Dongdaemun Market
You can be sure that you have never before been to a place like Dongdaemun, the fashion mecca of Korea. Between the rows of skyscrapers, countless people walk with large shopping bags in their hands.
The reason why Dongdaemun is so crowded with Koreans and foreigners alike is because high-quality goods, that do not fall short quality-wise of brand-name products, are available at affordable prices here. With a little effort, you can even find clothes made of better-quality materials in more-chic and forward-looking designs than the products found in department stores.
Inside most of the shopping malls in the neighborhood are rows and rows of single room-sized stores where young fashion designers reach for their dream. Recently, news that a piece made by a designer, who had worked in Dongdaemun for about 10 years, was picked up by Printemps Department Store in Paris caused quite a stir.
Dongdaemun is not only the biggest retail market for cloth and textile products in Seoul, but is also a world-famous design/fashion Mecca which offers a great range of the latest fashion – clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and more – items at affordable prices. Fashion shows and dance competitions take place day and night in front of the area’s landmark shopping malls, such as Doosan Tower, Migliore and Freya Town. This area springs into life with shoppers from very early in the morning. Many of them are wholesalers coming from all over the country in chartered buses so as to get the best possible deals. Until midnight, Dongdaemun overflows with all kinds of merchandise to suit every taste.
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung (Palace), built in the 4th year of King Taejo’s reign (1395), is where the Joseon Dynasty originated. It is the oldest and central palace of Joseon. It is for this reason that Gyeongbokgung is considered the most beautiful and biggest of the 5 palaces in Seoul, and praised as demonstrating the very height of architectural technology from the medieval period of Northeast Asia.
Parts of the palace were burnt down during “Imjin Oeran”, the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598). Since 1610 Changdeokgung played the role of jeonggung instead, until Heungseon Daewongun (father of King Gojong) restored Gyeongbokgung in 1865. Although the palace was seriously damaged once again, under Japanese Colonial rule, the current Korean government is continuing its predecessors’ efforts to restore it to its original glory. Major attractions inside the palace include Geunjeongjeon (the main hall of the palace), Gyeonghoeru pavilions, Hyangwonjeong pavilion and the Amisan chimneys, all of which are valuable cultural and historical assets illustrating the essence of the traditional architectural design of the Joseon Dynasty.
There are several historical sites and artifacts of great value that can be found in every corner of Gyeongbokgung. Inside the palace are the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea to take you on a trip back into Korean history.
Yongsan
Yongsan Electronics Shopping Mall and Techno Mart prove that Korea is a leading player in information technology (IT). Each of the two large retail complexes specializes in electronic goods and is equipped with full lineups of computers, broadcasting equipment, audio systems, and lighting equipment, all of which are available at extremely competitive prices (which vary depending on your bargaining skills as well). Besides shopping, various other activities are also available at these two complexes as they both feature multiplex cinemas, restaurants and food courts, not to mention their events halls. Different floors are dedicated to different types of goods.
Yongsan is frequently visited by foreigners in Seoul because of its proximity to Itaewon and Hannam-dong, and the recent development of the area has made it one of the most rapidly rising attractions in Seoul.
Hongdae/Hongik
Hongdae refers to the area stretching from Hongik Univ. Station (line 2) to the main entrance of Hongik University and is lined with unique coffee houses, small venues for indie rock concerts, live music bars, jazz and dance clubs. Hongik University itself is most famous for its art program and so naturally the area is full of arty boutiques, galleries, studios, craft shops and accessory stores, as well. The last Friday of each month is “Club Day” when clubbers can visit many different clubs in the area with a single ticket. The annual street art festival in October is another popular cultural event attracting a stream of young art lovers to this area.
Every Friday and Saturday night, Hongik University area becomes full of young people dressed to impress and following the sound of music and chatter. This area attracts both Koreans and foreigners in equal measure. House, trance, drum and base, hip hop, rock, and salsa rhythms transport you to a world of rhythm, light and dance.
Hongik University area is also famous for the many and varied work by artists who deny the bounds of a confined studio space; and many “Streets of Art” have come about in the area as a result. This has made the area Seoul’s No.1 art district where the public freely interacts with the art all about them.
Markets for the arts and crafts of amateur artists regularly open in the playground across the street from Hongik University. There are many hidden treasures to be found at these markets. The Sinchon area, nearby the Hongik University neighborhood, is surrounded by 3 other universities. It is full of fun and excitement for the young, Korean and foreigner alike. The shopping district in front of Ewha Womans University is always crowded with young women shopping for clothes, wallets, shoes, and accessories. The campuses of Yonsei University and Ewha Womans University brighten up with azalea blossoms in spring and colorful autumn leaves in autumn, and they are frequently visited by lovers seeking a romantic walkway.
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