I'll start off by saying I took very few photos today, but I do have some videos, so that's cool.
What is Namdaemun? Namdaemun is a very famous underground market, on top of which there is another market. It's kinda like if you've ever been to downtown LA. There's the jewelry district, and flower district, fashion district, toy district and so on. That's Namdaemun but with a flea market underneath it, I mean it was crazy. Surprisingly, I actually felt quite comfortable and at home, I have often traveled to LA's fashion district alone, which is also filled by vendors who know little to no English and only accept cash. So this was probably the most st home I'd been the whole trip, maybe that's why I let my guard down?
I went alone as per usual, but I think if I were to go again, I'd be best to go with someone who knows the way. Otherwise I'd have to go a lot on my own until I found the way. My first purchase was from s sweet Ajumma, I bought a skirt, and some gaucho pants for 80,000 krw that's like $62 in American money, my next stop was even more successful. I bought a jade ring, and amathyst pendant, an amathyst broach, and pearl bracelet for 195,000 krw which would be 150 American, and then she gave me another bracelet, and some masks for free. She tried to sell me more, but that was the last of the cash I had budgeted for the weekend.
I had to tap into next weeks funds so I could buy some street food. I ate Fish Cakes ( not pictured) the same kind Gam Shin brings Bong Soon and her family in "Strong Woman Bong Soon" I also bought a nut tart, just like her family sells at their walnut shop. Very good, I could eat five, but that was the last one. I also had a green tea ice cream, delicious by the way. The market seemed to be extra crowded as it was Parents Day. Parents Day is a holiday in Korea where you give your Parents gifts and spend the day hanging out with them. I saw a lot of adult children walking through the market with their parents.
I forgot to say I had made a nail appointment for that day at six, I really hate having bad nails. Anyways it was about 3 so I was ready to go home.
But I had gotten all turned around and was having difficulty finding the station, any station. I ended up stumbling upon a city gate, where a performance was happening
Since I had missed the changing of the guard at Gyeongbukgong Palace it fortuitous to get to see it today. There were also several examples of fighting style on display, including sword and spear. It was very exciting.
After this ended I continued walking around for about and hour. I was definitely on there verge of tears when I finally spotted a subway station. Giving me ample time to get home, and get my nails done (I was worrying about missing my appointment at this time.) The subway back was uneventful, I stopped off at home to change, the walked down to the salon.
Look at those nails, so happy!!! The lady was so gentle. And in Korea they don't shave your nail down before applying the color and jewels and stuff. So I know under these bad boys is a still healthy nail. On the walked back I stopped off this store I had been eyeing Troubadour and bought a light sweater.
I had been craving pizza since the night before, so I was happy to stop off at Gino's it was so good I ate the entire thing. It was a Mushroom and Bell Peppers pizza, New York style. Also enjoyed the view from my seat.
What did I Wear?
I started the day in a floral print matching button up cropped top and elastic waistband shorts combo. Made by me of course.
I later changed into my Kancan jeans and a skull print dolman top also made by me.
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