December's things to do

During a warmer season, the wide open rooftop terrace of Café Onion is popular spot for the trendy Seoulites enjoying coffee and the wind blowing through the area. It isn’t much of a view, actually, as the rooftop is located only on the second floor of the building. Still, it’s enough to watch the scenes filled with surrounding factories and people walking by, while listening to the not-so-distant, strangely calming tunes of that trains passing by.  The building in which the café's located has a long history of its own; built in 1970's, it was previously a supermarket, a restaurant, a repair shop and most recently, a metal factory. While the whole space has indeed been restored with ultra-modern features like wide windows, minimalistic furniture, and a well-curated garden, the café's wide-open interior retains all of its old, rustic and broken-down elements. Just like any trending spot in Seoul, Onion is often seen on the social media and usually busy with young crowds. But because it's got so much space and many available seatings, you won’t have to worry about waiting to get a table (even if you do end up waiting a little, there's a bit of atmosphere you can enjoy in the meanwhile).  Their most popular drink is the Flat White. It might not be as strong as you'd expect, but it's certainly smooth. There are also good pastries, which are all made in-house, at the newer branch of Bread 05 located on the second floor (many of those who stop by the café are only here to pick...

Visiting Aquafield, you’ll first notice the relaxed and carefree expressions of those enjoying the spa, and the excited and overwhelmed looks of those at the water park. And soon you’ll realize you’ll be one of them. This new “water culture resort” encompasses a vast 13,000 square meters on the 3rd and 4th floor. It includes different types of saunas, jjimjilbangs (Korean dry sauna) and a water park. Although the outdoor pool is in preparation for the Korea’s cold winter, once open in December, it will surely become the highlight of the venue. Enjoy the scenic view of the Han River and the mountain beyond while floating on the L shaped infinity pool, which is the longest pool in Korea boating the length of 115m. Jacuzzis, sand pools, junior pools, outdoor baths, therapy spa, aroma spa, you name it—they’ll have it, open all four seasons long. The 4th floor indoor water park includes Korea’s first whirlpool and vortex pool along with a thrilling ride on the ‘Sky Twister’ slide and a body-massage pool. Once you’re done using up all your energy at the pools, head in to the saunas to revitalize yourself (it may sound corny, but it indeed is what happens). Salt room, intense heat room, charcoal room, a room that oozes in mist like a cloud coming through, media room (360 panoramic video + light heat spa), a wood room resembling a forest, are just some of the ‘rooms’ you can relax in. You may not be able to wash away your sins while indulging yourself, but Aquafield is probably...

“How can a mackerel possibly taste so soft and tender?” I ask in shocked delight. Honam Jip, which opened in 1974, is the oldest restaurant in this alley. The fish is cooked to perfection as the owner cooks them on low heat, flipping each of them three to five times. You don’t need to have anything else with it, but eating it with boiled rice makes it even better. There are six types of fish you can choose from but mackerel, cutlassfish, imyeonsu (atka mackerel), and samchi (Spanish mackerel) are the most popular.