Toto's Old Possession - Insadong

While I was doing my Christmas Shopping, I've decided to drop by in this toy store because I've heard they have antique stuffs from the 50s to 60s and its also around the vicinity so I thought it would be nice to go there too. ;) Its called Toto's Old Possession and its located in Insadong.

When I was about to wander around, an old man suddenly showed up and told me I have to pay some amount to get inisde. Its not that pricey so I paid and got in. He also said that taking pictures are allowed (maybe that's why he asks for a fee) He might be Toto, I supposed. Indeed, the store has lots of old toys which the old man all owned during his childhood I guess. He really has a massive collection. :)

"Kongi" - korean version of Jackstones (they don't use a ball here)

(L) Freddie Kruger! Because of him, I had nightmares during childhood, my mom had to watch me sleep before she does! :| :>

an old vendo machine, I never thought vendos existed in the 50s. Haha

The infamous Chuckie. I have watched every installment of this character and up to know, he still scares me! :D :S

Haha! This photo is attached in an old piano. I wonder if Toto knows who they are :">

For me, it was a fun experience since it revived some memories of my childhood and I'd have to say, his idea of displaying it for the public to see is quite artistic and edifying specially for foreigners.

Toto's Old Possessions is located at Insadong, a 10 min walk from Exit 1 of Jong-no 3 sa station on Subway line 1 (dark blue line)

Admission fee: W2,000

Contact no. :02)7251756

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A weekend of colorful and cultural.

Today, my korean "helper" Soyeon (or Tatiana, as what she likes me to call her) and I went to Insadong since she has been telling me that its a good place to take pictures and all. Insadong is one of the tourist spots here in Seoul with Korean traditional culture very much alive. Most of the stores sell korean handicrafts, antique pieces, ceramic potteries, and other souvenir items. Also, the store names, streets and alleys are written in Korean. Soyeon told me it was some kind of law imposed there. :) There are also lots of traditional Korean restaurants and tea houses hidden in alleys, so do wander around. During weekends, you would find the street car-free and with traditional musical or dance performances or parades for tourists to watch and enjoy.

Even Starbucks is in Korean! :)

So, one of the famous places inside Insadong was Ssamzie-gil (쌈지길). Its a five-floored colorful art gallery/building that contains stores that sells handicrafts, cute and quirky accessories, has restaurants, snack stalls and cafes.

Cute ceramic Soju shot glasses

Artsy map of Insadong :)

Graffitis all around the wall

For lunch, I wanted to try 한정식, (Hanjeongsik) so Soyeon brought me to one of the Korean restaurants there. Its a korean set meal with lots of side dishes. She said Koreans usually eat 한정식 during business meetings and if korean couples want to introduce their families to each other because the servings are kinda big. They served about 7-10 side dishes but most of them are vegetables so its not really hard to finish them all. hahahaha :DD

"묵" aka Acorn jelly, which I super liked!

"순두부 찌개" aka Tofu Jjigae, beats the cold weather ;)

I don't remember what they are anymore hoho. :D

On our way back, we bought 똥빵, which translates as "Poop bread". Weird name to call a food right? Haha. Its actually a bread with red bean filling. I can say its just the same with 붕어빵 (Bungeoppang). They only differ with the shape. But despite its inappropriate name, 똥빵 tasted really good, even better. ;) That explained the long line of customers! and though it was a little bit more expensive than 붕어빵, (3 for 2,000 won), I didn't mind. Hehe.

This place is a good place to wander around and to buy souvenirs but I'm not yet in the mood to buy so I didn't buy anything yet. For sure I'm going back here, and that time, I'll buy. :)

On our way home, Soyeon and I felt the need to change the cases of our phones so we both bought one. I bought red to give it a Christmas-sy vibe, hihi :">

What do you think? Hehe :"> I can't wait for Christmas! ;) :> xx

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