Had to take different subway lines today to get to
Hongdae (Hongik University) and one of the shopaholics' most favorite places in Seoul,
Myeongdong.
Becoming more confident in changing lines, following the signs, and even avoiding stations that I don't like so much (i.e. too crowded).
Here are some of the things that I saw around Hongik University/Hongdae:
#Seoulfulee2014
Just wanted to see the Free Market at a children's park near Hongik University, where there are bazaars and cultural shows every Saturday. As usual, there's much to see, much to buy, and much joy to soak in.
Walking into Hongik/Hongdae from the metro exit, filmed a video of teens dancing. In the same spot on my way back to the subway station, BFFs dog and master are playing fetch, entertaining a different set of crowd.
Somewhere between the dancing-fetch stage, I watched filmed two magicians showing off their "powers."
All for free. (Well, I paid for the subway and a nice Japanese-Korean lunch.)
Myeongdong's
okay. Day 49. I've done a loooooot of shopping already. Just wanted to see how this place looks like at night. Well, Dongdaemun is better, in my opinion. Must mention though, I'm not this place's target tourist. This princess-in-past life loves her Korean castles and palace grounds.
Myeongdong snaps:
My favorite places in South Korea (so far):
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace (Top favorite in 2008, the first time I was in Seoul and didn't get to tour around much, still my top favorite today.)
2. Hanok Village (Haven't gone back since '08, but I still remember how overwhelmed I was by seeing all the structures and people in this remarkable place.)
3. Insadong. It was
okay at night, but it gets ten times better (at least for me) during the day.
4. Heyri Art Gallery in Paju. It reminds me of Bencab Museum in Baguio, except there are dozens of galleries in the area, and it's probably a hundred times bigger. Okay, maybe fifty times. The place is
huuuge. And it's packed with several cafes, specialty shops, etc.
5. Hongik University/Hongdae. People, culture, fashion, food. A+
6. Samcheong Park/Mt Malbawi. Hiking is not my favorite activity, but gotta say the view of Seoul from here is awesome. Plus the trail to Malbawi is not extremely difficult, so the place deserves this spot in the list. Samcheong is also among the best neighborhoods I've seen.
More here.
7. Odusan Unification Observatory. A DMZ tour is exciting for many, but to see North Korea from here is enough for me.
8. Express Bus Terminal. This is my Divisoria, sans the crazy crowd. Cheap prices, endless selection of just a bout anything, sweet deals.
9. Dongdaemun. Love the shops, love the prices, too! Haven't been to Namdaemun.
I'm stopping now, 'cause
COEX has to be somewhere up in the list.
KINTEX, too. And
Yeouido by the
Han River! And of course, the
Banghwa Neighborhood Park.
Gangseo Trail.
Jamsil neighborhood, too.
I should spend more time writing before the memory fades off in my lazy little brain.
And
Namsan Park, of course. Been up the
N Tower twice, daytime and nighttime -- both instances a wondrous experience. Hmm... I love this place!
Yongsan! Yongsan station is one of my favorite stations -- the
I'Park mall and the gadget shops! It's crowded, but it's not driving me crazy. There's so much space, and
eMart is a cool place to go to for groceries. (I realize it might be too weird to mention "groceries" here, but grocery shopping is one of the most delightful things to do in life. OK, maybe it's just me.)
War Memorial. Also a great place for walking!
