Explored Garosu-Gil in Gangnam in the afternoon. It is becoming the hippiest area in Seoul, lined with cafes and designer stores.
Afternoon tea at Beansbins Coffee with their popular waffle selection.
Visiting Namdaemun Market
And chancing upon a protest of sorts near City Hall.
Chicken Galbi and fried rice with cheese at Yoogane for dinner. According to my friend, it was much tastier than the branch in Singapore.
On the last day, we had a lunch at a local Korean eatery near Namdaemun.
Took the airport limousine back to Incheon for the flight back to Singapore. Check-in was quick at the SQ counters with barely any queues.
Through the efficient immigration and security, and we were in the bustling airside.
As SQ flights were shifted from the Concourse Terminal to the Main Terminal after the opening of T2, SQ's Silver Kris Lounge was closed effective from 18th Jan. According to the ground staff, SQ would be re-opening another lounge at the Main Terminal building. In the meantime, SQ pax have to make do with the sub-par (in my opinion) Asiana Business Class Lounge.
The ambience of the lounge was okay. Nothing fanciful but served its purpose.
However, the catering spread was dismal, consisting only of 3 hot dishes, salad bar and finger food. This pales in comparison to even many of the Priority Pass Lounges out there, especially when this is the hub lounge of Asiana. Not sure about now, but Priority Pass holders used to be able to enter Asiana Lounges in Incheon as well.
Fried rice with kinchi pork and congee. These were the only 3 hot items.
A short visit to the underwhelming Asiana Lounge later, we proceeded to the gate. It was a pretty long walk throught the massive terminal to the gate.
Sighted an ancient Korean "royal procession", which is a Korean cultural experience performance right smack in the middle of the passenger terminal!
Gigantic Line bear in the terminal.
It was a pretty long walk to the departure Gate 19 right at the end of the pier of the huge terminal, where boarding had already commenced.
21 January 2018
Singapore Airlines
SQ 609
Seoul Incheon (ICN) - Singapore (SIN)
A330-300
9V-STC
Business Class
Flight Time: 6H15M
Was boarding immediately via the priority and headed down the jetbridge into the Business Class section.
As expected, the seats were the angled-flat Regional Business Class seats, but were recently upholstered in dark brown leather. Pillow and blanket were already placed on the seat.
Menus and headsets were placed in the magazine compartments.
Sufficient legroom.
Out the window.
Crew came down with offers of newspapers and magazines.
Hot towels distributed and welcome drinks offered. Being rather thirsty after the long walk, I had both the welcome cocktail Royal Sparkle (not pictured)and the champagne.
Inflight magazines.
The B777-9 and B787-10 were also featured in the fleet list.
The routemap now also includes all the code-shares.
There was a slight delay for pushback due to air traffic congestion. The new safety video featuring Singapore attractions was played after doors were closed.
Flight map
Pushed back.
EK A380 taxied past.
It was only quite a short taxi to the active runway.
Departed from Rwy33L.
Climbing out of Incheon.
Pretty comfortable headphones for the IFE.
Had also requested for a bottle of water earlier.
Quick visit to the lavatory, which was well-stocked with amenities as usual.
View of the Business cabin. Today's load was about 2/3 full in Business.
Above the clouds.
Lets check out what is available on the menu for dinner on this flight.
Menu for the SQ600 SIN-ICN sector.
The very extensive beverages selection.
Satay service commenced. I had my satay along with a Citrus Rum Cooler cocktail.
Noticed something 'amissed' when the usual socks, slippers and eyeshades were not handed out. Requested for a pair of slippers from the crew and was informed that these items were temporarily only available on-request basis due to supplier issues and hence only limited numbers were stocked on each flight. It should revert back to normal after supplier issues are resolved.
Watched a Korean action comedy on the IFE.
Sunset
Dinner service started about 1.5hrs into the flight. We were served by 4 crew in Business Class, and the service was excellent by all, especially the Korean Leading Stewardess whose service was exceptional
I selected the Korean Hansik meal, which was introduced recently on Korea flights. The appetiser dish came with a medley of Korean starters, and all were pretty tasty. Had a Chianti to go along.
For the main, it was an excellent tender braised beef shortribs with rice. It was very well-prepared and still slighly pink in the middle.A korean seaweed soup was also presented with the main dish.
My friend Booked-the-cook the Herb Mustard crusted Lamb Loin. Starter was the Antipasto plate.
Herb Mustard crusted Lamb Loin. It was excellently prepared as well.
Lamb loin with red wine sauce, lyonnais potato, French buttered string beans and parsley buttered Chateau carrots
The dessert for the Hansik meal was a unique Banana pudding with brownie. It was a rather heavy dessert.
While for the international selection, it was a delicious chocolate ice-cream.
Meal service in progress.
Cheese and fruits.
Ending with a TWG Seven Tea (specially created for SQ's 70th anniversary) and pralines.
Spent the rest of the flight watching the Kingsmen sequel.
After 2 movies and a great meal, we were already approaching Singapore.
Descending and landing on Rwy02L.
Last view of my seat and disembarked.
A look at our A330 after disembarkation before another long trek from Gate A20 to immigration.
Thanks for reading and your comments are much welcomed.
