milk and I really mean it. My mom used to stop me from drinking too much milk at once because I could literally finish 1 litre of milk in 3 minutes. I still have the same obsession over milk, with a better self control now :))))


Whenever I see milkshake on the menu, I would always order that. Indonesian restaurant would normally have it but not in Korea - as Koreans do not normally order beverages when they are dining. So when I crave for milkshake, normally I'd go for packaged milkshake from Lotte (only 1,200 won) or McD's milkshake which certainly better than Lotteria's. Until recently I discovered this milkshake specialized store called O'Shake.

O Shake menu and price

I went to O Shake Itaewon last Saturday. They have wide range of milkshake choices and I was really tempted with their Devil Shake. But it was really expensive (starting from 7,800 won) so I decided to go with normal Oreo Milkshake which only costs 3,700 won. My senior order Choco Shake for the same price. We can upgrade the size with only 1,000 won and yes, we opted for it.

O Shake Devil Shake

I am still curious about their Devil Shake but could you imagine the amount of sugar and calorie in one glass of that Devil Milkshake...

OMG yes they're indeed a devil for your diet and health.

O Shake Choco Shake

The Choco Shake looked normal but it was very thick compared to normal milkshake from McD or other stores, It doesn't taste bad but I would not order it again tho hahaha,

O Shake Oreo

The Oreo Shake was really good with same level of thickness and right level of sweetness. Their whipping cream was also good, better than Starbucks' actually :P But I wasn't sure if they really use Oreo or Korea's Oreo? (that Lotte-made Oreo which really annoys me)

As for the place, it was just Korean average size. Small and quiet packed but I like the bright lighting. They offer wifi and free biscuits and I have nothing to complain about their staffs. Some table were uncleaned when we came tho.

Overall, I like O Shake for their price and wide range of choices. I would still say Once Upon A Milkshake is my all time favorite milkshake but they're just too expensive :( (well, ada harga ada rupa)

For updated info, check their Facebook page here. Definitely worth trying if you are in Itaewon area.

Just get to the alley at the back of Hamilton Hotel or try naver this address 서울 용산구 이태원로27가길 49. :)