This is Deoksugung’s gate. Every day at 11 am, 2 pm and 3:30 pm, these soldiers perform a change of guard ceremony. It’s quite a neat “show” to see with music and marching. The commentary to the ceremony is led in four different languages, I believe (it was very interesting for me to hear that).
So here is a close up of a Korean man for you:) I cannot believe that I can distinguish now between Japanese, Koreans and Chinese. It’s a skill I developed last month-hahaha.
Right across from Deoksugung, Seoul looks like this:
Another short taxi drive took us to Myong-Dong—a popular fashion shopping area. We didn’t come there to shop though. We were looking for this one dumpling place recommended by Tripadvisor. After a bit of walking around trying to find the place, we had to ask someone about Myeongdong Kyoja. Even after someone pointed us in the right direction, we couldn’t see the place! The problem was that the name of it was written in Korean. Finally, we found it (ask me for directions if you ever decide to go to Seoul)! The place was already quite full—it was only 11:30.
There were 4 entrees (yes, that's all) on the menu. Dumplings, noodle soup, something spicy, and something with milk and green grass (kidding). We ordered two soups and two plates of dumplings.
YUMMMMM! Delicious!!
This is what the restaurant looks like on the outside.
By the time we were finished, around 12:20 pm, the wait was at least 30 minutes. People were standing in two lines waiting to be seated in the downstairs or upstairs (yes, there are two levels to this place). I definitely recommend it -- early in the lunch hour though.
As we walked around more through Myon-dong, we saw the honey string candy makers:) They do a little “show” for you to demonstrate how the candy is made. The kids found it very entertaining. Basically, hard honey is mixed with lots of flour and then stretched several times, twisted and stretched again. This candy has a very unique taste.
Walking from Myong-Dong to Namdaemum Market. N Seoul Tower is in the background.
We did go to Namdaemum Market which is one of the most famous shopping areas in Seoul. You could find a ton of clothes, accessories, cosmetics, suits, etc. there. I recommend going there without kids:) It was very crowded (it was Saturday) and too much to choose from.
Our day was only half way over. At 1:30 pm we hopped on a subway train heading across Seoul to COEX mall where a fun COEX Aquarium was located…
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