Showing posts with label train. Show all posts
Showing posts with label train. Show all posts

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Dongdaemun

I went on a "field trip" with a bunch of ladies to one of the biggest markets in South Korea. The train ride there took about an hour and we never had to switch trains, so no confusion in getting there. The group I was with was going to buy fabric for some upcoming sewing classes. Since I shipped a bunch of fabric with my HHG, I didn't buy any. I was mostly going to look around and see what was there for future reference. Unfortunately, it was raining when we got there, so we only ventured into one mall. I met a sweet gal in the group named, Lady, from the Philippines. We wandered around with the other ladies and had lunch together. I really enjoyed the trip and I can't wait to go again with a friend and preferably... without children.


Commonly known as Dongdaemun is a prominent landmark in central Seoul, South Korea. The Korean name "Dongdaemun" means "Great East Gate," and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the circular wall surrounding ancient Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty, and is situated on the eastern end of Jongno ("Bell Street").


Dongdaemun Market is located near Dongdaemun of which it takes its name. It is the largest shopping center in South Korea. In total the market has 26 shopping malls situated over 10 blocks, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers. The market sells goods ranging from just about everything but notably silks, clothes, shoes and leather goods, sporting goods, plumbing and electronics, office supplies, toys and food areas specializing in Korean cuisine.


Walls of fabric everywhere


They sell it by the yard


A shop that makes Hanboks.


Hanbok is the traditional Korean dress. It is often characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets. Although the term literally means "Korean clothing", hanbok today often refers specifically to hanbok of Joseon Dynasty and is worn as semi-formal or formal wear during traditional festivals and celebrations.


A shop selling traditional Korean dress for children. They are just beautiful.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Our First Korean Train Ride

Since the girls and I will be needing to use the train to get back and forth from post, I figured we would give it a whirl on a day that it didn't matter if I got on the wrong train. I was so confused looking at all the writing in Hangul on the ticket machines trying to buy our ticket. A kind, Korean gentleman helped me buy my ticket. Another Korean man directed me to an elevator to reach the tracks. When I got upstairs, I was sure that I was in the wrong place since I was the only one on that side of the tracks. I went back downstairs and 2 sweet, older Korean ladies offered, in their broken English, to help me get where I was going. The trip went well and we are on our way!


Outside the train station


Inside the train station