Friday, November 19, 2010

Namdaemun Market

Yesterday I ventured out into Seoul to go to one of the famous Namdaemun Market to do some Christmas shopping.  Let's just call that trip a total disaster.  3 hours and 4 buses later I eventually made it there, thanks to the nice driver on bus #3 who consoled the frustrated, crying American and then walked me off his bus and showed me the next bus to take.  I eventually made it there, but only had an hour to shop before I had to turn back around in major traffic to get to work.  Luckily I made it to school on time, only after sprinting through the crowds of people on the streets and through the subway back to my apartment.

After yesterday's craziness I was determined to get it right today.  I made there easily so hopefully there will be no more confusion in the future.  Namdaemun has become one of my favorite places in Seoul.  It reminds me of shopping in NYC.  Vendors everywhere, bartering, thousands of people bumping into you, and tons and tons of . . . stuff.  They sell everything here: food, clothes, jewelry, stationery, pots and pans, shoes, etc.  Unfortunately, I don't like to barter so I'm sure I probably paid more than most people, but the prices were still pretty cheap so I didn't feel that bad.  There's this one indoor area where men and women make all different kinds of jewelry and hairpieces right in front of you.  I could have spent a fortune, but I had enough will power to stick to my Christmas list.  The quality of the work is unbelievable and the things they make are beautiful.  There were a few Christmas stores set up, and man do they put American holiday decorations to shame.


I have never seen more intense, over the top, shiny, sparkly, blinking things in my entire life.  I wanted to take everything back to my apartment so I could decorate and bask in the holiday goodness!

I bought a couple gifts for my brothers and the man who was helping me asked the infamous questions, "Do you have a boyfriend?"  He happily gave me his card in case I ever wanted to call him - thanks but no thanks.

I then walked to Myongdong where the Catholic Church is and all the American shops that I went to soon after I arrived here.  I needed a little break so I went to the 4-story Starbucks and treated myself to a peppermint mocha (I was so excited to see they were selling them here!  Sadly there are no gingerbread or eggnog lattes).  After savoring my drink I was on my way to the bus and happened to walk by Forever 21.  I wanted to buy everything in the store, but only bought a cute crocheted beret for 8800 won (about $8).  Hats crocheted/knitted goods are a huge thing out here so I figured I should participate in the trend.

The downside to going to Myongdong - couples galore!!  It seemed like every couple in Korea decided to go shopping today, leaving me with a slight case of the holiday blues.  I generally don't like shopping with guys but today I could have used a partner in crime.  Note to self - don't tell Peter.  He cancelled our Korean lesson today because he had to work but re-scheduled for tomorrow because he "wants to see me."  I need to find him a girlfriend ASAP.

Hope everyone back home is enjoying the holiday season!!

1 comment:

  1. Poor Peter!!,
    Hey sweetie- what up with anther job? Do you have too much time for shopping? Give me details?
    Mom

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