beyourseoul-blog

[beyourseoul-blog]

-A day well spent-

Rajdamnern Nok Avenue is the place to be if you want to visit Thailand’s prominent landmarks and historic road, one of them is the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) in which it is close proximity to the Government House office. Regardless of the modern design, its fan-shaped and sage roof has represented a combination of Thai culture with the UN and many international flags fluttering in front of the building. The UNCC has been renowned for having many members of royal families and high-ranking officials all over the world. Even though it was established in Thailand since 1947, I was surprised by the spacious and sophisticated environment when I first stepped on to the white marble tiled floor at the Visitor Check-in.

To enter the building, we must present our own photo ID card throughout the whole visit and receive a security pass. The UN Buildings in Bangkok is the third largest complex owned by the United Nations and the largest convention facilities in Asia with three storeys, five conference rooms, sizable cafeteria. This was the great opportunities for Thai students to participate in joining the briefing programme about several significant issues. The conference was held on 30 November 2018 joined by two faculties from Thammasat University: Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication together with British and American Studies.

It was undeniable that when someone turns the conversation by mentioning the biggest international organization ‘United Nation,’ or ‘UN,’ most of the people would probably think about something serious and solemn piece of work, and so do I. However, I was afraid we are all wrong, after one of the executive secretaries started the conference and welcomed all students on behalf of the organization with a hip-hop song, followed with its vital goals to develop Asia-Pacific region as a whole.

“The United Nations, the goals are peace and dignity and building up the nations.” This hip-hop music video and the lyrics were shown in the conference room 2 where all students seated properly. It took a closer look at how the United Nations was formed, its goals, its successes and some of its criticisms as well. For example, they mentioned that after the Second World War ended, various of global leaders or the big five: US, UK, Russia, China, and France saw the need for an alternative to war as ‘United Nations.’  There were number praises of UN work while some people still complain that the UN did not do enough of its jobs and screwed up giving too much power to countries that do not deserve it. Then, the last section it said, “Maybe one day you'll work for the UN. Tell me are you out? Or are you in?,” I believed this was used as a metaphor to inform us that ‘are we ready to give our hands and be a part of UN helping this world or not?’

By studying mass media, I like how the UN had thought outside the box and created best informational and education music for everyone, especially young generations. Combining pop culture with educational approach, the benefits of using music, rhythm and rhyme can facilitate memorization and recall of academic content. In a related effort to encourage learning in a fun and creative way, the use of hip-hop and other culturally-relevant media increases student engagement of the topic.

Turning to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), Dr. Riccardo Mesiano has stressed its seventeen sustainable development goals to achieve and create in Asia-Pacific region. “We have the implementation of the achievements by 2030, from 17 goals, which one do you think is the most important?” he started the session by asking the students to pause think and give reasonable explanations. There were various of answers coming out from side to side of the room, from no poverty to the quality of education, or even to the life below water.

“They are all interrelated and related as the goals affect each other in some way,” Riccardo Mesiano answered. He clarified that these goals highlight three main problems in the society, to end poverty, to protect the planet, and to ensure vastly shared prosperity for all the people. The achievements through all 17 of the Goals would be evident, for instance, when people feel safe and secure in their abilities to provide for their families, when they are given access to medical treatment, and when they feel truly included in the society.

After the briefing, I believed that all the students had received such opportunities to acknowledge and exchange ideas of what and how this global organization, with 193 members states, confronts and maintains a common challenge to make this world a better place for all. The United Nations can be a tool that truly ‘unites nations’ and moves the world in a positive direction. Before I stepped out of the building, there was a transparent box full of photo ID cards which mean we have to return it back, and yes we all did. It has been a day well spent for me and must include one thing: happiness, when one of the security guards shouted out with big smiles,“You can take the card back home as your souvenir giving from the United Nation,” we all laughed and smiles back to him.

[beyourseoul-blog]

THE MUST GO EVENT FOR SONGKRAN'S DAY

Hello everyone, are you still splashing water??? are, I hope not because tomorrow we need to get back event as- working, studying and so on. And, how was your guy's summer break? any interesting topic to catch up. If not, I have then.. hahaha I just experienced my first year of the Songkran Festival in Thailand (traditional Thai New Years) splashing water and listening to EDM. Actually, I do not like errr hh to get wet.. you get me right? but my best friend got me a free ticket to the must go event from this moment... okay I TRIED!

"The world's wettest party. Pepsi presents S2O Songkran Music Festival 2017" 13 - 14 -15 April, OASIS ARENA @SHOW DC / RAMA9

Yeah, I'm not wrong. It's called the world's wettest party and it's a must go event among others. This time is considered to be the third time of the party since the first year was just in 2015. The owner of the event is "Woody Milintachindafranchise the famous Tv presenter of Woody World company. First of all, I will tell you a bit about his life and career. Woody has so much passion and ambitious about his work. He always comes up with something unique and creative; therefore, it is no doubt why most of his work has a good feedback from the target audiences. To be more specific about S2O, he once was interviewed and said that one day he had an idea of conducting Songkran event party with EDM song in Thailand. He said that Thai people, especially EDM lovers, always need to fly to another country in order to listen to the music. Therefore, he said wasn't it a good idea to have our own event party originate from Thailand??

I have very appreciated his thoughts and it turned out really good in every year there were lots of good feedbacks since the first year. Not only the famous DJs lineup but also the production of the event as well. There are no any Songkran events as big as this one; thus, Thais love it so much that it's a must go event as I tell you earlier. Moreover, Woody said that China had already brought the franchise of S2O. This could be an example of Mcdonaldlization as it a copy and paste in term of media production. China sees the event for years and sees that the outcome is always predictable. There is the large portion of people will certainly come to the event. All of their processes are controlled and products are calculability. Therefore, they want to invest in this event.

But what I would like to emphasize is that how this event could sell all the tickets before the day of the event. I have heard that it's more that 65 million baht..... so much money!!!! So here, I will think about why and how it was so successful.

1. Losses and losses can be said in such a way of business. But in terms of marketing, the perception of the event is overwhelmed, Woody's business would be a lot of losses but compared to the so-called talk of the town is worth it. This year, the losers are financially (he really has many sponsors). The money is worth the money to sponsor.

He knows the way to bring up the event to be the topic of everyone not only Thais but foreigners as well. His idea of the event is out of the box or any events' comfort zone. Therefore, many sponsors want to invest in his company in order to be known together with they did not need to buy the advertising.

2. EDM (Electronic Dance Music) is not to be missed for people who like this inspirational genre. EDM stands for Electron Dance Music or Thai. Electronic Dance Music has have been inherited from disco music. Also, this type of music tells us that EDM has a source from a nightclub in the 1980s.

However, there is good and bad EDM but S20 could provide every music lover with an SUPERRRRRRRRRRB DJs. For example, Afrojack, Yellow Claw, Jonas Blue and more. They are those people that we hardly see or watch. Then, S2O can give that to you and you can enjoy the all night long with surely a super enjoying.

3. The key to recognizing Woody's method of the event was for the past 2 years, he needs celebrities to help promote in TV media in their hands. And mainly focus on social media coverage by celebrities, many famous celebs posted photos in their IG. Facebook and definitely each person has large numbers of followers created a stream up.

He is the one that knows a lot of people especially famous people; therefore, he just ask their help and you know what everyone was willing to give a hand. This was a very success in advertising the event as those celebrities were in the event with you. People like to be same as those commodities and whatever they posted people will be interested in the topic. Icons or commodities has so much power to influences our decision making in this era.

The video above is the highlight of Day3 that I thought it was a superb good experience when I was there. So, I think this a prime example of a successful event and how to thinking out of the box for producing something unique. For me, I had fun and enjoy during this splashing event but anyway I do not like to be wet hahaha. But, once in a lifetime you need to go to this event to experience it yourself.  

Thank You for reading and see you in a next update!!

[beyourseoul-blog]

Great or Good?

Welcome back to my blog.

