#namdaemun

[thingsdavidlikes]

Palace Steps by Corey Hamilton

[federer7]

Namdaemun Market, Seoul, Korea 1956-1963

Photo by Han Youngsoo

[learning-k0rean]

남대문시장

[nam·dae·mun·shi·jang]

(noun) (place in Korea) Namdaemun Market

[korean-culture]

#남대문시장 #도너츠 #Donuts, #Namdaemun Market is a large traditional market in Seoul, South Korea. https://www.instagram.com/p/2gIqxtHBXa/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[xoxiu]

baby, it's you - ot7 x reader

chapter one

masterlist

join the taglist

discord

summary: you get kidnapped while on a school trip to korea and get sold into south korea's luxury littles market. the most famous idol group wins your auction.

tags/warnings: forced infantilism, little!reader, diapers, noncon drug use, kidnapping, minor ed behaviors, attempted sa (cocsa?), spanking, diapers, caregivers!bts, force-feeding, language barriers,

Namdaemun market seemed never ending. So many vendors lined the streets with delicious street food and handmade clothing and accessories. You and your three friends walked the market together under the buddy system, a mandatory requirement put in place by your teacher. It was made very clear that when left to your own devices, be in a group of at least three people, and less than six. Although there were a manageable number within your group, you still found yourself doing a headcount every other minute. 

"Oh my gosh, y/n, this would be so cute on your baby sister!" Marissa exclaimed, making a beeline to a small stand selling child-size hanboks. You and the rest of your group quickly followed behind, shaking your heads at Marissa's actions. The entire time you were in the market, she was constantly running off to various vendors. 

The hanboks were obviously all handmade by the older woman running the stand- you admired the intricate design of a pale pink piece in particular. 

"They all look too big- Lainey is only 2 years old..." your words trailed off as you looked amongst the various color options. All of the hanboks were much too big for your sister, being mostly toddler sized. 

The more you and your friends stood at the stand, the more weird you felt. Perhaps it was just your imagination, or paranoia, but you couldn't help but feel someone watching you. The fact that every time you glanced at the old shopkeeper she would immediately dart her eyes away from you was not helping anything. Finally, the woman spoke up as you began to walk away. 

"I have smaller sizes in the back, if you'd like to look," she said, making your group all look over in her direction. The four of you were silent for a minute, exchanging questioning glances, before Marissa spoke up. 

"You go find Lainey's size; we'll wait for you out here."

The woman ushered you inside rather enthusiastically. She followed you into the building, and closed the door behind her. The rather loud 'thud' made you jump and turn to face her, curious as to why she would suddenly close the previously open door. Before any words could be exchanged, you felt arms wrap around you, pulling you into a back room of the shop. 

You tried to scream out for help, but the hand around your mouth muffled any attempt to cry out. Quickly you felt yourself go into full panic mode, hyperventilating and squirming to try and escape the grip on your body. There had to be at least two men holding you, as you felt arms around your waist and arms, as well as various hands all over. What you could only assume was a pillowcase was slipped over your head, making the already dark room even darker. At some point the hand over your mouth was removed, now holding your wrists together behind your back. 

"Calm down, calm down," they kept repeating, but you had no idea what they were saying due to the language difference. You could, however, hear the desperation in their voices. All you could do was cry, letting out sobs and pleas to be let go. 

You could feel the tightness and tackiness of duct tape being wrapped around your wrists, leaving you unable to move them beyond maybe half an inch. Your mouth was soon covered as well, leaving your lips tightly shut from the tape. 

Hands gripped you under your armpits, lifting you up onto a platform of sorts. With the freedom you still had, you kicked your dangling legs wildly, making it harder for the men to tape your ankles as well. A sudden stinging and tingling in your cheek made you freeze out of concern. The sound of the slap did not register in your head from the pure adrenaline in the moment. Only the pain broke through your focused senses. 

The men used your stunned stillness to tape your ankles. Once they were sure the tape would hold, they jumped onto the platform next to you. You felt the shakes and bounces from their jump- you were in a truck trailer. And there were easily four men pulling your body further into the trailer. 

You were pushed down onto your stomach with a boot resting on top of your back. Nevertheless, you continued to squirm to the best of your abilities, desperately trying to do something. What that something was, you weren't entirely sure. All you could think about was getting free and running far, far away. 

As you squirmed in pain and whimpered, the men above you were having a casual conversation in Korean, even having the audacity to laugh and joke around. 

The foot was removed from your back as the engine started up. The men all sat down along the walls of the trailer, watching and laughing as you were forced to slide and roll with every jerk and turn along the road. One particularly harsh stop caused you to tumble your way into two of the men. You cried and squirmed harder, not wanting to knowingly be so close to your abductors. 

A sharp pain shot down your arm as you were stabbed with a needle in your upper arm. You panicked more, not liking being injected with some unknown drug. Another jab was made in your lower back, and soon you felt your body go numb. Your sobs and squirms soon died down as the drugs took full effect.

