u/Prudent_Guess5096

Hello,

Clinic Recommendation in Seoul for Skin Enhancements? Meaning - no fillers, botox, surgeries pushed down my throat, jaw reduction etc etc. Looking for something with low downtime - skin enhancers; ex facials? or Rejuran (never used), etc. want to improve not change what i have. Any recommendations on such clinics. I have contacted a lot (from North America) but not having much luck. Many push "jaw reduction" surgery without even addressing my question - which is enhancing my skin on a deeper level past skincare. I have no idea how to distinguish "factory" clinics and most sites don't even list pricing online so I'm sure there is a massive upmarket

Hoping for some recommendations. Thanks

Hello,

Question - Lotte and Shinsegae have Duty Free Shops in Myeongdong - unsure about Shilla. Can I shop in the APP and pick up there? IF not, can I shop in the DF shops and get the same promos/discounts. Frankly, I would rather place them in my luggage than carry a whole lot depending on what I'm buying. The more I see the more I like >____<

Hello,

Clinic Recommendation in Seoul for Skin Enhancements? Meaning - no fillers, botox, surgeries pushed down my throat, jaw reduction etc etc. Looking for something with low downtime - skin enhancers; ex facials? or Rejuran (never used), etc. want to improve not change what i have. Any recommendations on such clinics. I have contacted a lot (from North America) but not having much luck. Many push "jaw reduction" surgery without even addressing my question - which is enhancing my skin on a deeper level past skincare. I have no idea how to distinguish "factory" clinics and most sites don't even list pricing online so I'm sure there is a massive upmarket

Hoping for some recommendations. Thanks

Hello,

Question - Lotte and Shinsegae have Duty Free Shops in Myeongdong - unsure about Shilla. Can I shop in the APP and pick up there? IF not, can I shop in the DF shops and get the same promos/discounts. Frankly, I would rather place them in my luggage than carry a whole lot depending on what I'm buying. The more I see the more I like >____<

Hello,

Will be in Shanghai for 1.5 days at the end of our trip - honestly no time to waste! As much as I would love to shop in malls/see awesome shops (maybe I'll have time if they close late). I want to focus on more authentic items to purchase. We love tea (not experts - just hobby). China is the home of teas. Would love to buy some tea sets to bring home with me. Yixing , Jingdezhen Porcelain and Gaiwan? Others?

Issues:

1- HAS to be authentic as in safe. This is an item we use to drink team - CONSUME into our bodies. So no souvenir types

2- Hoping for not so overpriced touristy price. I mean - if I have to bargain for it, I don't trust it to be safe to consume. This isn't a painting, a cloth, or something external

3- This is where I need HELP: Where do I go to buy such items?

Hoping for some recommendations/advice.

Thanks

Hello,

Will be in Shanghai for 1.5 days at the end of our trip - honestly no time to waste! As much as I would love to shop in malls/see awesome shops (maybe I'll have time if they close late). I want to focus on more authentic items to purchase. We love tea (not experts - just hobby). China is the home of teas. Would love to buy some tea sets to bring home with me. Yixing , Jingdezhen Porcelain and Gaiwan? Others?

Issues:

1- HAS to be authentic as in safe. This is an item we use to drink team - CONSUME into our bodies. So no souvenir types

2- Hoping for not so overpriced touristy price. I mean - if I have to bargain for it, I don't trust it to be safe to consume. This isn't a painting, a cloth, or something external

3- This is where I need HELP: Where do I go to buy such items?

Hoping for some recommendations/advice.

Thanks

Hello

After our trip - we added a long stay over for some KBeauty shopping. Arriving in Seoul on Saturday evening. FULL day Sunday + Monday. Leave Tuesday at ~650PM. Go back to work on Wednesday 😞

My Rant can skip if you like:

Last month was considering Thread Lifting but decided against it after reading it causes scar tissue + lasts like a year. Mostly though, I was completely turned off by Korean clinics after they recommended Jaw reduction instead of what I was considering or even skin improvement and the few that quoted me for Thread Lifting - 6K++ 5-10 threads. I get it, I am ugly in terms of Korean beauty standards, I'm more of an olive complexion and I have a more prominent jaw (not square but it's there) - so no white white or v line face. So I'm ugly I guess - thank you for the constant reminder (constant being - follow-up e-mails telling me how much my appearance would look better if I did this procedure). Needless to say - my fascination with Korea culture is destroyed.