This week I'm going to talk about MUSIC!!! Have you ever think that the song you like listening to instead it's just a copycat? This happens to me for like countless hahaha but do I really mind about it? Mehhh not really as the song or its lyrics has captured my sense already. This kind of situation happens all the time, sometimes the song was banned, the writer was sued for thousand million dollars or no one just care about it, keep listening and supporting to this hit song!!!

One of the most popular scandals happens to my favorite singer, Ed Sheeran. First of all, I want you to know a bit about him and his interesting life. His name is Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheerannumber one and he is an English singer-songwriter and record producer. Before he became this famous, Sheeran's family was quite poor and he has no money to study music industry anywhere. However, he knew what he wants to do and he took many risks in his life to stand at this point. He once sang in a local church choir from the age of four, learned to play the guitar at a very young age, and then began writing songs. When he was just a teenager, he moved to London to pursue his music, and his outpouring of creativity added up to several early hundreds of live shows. Moreover, Sheeran hit No. 1 on the iTunes chart before he ever signed with a record label. This can prove me and everyone that you should do what you like and make it best.

Then he released many albums and singles out and you know what... a lot of them been in the top 10 or number one of every chart such as US Billboard and UK Singles Charts or even a song of the year. Therefore, it seems like everyone supporting this successful and talented artist because of his work. Ed Sheeran is the recipient of various acclaimed and popular music awards as well as many other accolades, especially for his excellent achievement in the music industry. For example, in last year, Ed received the Grammy Award for Song of the Year (‘Thinking Out Loud’) and the Best Pop Solo Performance award as well.

However, while his career is coming up with roses, there such a claim that his hit song was plagiarized and copied from another artist. The writers of 2010 X-Factor winner Matt Cardle’s single Amazing are seeking $20million from Ed Sheeran, who they say copied the song for his 2014 ballad Photograph. They allege that Sheeran’s Photograph “note-for-note” copies their 2009 song Amazing. After I listen to the "Amazing", I was laughing out loud because the hook of "Photograph" was exactly the same as it. YESSSSSS, I was shocked but you know what for me I dis not mind that much as the single "Photograph" was really AMAZINGGGGG!!!!!!!!!!

And then this year of 2017, Ed Sheeran released his new album and the song "Shape of you" has been rocked!!!!  

"Shape of You" was the critical and commercial successful around the world upon being released. The song peaked at number-one on the singles charts of 30 different countries, including the US Billboard, the UK and Canadian singles charts as well as Asian Hot Charts. In the United States, "Shape of You" has immediately become a favorite among DJs and many remixers, prompting several of them to create their own versions.

However, Ed Sheeran has embroiled again in claims of borrowing, or copying, material from other songs for one of his hits. After the scandal released, the English singer seems to have quietly adjusted the writing credits for Shape Of You, a song which has been hovering near or at the top of New Zealand charts for 10 weeks, to include the writers of the song No Scrubs, a hit for TLC more than 20 years ago.

Lots of fans on Twitter had drawn comparisons between Shape of You lyrics: “Girl, you know I want your love your love was handmade for somebody like me” to the Nineties track. One posted: “Listen to the verses of Ed Sheeran – Shape of you and tell me it doesn’t sound like TLC – No scrubs.” Another added: “To the tune of “Shape of You” Girl, I don’t want no scrubs/ A scrub is a guy that can’t / get no love from me.”

Here is the time to think that is it okay or not to do like this? Not only Ed Sheeran who did something like this but numerous of the artist. This reminds me of Pablo Picasso who is often quoted as saying: “Good artists copy, great artists steal.” ....... Picasso was referring to the fact that good artists and great artists work very differently. A good artist will see another artist style and then try and emulate or simply copy that style as closely as they can.But a great artist will pick elements from another artist work and incorporate it into their own unique mix of influences. But you know what there is a thin line of the difference between inspiration and plagiarism so.... let’s hope there is no such a big copy releasing for us to listen but a MASTERPIECES OF WORK.

Whatever, I can't help myself but listen to Shape of You over and over again hahaha. It's an earworm song for me and thousand of people.

KEEP SUPPORTING WHAT GREAT.

THANK YOU FOR READING AND SEE YOU FOR MY NEXT UPDATE !!

[beyourseoul-blog]

Celebrity Culture

Hello, everyone, as I told you earlier that my blog will relate to my JM204 course. Therefore, this week I'm going to talk about how people can watch many movies or films that theirs content quite strong and severe, for example, war.  I mean how they become addicted to those sensitive content and what I think about this topic.

First of all, I need to talk about a pop or popular culture that makes the film I'm exampling today becoming so popular across Southeast Asia. Seriously, in these days, popular culture is everywhere around us. You will know it when you come to the Internet, listen to music, watch television or movie, app-gaming, go to a concert, etc. Also, when you knows the artists, the actors, and actresses, and the show or film they play. For me, pop culture is cool, fascinating and now is at the center of our lives. If I have realized, every time we spoke to our friends, wasn't pop culture become part of that conversation?

So here come to the topic that celebrities become a big part of the pop culture. Eventually, there are many different ideas of pop culture. For instance, the arts of collage, bricolage, and pastiche or even the technique of using nostalgia. However, for me, pop culture produce most of the celebrities and it's become celebrity culture. Are you consider why?? I believe that almost every time before the media sector wants to produce something, they need think that how it can make a great interaction and be influential to let their target audiences pay more attention. Therefore, they become an intrinsic component of pop culture.

Here is my example from Korean series called Descendant of the sun. There are many famous celebrities of Korean actors and actresses included in this drama especially, the main character Joong-ki Song. Firstly,  I will tell you about his biography. Song Joong-ki rose to fame in the historical drama Sungkyunkwan Scandal in the year of 2010 and the variety show Running Man as one of the original cast members. Then, after Song's mandatory military service, he took on the lead role in the Asia hit 2016 drama Descendants of the Sun, which drew a peak audience share of 38.8% in South Korea, establishing him as a top Hallyu star. He recorded 2nd in Forbes Korea Power Celebrity list in 2017. This can prove that he can make an influence across Asia last year. Many producers among different countries need to conduct his fan meeting because of the high demand of his fan clubs. As well as the drama, it has been widespread throughout Asia and western countries. Here are examples of reviewers and the drama's rating national wide.

I want to talk about the plot of this drama. It about the love between the captain of the special force and the leader of the medical team. They must be a lead on a peacekeeping mission to the country of Uruk. Every episode, there will be a war between country to country, child abuse or even racism. Also, the very first episode is about the captain fight with many North Korea soldier and the South Korea side won.

Therefore, I think this can relate to the non-event. Media sector will show us only thing they want us to see and then people experience only on the media. So, sometimes, it becomes counter-intuitive meaning that there are so many sensitive plot or dramatic stories o the media that audience become empathy. They do not feel that this topic is severe to the world but they seek the entertainment from the film they have watched. The audience thinks that there are too many movies or even song about the war and so it becomes just a piece of entertaining.

Then, I really agree with this idea because I do feel the same or even my friends do so. We all watch the many movies or listen the song including war and history stuff but did not see that it was a bad thing to do. Media can shape our mind from time to time.

Thank you for reading my blogs:):)

[beyourseoul-blog]

WHO IS BEHIND THE MASK?

Hi, everyone! As I said earlier that I will link from what I learn in the JM204 course to several topics which I am interested in. Today I'm very excited to talk about the topic as this is the power of Korean influences to our Thai reality and music show. So, let's get started!!

KING OF MASKED SINGER

This is the title name of the tv reality show and it has been generated since 2015 in South Korea until nowadays. The format of the show is that there will be the singers competing for one-on-one in three elimination rounds. They are given beautiful and elaborate masks to wear in order to cover their identity, thus removing factors such as popularity, career, and age that could lead to bias voting. The mask and costume will be created to suit the singer's interest.

In Korea, the first round, both contestants have to sing the exact same song, while in the second and third round they can choose whatever song the like. The winners of each pair are selected by the audience and group of celebrities who are judges through instant live votes. The true identities of the singers are not revealed until they have been eliminated out of the show. Then, the winner of the third round challenges the previous competition's Mask King and is either eliminated or becomes the new Mask King.

