Namdaemun Market (남대문 시장)

I took a wrong bus from Gangnam Station and instead of Boetigogae, I ended up in Namdaemun!

It's the hub of inexpensive clothing, housewares, fabrics, jewelry, accessories, toys, food, flowers, stationery and appliances. At any time of the day, it is very crowded and most of it's visitors are tourists. Usually, things are sold in bulk. I saw a very nice hairband and the shop keeper asked me how many? Do you need hundred or two hundred? I said: one - and then they will hush you away!

In the picture above, it is the door, accessory mall, near gate no: 8 . There are several malls full of all types of broaches and other kinds of stuff....women were making them on site.

This woman was making bracelets...

Hair clips used in hair buns - they are gorgeous!

These bags were being sold for 5USD only!

Tourists information staff was dozing off............I wanted to ask her about the bus stop but then, I left seeing this!

Lunch time in Namdaemun - all shopkeepers were busy eating!

Children's goods are plenty - one such store!

This is halal - since the filling was glass-noodles and mix vegetables!

Very tasty!

It is hard to not shop there!
A good place to visit if you are in Seoul!

For some more pictures , click this blog , they have done a great job!

Sungnyemun Unveiled to Public

The mostly restored Sungnyemun meaning the Gate of Exalted Ceremonies or commonly known as Namdaemun meaning the Great South Gate was unveiled to the public early this week. Namdaemun is a historic gate located in the heart of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. It is the first among the National Treasures of South Korea.

The wooden portion atop the gate was severely damaged by arson in the 2008, an arsonist set the gate on fire on the final day of Seolnal hoiliday in 2008. The entire country saw the this gate turned to ashes on Seolnal of 2008. A sad moment indeed.

The city gate, made of wood and stone with a two-tiered, pagoda-shaped tiled roof, was completed in 1398 (610 years old) and originally used to greet foreign emissaries, control access to the capital city, and keep out Korean tigers, which have long been gone from the area. Construction began in 1395 during the fourth year of the reign of King Taejo of Joseon and was finished in 1398.

The restoration project is due for final completion in April of this year because the unusually cold weather delayed construction work and at this point, an administrative office is unfinished.

If you are in Seoul, don't forget to visit the Namdaemun gate as well as the traditional Namdaemun Market, it has become much more touristic than any other other traditional market however, it's easy to access. Prices and some souvenire are sold at lesser prices than anywhere else.