RUNDOWN ALLEYS AND GOOD COFFEE

I love glamour, I love chic, and I absolutely love refined, but there's something about the unpolished, and just sometimes the dingy and the jenk that is all quite alluring. (All the foodies in chitown know that the hole-in-the-walls are where the real food is at! Tasty's subs, holluhh). While Seoul is ever quickly developing its commercialized franchises, I'd like to say, the real Seoul bears its distinctive flavor and rawness. And tucked away in the inner streets of Yeonnamdong is all that and more....a fascinating site of mini galleries, cafes and local shops. 

Not too long ago and not too far from work I met a friend for some coffee. I know I post a lot on coffee and coffee shops — I am, by nature a compulsive coffee drinker, and it's not even because I need the caffeine to be honest — but I have to say, this cafe latte was by far the best quality cup I've had in my two centuries of existence. Haha, sanguine statement. I am no coffee connoisseur, but supposedly "Food X-files" also claims that this is the best coffee in Korea. And so I rest my case. Let's just say, you really get a bang for your buck, and the buck actually does your taste buds some good! (Away with the $7 dollar coffee nonsense, please). Now to defeat the purpose of this blog, I will keep the details untold because for some reason, jewels seem more valuable when not easily accessible, wouldn't you say so? If you'd like to know the exact whereabouts to this place just ask me in person and maybe we could even go together aye? Google is also a good option too. Happy Spring time and happy schizophrenic weather. 

GET YOUR HAIR DID

It's that time of year again — let's talk hair. 

I'm very excited about this post! Last friday, it was time to welcome spring with a new do' and so I made my trip to the salon. Tadaaaaaaaaaaa! You like? The black and white photo conceals it, but I added slight color as well. Anyways, to get to the point of excitement, last summer I came across a stylist that put a halt to my notorious stylist hopping and did exactly what I asked of her — no questions or dreadful surface conversations in between. On par with my expectations, she is consistent in what she does (you can read about the first experience here) And now I am happy to share that my stylist has graciously extended herself out to you!

After some conversation about my blogging journey she and I have decided to cook up a discount deal. (This isn't a sponsored post, nor do I reap any benefits from it other than the joy of sharing, so hold tight). If you are in need of a hair cut, color, perm or any other wild Korean procedure that they do in this day and age, I am happy to share that you can receive continual discounts with my stylist if you contact her through this blog! Yaaas.

RECEIVE 30% OFF
STYLIST: EUN
SALON: 명동 이철헤어커커 2호점

To snag the deal, kakao the discount code "Mary Koh" to Eun's kakao id: ahdqhd213

Immediately following, you can go ahead and set up a time via kakao and also let her know what look you are going for! Please note - the discount code is only applicable in advanced through kakao. Get on it and get your 30% off today! Please comment below with any questions. Also, if you end up getting your hair done, I would love to hear about your experience with some feedback below!

Okay. Now do work.

SPRING

Hello, and happy spring! This morning I threw on my over-sized jean jacket over some skinnies because it was warm enough (yay spring!) and got on my crispy adidas stans because it was sunny and dry. It's really hard to keep white sneakers clean in Seoul because of all the walking you are bound to do (whether you like it or not) but today just felt like one of those days that deserved something fresh. 

Lately I've been thinking a lot about what this blog is all about and what my intentions are with each photo and each post. I suppose I've grown a tad bit immune to the whole lets-take-pretty-pictures because it makes me happy ordeal. I mean, things that only go as far as personal satisfaction usually tend to end up seemingly unsatisfying anyways. That said, I hope to recalibrate this whole creative space in a way that can more directly touch, inform, and inspire those that follow. Bear with me as I go through this uncertain, trial and error process. We'll see how things change, if it does at all.

Rambling aside, I have been quietly working on developing myself as an artist whether it's through the medium of dance (which, has been super, super fun) and or other art forms like calligraphy and styling. Most importantly, I've been putting myself against the daily practice to be bold and authentic because that's where creativity and innovation flows. There is so much content out there these days in cyber space, and I'll be honest, everything is kind of starting to look the same these days (visually at least). Trends aside, I'm realizing that the key to be set apart is, simply put, to be fully you. Anyways, it's 1am, past my bed time, and it's time to hit the hay. If you read this and have some thoughts or ideas, oh man even some fresh encouragement —  please, do not hesitate. I'm better at taking encouragement than advice, haha, (that's just my choleric character and stubbornness) but regardless I'm all ears. Good night!

INSTALIFE

FEBRUARY

1 ll Gwyneth Paltrow + Coffee       2 ll Flowers for Spring

3 ll Seoul Sky       4 ll Online Calligraphy Class

5 ll #ootd + Handlettering       6 ll Reminiscing about Japan

7 ll Paul + Susie's Engagement       8 ll Seflie Moment

9 ll Dried Flowers in Hapjeong       10 ll David's Tea

11 ll Toby's Estate, Williamsburg       12 ll Brian and Jane Kim

13 ll My Room       14 ll French Pressed Cafe Au Lait

"MaryinSeoul" hasn't been much of "MaryinSeoul" last month, I apologize. If you can't tell by the pictures, February was tremendously low key on so many levels, and much of it was kept to myself. In the midst of it however, I've picked up two online classes, started to read magazines — like, "read-read" them and not just obsess over the pictures, fallen in love with Vogue and the whole idea of its brand, and, learned tons about myself. Surprisingly I can stay alone for much longer than I had previously assumed, and though it's been different, it's very nice. March brings in the schizo weather here in Seoul, and maybe, just maybe I'll be inspired to go out and engage the world again. Till then, stay thankful and stay warm folks!