This show from Korea is so popular that Thailand decided to buy the copyright. From my opinion, the owner in Thailand has made the right decision because when it released the first episode, there was a high demand of searching on the internet and I will tell you why.

THE MASK SINGER

This is the title name of this music reality show when it becomes in Thai version. The Format is quite exactly the same but in the first round, the contestants do not need to sing the same song. The purpose of the show is to find the Mask King as usual. This show is so famous right now in Thailand because people want to find out who is the one behind each mask. Not only because the contestant sings very well but also their given answers to the judges are so interesting. In term of postmodernism, we can really say that people rely on the media to replace what is real. The images that we see in the show are more real than before. It can be said that images and society are now linked together.

Therefore, currently, the audiences are searching on the internet and view many video clips of some celebrities or singers who they think he or she is behind the mask. Also, there are a lot of comments on social board talking about who is this person. Sometimes, people compare the clip with a same song in the mask singer show.

One of the great examples is "Durian Mask" as his voice is so great in both Thai and English song. The audiences try to make sure that he is Tom, the singer from Room39, by comparing the similarities from the clip of his cover song on YouTube. Unfortunately, the Durian Mask still The audiences try to make sure that he is Tom, the singer from Room39, by comparing the similarities from the clip of his cover song on YouTube. Unfortunately, the Durian Mask still be uncovered because he is waiting for the final round of the show.

after watching The Mask Singer, it can be said that nowadays many media producers do not focus on making an educated program or show instead they try to create the reality show. Other words, it is a death of meta-narrative that media try to combine the knowledge or ideas and enlighten the audiences. This is because it makes audiences become a part of the show and it also entertains them. And, this kind of program has high rating than others because it uses lots of audiences' efforts. The audiences can decide, comment or even vote for the contestant they like or dislike.

Moreover, there are some group of marketers saying that The Mask Singer has been on a good track for Thai people. Because they pull out the stereotype or most of the personalities of Thais which is curious to be the strategy of the show. As you remember, the singer will not be revealed if they still pass through another round.

Lastly, for today, I believe that this is quite an interesting topic about what the reality show usually do in this era of media. I think people should learn to distinguish between what is real and what is scripted on the media today. However, it's very difficult to do as the images are so soo real which sometimes give audiences both positive and drawback impacts.

THANKS FOR READING AND FEEL FREE TO COMMENT :)

[beyourseoul-blog]

K-DRAMA WAVE

Hello, everyone I haven't update my blog for a few months because I was suffering from my final exam hahaha. Recently, I have enrolled for the new course called JM204 which covering pretty much about media and society. Therefore, I have decided to stay with "KOREA", the same topic but in more details through media because this topic still gives me the passion for writing and doing research further more.

For the past two weeks, I have learned about how much media is so important that can influence our behaviors and societies. And there are many theories come across the study, postmodernism is one of them that I tend to see the effect in my reality world. So, this week I have come up with the interesting topic of Korean dramas.

I have watched so many Korean dramas and during the course make me realize that the drama together with a good story plot can make a huge influence. The impact is wide spreading both in Korea and several countries. The influence of Korean dramas and Korean pop culture has been remarkable, not just in the beauty industry but also for luxury, clothing and consumer food services, with items featuring in the TV dramas in high demand among consumers. And that's true when I went to Korea in the year that one of the dramas was so popular, I could see everything, seriously I mean every corner in Seoul haha, around me be the face actor and actress from that drama. Everywhere I went, I could see many posters and standees represented their face being the advertisers.

Moreover, many products audience see in the drama that the celebrities using are make a great impact. People tend to think that if they use the same thing like them, they will look good in their societies or groups even more if they get a chance to use before anyone else. I have to say that because these products are highly demanded in the market which sometimes they are out of stock for a month, for example, cosmetics and clothing.

It can say that celebrities in the drama become the commodity in audiences' lives. The celebrities have been mediated by images to promote themselves and they become a spectacle. So, people like to looking at those spectacles and using emotion to judge without having to experience that thing. Then, they watch them all the time and follow them on every channel through media and reality.

The example of Korean drama I will give this week was so popular at that time in Korea and Southeast Asia. In 2014, My Love From The Star has been so influential that the male star, Kim Soo-Hyun, has become the face of Korean represented many brands. He once got an alias of "The Most Effective Advertiser of 2014 in Asia. In Korea, He advertised for Tous Les Jours, Bean Pole, Samsonite, Lotte Department Store, Beyond. Moreover, in China, represented for Hyundai Motor Group, Samsung Electronics, Coca-Cola, Haagen-Dazs, The Face Shop. Kim Soo Hyun has earned at least 110 million yuan from advertisements in China. The drama itself has increased sales in other things like China imported Korean beer, Samsonite backpacks, and other things. He was so famous that he even has his own museum in the myeongdong street where numerous of tourists usually go there.

Furthermore, in the drama, the actress Jun Ji Hyun loved having fried chicken with a beer in many scenes. The so-called chimek trend (a play on the Korean words for fried chicken and beer), which was the favorite snack of the female actress became an instant success in China and other countries. So, she became the presenter of BHC CHICKEN during that year. Many tourists from different countries when to Korea to experience this brand and so do I. Also, the product placements in the including those from luxury brands such as Cartier, Chanel, Christian Dior, DKNY, and Céline have helped boost demand for the particular items worn and used by Jun Ji Hyun in South Korea, Hong Kong, and China. Both brands saw a surge in demand and google searches for the products featuring in the drama.

From the example, it can be shown that K-DRAMA is very influential in many terms especially tourism and economic. Also, it gets an attention not only from a small society but in the huge term of countries. I can see that the pop culture of Korea is having a big influence definitely on the entertainment industry in Asia. So, I think Korean products have been already surged due to the heavy media around the innovation, efficiency, and affordability of these products as well as their know the right strategy using a right presenter. 

That's it for this week update, please stay tuned for an interesting topic that I will learn during my course together with K-WAVES. Thank you for reading and feel free to comment!! 

[beyourseoul-blog]

ÅLAND’S ME PICK (2)

HIII, IM BACK!!!!!!! You guys know what I am going to talk about right? hahaha Yasssss more brands in Åland, my favorite shop... As you know that there are a lot right? but some of them are not really my type of fashion; therefore, I will talk more about what I do like in this store. Moreover, this week I will introduce you guys to a new skincare brand which you can buy the products in Aland and so popular among Koreans and I have already tried and liked it so sooooo bad!!! (secret!! the price will shock you as it is so cheap , haha I mean it is reasonable to buy!!!)

First of all, I will talk about the most inexpensive brand in Aland. I think you can buy a t-shirt you like within 8000WON (240baht) and there are lots of colors for you to choose. Or, if you want a dress and even a skirt, the price is so sooooo cheap, especially they are cheaper than a cloth that you find along the street. Not only good clothes but also lots of nice accessories from this brand. This brand is well known in many Korean teenagers and adults who love pain and classic clothing. It's called ................."3.3 FIELD TRIP."................

I really like the brand logo!! It is so unique and I get the Korean feel from just seeing the logo. Furthermore, I get to know that their identity design for the new fashion brand, 3.3 Field Trip including brand naming, logotype, and various application design. From the explanatory notes of maps and weather forecast, a set of graphic elements was designed and utilized as building blocks of the logotype and pattern design.

Secondly, I will talk about the wallet that ohhhhh my gosh it is so soooooo cute!!! This brand is so classic but stylish and they have many colors for you to choose which colors are suit your type the best!!! However, for the price, I think it will be expensive for some people but as you know the product is made from leather. For me, I have changed from a hi-end wallet to this Korean brand because I think it is so easy to carry with you and especially I am the one who has lots of cards hahaha if you are like me.... oh this brand suits our type!! There are many holes or errrr space for you to put your card in even if you buy a small one. It's called ................."FENNEC."................

Fennec, always listen to customer’s voice and focus on communicating with the people. They make a high-quality product with the simple and stylish design. it is a product that anyone can enjoy. What means by enjoying is that when you buy your wallet, you can choose some accessories to put on it. I will show you above in the picture, you have to buy the strap apart from the wallet!!! That mean you have to pay more, but it is cute right???