———

The sound of feet shuffling on the floor and people talking greeted you as you slowly came to. You groaned, not appreciating being awoken from a comfortable slumber. It took you a moment to open your eyes due to your exhaustion and the brightness of the room you resided in. Everything was a blinding white- the lights, the walls, everything.

With half lidded eyes, you turned your head to look at the two other people in the room. Neither of them paid you much attention, failing to notice that you had awoken. Your body had been drained of all energy, allowing you to only release a small, pitiful moan instead of the loud scream you wanted to make. 

Two pairs of eyes turned to face you- the man was rather shocked to see you awake, while the woman looked pleased. All you wanted to do was jump off the exam table and run as far as you could, but the fact that you couldn't feel your fingers or toes ruined that plot. 

"y/n, it's so nice to see you alert and awake!" The woman said, walking towards you. She bent down to be eye level with you, running her hand through your hair. Although she was speaking English, you still had a hard time processing her words. 

"Doctor Park is going to be examining you to make sure you're all good and healthy, is that okay?" 

You desperately tried to shake your head and let out a 'no'. Out of every possible situation in the world, having to be examined by a strange man had to be one of the worst. Especially when you are unable to move or speak. 

The man, Dr. Park, said very little to you. He sat down in his chair and rolled his way over to you, quickly taking your vitals. He spoke in Korean, mainly addressing the woman from what you could tell. Everything was just overwhelming- the finger heart monitor, the blood pressure cuff, and the ear thermometer all happening at once made your head spin out of fear and confusion. 

"y/n, you need to stop shaking your head, dear." You hadn't even realized you were moving anything, better yet your head. Ultimately you listened to the woman, fearful of what would happen if you didn't cooperate. 

As the examination went on, you felt your stomach ache more and more. Closing your eyes and turning your head away from the doctor helped slightly, but the urge to vomit still remained. 

The door to the exam room opened, allowing a nurse pushing a cart into the room. You strained your eyes to try to see what was on the cart. Various small bottles and needles were scattered across the cart, with what appeared to be a pacifier inside a clear plastic container. 

You quickly made the connections to what was going to happened. Not liking it, you began to whine and whimper more, violently shaking your head and trying your best to move the rest of your body. No one paid you any mind, however, and continued on with the procedures. 

The nurse picked up the pacifier box, and took out the pale pink pacifier. Despite your best efforts, she easily popped the soother into your mouth. You tried your best to spit it out, but your tongue felt too heavy to properly push the pacifier out with it. 

You watched as the doctor began to prepare the syringes, not entirely sure what was inside of each bottle. Not wanting to watch the needle enter you, you tightly closed your eyes until you saw random colors. Surprisingly, you didn't feel a single poke of the needles. You slowly relaxed your eyelids as you felt a comforting warmth fill your body. Your breathing began even and calmer, and soon you felt yourself fall back asleep.

[nokacchan]

'My Life' | LEE FELIX

pairing : Lee Felix X Fem!reader

genre : fluff, a slice of life, wholesome

summary : Felix got invited to a variety show, 'My Life' after recently got married to y/n l/n whom he has been together for 4 years. Their relationship has always been a private one until Felix decided to join the show. This is where Felix and Y/n's private life get shown on camera for the first time ever.

"y/n...", felix called you out softly. "Hm?", you responded back, raising your head with your eyes still closed. You could hear felix chuckling before feeling his arms wrap around your waist. "Wakey wakey~", he whispered into your ear, making you grunt and move away from him. Burying your face into your pillow. "I'm going to get breakfast ready, alright", you nodded your head without moving away from your sleeping position. He kissed the top of your head before moving out of the room.

Felix stepped out of the bedroom, surprised to see many cameras, almost forgetting that they were in a shoot. "Good morning~", he greeted the crew, bowing lightly before making his way into the kitchen.

Eventually you woke up after smelling the strong aroma coming from outside your room. "Felix?", you called him, realizing he wasn't beside you.

"Hm? I'm here", he responded back as he placed the pancakes on the dining table. You peeped your head out of the room, looking out sleepily at him. Barely even noticing the number of cameras pointing in your direction. Felix turned around and saw you just standing there. You didn't even move an inch which made him let out a chuckle before making his way towards you. You immediately wrapped your arm around his body, burying your head in his chest.

"Are you still tired?", He kissed the top of your head. You nodded your head. "Come on, let's eat. I want to bring you out later", he rubbed your back, trying to wake you up.

Felix sat beside you, enjoying his meal without really noticing what was going on, on your side. "Y/n- a-are you sleeping!?", he let out a laugh, realizing you were sleeping but you were still chewing on your food. A few of the crew members burst into a fit of laughter when Felix pointed out to you. One of the cameramen zoomed into your sleeping face while Felix took out his phone to take a picture of you.

