Go chestnut crazy this autumn at these 9 cafes/bakeries in Seoul’s Mangwon area

Chestnut Desserts

Have you heard of Mangwon?

If you have not, now’s a good time to visit if you’re heading to Seoul for the autumn leaves.

The cafes/bakeries I’m about to introduce to you are all within walking distance from Mangwon Station.

FYI, Mangwon Station (Line 6) is just two stops away from the popular Hongdae area (Hongik University Station, Line 2) so it’s easy to swing by after you’re done with all your shopping.

Oh yes, and of course, autumn’s the season for all things chestnuts so thank me later after you’re done tasting all the chestnut-themed desserts! 😉

콘웰 | Konwell Coffee

Opening hours:

12 pm to 10 pm (daily)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (approx. 4.34 SGD) for drinks

Address: 40 World Cup-ro 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul (2nd floor)

Distance: 216 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

 

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돌체디앤 | Dolce di ANNE

Opening hours:

12 pm to 8 pm (Wednesdays to Saturdays only)

Prices: Starting from 4,000 KRW (approx. 3.86 SGD) for their cookies

Address: 61 World Cup-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 306 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

베이크 샵 하벳 | Bake Shop Havet

Opening hours:

12 pm to 8 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays only)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (approx. 4.34 SGD) for drinks

Address: 64 World Cup-ro 17-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 316 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

투떰즈업 | Two Thumbs up

Opening hours:

12.30 pm till ‘sold out’ (Fridays & Saturdays only)

Prices: Starting from 3,700 KRW (approx. 3.57 SGD)

Address: 71 World Cup-ro 19-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 364 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

어글리베이커리 | Ugly Bakery

Opening hours:

12 pm to 9 pm (Wednesdays to Sundays only)

Prices: Starting from 3,800 KRW (approx. 3.67 SGD)

Address: 73 World Cup-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 393 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

 

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포트레이트커피바 | Portrait Coffee Bar

Opening hours:

11 am to 10 pm (daily)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (approx. 4.34 SGD) for drinks

Address: 32 Poeun-ro 8-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 405 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

후와후와 | Huwa Huwa

Opening hours:

12 pm to 8 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays only)

Prices: Starting from 4,600 KRW (approx. 4.44 SGD)

Address: 79 World Cup-ro 13-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 411 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try this when you visit:

 

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페이브먼트 | Pavemnt

Opening hours:

12 pm to 9 pm (Mondays, Wednesdays to Sundays; closed on Tuesdays)

Prices: Starting from 4,500 KRW (approx. 4.34 SGD) for drinks

Address: 86 World Cup-ro 15-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 439 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try the “Montblanc Tart (몽블랑 타르트)” when you visit:

 

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브릭베이글 | Brick Bagel

Opening hours:

12 pm to 8 pm (Fridays to Mondays only)

Prices: Starting from 2,500 KRW (approx. 2.41 SGD) for their bagels

Address: 43-1 Donggyo-ro, Mapo-gu, Seoul

Distance: 543 m from Exit 2 of Mangwon Station

Try the “second one on the first row” when you visit:

 

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Here are the world’s top 4 best hotels as unveiled at an awards ceremony in September 2024

Capella Bangkok's hotel suite

The list is out and we’ve got the world’s top 4 best hotels right here for you.

#4: Cheval Blanc

Website: chevalblanc.com/en/maison/paris/

Paris’ Cheval Blanc marries the City of Light’s storied heritage with modern luxury.

This historical building, reimagined by Peter Marino, exudes an Art Deco elegance underscored by French craftsmanship in its 72 rooms and suites.

Plush interiors give way to sweeping views, from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Eiffel Tower.

Their flagship restaurant Plénitude is also ranked among The World’s 50 Best Restaurants in 2024!

After savoring its award-winning fare, retreat to the indulgent Dior Spa for rejuvenation treatments.

With its premier Pont Neuf address facing the Seine, Cheval Blanc encapsulates Parisian grandness.

Here’s a chance for you to experience quintessential French at Cheval Blanc.

#3: Rosewood Hong Kong

Website: rosewoodhotels.com/en/hong-kong 

A gem on Hong Kong’s storied harbor—the Rosewood Hong Kong.

From its perch on the Kowloon waterfront, this 65-story architectural darling anchors the district’s new arts and design hub, Victoria Dockside.