Lastly, the skincare that I have mentioned to talk about it. It is the best seller in Korea and you can find them in any convenience store but in Aland also. So, I mean you can shop anything in Aland haha so good, isn't it???? This brand has diverse of products I like but today I will talk only about their best seller among people who have problems with acne prone skin. They are popular with acne product and I can prove that it's true!! I have used for 2-3 months and it helps my skin to look so much better I can tell. It's called ................."COSRX."................

Cosrx suggests a new standard of good cosmetics with the spirit of cosmetics artisan. They claim that "It’s not tempting and good-looking cosmetics. However, only thinking of your skin health, we maximized good components and minimized harm ingredients in reasonable price with our honesty.”

For me, Cosrx is uncomparable cosmetics made through analysis on customers’ skin type, components satisfaction, effect rating based on numerous case studies data accumulated with 10 years of website administration. With the spirit of cosmetic artisan professionally studying cosmetics, the brand will provide cosmetics of supreme quality which will suggest and satisfy the new standard of good cosmetics.

This is the product that I have told you that it helps a lot with ance prone skin. So, I really suggest you guys to buy it and It can exfolite something that still on your face after you have washed. I t can act like toner (the first step using ater washing your face) or it can be your last step before washing your face with cleanser.

So, that it about this week!! These are another thee brands I really buy and like everytime I go to Aland. I hope you guys enjoy reading and se you next week. BYE BYEEEE!!!

[beyourseoul-blog]

ÅLAND’s ME PICK!

As I told you in the previous week that today I will tell you guys about which brands I usually buy in Aland, especially clothing. Everyone knows that Korea is so popular about fashion that there is even a whole part of New York Fashion Week dedicated to the country, a runway show called Concept Korea. The show is where the region’s hottest designers show off their seasonal collections to international buyers. Definitely, you all know that Aland stores MASSIVE of brands from cool designers. Those clothes are in all range of price from very expensive to cheap ones haha that sometimes you can feel shocked with the price. Some of the brands represented in both New York and Seoul Fashion Week. Sooooo, are you excited to know??? Let's get started!!!!!

1. SCULPTOR This is the brand that I will always go and look at every collection. I think this brand makes the clothing you wear look so simple but classy in the same way. The colors of every concept get along with one another and you will somehow feel like wearing vintage clothes. The fabric is totally good and I think its price is very reasonable. Last summer, I went to Korea and I saw the new collection call "Hotel Sculptor" ... feeling OH, MY GOSHHHHHHHHHH IT WAS SO COOOOOOOL!!!

In the summer of 2016, Sculptor has prepared a new collection. The theme of the season is "Hotel Sculptor". There is a girl in a warm room somewhere, making a relaxed look with the look of a vacation in the room. The brand offers a variety of resorts centered around girls who enjoy their own unique vacation in a hotel room. Considering that it is a non-outdoor indoor space, the pajamas look, slit dress, and striped style that is popular these days are not awkward at all. Of course, because of its colorful color and solid build, it can be used freely as an outfit.

I brought the look like pajamas shirt with a striped print of blue and pink color and one of a simple white t-shirt with something cool in the backside........ LOVED IT!! I can't remember the price but I think the hotel collection is around 90000WON for each (3000baht) and the t-shirt is about 55000WON (1650baht) Recently, the brand has come up with a 2016 winter collection already! please check it out at their website. So, I really recommend this brand if you are the one who likes simple clothes but looks classic in the way.

2. 91,2 (nine one two) This brand, from my perspective, is somehow different from the Sculptor. It is more unisex clothing and street wear. Every season, 91,2 was inspired by Korean youth culture, skateboard, tattoo, graffiti, band music. This old-school driven clothing provides unique and lovely wearable high-end streetwear. Moreover, 91,2 can be explained as a brand which is designed in a different way. It means that 91,2 is free from any standard courses, which totally distinguish with other unisex brands. Also, 91,2 collaborates with a lot of young artists who represents the youth culture of Seoul. Therefore, 91,2 is leading the youth culture and it is making the new cultures of Seoul.

When I got to Korean last trip, the collection that the brand launched in summer 2016 was NINEONETWOxCHARMS!! And if you are a fan of Korea streetwear, you will be definitely known Charms... it is so famous and many Korean youths are wearing them recently. So, when my two favorite brands collaborated together, how come I would not buy it haha. I got one t-shirt of this collection and It was pretty cool of its design. The collar was in a half cut and also at the back, so you will feel like wearing 2 pieces of clothes hahaha. If I am not wrong, the price is around 55000Won (1650baht).

For me, the price of Korea brand clothing is very reasonable. It is not too expensive and too cheap depends on many reasons. Some of them might be too high but their qualities are so goooooo.... thus, I think it worth to buy if you are into the Korea style of fashion.

I think I need one more week to talk more about the thing in Aland hahaha. Next week, I will talk about what I usually buy other than clothes. I hope you guy looking forward to know. Thank you for reading!!!

[beyourseoul-blog]

ÅLAND MUST GO!

Hi, everyone!! This week, I'm back with my all time favorite store and I'm really excited to talk about it!!!  I have been knowing this SUPER DUPER great store about 4 years ago and I'm still loving it way too much sometimes hahaha. Whenever I went to Korea, I had been to this place almost every day during my trip as it is located near my hostel and other branches mainly are at every must visited area. And you know what... every time I had spent my money on something and been spending my time walking and selecting kinds of stuff for more than 2 hours at a times. If you guys wonder which store I am talking about.... let's get to know it now www!!

⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡ÅLAND⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡⚡

YASSSSSSSS!!! IM TALKING ABOUT THE MOST POPULAR STORE IN KOREA!! Åland is a select shop of aspiring young designer brands, ALAND Co., Ltd. has been offering a wide range of fashion styles in an extensive line of clothing, shoes, and various other fashion items. Moreover, it has been presenting a variety of fashion cultures to many people as a multi-brand store with new fashion designers. Therefore, you will not be surprised if seeing NUMEROUS I mean seriously everywhere that many people are walking with ÅLAND's paper bags. Some of them are carrying about 2 to 4 bags for each because this store represents many styles for a different style of person. Currently, the store is selling everything—clothes, shoes, bags and stationary items or even skincare—can be touched by designer's sense.

Importantly, Åland is a very attractive, stimulating concept store as there are four levels of male and female clothing and accessories. This is why I said that I have to spend my entire day walking only in this store hahaha. In one level, it is not just a small area but spacious where many clothes and other stuff are hanging around. It is similar to Urban outfitters, somehow, in combining vintage, unusual labels, handmade jewelry and quirky stationary. This can be a reason why I'm really into Aland as it has so so many kinds of fashion for different kind of people (I think it's famous because of this brand marketing). With battered cupboards for changing room and broken old radios as decor, one could spend more than hours in here enjoying the electronic tunes and admiring the effortlessly hip shop assistants. Yeahhhh... my friends and I totally like the way that each staff is dressing in their own style of fashion. They all look Soooo so hip shop and unique but you know what the clothes which they are wearing is quite expensive hahaha. So, I will tell more about the brand in this store.

Since there are about 80 brands, including everything, it comes with the different range of prices. Of course, the first and second floors, the clothes, bag, shoes or jewery are quite expensive as they are said to be a high-end brand in Korea. ON the other hand, the third floors will be vintage stuff or anything that they are difficult to find in these days. There are so many jeans both for men and women. I think for jeans and that range of price, it is inexpensive. For the fourth floor, this is the cheapest with a good detail I have ever seen ever. You can get a skirt for just about 10000Won (300Baht), so cheap guys!!! However, I will be in more detail next week about which brands I do like to purchase and also very popular among Koreans.

Lastly, ALAND is one of the most popular select shops in Korea. It offers a variety of fashion items from the latest Korean designers at reasonable prices. If you’re that person who wants to be a more unique fashionista, then ALAND is a must visit store.

