Namdaemun Market - Seoul
Aaron & Heather's 2003 Update Headquarters (AND Jan/Feb 2004)
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This market is one of the more fascinating and exhausting spots in Seoul.  It's located near the old city gates and has been a market for around 600 years.  As you can imagine, it's one of Aaron's FAVORITE places.  It goes on and on for blocks above ground and under, there's endless variety, and of course there's the bargaining.  If you can stand the nonstop pushing and shoving, you can enjoy all this place has to offer.

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Korean ginseng - supposedly the best and most potent in the world.

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Korean traditional masks.

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More examples of seafood and other meat to sample if you dare.

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tiny dried fish, to...

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But watch out for ladies with carts...

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...and balancing plates of hot food. You have to be on guard!

 

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Picking out our lunch. Most of the older women in Korea are Grandma Alice size!

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Goods just get dumped on the street for you to rummage through and bargain on.

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Everything from hairbands, to...

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eels - you name it. We didn't get pics of stationery, leather, wigs, socks, electronics & on & on.

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When you get tired of the activity up top, you can go literally underground to the black market.

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...men carrying chairs on their backs...

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Retreating into the few quiet alleys is more my pace...

 

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Busy intersection.

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The place smells of fish everywhere. Seafood sits out all day, but has many buyers.

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vitamins and toiletries, to...(nice pose, ha!)...

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Once you've pushed your way through the huge underground area, it's time to find the sun again.

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...women with umbrellas (rain or shine)...

 

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But Aaron is happiest out in the thick of it.