END of rant

About US (can skip if you like): Me 42, mother 69. For our age, I'd say our skin is not bad. We do have thicker skins. I do see the start of NasoLabilial folds (my fault for chewing on plastic bottle caps for over 20 years as my nervous habit) - I do some have sun spots and occassional mid cheek grove (when I wake up exhausted - I read it's kinda normal). I also have a tech neck that I hate. My mother has great collagen/skin but needs work under eye and lifting obviously (comes with age I guess). Yes the only thing that will work for my mother is likely deep planing

So... onto the post:

Decided to give this another try on a lower scale. Something with a lower down time and can enhance or help with my current look. Like facials, skin enhancements (active), others - even procedural skin enhancement. Not interested in Botox or fillers. Frankly - other than microneedling with prp a decade ago - I haven't done anything. There is so much out there that I am overwhelmed with information and uncertain about pricing. Was looking at youtube - the people are so young!!! A 24 year old doing rejuran. Then a 29 yo had 9 procedures done in Korea. These ladies look almost perfect as it is...

Eitherway - we are hoping for some Korean Clinic recommendations in Myeongdong or Gangnam. Ones that do not overcharge or overcharge mildly tourists, aren't shoving thousands of procedures in our faces and are considerate of personal needs. Safe and legit.

Looking forward to recommendations or any advice. Sitting in my chair in North Ammerica it is hard to figure this out. Reviews on Google are either 5 or 1 star. Many 5 star reviewers only reviewed that clinic... and I know there are incentives too that some offer for reviews.

Hello

After our trip - we added a long stay over for some KBeauty shopping. Arriving in Seoul on Saturday evening. FULL day Sunday + Monday. Leave Tuesday at ~650PM. Go back to work on Wednesday 😞

My Rant can skip if you like:

Last month was considering Thread Lifting but decided against it after reading it causes scar tissue + lasts like a year. Mostly though, I was completely turned off by Korean clinics after they recommended Jaw reduction instead of what I was considering or even skin improvement and the few that quoted me for Thread Lifting - 6K++ 5-10 threads. I get it, I am ugly in terms of Korean beauty standards, I'm more of an olive complexion and I have a more prominent jaw (not square but it's there) - so no white white or v line face. So I'm ugly I guess - thank you for the constant reminder (constant being - follow-up e-mails telling me how much my appearance would look better if I did this procedure). Needless to say - my fascination with Korea culture is destroyed.

END of rant

About US (can skip if you like): Me 42, mother 69. For our age, I'd say our skin is not bad. We do have thicker skins. I do see the start of NasoLabilial folds (my fault for chewing on plastic bottle caps for over 20 years as my nervous habit) - I do some have sun spots and occassional mid cheek grove (when I wake up exhausted - I read it's kinda normal). I also have a tech neck that I hate. My mother has great collagen/skin but needs work under eye and lifting obviously (comes with age I guess). Yes the only thing that will work for my mother is likely deep planing

So... onto the post:

Decided to give this another try on a lower scale. Something with a lower down time and can enhance or help with my current look. Like facials, skin enhancements (active), others. Not interested in Botox or fillers. Frankly - other than microneedling with prp a decade ago - I haven't done anything. There is so much out there that I am overwhelmed with information and uncertain about pricing. Was looking at youtube - the people are so young!!! A 24 year old doing rejuran. Then a 29 yo had 9 procedures done in Korea. These ladies look almost perfect as it is...

Eitherway - we are hoping for some Korean Clinic recommendations in Myeongdong or Gangnam. Ones that do not overcharge or overcharge mildly tourists, aren't shoving thousands of procedures in our faces and are considerate of personal needs. Safe and legit.