Location: 53-6, Myeongdong 2-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul OPEN 10:30 AM / CLOSE 10:30 PM

Location: 357-4, Seokyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul OPEN 11:00 AM / CLOSE 11:00 PM

PS. There are so many branches of its retail shop, I do recommend the main one in Myeondong but diverse of people will go shopping there. If you don't like walking in crowded people there is another branch in Hongdae where I always visit and I do like it much more hahaha.

I hope you are enjoy reading my blog this week!!! Next week, I will talk about the popular brands from Aland so, stay tuned guys.

[beyourseoul-blog]

Makgeolli han-byung joo-sae-yo!

Hi everyone, this week, I will also talk about another best-selling Korean liquor again as last week I got lots of good feedbacks from my friends about Soju hahaha. 

In fact, I have to tell you that South Korea has been addressed as a nation where alcohol is very dominant in the culture, whether it is at work, meals or at a gathering of friends,alcohol will be involved; so it can be said that it is an important factor to being Korean. There are many people who usually think that ohhh Soju is the only spirit in Korea. Is soju all there is to Korean liquor?  Definitely not. If you actually live in Korea or make friends with the locals, there is a good alcohol which they know and like  called "Makgeolli". It is a traditional rice wine, whitish, almost creamy, in color, soft in taste and filling with a few cups.

Basically, Makgeolli is the oldest alcohol in Korea with alcohol range between 6-8%. Unlike soju or other clear alcohols, it is unfiltered, giving a milky white color with some sediment at the bottom. The taste is sweet buts smooth, with a little tang and the right amount of carbonation to make it refreshing. Someone will know Makgeolli as alcohol of old people but, recently, Makgeolli has made a comeback with younger generations as a fruit cocktail, a drink made with Chilsung Cider (Korea’s version of Sprite). That can be called "Maksa" which is very popular among teenagers. Makgeolli is best, though when it is made by hand from pure ingredients, meaning rice. Most of Koreans will enjoy it with a pancake or bindaetteok. (It a mix of rice flour or flour with mung beans)

Nowadays, you can always find and buy Makgeolli at every grocery store, like Soju, in different colored plastic bottles. Also, you can order in every restaurant, some come with a kettle or plastic bottles depend on how much traditional restaurant is. Also, it becomes more popular since the company uses many Korean stars to promote and advertise this kind of alcohol. There are many posters on the wall and in a restaurant to let people see and order it. Moreover, the right way to drink this alcohol is that most Koreans usually consumed from a small metal bowl only. Again, you never fill your own cup and always receive and pour others with your two hands. Secondly, must drink it all on the first time. Then, remember to turn your head when drinking with someone who is older than you.

Here, I will tell you guys about my little experience with Makgeolli. My sister had asked me to try this since she loved it so much. However, I had tried it only once at my first time arrived in Seoul and I think that will be my last time hahaha. It was not because its price or way to drink but I just did not like the feeling when having it. The taste for me is way too creamy smooth and sweet for calling its alcohol. Okay, it got me a headache but I needed almost 2 bottles haha it was quite slow comparing to Soju. I did not mean that I want to be certainly drunk but yeah it is alcohol anyway!! For me, I do not like drinking too much of alcohol in one night. Therefore, I would prefer Soju over Makgeolli as Soju is more strong and easily to drink. One more reason for choosing Soju is that there are many flavors which I can select the best one for me and my friends.

However, Makgeolli has more benefits than Soju!!!. It is unfiltered and contains high levels of lactic acid and lactobacillus bacteria 500 times the level in yogurt and dietary fiber. This helps to aid your digestions, improve immune function and slow the aging process. So, many adults would choose Makgeolli in order to get the benefits and enjoy their night. Lastly, it depends on your taste of alcohol whether Soju or Makgeolli, but both are also the best-selling liquor in South Korea.

Thank you for reading my blog this week and I hope you find it's intersting to know. See you guys next week for more updates from me!!

[beyourseoul-blog]

Soju han-byung joo-sae-yo!

Hello again, this week I'm going to talk about one of my tips and experience about an amazing Korea best-selling spirit. If I'm going to talk about Korea but fail to talk about Soju, it can be said that I have not really visited Korea, right everyone?  

Soju is the best-known liquor from Korea.  It is distilled, vodka-like, rice liquor with a very high potency to make you drunk and often flavored similarly. In fact, it tastes smooth and clean, which makes it easy to drink in combination with various Korean dishes such as barbecue. Most soju today is made not just with rice, and always in combination with other ingredients for examples, wheat, barley, or sweet potatoes. Basically, Soju is the Korean equivalent of the Japanese sake. But what's so special about this kind of liquor is that Soju has become one of the most popular alcoholic beverages in both Korea and Asian restaurants & bars because of its low price. Therefore, this week I am going to talk about my experience with this special liquor hahaha Let's get started!!!!!!

Soju has a pervasive influence throughout Korean culture, with top soju companies recruiting well-known celebrities for marketing their drinks. The rise of Soju, in these days, may come from many Korean stars, not only an actor or actress but also a singer who they used them to be the advertiser representing the brand. Moreover, it has been shown on many Tv programs sand Korean dramas; therefore, it is the best-selling spirit among teenagers and adults.

I had known Soju before I come to Korea but I had no chance to taste it because it looks like just a simple sparkling water. But it is more than that....you can find Soju everywhere in Korea and it is very easy to buy it. It is stored in every grocery or convenience store that you can find in every corner in that area. Nowadays, there are many flavors of Soju with different prices and percentage of alcohol; thus you all have to be careful when buying Soju as each one has different effects on your mind or even body hahaha.

First of all, I have to talk about the way to drink Soju like Koreans, if you hang out with Korean friends. an older member of the group will most likely hand you a shot glass. You should always accept a glass with yours two hands. In Korea, it is a showing of respect to accepting anything from a person of seniority with both hands. For the first drink, you should shoot it. You might find that everyone is shooting every drink (the Korean way), but it's okay for you to sip your soju if you want to. But the first one must be dropped in one shot!!!!! One more thing to remember, at a Korean table, someone will pour the shot for you and you do not pour yourself a drink.

One day, my friend would like to order soju while we were eating Korean barbecue so I said ok let's tried it since we were in Korea anyway. Firstly, we had watched other Korean people the way they drank Soju with the dishes. They would shoot the Soju in one shot after they had a barbecue right away and it seemed to be like this every time.   So, we decided to do like them and the result was both of us got a headache even just one bottle. What we got from a restaurant was citron flavor which tasted really good than I thought. That was my first time of having soju about 4 years ago and I think that a weird feeling compared to other alcohol liquor I had drank before.

My second time and so on, since I came to Korean many times, I had Soju every time before I went to a nightclub due to the expensive drinks inside the club hahaha. We would buy at the grocery store in front of our hostel and chose the flavor we liked. The secret for me and my friends is that we will have Soju for about two bottles for each person before we get inside the club. Even though the club will offer us one free drink, there is not enough (even we did not want to be drunk) as it is usually a small shot of vodka or just a cup of a mixer. The climax was that when we sipped the Soju at first we did not feel like it has any effect on us and we thought we were really fine. BUT!!!!!!! after we drank about 4 bottles and the very fist step we took to walk to the club...... we were totally headache and likes bad hangover hahaha. For me, when I had to walk across the road, I felt so dizzy and wanted to fall down on the street. After that time, I have to really be careful every time I have to drink Soju and I recommend the first time drinker to have just only 1 or 2 is really enough. The good thing about this liquor is that it is SO CHEAP!!!!!!!!!!! The most expensive flavor sill costs just 4000 WON (120baht) and the least is only 1500 WON (only 45baht). Comparing to all the drinks in most clubs, it is about 6000 and can be reached to 30000won haha so I really recommend everyone having soju first and just pay only for the entrance then also get a free drink!!!

Lastly, if you have never try Soju, please do!!!!! I forget to say that Soju is commonly 19-25% alcohol, so it is a much higher proof than beer and wine. BUT do not let that scare you away, though!!! The distinct, sharp taste of soju is popular for a reason. Stop and pick up a bottle before your next dinner party and you will see what all the buzz is about! I may not confirm that you will like it hahaha but give it a try and you will say it is definitely different from other drinks anyway!

