Shop till you drop in Dongdaemun!

It was my last night in Seoul when I jumped on the subway then got off at Dongdaemun station and strolling around the huge Dongdaemun Shopping Mall.

Dongdaemun Shopping Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is the largest shopping centre in South Korea. Opened for the first time in June 1905, the market has become one of the most popular markets in Korea especially for clothing and its accesories. With more than 25 shopping malls and 30,000 speciality shops you would find anything you need to dress your head to toe. When you get tired from shopping you would easily find eateries both inside and outside the mall where 'Pojang Macha' stalls lining up along the street and enough to satisfy your craving for Korean food.

The main street divides Dongdaemun Market into two section.

Section 1 is more for retail shops where the atmosphere designated for young people and the facilites such as information desk and money changer make it easy for the tourist. This section open from 10 am till 5 am the next day, you can say that this market is also a night market as well.

Section 2 is more for wholesale and since mostly for wholesaler there are no facilities such as dressing room, the market in this section open about 8 pm till 8 am the next day.

Dongdaemun

Across the shopping complex, you'd find one of Seoul's famous landmarks: Dongdaemun Gate (East Main Gate). Originally called Heunginjimun, this National treasure was built by King Taejo in 1396, renovated by King Danjong in 1453 and its present structure was built by King Gojong in 1896. Although the gate is generally known as Dongdaemun Gate, many people still call it Heunginjimun with the intention of preserving its old heritage. The easiest way to get to Dongdaemun is by subway line no 4 and get off at Dongdaemun station, take exit no 4 and walk for about 5 minutes.

(Source: Korea Tourism)

(Picture courtesy of : Korea Tourism)

Jeju Folk Village

Jeju Folk Village is a place where you can see and experience the native's culture of the island as well as species of native trees. Jeju Folk Village has a range of tradtional folk collection from around 1890's, more than 100 traditonal houses and over 8,000 pieces of folk articles are also displayed. The houses on display comprises mountain village, hill-country village, Jeju old administration office, and fishing village including the women diver's house. You can also find the traditional marketplace like restaurant, convinience store, and souvenir shop.

(Jeju Folk Village)

As we joined a local tour, lunch was included so we didn't bother what's on the menu for our lunch. The traditional Korean dishes served on a long table, including the local famous Jeonbokjuk (abalone porridge), fried fish, hotpot and not to mention a range of Banchan (Korean side dishes) including kimchi, fried anchovy, and potato salad. Don't expect for a big portion of abalone porridge considering the price, but I was quite happy with a small bowl of this healthy and yummy soup. Lucky that we mingled very well with a lovely family whose daughter speak English fluently so we didn't get lost in translation. This time I didn't manage to take good pictures so no food pictures to share for this post.

Admission fee is 6,000 won for individual, open from 8:00 to 17:oo in winter, and open a bit longer in summer (18:00). Jeju Folk performance can be enjoyed 3 times a day, but better check the schedule beforehand.

Gyeongbokgung (경복궁)

Seoul - second installment: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace literally means 'Palace Greatly Blessed by Heaven', is the main and largest palace of the Five Grand Palaces built by Joseon Dynasty. The palace was originally constructed in 1394 by King Taejo, the first king and founder of Joseon Dynasty (source: wikipedia).

Gyeongbokgung Palace is also known as 'Northern Palace' since it's located more toward the north while Changdeokgung known as 'Eastern Palace' and Gyeongheegung as 'Western Palace'. The National Palace Museum of Korea is located south of heungnyemun gate and the National Folk Museum is located east within Hyangwonjeong.

The ticket pass for Gyeongbokgung Palace can also be used at National Palace Museum and National Folk Museum.

The 'must see' attraction at this Palace is 'Changing guard ceremony', but unfortunately we missed this so I didn't have any picture to show, furthermore I didn't manage to shoot proper pictures only got a few pictures of my wife with the couple. Talking about these buddies, we just met for the first time in the morning but ended up hanging around together all day exploring Seoul, squeezing ourselves in the huge crowd at Myong Dong and dropped dead tired on the busy buzzing streets packed with people enjoying the city's illumination of Christmas eve!

This Palace is open from 9.00 - 18.00 during summer and 9.00 - 17.00 during winter, closed every Tuesday. Address: Seoul-si Jongno-gu Sejong-ro 1.

Admission fee is 3,000 won for 19+ and 1,500 won for 7-18 and free for age 6 or under.

For detail information about Gyeogbokgung Palace you can visit the official website here.

Changdeokgung (창덕궁)

Seoul-first installment:Changdeokgung Palace

As a I mentioned on my previous post, one of my 'must visits' in Seoul was Changdeokgung Palace, at that time I only knew that this Palace is one of the shooting places for the famous series of 'Jewel in the Palace' or 'Dae Jang Geum'.It was my first visit of the day since it's only a stroll walk from my hotel.

Changdeokgung Palace (literally means 'Palace of Prosperous Virtue) is one of Five Grand Palaces in Seoul built by Joseon Dynasty. Located in a large park in Jongno-gu, Seoul, this UNESCO World Heritage site can be reached by subway line 3, get off at Anguk station and take exit 3.

Accompanied by three friends from Japan and a new couple friend from Seoul, we decided to take our own walking tour instead of waiting for the next English guided tour. We explored this beautiflul Palace for about 2 hours before heading to another palace called Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Here are some snaps we took in the Palace:

Here are some useful information about this Palace:

	- Address
	1, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
	- Tel : 82-2-762-8262
	- Admission Fee
	Ages 19~64 : 3000 won Ages 7 ~18 : 1500 won Ages 6 and below, Ages 65 and up : Free Closed: Mondays For full information of this Palace you can clik here