Namdaemun, the "Great South Gate," which was the main southern gate to the old city
Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest continually running markets in South Korea, and one of the largest retail markets in Seoul.
The streets in which the market is located were built in a time when cars were not prevalent, so the market itself is not accessible by car. The main methods of transporting goods into and out of the market are by motorcycle and hand-drawn carts
Namdaemun market dates back to 1414, during the reign of King Taejong, as a government managed marketplace. In 1608, King Seonjo set up the office of seonhyecheong ("tribute bureau") in the district to manage the tributes of rice, cloth and money. A trading marketplace took its form around that time and commercial activities flourished as traders set up various shops. Trade was active in grains, fish, fruit, and miscellaneous goods
We saw this man making these sweet pancakes ...
... so we just had to stop and try one (each that is!) - delicious
2002 World Cup Stadium
Within this Stadium's complex, there is an IMAX cinema as well as an extensive shopping mall. This means that there are customers going to the stadium site on a regular basis - surely our own Wembley Stadium could learn some lessons from this?
Han River
Insadong is a dong, or neighbourhood of the Jongno-gu
district of Seoul. The main street is Insadong-gil,
which is connected to a multitude of alleys that lead deeper into the district,
with modern galleries and tea shop. At one time it was the largest market for
antiques and artworks in Korea.
Insadong was originally two towns whose names ended in the syllables "In" and "Sa". They were divided by a stream which ran along Insadong's current main street. Insadong began 500 years ago as an area of residence for government officials.
Jogyesa - one of the most significant Korean Buddhist temples
We spotted these men who were in the process of planting trees - because of the Korean climate, many trees are dug up and stored for the winter and then re-planted in spring
And so our Korean adventure came to a close - it has been an experience of a lifetime - a fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable holiday
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