I hope you enjoy knowing Koreans tips for drinking Soju and see you next week!!! Stay tuned for more update from me guys Thank You :)

[beyourseoul-blog]

Frank’s

Hello, everyone!!! This week, I am so excited to show you guys one of  my favorite desserts café in Seoul, of course, hehehe^^.  For a country where trendy cafés are on every corner, it can seem difficult to find a good, fresh, hot cup of joe. So, today I will recommend again my another favorite area in Seoul,Itaewon at Yongsan-gu.

First of all, in my last blog, I wrote about a café, Wake and Bake in Seoul, where is also located in Itaewon. But I forgot to tell you that what's so special in this area in Korea. Itaewon street is known for the most exotic place in Seoul to spend a full day of shopping, dining, and hanging out(clubs and bars). It holds a long history as U.S. once set up a military base as well as foreigners. Then, not only the area but also the people naturally developed into a shopping district catering to foreigners. For me, I love the feeling whenever I go to Itaewon, I feel different from any other areas in this country. It's so tradition and modern in the same way. If you come here for the first time, you may think this street is so normal unlike others...yet there are NUMEROUS of lands!!! Even though I have been there for the fifth time, I still missed a lot of good places as they are super very very .... difficult to find and I ended up exhausted hahaha.

Yongsan-gu is filled with a labyrinth of various indie cafes, restaurants, and stalls which are all different and colorful. However, there are located in hidden street where you can be tired to find and then give up..... but please don't!! Yongsan-gu street had complied many unique cafés along the lanes, I am sure if you are into cafe hopping likes me, you will be satisfied. So,... let see what cafe that I will show you today...

✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢ FRANK'S ✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢ Frank's is located in the residential area and there are many hipster cafes and restaurants that you will feel the type of quaint, cozy ambiance. It started as a small bakery and has recently renovated to a bigger space as there are many local people and tourist who come to enjoy the best coffee and desserts. This whole street is so worth the time to explore!!! Seriously, next time when I come to Korea, I will definitely stay in this area and I don't mind walking a lot. This place is superb!!

Let's talk about the cafe, my adventure for Frank's for the first time ended in a little bit of a disaster as due to its location. I got lost and I had been walking (actually climbing since Korea's street is mostly a hill) for an hour. However, I did eventually at Frank’s Bakery and I immediately fell in love with this place. The cafe is sure worth the hike through all the twisting and maze-like streets. The café looks European-quaint on the outside, painted in mustard yellow, surrounded by a bustling array of pot plants, vines, and various other greeneries. Inside the café,  colorful dried flowers and plants are also surrounded which make they so beautiful when the sunlight touch them. The inside was slightly cramped, with a line of people waiting to take away the converted cake.

Here's the unique for this little café. The pastries in the shop are the best dessert I have ever eaten. There is two menu that everyone has to try, I mean MUST TRYYYYYYY!!!! And no other café will have a cute but delicious dessert like Frank’s. 

Firstly, If you have already seen the comedy movie "The Grand Budapest Hotel"  of Whimsy Wes Anderson, you will know which character really saves the day.... it was a little tower of cream-filled pastries called a "Courtesan Au Chocolat" from Mendl. Then, Frank's has baked the best chocolate custard ever and also I feel like the shape  exactly as same as in the film, like it's really from Mendl hahaha.Moreover, the shop will serve the pastry inside a gift box from Mendl... feel so real...and like you actually get it from the character. I think that it was cheaper than I had thought as it was so big but cost only 16000WON (about 530baht). After I tasted it, I WAS TOTALLY LOVED THIS COURTESAN AU CHOCOLAT!!!!!!!!! 

Secondly, the rainbow-colored roll cakes were one of the best sellers at Frank's. There was a queue for this sponge cakes, supposedly freshly baked at 12pm and 4:30pm, and would be sold up in less than an hour. So, if you want to try, I recommend you to calculate you time haha as it sold out SO FAST!!!!

The rainbow roll cakes are so popular that they are practically sold out within 10 minutes on weekends and 1 hour on weekdays!!! The seven colors on the cake seem too vivid likes it almost feels like it is filled with artificial pigments. However, I will tell you that the cake is colored by 100% natural ingredients filled with earl gray custard crème, also not overly sweet, making it an irresistible favorite dessert among local and tourists. It also costs 16000WON (about 530baht) but if you just want to try for a piece, it costs 7500WON (240baht) for each slice.

If you are not a fan of roll cakes, Frank's has a great selection of other delicacies such as the brioche with reach butter flavor, freshly baked ciabattas and croissants with soft and flaky layers. Of course, they might be 'less colorful' and attractive compared to their signature rainbow cakes but they are also steady sellers of Frank's.

Frank's Location Address: 41, Sowol-ro 44-gil, Itaewon(2)-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul 258-228 (Itaewon Station, Exit 1 & 4) Operating Hours: 12:00pm-10:00pm (Closed on Mondays and public holidays) Recommended Menu: Mendl's Courtesan Au Chocolat and Rainbow rolls 16,000 won Facebook: just click.

That’s pretty all I want to say about this amazing café and I hope you like it guysss. Thank you for reading and feel free to comment!! See you next week.

[beyourseoul-blog]

WAKE AND THEN BAKE in SEOUL

For one more week, let me expand my café hopping hobby all the way from Seoul to you once again. If you are bored of having lattes or cappuccinos in the same old setting cafe... there are also many more small unique and trendy cafés over this city. Seoulites seem to have an insatiable thirst for coffee, cakes, and comfortable seats. Many small cafés offer in terms of good concept, food, interior design and even people rather than the spacious place but so normal likes several major brand chain stores.

Ever times I go to Seoul, I will be searching for many local cafés that I want to go... and there are a lot!!! I mean seriously more than 15 to 20 cafés in Seoul that I want to try. Unfortunately, some places are really difficult to reach not only because I am a foreigner but even some Koreans do not know where they are located hahaha. This week, I will introduce you a really really super duper BEST place which totally having opposite style to Lay Brick, in my opinion, haha I am quite excited every I have been to or talk about this cafe. So, let's get started and I hope you will like this place as me.

✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢BAKE and WAKE SEOUL✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢✢

Firstly, I have to tell you guys that I am not into the kind of theme cafés neither Line Friends, Hello Kitty nor Chalie Brown cafés. I feel like those places do not serve what I want to see....as I love a unique and local place where I will always remember and want to return whenever I can. 

Wake and Bake Seoul just really gave me that feeling. I have known this place by my closed sister and she told me that I would love it too and yes she was true. What so special about this place is the concepts and designs of every single detail in the shop. (2F HOMER FOOD AND DRINK)

This café's owner will wake up early and bake a cake (as its name) to sell on that day which you will not get the same every time to come in. The cake might look so simple but for me, they were really delicious!!!!!! Seriously just only 7000won/piece (about220baht) and you will taste the best cake from the local store ever. But the owner always says that it is just a simple cake store nothing is quite special...nahhhh. Furthermore,I liked the color of the cake and how the inside layer tasted. Moreover, I knew that they accept a personal cake order for any special event likes birthday or anniversary but call only not by messaging. As I saw their special cakes pictures, I really want to order for my mom and dad or my best friends hahaha somehow they were way too cute to tasted.

Apart from the dessert, I must say that I am loved by their interior design and decorations. First of all, the way this café's wall was painted was so touching and amazing....like how totally different colors could be together in one place and doesn't give any awkward feeling at all. Additionally, the decorations were so trendy and unique from other shops. My friend and I really liked the bathtub which used to be a table for having cakes and beverages. When I came to the café, it was already decorated to be like a forest for many little cute dinosaurs. The whole space there was like a real garden where you will feel like you are having a picnic. The last trip that I came, the table bathtub was used to full with pink water, then the overall space really seemed like a gorgeous bathroom.

