Day 3 in Seoul

Namdaemun Market

Jeff here...
This morning we decided to check out more of Seoul by visiting a definite must see, the Namdaemun Market. The Namdaemun Market has a history that dates back some 500 years (during the Joseon era) when merchants would set up shop just outside the walls of the city (near the current location of the market). The current location dates to 1922 and is, along with the Dongdaemun market one of two of the largest markets in Seoul. This incredible market has over 10,000 shops and booths both large and small. And if you are looking for something (like say a comb for a reasonable price!!), Namdaemun Market is definately the place to get it. From clothing , foodstuff, everyday goods to agricultural goods and medical supplies, Namdaumun is a bustling part of the Korean landscape. Our visit to this market was by far the coolest adventures we have had here in Korea. As we walked the rows of shops, buying and selling and haggling were going on at a feverish pace. We took our time as we really wanted to absorb some of the local culture and enjoy this amazing market. We saw all kinds of items for sale, from clothing (tons of shops with clothes) to toys, to ginseng roots (they looked like strange organs that were preserved), to dried squid, fish and shrimp. There was also local cuisine being made and sold. Amber was especially excited to find a brand of clothes named... AMBER! There was even an Amber Outlet!! If there is one thing that is a must see, Namdaemun market is the place to see.

We didn't have much time to do anything else because we had another meeting (playtime) to meet Daum again at 1:30, so we raced back to the guesthouse. I'm so glad we had a chance to experience the markets this morning!