December's things to do

Talk about chicken and rice to any New Yorker and they can whip up stories of the famous Halal Guys cart on 53rd and 6th. I, myself, can tell you how after four years of living in Seoul, the first place I visited as soon as I dropped off my bags was 53rd and 6th. The cart is not just food, but a legend amongst the millions of people who visit there – including Woosik John Kim, who once studied in upstate New York. “When people go abroad, they talk about how they want this and that in Korea. Chicken and rice was one of those infamous dishes.” After having scoured every corner of the city for even close knock-offs, I didn’t let myself get my hopes up when headed to Jil’hal Bros in Chungdam-dong. At the small yellow-colored restaurant, my combination platter equated to slices of grilled cuts of spiced chicken and lamb over turmeric yellow rice and a bed of lettuce and tomatoes topped with its signature white sauce and red sauce. The white sauce is normally concocted with variations of Greek yogurt, miracle whip and mayo while the red sauce has variations of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, cumin and olive oil – with Woosik’s particular recipe being secret. Unlike its New York muse, the dish isn’t Halal certified, doesn’t drip with oil and the spices (cumin and chili pepper) are nowhere as strong. Yet, dinnertime fills with expats and Koreans (lots of Korean-Americans) alike wolfing down one plate, and taking one to go. One preppy looking twentys-something (possibly former...

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...

The name of this tea-café, “Suyeonsanbang” literally translates into “a small home in the forest where literary people used to meet” and the title’s appropriate as it was once home to late Korean author Lee Tae-jun. This hanok home served as the backdrop to several of his short stories and was the main setting his 1943 novel, "HaebangJeonhu" as well. Hidden on the side slope of a hill and tucked behind a rainbow of flowers and a small forest of trees, it’s not hard to imagine how a writer could draw inspiration whilst in this charming hideaway. Talked about on media outlets in Japan, France and the UK, the home consists of several rooms and chairs around the space. The tea collection on the menu is impressive and their ability to take something like medicinal herb ssanghwa-cha and make it delicious, even more so.