Last but not least, Wake and Bake Seoul still have other cool spots to sit to take photos. I actually like to sit beside the clear windows every time to go there. This white area can give me a calm and tranquil feeling especially when I come in the winter season. Then, this can be counted as one of the popular areas for many people..(girls mostly).... there is a pink area combined with the black color where the overall space was decorated with cool stuff like boxes and photographs. Next, my another favorite area is a cool tone seat where brown and green are used to be the main color here. I feel like sitting at home where I can have a great food to eat.

Location: 683-108 2F, Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea 04400 Daily: 12pm-10pm

I hope you guys enjoy reading this as I really want to recommend this cool café to you all. And please stay tuned for my next update !!

[beyourseoul-blog]

Laid the Bricks

Have you ever known that Seoul is full of interesting café? There are numerous cute, decor cafés where you can Garosu-gil is one of my favorite areas in Seoul for having coffee or walking around for a long period of time. Every trip to Seoul, I am always returning back to Garosu-gil and spending my entire day there, but time never seems to be enough; here is just so many places waiting to be discovered. Cafe-hopping or window shopping, or just watching fashioned people walking pass, you will love it at Garosu-gil.

I will introduce you my best café in Korea everrrr... On my last trip, I have been there for about there times because my beloved sister who living in Korea told me that this is the best hippie café ever. Let's goooooo and sees what's interesting about this place.

_______________LAY BRICKS COFFEE ROASTERS_______________

Lay bricks is a popular hangout with a passing array of many famous people– artists, models, and hipsters– this industrial brick coffeehouse. On my first impression, I thought this café just like a mini factory, but ohhh I was so wrong. This place is an industrial-style cafe that is so bloody cool!! It is so well, dominantly laid with bricks like its name, that sewing machines and oil tins are used as tables and chairs. However, I think that if you do not know the street (Garosu-gil) that well, it will be hard to find this place as Lay Bricks doesn't a place for tourists, unlike Remi cone or Coffee Smith.

When I stepped into the shop, I feel so overwhelmed that there are full of hipsters including the owner. Then, I would like to try all the cold brews and desserts hahaha. It looked so good when seeing many Koreans having their own brews and chatting with friends for hours. So, I ordered latté summer and tiramisu which are the recommended menu at Lay Bricks. What made me feel so surprised was when I or every customer order any coffee beverage, the barista will walk to the coffee machine and that looked so classy to me.

Here I will show you guys what I had ordered at the shop. But Firstly, I have to tell you that all the beverages and desserts are not that sweet, therefore, I am really like it. I like the neutral taste of their dessert  ,unlike others café that they will sell huge cakes and over sweet coffee. Moreover, the design of their desserts is sooo sooo perfect!! I like the way that three forks are put into the donut hahaha that’s cute. The summer latte is like affogato with a shot of coffee but there is so special that other brews I have tried. Then, the strawberry and banana cake is okay to order but I prefer the other two much more. Lastly, I want to talk about the overall prices of the menu. Lay Bricks is quite pricey comparing to other café but I think it is the best café in Seoul at this time.

“It is one of those secret hideouts where you can escape from the madness of the world and just enjoy some cold brew and dessert”

Location: 153 Road in Gangnam Nonhyeon 46, Sinsa dong, Seoul, 135-890, South Korea Tel: +82 2-545-5513 Daily: 11am – 1am Nearest Station: Sinsa Station

I hope you guys enjoy reading my blog this week. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts. Please stay tuned for the next coming week!!!

[beyourseoul-blog]

I need you mask!

Have you ever want a real quick way to make your skin looks fresh? I am the one that really addicted to the mask. Basically, there are many types of mask in the market, for example, clay mask, sleeping mask or sheet mask. What I am going to mention in my blog today is sheet masks.

For me, it is the easiest way to deliver some good ingredients into my skin. It's so soooooo convenient as while masking my face, I always do other things as well, such as watching tv for entertaining or sometimes doing homework hahaha.

In Asia where sheet masks have played a key role in the Korean-beauty. As I told you earlier that there are numerous brand cosmetics in Korea and those will launch their own sheet masks as well not just only cosmetics. Whenever I go to Korea, I purchase all the masks I want as some are very affordable about 2000won/per sheet (60baht) and it also does its job for making my skin be what I want. There are some sheet masks that very pricey like 8000 to 10,000won/per sheet (about 240-300 baht). But,I always love to try new things out hahaha. Today, I will recommend my top three sheet masks of Korean brand in all the price ranks.

First of all, what is sheet mask? It is a cloth or paper saturated in skin-loving ingredients that should be left over on your face for 10-15 minutes, then your skin can absorb its good ingredients. Each packaged mask has an essence inside and you should choose the one that whatever your skin are concerns of. It is designed to help a huge range of different skin types and even treat problem skin. For instance, moisturizing, brightening or addressing acne problems.

Before going to know what are my top three lists, I always choose my sheet masks to depend on what I want to stress my skin. Sometimes, I got sunburn so I need to use the moisturizing one. Or when my face is so oily  that there are many acne, I need to use the one that helps reducing oil together with relieving acne. This is a roughly way  for me when choosing the sheet masks. So, let's see what are my favourite are.

My top 3 sheet masks. 1.Innisfree It's Real Facial Mask Sheet

I really like the Innisfree masks because they are very cheap only 900won/per sheet (30baht). I always buy them as a package of 10 sheets at one time. It also made without parabens and really fit well on my face. I think that they are great for maintaining moisture levels. This kind of masks contained plenty of essences, left my skin so smooth after using. The most important are the scent is so subtle and nice. I feel relaxing every time I use this mask. Lastly, there are many ingredients which have different uses so, choose the right one for your skin concerns.

2.Mediheal N.M.F Aquaring Ampoule Mask

This my number one sheet mask for moisturizing. I think that it is great for all skin types ranging from dry skin to oily skin, as it boosts hydration levels in the skin while maintaining sebum output and tightening pores all in one. Before I go for a detail, the brand claims that this will help hydration, oil control, and pore scaling. After I read the claimers, I totally want to buy it because this is what I really want to stress my skin. Pore scaling problem is very difficult to fix but somehow it can be tightened by this mask together with hydrating. This one is not that expensive. It costs about 3000won/per sheet (90-100baht) so, quite affordable.

3.JAYJUN Baby Pure Shining Mask

Firstly, I want to try this mask for a long time because the mask is produced by a company established by former plastic surgeons and dermatologists, as well as experts in cosmetic products development. But, it quite expensive and comes only with a package of 10 sheets. It means that you cannot buy or try just only one sheet so if it doesn't work on your skin.....regrets...... However, as I said, I love trying new thing hahaha and their slogan has captured my attention, "the responsibility for beauty". OHHHHHH, so I did buy them and it is so damnnnn good.

The mask of three steps, I call. 1. JAYJUN Blooming Essence. -A prep step before you going to use the sheet. It is moisturizing and the texture is light. My skin absorbs it easily as well. 2.JAYJUN Intensive Shining Mask -This mask is very sticky and slimy but in a good way. haha  There is so much essence within the sheets that I could use it on my neck as well. It is very soothing and calming, and take care of all my redness. 3.JAYJUN Hydro Eye cream -It feels nutritious for some reason, a bit oily, but not too much. Also, I feel very good and moisturizing at one time. Again, there is so much of the product, I apply it on my neck as well.

It cost about 40000won/per box(10 sheets) around 1200baht. Yesssss, it so expensive for just a sheet mask but I think it sooo soo good and I will purchase it again for sure. Please try this one out!!!!! RECOMMENDED!

So, this is my review about sheet mask. I hope you guys enjoy reading this and I hope it’s useful. Seeyouuuu next week for more Korea staffs.

[beyourseoul-blog]

My skin’s best friend

For the past few years, cushion compact is totally the beauty revolution for every cosmetic brand. It becomes one of the most successful trends that has come out of both Asian and Western beauties. Nowadays, not only there is cushion foundation that hits the market but also many brands launch their cushion concealers, blusher, lipstick or even eyeliner.  In fact, cushion compact foundation has been dramatically selling ever since 2008 in South Korea and then the majority of people switch-up from traditional foundation applications. Therefore, in recent years, several top European cosmetics brands have come up with their own cushion compacts.