Looking forward to recommendations or any advice. Sitting in my chair in North Ammerica it is hard to figure this out. Reviews on Google are either 5 or 1 star. Many 5 star reviewers only reviewed that clinic... and I know there are incentives too that some offer for reviews.

Heya,

1.5 weeks until trip. I am SUPER nervous.... part of my personality. I hope I didn't miss anything. 28 day trip + senior mother coming with me. Want things to be as smooth as possible (which I know they won't). Mostly private tour - all transportation arrangements has been set up.

1- Apps; Wechat, Alipay, Didi and AMap - I set them up. I HOPE they work when I get there

2- ESim - I was thinking of getting airalo? Thoughts - different eSims connect to different company/towers. Unsure which is most reliable.

3- VPN - will get Astrill VPN. I hope an Esim + VPN won't be an issue

4- Toilet paper - was informed should get some... is this true?

5- Forks? Spoons? Unfortunately I'm not good with chopsticks and my mother has arthritis - so she can't handle them well... yes? no?

6- Meds? What type?

7- 2 Power banks with CCC + QR Code

8- Other things I should know off, bring, not bring? Scams I should worry about (other than the tea ceremony scam)?

9- Opposite of the above, anything I should really try?

10- Weather in June is mostly nice - so short sleeved + light jacket. We are visiting the Jade Mountain near the end of June... I'm wondering if it's worth it to bring a heavy jacket with me just for that day or rent a jacket there.....

On another note... doing the Stairway to heaven Via Ferrata in Qixing Mountain - my upper body strength sucks and I just realized I ran out of time to strengthen that... I'm so screwed! More things to be nervous about along with the fact that Zhangjiajie in June will be FOGGGY

Thanks!

Any advice is appreciated

Good Day,

Looking for a PLASTIC Free Coffee machine... IF anything... no plastic touching any heating or water compartment - aka anything that will be consumed. Having a hard time finding one.

SimplyGoodCoffee The Brewer Plastic Free - has a wait list and the reviews outside the website seem bad with many issues (unless this is not true) ... I know there are Perculators and French Press - I have been using those. But I really want some old fashioned coffee!!!

Any other devices that fit the bill or advice.

Thanks

Hello,

I have only ONE FULL day in Hangzhou - a full day. We are staying at HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny hotel. This will be near the end of June... unfortunately outside prime time April-May harvest

We want to spend that one purchasing silk and Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. I hope we have enough time - so need a direct approach to not waste time. Looks like both silk and tea establishments close at 5/6PM??? I hope I am wrong or other places open later.

So onto the post:

In the AM we plan to visit visit: Hangzhou Chinese Silk City and Huanbei Silk Garment Wholesale Market - unsure how long that will take

Then we would LOVE to buy some Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. Issue is I have NO idea where to get that. We are not tea connoisseurs - but we do enjoy a good cup of tea.

Longjing Village (Dragon Well tea area) and Meijiawu Tea Village are the places recommended online. I guess I need some advice on how to make this work. Good chance we can only visit one of them - or should I visit another place?? Also photos online - it is a big place. Do they have shops that sell tea? Are there markets/supermarkets I can visit later in the day to purchase this tea?

ANY advice is appreciated.

Thank you!!!

Hello,

I have only ONE FULL day in Hangzhou - a full day. We are staying at HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny hotel. This will be near the end of June... unfortunately outside prime time April-May harvest

We want to spend that one purchasing silk and Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. I hope we have enough time - so need a direct approach to not waste time. Looks like both silk and tea establishments close at 5/6PM??? I hope I am wrong or other places open later.

So onto the post:

In the AM we plan to visit visit: Hangzhou Chinese Silk City and Huanbei Silk Garment Wholesale Market - unsure how long that will take

Then we would LOVE to buy some Dragon Well (Longjing) Tea. Issue is I have NO idea where to get that. We are not tea connoisseurs - but we do enjoy a good cup of tea.