A stay at this Hong Kong luxury hotel promises exceptional comfort through distinctive hospitality with an array of indulgences.

Take a lap in the outdoor infinity pool that seems to stretch into Victoria Harbor, savor globally inspired cuisine at distinctive dining concepts, then, retreat to one of 413 residential-style sanctuaries, each a tale of two realms: pared-back bedrooms revealing skyline vistas, and marble bathrooms recalling old-world grandeur.

With its artful design and lavish amenities, Rosewood Hong Kong stands as a crown jewel.

#2: Passalacqua

passalacqua.it

Website: passalacqua.it

When you dream of la dolce vita, you dream of Passalacqua.

This 18th-century lakeside villa is a showstopper, an award-winning gem on the shores of Lake Como.

Only 24 rooms—opulent Villa suites, beguiling Palazz cocoons, and Casa al Lago retreats with front-row lake views exude old-world Italian charm.

Whether they be doubles or grand suites, every warm antique space is a showcase of Italian romance.

With prestigious honors like Best Hotel in Europe and Best Boutique Hotel, Passalacqua is where your Italian fantasies become reality.

Bellissima indeed.

#1: Capella Bangkok

 

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Website: capellahotels.com/en/capella-bangkok

Poised along the banks of the Chao Phraya River in the heart of Bangkok, Thailand, Capella Bangkok redefines five-star luxury hotels.

As one of the city’s premier destinations, this award-winning resort seduces with 101 exquisite suites and villas that offer panoramic views of the river—many graced with private balconies or verandas featuring indulgent jacuzzi plunge pools.

A true Bangkok sanctuary, Capella combines serene riverfront ambiance with lavish comforts, having earned accolades from FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE STAR AWARDS 2024 and TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARDS 2024.

Experience Thai hospitality at this panoramic riverside jewel among luxury five-star hotels in Bangkok.

So… Paris, Hong Hong, Italy, or Bangkok. Where to next? 😉

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Korea has a ‘whale festival’ at the end of September 2024 you don’t want to miss

2023 Ulsan Whale Festival_Fireworks

South Korea’s anticipated whale-themed festival is back this autumn along the coast of Ulsan.

Ulsan, South Korea’s industrial powerhouse, is home to giants like Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hyundai Mipo Dockyard.

The city boasts a huge GDP of over US$55 billion and a per capita GRDP of approximately US$45,500—the highest among the country’s metropolitan cities.

Once struggling with pollution, Ulsan has improved its status through green initiatives like restoring the Taehwa River.

Now known as Korea’s cleanest city, Ulsan’s eco-friendly change is a model for other cities worldwide.

From 26 to 29 September 2024, the port town will come alive with multimedia performances, parades, and concerts celebrating its rich maritime heritage at the Jangsaengpo Whale Culture District (장생포고래문화특구).

Located in Ulsan, Korea’s only whale-themed district offers several attractions.

Jangsaengpo was once a thriving fishing village but became known for whaling before a 1986 ban.

To revitalize the area, the district created cultural spots like the Whale Museum in 2005.

Now, visitors can explore the warehouse, and village and take whale-watching cruises.

The museum also showcases whale skeletons and artifacts.

Feel free to ride the monorail or try traditional games featured in the hit show “Squid Game.”

Now in its 28th year, the 2024 Ulsan Whale Festival promises four days and nights of entertainment under the theme “The Dream of Jangsaengpo, the Hope of Ulsan!”.

2024 Ulsan Whale Festival_Poster (ENG)

Kicking off with an opening ceremony on 26 September featuring special effects and a massive holographic whale display, the festival offers something for everyone with musical productions, DJ parties on the waterfront, and the hugely popular 1 km Night Parade illuminated by floating LED artwork.

Educate yourself about Korean whale culture at the Jangsaengpo Cultural Warehouse, home to media exhibitions like the “Claude Monet: An Immersive Experience” show, and enjoy short films screened in the rooftop W Theater, or bag home some souvenirs at the flea market.

Don’t forget to feed your tummies at Jangsaeng Restaurant while enjoying the surrounding sea/city views. 

Seo Dong-wook, Mayor of Nam-gu, Ulsan, shared that they have worked tirelessly to elevate the Ulsan Whale Festival by producing in-house media content that reflects the unique theme of Korea’s only whale culture, adding that they hope visitors will leave with cherished memories from this one-of-a-kind festival.

