Strolling in Insadong

Where are the places to shop in Seoul?

There are many exciting shopping districts in Seoul.  I like the most is Insadong, a quintessential artsy and unpretentious place where people can perform and display their 'personality'.  They can be as loud, literally shouting, as in street hawking.  At times, there will be someone sitting in the middle of the street with a few pieces of cloth, written all over them in Korean, then reciting what seemed to be a chant.  An attention-getter indeed, a crowd puller, but I could not make out what was said. 

You can find all kinds of art pieces, new and old, here at Insadong.  Insadong is a shopping street which is only a stone throw away from the infamous Gyeongbokgung (the royal palace during the Joseon Dynasty).  During the Joseon Dynasty, this place was apparently the get-together sojourn for artist and painters.

Insadong is still such a place where you are able to find arts, painting, the writing and drawing instruments.  Art lovers set up shops in the narrow alleyways, the place is filled with folk crafts, pottery, and paintings.

Then, in the evening, take a walk along Cheonggyecheon stream, a 5.8km restored site where there are over a dozen bridges and the sidewalk is about 15 feet below street level.  Surprisingly the busy neighborhood never seem to affect the serenity of the flowing stream below.  After that, go for a bucket of beers in one of the neon-lit pubs along the stream before you hit the sack.  The beautiful autumn weather will keep you awake for more surprises for your Seoul holiday.

A small but uniquely designed shopping mall with four floors lined with shops.

I had my first manicure and my first nail art done by an artist in Seoul.

The many attractions and bridges along the restored Cheonggyecheon stream.

The Cheonggyecheon stream is flanked by one of the busiest office boulevard in Seoul.

The plaque where it is inscribed a brief introduction and history of Cheonggyecheon stream.