I have never tried any of European cushion foundations before because it's way too expensive for me and I am really into Korean cosmetics. In this week, I would like to talk about my top 3 Korean cushion foundations that I have been using for many years and what are the differences between them. I think Korean cushion is so amazing and special like this statement, "In Korea, the cushion compact is considered a fusion of skincare and makeup because it doesn't just cover your skin, it also improves its look, feel, and health," says Charlotte Cho, founder of Korean beauty e-tailer Sokoglam.com. So.... let's get started and see if any of my favs like your's!!!!!!

Firstly, I have to tell you that combination skin is my skin type. Like what the name implies, my skin is a combination of both dry and oily types. Hence, I always choose my cushion foundations for an oil control one in order to mattify together with moistening my face.

How do the cushion compact works?

Cushion compact is a sponge soaked in the liquid foundation and it is housed inside what looks like a powder compact. Then, using the given soft sponge simply press onto the cushion, which gives you the perfect amount of product and taping all around your face. DONE!!!

What's so special about it?

For me, I think it is already amazing when the cushion gives me a natural looking and light to medium weight coverage but when it comes in an easily portable compact for me to carry or toss it in my bag,  I am even more obsessed. Recently, many Korean cosmetics brands designed their compacts to be super thin as much as they could. This is because Korean women always carry their compacts around with them inside their bag and use it for touch-ups throughout the day. Also, most of the cushion foundation has formulated with sunscreen, high SPF about 50 or higher so, some people skip the sunscreen step. Moreover, the cushion foundation never fails me and never gives me a cakey feeling like creasing or cracking. If you choose the right one for your skin type, I am sure you will totally love it. Last but not least, it's awesome for applying super quickly and it's so sooooo comfortable to use when you are in a rush hour but still need to make up hahaha!!  Many times that I woke up late and need to be in class on time, I can finish my base makeup just only 3 minutes.

My top 3 cushion foundation.

(not in order as I loved them all haha) Most of the Korean cushion foundation will come with the refill inside, therefore it seems like you buy 1 get 1 free.

1. NEW 2016 IOPE AIR CUSHION

IT'S MY EVERYDAY CUSHION!!! I have been using Iope air cushion about 3 years already since the old version. It always keeps my skin moist and radiant appropriately all day long even if I am a combination skin type but ONLY this brand does their air cushion not too heavy for combination and oily skin types. There is a cooling effect with suit me as Thailand's temperature tends to rise all the time. Then this year the brand has upgraded the new version of their air cushion. I think the effects are the same as whitening, 50SPF PA+++ UV protection, and wrinkle care but the new version focuses much more on coverage, radiance, and long-lasting wear. The case compact also changed to be thinner and lighter for carry around. There are many colors for women to choose. N21 and M21 are always my color and is not too light or dark. (N=NATURAL ,M=MATTE). As I said earlier, this is the ONLY brand that I can use their natural/original version but when the temperature is too high then I switch to the matte one. The cushion costs 42,000KRW (around 1300baht) 15g+15g.

2.PONY EFFECT EVERLASTING CUSHION FOUNDATION

This becomes one of my top cushion foundation this year as PONY, the famous makeup artist and beauty blogger, launched her own cosmetics named "Pony Effect". I believe that as beauty blogger herself, I feel like Pony would be more in touch with the real wants/needs of people who use cushion foundation.... and she really proves herself as the cushion foundation does its job. The packaging is so gorgeous in rosegold color. To be more specific, I only use this cushion when I go to a party or meet many people because the coverage is incredible. With one layer it’s medium coverage and you can add another layer to get to high coverage. The finish is a really beautiful creamy dewy finish and it last ver long like its claims. My shade is also N21 in natural ivory; however, I do not recommend for dark skin tone even the brand has come up with different 5 shades but it quite light than usual. It costs 39,000KRW (around1200baht) 15g+15g.

3.APRIL SKIN MAGIC SNOW CUSHION

This cushion just becomes one of the most popular choices among Korean teenagers and even adults since last year.  It is known for high moisture and flawless coverage and yessss I do agree as it provides medium to high coverage if you adding the layer. But what I do like about it is that it looks very natural on my skin and it covers almost all of my redness and pigmentation. Also, it's super water resistant and when I do use it on summer it quite good I think. Furthermore, whenever I use this snow cushion... a lot of people, like 8/10 person I met that day, will ask what have I done or used on my face since it looks so natural and very bright. And again, I am a 21, light beige skin tone and this brand has only 3 shade which it quite light. However, the packaging is what I do not like hahaha as it makes me feel like a delicate toy. Also, there is no refill for this brand, so it quite expensive comparing with other brands. It costs 29,000KRW (around900baht) 15g.

I hope you enjoying reading my reviews and please if you get a chance to try Korean cushion foundations...TRYYYY them.!!! And stayed tuned for many more reviews from me. 

[beyourseoul-blog]

Secretness

As I told you earlier that Hongdae is the main entertainment and nightlife district in Seoul where the vast majority of university students and young adults spend most of their time here. It's representing a symbol of  a unique identity of Korean people who are always energetic and lively. There are so.....so many things to do during the day, but Hongdae just seems to be much more lively at night. By night time, various of nightclubs and bars are along the streets with colorful neon lights. Most of them are open all night and even some stay open until late 7am in the morning, just in time for people catching the subway home... or start the day all over again. Therefore, today I will introduce you my new favorite club to hang out where not so many people know this place like its name...whee, weee, let's get started!!!!

"SECRET SOCIETY" People obviously know if they want to see a true passion for hip-hop culture, they must go and party in Hongdae. So, basically, if you are into that kind of thing, this place is recommended!!. Also, if you are currently looking for a new place to party or are a fan of hip-hop, try Secret Society. It's the newest club that opened just last summer, run and owned by Vasco!!!! (OH MY GOSHHHHHH, hahaha) The reason why I am so overwhelmed is that he is a famous Korean rapper who used to be underground and once appeared on the tv program called "Show Me The Money, season3" which I have been followed for ages!! Even though he becomes a well-known rapper, there is not so many people know that he owned the club because of its secretness.

Moreover, this place is ONLY hip-hop and R&b club, so it means that you will not hear any EDM or mainstream music. Most of the Dj crews who are always spinning here are so popular that sometimes they come from a great entertainment like, AOMG. Of course, not only you can hear a dope, best and true underground hip-hop music but if you are lucky enough you also get a chance to hear underground rappers live. They all have great talents even some already become stars and have their own songs, hanging and joining in Secret Society. In fact, you MUST NOT forget to check their Facebook or Instagram to get to know about special events, such as free entrance or drinks, and lives performance.  (Secret Society always keeps their page up-to-date, so please follow!)

With minimal lights and an optimal atmosphere to truly enjoy hip-hop music, I am sure that Secret Society is definitely perfect and worth the amazing time you’ll have. If you are wondering how expensive the drinks will be, I tell you..... that it's very reasonable around 5000-15000 won as you are in Hongdae after all. Comparing to the club in Gangnam or Itaewon, the price starts 10000-15000 won at least (pretty expensive, not included the entrance fee) In addition, clothing in Hongdae ranges from casual to very dressed up, so you can wear whatever you want to like short and sneaker is also accepted. Clubbing in Gangnam, many people will be denied entrance to the club for their clothing but you would not in Hongdae. 

The ‘secretness’ of this club is absolutely real and it's represented by the fake coca-cola vending machine. By day, Secret Society is overlooked by people, with its door decorated to look like just a small simple machine; hence, no one knows that there is a club downstair. However, by night, the door will be opened for people to come enjoy the true vibes of underground hip-hop. COOL!!!

Opening hours: Tuesday-Thursday: 20:00 – 03:00 am Friday-Saturday: 20:00 – 05:00 am Sunday: 20:00 – 03:00a am

THANKS FOR READING AND WATCHING VIDEOS. I hope you want to try and have fun at Secret Society. Feel free to comment and please stay tuned for Korean beauty next week ....SEE YOUUU SOON!!!