What is the fastest way to get to Jangsaengpo Whale Culture District from Seoul?

I would recommend you get your plane tickets from Gimpo International Airport to Ulsan as it will only take an hour.

A one-way ticket should cost you around $50…

Flights to Ulsan

Image Credits: skyscanner.com.sg

Once you reach Ulsan Airport, take a 35-minute taxi ride to Jangsaengpo Whale Culture District.

You can tell the taxi driver to drop you off at “장생포고래문화특구”.

The taxi fee should come out to be approximately 14,000 KRW.

Have fun in Ulsan if you’ve never been there before!

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Overtourism is now a cause for concern in 2024. Will Singapore be affected?

Singapore's Merlion

Venice and Amsterdam are taking steps to curb overtourism like charging entry fees and banning cruise ships.

Some businesses in Japan may start charging foreigners more due to crowded tourist spots disrupting locals.

While Singapore hasn’t faced major issues with millions of visitors, experts say it’s because of good infrastructure planning, but there are concerns that overtourism could eventually affect Singapore too if numbers keep rising.

Overall, many global destinations are taking action as tourists outnumber residents in certain places.

Rebound of travel & tourism after COVID-19

Travel and tourism have seen nearly undisrupted growth since the 1950s, enjoying almost golden years until the pandemic.

While COVID-19 shut many countries down, most have since reopened with tourism bouncing back. 

Even before COVID-19, some warned of environmental and social issues outweighing economic gains from over-tourism.

FOMO from social media also fueled more travel. 

Singapore especially benefited from tourists, with 19.1 million visitors in 2019.

This dived during the pandemic but has grown again, with 6.99 million in the first five months of 2024 alone—a 35.7% increase over 2023.

As global travel demand returns and flights resume, Singapore is on track to welcome an estimated 15 to 16.5 million visitors this year.

Tourism proves its resilience after facing huge challenges.

Singapore’s prioritizing quality over quantity

But it’s good to know that our little red dot is taking a sustainable approach to tourism development, focusing on quality over quantity.

This strategy aims to attract “richer” visitors who spend more.

Experts say this prevents overtourism issues seen elsewhere. 

Attractions like a new Porsche experience center by 2027 and a wellness facility near Marina Barrage are likely to appeal to travelers.

Porsche Experience Centre in Singapore

Image Credits: Porsche Asia Pacific

Attractions are also spread out across the island nation which prevents crowding in any one area as well as scheduling events, like F1 in September and concerts earlier in the year, during off-peak seasons.

Efforts to manage tourism and avoid overtourism

Singapore is investing over S$300 million to boost tourism recovery post-pandemic through new offerings and revitalizing existing ones.

Experts note that tourists now seek more unique experiences, requiring Singapore to refresh its attractions continuously.

Overtourism risks inflated prices in undesirable ways for Singapore so industry players must monitor visitor feedback and conditions.

Imposing tourist number controls like surcharges is an imperfect solution, though other places are limiting entry visas or raising prices.

Attractions can set daily visitor caps, or similarly, adjusting attraction prices can help regulate crowds in Singapore.

However, any methods require balance since visitors include both tourists and business travelers vital to Singapore’s economy.

Balancing growth and environmental impact

Singapore is promoting sustainable tourism as part of its Green Plan 2030, similar to cities like Copenhagen offering free activities to visitors who participate in recycling or biking.

This “rewards green actions” and offsets tourism’s environmental impact.

By 2025, 60% of Singapore hotel rooms aim to earn sustainability certification and hotels target reducing emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050.

Singapore also wants to be Asia Pacific’s top sustainable MICE destination by 2030.

Changes include hotels providing water filtration over bottles and tiny lodgings using fewer resources.

Meanwhile, local agencies avoid overcrowding and tour less-visited areas within an hour of the city, allowing flexibility.

But ultimately, tourists must also bear their share of responsibility to prevent unsightly overtourism from happening and spreading.

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Fun & Exciting Things to Do in Singapore This September, Under S$50

#1: A MID-AUTUMN ODYSSEY BY EU YAN SANG

Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival with Eu Yan Sang over delicious mooncakes, fragrant brewed tea, and more. This event takes place at two locations: Orchard Paragon on 7 September 2024 and Takashimaya on 14 September 2024, both from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Tickets are priced at S$28 for Eu Rewards Members and S$48 for Non-Members.

