Vatos Tacos: KTX to Get The Best Tacos in Seoul South Korea

I have a hard time shopping in South Korea. But, I needed a ball gown. I have a big butt, thick thighs, and a substantially smaller waist and bust. I have a hard time finding clothes that fit me back home. Let alone a country like South Korea with some of the smallest people on the planet. But I found one and now I’m sitting in Vatos Urban Tacos in the Itaewon district of Seoul. And while my shape is mostly due to DNA– however these tacos aren’t making any future shopping trips any easier. But as long as I have access to the KTX, I’ll make anything work here in South Korea.

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KTX, Vatos Tacos, and Ball Gowns

I tell everyone, people are fatter in Seoul, so it’s’ easier to find things that fit. But it really sucks that I haven’t found any good Mexican restaurants in Daegu. It’s one of my comfort foods. The food and margaritas are really good here, but I love that the staff is a mix between East and West.

Speaking Hangul with a French Girl

Today, my waitress, Deborah is from Lyon France. She speaks pretty good Hangul. We talk about French wine and how much she misses it and we compare notes on travel around Provence, Thailand, and Bali. It’s your typical Wednesday afternoon conversation between a French and an American in a Mexican restaurant in South Korea. I love it!!

Traveling by KTX

I started off the morning early. I caught the 0745 KTX train from Dondaegu Station to Seoul. My agenda: to find a ball gown for the upcoming area IV Ball AND to eat lunch at Vatos. You can fly that mission accomplished banner and it’s barely noon.

The KTX train is my favorite way to get to Seoul (and Busan) from Daegu and the only way we’ve utilized since moving here. It takes less than two hours as opposed to the 4 (or more hours and added aggravation) it would take to drive the same distance in your Korean p.o.s. I’ve heard of the drive taking more than 7 hours. I also like taking the limousine bus when going to either airport (Gimhae and Incheon).

The Limo Bus

Read more about that in Limousine Bus. The train makes 4 or 5 bullet stops along the way. Dally too long and you’ll find yourself riding a little longer than you expected. So don’t be alarmed when the locals jump out of their seats and crowd the aisles before the train comes to a complete stop. Heaven forbid anyone who blocks them from a speedy departure. You have been warned.

Taking the KTX

A ticket on the fast train will cost you 43,500 Won each way or 87,000 Won for a round-trip. It leaves from the Dondaegu station in downtown Daegu regularly beginning at 0540 (arrival 0730). The last train to return back to Daegu leaves Seoul at 2341 (0125 arrivals). Make sure you check the schedules, this information may change at any time.

The trains don’t reach the speeds of the bullet trains in Japan, but they get the job done and they are extremely punctual. I rode the famed train from Tokyo to Kyoto and back and it moves. For your convenience, military personnel can purchase their tickets at the travel office on Camp Henry. The travel office is located directly across from the ACS building. They will assist you with information as well as check availability since seating is assigned.

Dondaegu Station

Give yourself plenty of time due to the ongoing construction near Dondaegu station. It’s not half as bad as it was when we arrived last year. They are currently building the world’s largest mall, which is currently located in Busan to the south. It was supposed to open this summer, but eh, it doesn’t look like they’ll make it.

Look for your track number on the electronic boards located all over the station and proceed to the designated track at least 10-15 minutes prior to arrival. Remember the train waits for no one. Once on the tracks, look for the car numbers, which are located overhead as well as directly in front of the tracks. If you do find someone in your seat, just lethal know and they will move. Hopefully, you won’t be the person moving (been there, done that).

Take a Seat on the KTX Train

The tickets will direct you to the train car and seat number, which is located above the seats. Train staff may or may not check your ticket. Today, no one bothered me after I sat in my seat, other than to shush me because I was on the phone. I was asked to leave the car and complete my phone call between cars, which was fine. I lost my signal shortly afterward anyway.

Wi-FI and More

The train has WI-FI but every time you pull into the station it gets disconnected. I wasn’t able to connect this morning even though it said I was connected. No biggie, I just used my phone as a hotspot (password enabled) to use my laptop. The worst moment of the trip is when my seatmate arrived and started unpacking the food. I’m sorry but the thought of having to smell certain foods in a confined space is not pleasant. Luckily it was ramen noodles and not kimchi.

There is an overhead bin for small bags and a large containment area between cars for larger luggage. TV monitors play a steady stream of commercials, some Korean programming as well as monitor the speed of the train. Stops are announced in both Hangul and English. A snack cart moves throughout the train offering hot and cold beverages and light snacks. And the KTX Magazine in the seatback has some articles in both languages as well.

Taxis in Seoul

There is a taxi stand in front of the station. They are local taxis, so they cannot drive on-post. Ask to be dropped off at Yongsan Gate 1. If you’re going to Yongsan or the Dragon Hill Lodge. It’s a short walk from there and should cost no more than 5,000 Won. Beware of the black taxis. They are considered a luxury and will charge you 20,000 Won for the same trip.

Back at Vatos Tacos

Deborah points to one of the owners, Juweon Kim, who just stopped by. Along with Kenneth Park and Sid Kim… have really created an environment that Deborah says is more like family than co-workers. They eat, drink, and travel together. She says that even though she misses her native France, Korea has grown on her and she plans to stay as long as she can.

I think about ordering another round of mini tacos, but remember the gown in my suitcase. It fits NOW, and it looks great, but skipping the tacos might be a great idea!! The music is loud, but doesn’t mask the noise from the construction next door. Seoul, not unlike the rest of South Korea, seems to be in constant transition mode. The lunch crowd has come and gone… large groups of American soldiers, Korean girlfriends, and a couple of American families… all on their way back to work or to finish shopping for handbag knockoffs on the backstreets of Itaewon.

Shopping in South Korea

I’ve said it before, I’m not a shopper. And shopping in South Korea can be tricky. But I’ve had the best luck finding clothing (esp. dresses) in Seoul. I like the second-hand shop in the Dragon Hill Lodge. I found a very cute black cocktail dress there for $50. And it was silk too. I am very happy with the gown I found in a second-hand shop on a backstreet. It’s beautiful and fits me perfectly. It’s poofy, has some hand beading, it’s pink, and makes me feel like a princess. And the besting about it is that is cost me $65.

Shoot, I bought another dress, much more casual for $75. My budget was $200, so in my mind, I must find something to buy for $135 because it’s important to stick to the budget, right? You just have to wander around.

The shops in Itaewon will also take your measurements and order a dress if they don’t carry your size. It takes about 10 days and as long as you have a Korean address, they will gladly mail it to you. That’s a great way to avoid costly and timely alterations. And there is always the Exchange. Yeah, I know, I’m not a huge fan either. But the selection in Seoul and Osan is much better than Daegu and you might just strike gold. I know you want to see my gown, but you’ll have to wait.

The Return Trip

I had planned to devour the chimichurri chicken AND the lime shrimp tacos, but this margarita has me pretty full and I promised to drink one for my husband since he couldn’t join me. I’ll take that one to go—another benefit of drinking here. I just have to remember, the traffic in Seoul is much worse than Daegu so I need to give myself ample time to get back to the station. Back in Daegu, I follow the signs to the Metro (construction woes) which is cheaper and faster in the 5 pm traffic. I love using KTX. It can be a little expensive for a larger family, but if you have any questions about traveling via KTX, don’t hesitate to ask.

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