Longjing Village (Dragon Well tea area) and Meijiawu Tea Village are the places recommended online. I guess I need some advice on how to make this work. Good chance we can only visit one of them - or should I visit another place?? Also photos online - it is a big place. Do they have shops that sell tea? Are there markets/supermarkets I can visit later in the day to purchase this tea?

ANY advice is appreciated.

Thank you!!!

Stops/Sites From Kona to Hawi?

Good Day,

Hoping to do the UTV Tour in Hawi but it's only 2.5 hr. Hoping to make a day out of the trip. Looking for advice on stops/sites en-route.

Thinking of ending my day at Manini'owali Beach (Kua Bay)

Hawi Coffee Company 7AM-4PM – breakfast?

Kohala Grown Market 9AM-6PM – lunch?

Tropical Dreams Ice Cream 7AM-4PM - yummieness

Hello,

I have only ONE FULL day in Hangzhou - a full day. We are staying at HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny hotel. Would LOVE to buy some legit (not fake) silk - perhaps scarves, clothing or some bedware (pillow case, bedsheets etc?).

Items of Concern:

1- We only have ONE day so I need to have time to waste or "figure things out". Have to take full advantage of this day!!

2- Getting extremely overinflated tourist pricing

3- Getting fake items

4- I know there are different grades of silk - I do not know how to assess grade and what a average price point will be

5-How do I haggle? How much percentage drop from the recommended price should I start at or what is the typical haggle upmarket so I know what price point to average at

Can anyone give me advice on WHERE to find silk items that are legit and not overpriced? Personally I prefer set pricing. But if I have to bargain - how do I do that/start? REALLY need advice. I can't find help anywhere and online videos are over 7 years old

On "google" they mention:

• Hangzhou Chinese Silk City (西湖丝绸城): The largest, offering numerous stalls with silk clothing, scarves, and fabrics.
• Xinhua Road/Feng Qi Road Silk Market: A major, popular market with hundreds of shops.
• China National Silk Museum Shops: Features high-quality, authentic items and designer products.
• Hefang Street: A historic, tourist-friendly area for smaller items and souvenirs.

But these are streets with stalls - I do not mind. But how do I know what is legit or not? Also these all close at 5PM which is quite early. I remember posting before about tea, and many people told me to ignore google but what is listed there is for "experts" who know how things work...

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Hello,

I have only ONE FULL day in Hangzhou - a full day. We are staying at HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny hotel. Would LOVE to buy some legit (not fake) silk - perhaps scarves, clothing or some bedware (pillow case, bedsheets etc?).

Items of Concern:

1- We only have ONE day so I need to have time to waste or "figure things out". Have to take full advantage of this day!!

2- Getting extremely overinflated tourist pricing

3- Getting fake items

Can anyone give me advice on WHERE to find silk items that are legit and not overpriced? Personally I prefer set pricing. But if I have to bargain - how do I do that/start? REALLY need advice. I can't find help anywhere and online videos are over 7 years old

On "google" they mention:

• Hangzhou Chinese Silk City (西湖丝绸城): The largest, offering numerous stalls with silk clothing, scarves, and fabrics.
• Xinhua Road/Feng Qi Road Silk Market: A major, popular market with hundreds of shops.
• China National Silk Museum Shops: Features high-quality, authentic items and designer products.
• Hefang Street: A historic, tourist-friendly area for smaller items and souvenirs.

But these are streets with stalls - I do not mind. But how do I know what is legit or not? Also these all close at 5PM which is quite early.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Hello,

I have only ONE FULL day in Hangzhou - a full day. We are staying at HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny hotel. Would LOVE to buy some legit (not fake) silk - perhaps scarves, clothing or some bedware (pillow case, bedsheets etc?).

Items of Concern:

1- We only have ONE day so I need to have time to waste or "figure things out". Have to take full advantage of this day!!

