Namdaemun Market, Namdaemun Gate, and Insadong
Going to Namdaemun Market was high on our list while visiting Seoul. The reason for this was that I wanted to buy some celadon pottery to add to my collection. You see, I purchased three during my second visit to Korea years ago. I read and heard that there were lots celadon merchandise for sale there and at reasonable prices at that that's why we went early. No such luck. I was actually shocked to hear the prices I was quoted upon asking how much the celadon cost. They were astronomical!!! I hoped that if not in Namdaemun, I would be able to purchase some in Insadong . No luck there either.
Anyway, we did get to see the other landmarks and attractions in our list and then some.
We did go back to the Lotte Department Store and browse. We had gone the night before but it was near closing. This time we had more time to window shop. Actually, I ended up buying two boxes of the cookies and cream flavored choco pies for my students.
I had one of these traditional Korean treats, a pastry with egg on top. Bought it from one of the food stalls in Namdaemun Market.
Before going to Namdaemun Market, we passed by the very upscale Shinsegae Department Store and part of the store had a huge Louis Vuitton Gallery open and free to the public. The exhibits were astounding to say the least. Our mouths were wide open in awe as we went from one room to the other. It was fabulous!!!
These were the sunglasses I purchased at the Lotte Outlet. Lotte is one of Seoul's most beautiful and most elegant stores. I lucked out and got to purchase this pair at the price point I was willing to pay. Score!!!
The old Seoul City Hall
A view of the Bosingar Pavilion late in the afternoon
Here's a view of the Shinsegae Department Store
The Namdaemun Gate
By the Namdaemun Gate
In Insadon. A kind Hispanic American family from Texas offered to take our pictures here next to the Insadong sign.
The Jogyesa Temple. We didn't go inside the temple. There were lots of people, tourists in fact, who went in. We had to leave our shoes by the entrance though and we didn't feel like doing it at the time of our visit. We were happy to view the interior from the outside just the same. There was a huge golden buddha inside.