Namdaemun Market

On Saturday we decided to attempt (for the second time), to explore Seoul. Our first attempt, the previous weekend, ended with us getting off the subway halfway there. Our normally happy and content daughter decided to express her displeasure with our plans and we caved under all the frowns and glares that we were getting. Public transit with a baby = no fun. This time, we took our car

The plan:
1. Check out the markets (with a buggy!
Yikes!!)
2. Stroll the streets (aka: human bumper karts
with frostbite)
3.Take in the culture (ignore # 4 - we
needed some of the comforts of home)
4. Find a Starbucks (feel a bit ashamed
about this one .... its only been a month)

Seoul is a bustling city, with over 11 million people! The drive into the city was a bit stressful, as its hard to navigate, when your map is written 100% in Korean. Thankfully, the destination we were heading for was not far off the beaten path. We snagged a FREE parking spot (albeit through sneaky means ... we "visited" one of Trevor's co-workers at the hotel he was staying.) We bundled up Lexi in the stroller, and started our trek to Namdaemun market. After a few wrong turns, new directions from a helpful English speaking Korean man, and 3km later: we arrived! We spotted a Starbucks, warmed our cold hands, and revelled in the taste of a good cup of coffee.

The population density in Seoul is 16,700 per sq km versus Vancouver at 1,650 per sq km. It explains why its nearly impossible to walk two steps without having someone bump into you, especially with a stroller. The market is very popular on weekends, and since its closed on Sundays, It was busy!

The market covers 10 acres, and there are about 10,000 stores. Its the largest market in Seoul, where you can buy things like: octopus, dried squid, ginseng, peanuts, dried beans and grains, vegetables, shoes, clothing, scarves, furs, fabrics etc. I happened to stumble upon a wool store, and picked up some supplies for a new project.

The streets are not accessible by car, (although the motorcycles sure zip through, at a rapid pace) and vendors set up shop in the alleys and walkways between buildings.

The market closes at 6:30 pm, and all the vendors wrap their goods, on their carts, and wheel them away. It was really nice to see the city lit up at night. There are many streets lined with trees, covered in white lights, and fountains are decorated, and buildings are lit with colorful lanterns which change color.

It was a fun day in Seoul! We now have a few more things on our list to explore, things we didn't have time to check out this time. I added more pics in the slideshow, if your interested.