2- Getting extremely overinflated tourist pricing

3- Getting fake items

Can anyone give me advice on WHERE to find silk items that are legit and not overpriced? Personally I prefer set pricing. But if I have to bargain - how do I do that/start? REALLY need advice. I can't find help anywhere and online videos are over 7 years old

On "google" they mention:

• Hangzhou Chinese Silk City (西湖丝绸城): The largest, offering numerous stalls with silk clothing, scarves, and fabrics.
• Xinhua Road/Feng Qi Road Silk Market: A major, popular market with hundreds of shops.
• China National Silk Museum Shops: Features high-quality, authentic items and designer products.
• Hefang Street: A historic, tourist-friendly area for smaller items and souvenirs.

But these are streets with stalls - I do not mind. But how do I know what is legit or not? Also these all close at 5PM which is quite early.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Hello,

I have only ONE FULL day in Hangzhou - a full day. We are staying at HangZhou ZhongWei Sunny hotel. Would LOVE to buy some legit (not fake) silk - perhaps scarves, clothing or some bedware (pillow case, bedsheets etc?).

Items of Concern:

1- We only have ONE day so I need to have time to waste or "figure things out". Have to take full advantage of this day!!

2- Getting extremely overinflated tourist pricing

3- Getting fake items

Can anyone give me advice on WHERE to find silk items that are legit and not overpriced? Personally I prefer set pricing. But if I have to bargain - how do I do that/start? REALLY need advice. I can't find help anywhere and online videos are over 7 years old

On "google" they mention:

• Hangzhou Chinese Silk City (西湖丝绸城): The largest, offering numerous stalls with silk clothing, scarves, and fabrics.
• Xinhua Road/Feng Qi Road Silk Market: A major, popular market with hundreds of shops.
• China National Silk Museum Shops: Features high-quality, authentic items and designer products.
• Hefang Street: A historic, tourist-friendly area for smaller items and souvenirs.

But these are streets with stalls - I do not mind. But how do I know what is legit or not? Also these all close at 5PM which is quite early.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

Good Morning,

If you don't want to read the entire post - see below the dotted line

I am in my early 40s and I have decent skin - combination. Definitely never "dry" mature as everyone seems to describe women in their 40s - live in a hot humid climate. Anyhow - my mother (69) and I will be visiting Seoul as a "long layover" for 2 FULL days (outside travel days). So trying to make the most out of our visit to shop for skincare (time effectively). If there is time - we may consider doing other things. I am considering splitting our days myeongdong and Gangnam - unless otherwise adviced.

I have never bought luxury skincare brands before because they simply are too expensive. In Korea they are more affordable - my mother on the other hand does (non-Korean). Which likely explains why her skin is so amazing (with the exception of some tightening needed at her age). Considering getting regular skincare AND some Luxury brands to test out. According to online - expiration seem quite long and mostly is activated upon opening a bottle - appreciate tips/advice on this too.

------

Anyhow - considering History of Whoo and Sulwhasoo. Looking for the best place to shop for them/most "cost" effective - will explain. PLEASE advice me or correct me.

The Whoo:

I see no stand alone shop/flagship shop. Assuming Duty Free vs Department Stores. From my understanding Department stores will have much more options but are likely more expensive that Duty Free - does anyone KNOW if the price difference is ONLY VAT because I can request that back upon leaving the country. Or are department stores JUST more expensive in General? I also understand that department stores are more likely to have "gift with purchase" - not guaranteed of course. Interested in sets because I think those may be the most cost effective way to sample the whole line. Have noticed many duty free shops are "sold out" of product.... Also any recommends on which department store to visit - some carry more than others. Unfortunately because there are no stand alone shops, I guess I can't have someone look at my skin and recommend a line. I will rewatch The Monodist and try to match my skin

Sulwhasoo:

Department Stores vs Duty Free - but I also noticed there are two shops in Seoul. Sulwhasoo SPA Flagship Store in Gangnam - spa shop? Also The House of Sulwhasoo (Bukchon), Sulwhasoo Flagship Store (Dosan) and a Myeongdon Brance inside Lotte?? They all seem close-ish by (using google maps though so likely wrong). I do like a dedicated shop because they may be able to give me a good line recommendation. All these places have wonderful reviews. Any advice on how to tackle this?

Thanks!