Grab a friend or family member to join in this delightful experience, which includes mooncake and tea sampling, tea appreciation with tea master Mr. Lincoln Han (on 7 September), a TCM talk by expert Physician Eric Tan (on 14 September), a DIY Mid-Autumn lantern session, light refreshments, and goodies worth S$76.20. Sounds like a good plan? Buy your tickets here.

#2: A SUNFLOWER SOJOURN AT CHANGI AIRPORT

If you’re looking for a no-cost way to immerse yourself in artistic floral displays, head to Changi Airport for the ongoing “A Sunflower Sojourn” event, running until 30 September 2024. Admire over 5,000 sunflowers with more than 10 varieties, including the pastel pink Strawberry Blonde and red and yellow Florenza, which are found across all four terminals. Check out these displays at Terminal 1 Central Piazza (Transit),Terminal 2 Departure Hall Centre (Public), Terminal 2 Departure North Check-in Rows 3-4 (Public), Terminal 2 Departure North Check-in Rows 9-10 (Public),Terminal 3 Departure Hall Centre (Public), Terminal 3 Crystal Garden (Transit),Terminal 3 Departure North Jewel Linkway (Public), and Terminal 4 Departure Hall Centre (Public).

Image Credits: Image Credits: facebook.com/changiairport

The floral joy extends outdoors to the Hub and Spoke Cafe, where you can indulge in sunflower-infused yogurt soft serve and butter toast. While art lovers such as myself can enjoy the replica of Vincent Van Gogh’s sunflower painting in the Departure Hall of Terminal 2.

#3: SOUND BATH BY HEALING HARMONIES

Let’s put an end to your stressful daily grind by joining the Healing Harmonies’ 60-minute sound bath experience! Happening on 7 September 2024 at 10 Selegie Road, this sound bath session is priced at S$38.00 per person. A sound bath is a meditative experience where attendees are soaked in sound waves, creating a unique experience. Even if you’ve never tried it before, this could be just what you need to rediscover peace as the soothing vibrations can quiet the mind and relax the body.

Ready to be completely relaxed? Grab your general admission ticket here.

#4: ART OF THE BRICK

Are you curious to find out what Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa or Van Gogh’s Starry Night would look like if these artworks are made out of LEGO? Discover these and more at the “Art of the Brick” exhibition happening now at Singapore Expo. This globally renowned showcase features over 150 LEGO sculptures by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, who transforms simple LEGO bricks into intricate masterpieces.

Image Credits: facebook.com/artofthebrickexpo

Kids can spot the 6-metre-long T-Rex skeleton and unleash their creativity at the interactive play and build area. What are you waiting for? Tickets start at S$14.90 for residents and S$18.90 for tourists. Get yours here.

#5: GARDENS BY THE BAY’S MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL LANTERNS

For a magical and free experience, visit Gardens by the Bay’s Mid-Autumn Festival! The Gardens are transformed into a mythical wonderland with picturesque paths lined with lanterns until 22 September 2024. Enjoy larger-than-life lantern displays, some inspired by iconic playgrounds, as well as Singapore’s largest-ever flower carpet. You see, this year’s festivities pay tribute to the country’s rich heritage. Expect performances, games, and street food, which can be best enjoyed with your family or friends.

Image Credits: facebook.com/gardensbythebay

#6: MOLLY’S ANNIVERSARY  STATUES POP-UP

Molly, the beloved character created by artist Kenny Wong in 2006, is celebrating her first-ever anniversary with a statues pop-up at Bugis Junction – Malay Street, Level 1. Open until 22 September 2024, this pop-up features a thematic display inspired by Molly’s Classical Retro Series collection.

Fans can enjoy a walkthrough of Molly’s archival collections for free and shop for exclusive merchandise such as scented candles, blind boxes, fridge magnets, and a limited edition first-anniversary statue. Oh, a friendly reminder! Don’t miss the chance to snap a photo with the life-sized Molly sculptures before you leave. And if you’re willing to spend more than the budget, a minimum purchase gives you the chance to participate in creating your own Silk-Screen printed tote bag* (*Terms and Conditions apply, with limited stocks and selected date and timeslots only).

Image Credits: facebook.com/popmartsg

Create wonderful memories with these budget-friendly activities this September!

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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