So, if you are looking for some food (spices, ginseng etc), hanboks or wholesale items, head down to Namdaemun! It's the market area in Seoul and full of hidden gems! As food is a window into a culture, a street market is a window to life in a country... I really enjoy visiting local markets when on holiday; there's a whole lot of sights and sounds not to be missed! Picture above is where the taxi alighted us.
The market name is literally "Great South Gate", and Namdaemun is the largest traditional market in Seoul. It the oldest market in the city itself as well, dating back to 1414! As you can see from the map below (Retrieved from KBS World: Seoul Tour with Yorae), you can probably find whatever you want in the market! Do note that having a map with you is advisable as the market is large, there are many gates and similar looking buildings and shops!
Ginseng store-- the prices range slightly from store to store so just take note(: And try not to get ripped off.
Pictures above all taken at street level. As we wanted to get hanboks (sis and I), we were directed into an airconditioned building and on one of the levels (Level 4 if I'm not mistaken) all the hanbok shops are there! There's lots of variety, especially for wedding hanboks, which were all very beautiful... We were attracted to this particular shop run by an elderly couple, as they had some nice display pieces(: They were so patient with us and so friendly! The old grandmama was very experienced and helped me to pick out a lovely turquoise piece (suitable for young girls like me, she said!)
She let us put it on even though it was pretty inconvenient and we were taking such a long while to choose our favourite! This is the one I got in the end. It's really beautiful.
Another place to visit for accessory lovers is the accessories wholesale building in the market! (Near Gate 6/7) It was just rows and rows of panels, and each space owner has 1-3 panels of space to themselves, and a little working area. The aisles are narrow and it's pretty claustrophobic, but the accessories there are cheaper and of the same quality as you'd find on the streets, for this is the place where they get all their supplies from! You can even see some aunties glue-gunning the bling onto hair ties, flowers onto hair bands, making ribbon hair clips, e.t.c. Undoubtedly one of my FAVOURITE places in Seoul!( I didn't find pictures of this accessory wonderland, because I think I got to excited to take any ): Will definitely update if I find any!)
Nature Republic store in Namdaemun was playing DB5K's Share The World Japan Performance T.T
Hopped into a cab on the way to Gwanghwamun!
We managed to catch a procession that they used to do in the past to change guards for the palace! Super cool! Everyone was in traditional garb and there was so much to see! An eye-opening experience that made all the korean period dramas I watched come to life, haha.
Guards taking a break in the bushes (quite literally).
It was autumn, and so the trees were very very beautiful!! All the different shades of yellow!
But it was also quite cloudy so no strong sun, but at least it was quite nice relaxing weather!
Autumn could possibly be my fav season of the year!
Pretty fountain that seemed to be in the middle of nowhere! There were some clueless ducks waddling around the area, though not visible in the picture.
Aren't the golden leaves gorgeous! This is the beauty I love about Autumn, also because the weather is just the right temperature, not too hot but not too cold so everyone can still look pretty and keep warm without wearing penguin suits!
Signing off for now,
x, m.
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