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Visiting Korea: Day 2 at Namsan and Myeongdong Area
A Glimpse into a Hanok
Exploring Namsangol Hanok Village
Our first stop of the day was Namsangol Hanok Village via Chungmuro station exit 3. This is where five hanoks from the Joseon dynasty were re-located to this current location. Each of the five hanoks are different in their own way and differ in sizes and structure too. For instance, you can explore a carpenter's home versus a hanok which was previously used by a crown princess. Within the Namsangol Grounds, you will also see the Time Capsule. It is located in a large open-air area and was built to commemorate Seoul's anniversary.
Namdaemun Gate
Lunch at Namdaemun
From Namsangol Hanok Village, we then took the metro to Namdaemun station where we had lunch. There are many choices here at the Namdaemun Market from the Noodle Soup Alley to the Cutlassfish Alley (Galchi jorim). For us, we finally decided to have lunch at a small shop which serves both cutlassfish and noodles. The galchi jorim comes with radish in a spicy sauce and the portion is big enough for two (18,000 won for one pot). Our second order of kalguksu (homemade noodles) was delicious due to the sweet oyster-based broth (6,000 won per bowl).
Inside EverySing Myeongdong Outlet
M Plaza at Myeongdong
After a delicious and filling lunch, we then walked from Namdaemun to Myeongdong. Along the way, we stopped to browse at Shinsegae mall. Once we reached Myeongdong, navigating the area is easy as there are tourist information guides around to help you find your way. We then made a stop at M Plaza. Here, you can try on the Korean traditional outfit called Hanbok. As it is free, it is quite popular among tourists and there can be a long wait. We were lucky though and after a short while we put on our selected hanboks and posed for photos.
Myeongdong is also a good place to shop and try street food such as tteokpokki and odeng. If you are a fan of SM Town artists like Super Junior and Girls' Generation, search for the SPAO outlet. Head up to the 2nd top floor for the EverySing outlet where you can purchase CDs, photos, souvenirs etc.
Namsan Tower at Night
Heading up to Namsan Tower
From Myeongdong, there are two ways to reach Namsan Tower.First, you can take the cable car. Another way is to take the bus. We chose the second option. Note that the bus takes at least 20 minutes as it goes a huge round before going up Namsan itself. However, the bus stop is located conveniently just across the road from the main entrance to Myeongdong.
At Namsan Tower
The bus does not stop right in front of Namsan Tower. From the bus stop, walk up a steep slope and you will soon reach the base of the tower. The area around the base is admission free and you will find the infamous locks where lovers hang a personalised lock to symbolise eternal love for each other. To enter the Teddy Bear Museum and Observatory, you will need to pay an admission fee though.
After exploring the tower, we then headed back down to Myeongdong for a delicious dinner at Yoogane before calling it a night.
Map of Seoul
Winter Landscape at Namsan
More Info on Korea
© 2014 lilian_sg