You both dressed comfortably for the summer heat. Your left arm locked around his as you guys walked into the busy area namdaemun market. The camera crew followed along with the two of you closely, gaining a lot of attention from folks at the market. The two of you were immediately recognized by local stall owners who greeted you guys politely along the way. Some even offered free samples as a kind gesture.

"babe, we should get this!", you pulled him along with you into a stall, selling cute crochet accessories. Felix watched as you ogled over the little craftsmanship infront of you. You placed some crochet flower coaster in the basket given by the stall vendor, not realizing that Felix had placed a small crocheted heart hairpin in your hair. The stall vendor pointed out while handing you the mirror to look.

"Woah~ It's so pretty", you looked at yourself in the mirror, adjusting the hairpin that Felix had placed on your hair. The stall vendor complimented you, making you feel shy. "Let's go", he spoke from behind you. You then realized that he had already paid for the items you picked out.

"Thank you", you kissed him on the cheek, making him ruffle your hair with a wide smile on his face. He held your hand while carrying the plastic in his other hand.

Your whole trip to namdaemun market went smoothly. The two of you got to meet with some STAYs who had recognized the two of you and asked for a photo together. You were thankful at how polite they were, congratulating the two of you on your marriage before politely leaving to return back to their family/friends.

The one that caught you off guard was one of the restaurants that you guys dined in, the lovely stall owner was an old Grandma. She had told you guys that her granddaughter was a big fan of Stray Kids since debut which warmed Felix's heart. When Felix asked the grandma, who was her granddaughter's bias was, the grandma pointed out that it was Felix himself. She showed the two of you the collection of stray kids albums her granddaughter had collected since your husband's debut.

Felix didn't want to seem nosy but the grandma could tell right through him. He wanted to know how her granddaughter was doing now.

"It's alright, She's currently studying at Standford University", the grandma explained which made Felix's eyes widen in surprise. "Woah, our stays are really smart", Felix talked to the camera while clapping his hand. The old Grandma smiled warmly at Felix. You smiled as you watched the two interact, reminding you of the time where Felix met your late grandmother. Felix offered to sign his autograph & write a small note to the lady's granddaughter.

"I'll make sure to give it to her when she comes back here next week. Anyways back to the two of you. May god bless you newlyweds. Felix, please take good care of your wife. She's definitely a kind soul", you both thanked her. You felt flustered at her kind comment.

Felix wished her a long healthy life ahead as he paid for the meal which the lady wanted to decline but Felix insisted on paying since it wouldn't be nice to keep receiving free stuff from everyone at the market. The lady thanked him, giving you both a hug before letting the two of you leave the restaurant. The camera crew followed along, out of the restaurants.

Felix held your hand, realizing how quiet you got. He kissed the side of your head. "Are you alright?", He whispered into your ear. You nodded your head.

Even when the shoot was over. When you guys back home with all your goods. Felix offered to cook dinner for everyone, including the camera crew. Opting to let you rest, knowing how easily tired you get.

"Let's eat well everyone!", Felix cheered as everyone gathered around the table to eat the freshly homemade food. Everyone thanked Felix as they dug into the food.

Felix sat beside you, feeding you some portion of his meal. "Thank you...", you mumbled lowly which only Felix could hear. "There's no need to thank me. I'm your husband. It's part of my job", he told you, making you smile warmly at him in return.

Felix is indeed the best husband. No doubt about that.

The end.

NOKACCHAN 2022

[funstealer]

Locksmith in Namdaemun Market, Seoul Photographed in 1956

[byunbhyunz]

Hold Me Down

Pairing: Doyoung/Reader

Genre: fluff, runningawayfromresponsibilities!Doyoung

Word count:

Inspiration: Halsey – Hold Me Down

Part 6 of the Badlands Series

Running away was never the kind of thing Doyoung would do. Not until his responsibilities started to eat him alive, and the only thing on his mind was a night free from anything and everything.

“But it’s the devil that’s tryna Hold me down, hold me down Sneaking out the back door, Make no sound”

Driving around after sunset wasn’t unusual for you. Most of the time you found yourself hopping into your car before you could think of anything else, and drove until you felt sleepy enough to finally go to bed.

Insomnia was a nasty little thing like that. It made falling asleep hard, sometimes you couldn’t even sleep for a day or two, and you would be like a zombie at work.

It only started after your brother’s death. A car crash with him dying and two other people severely injured. You drove around for the memory of him. You drove around, because he wanted to see the world and with your limited resources you could only discover the secret places of Seoul. You looked for tourist hotspots, famous historical places, hidden restaurants and cafes, really anything that caught your eye. Sometimes you would wander around on foot, but driving was the best. It silenced your mind and you could imagine your brother sitting on the passenger seat, joking around, eager to go to places.

Some places you knew by heart, visiting them again and again.

Tonight wasn’t any different. You planned to go to the City Wall, looking around the Namdaemun market, buying something delicious to eat, then go and look at the Namdaemun Gate while eating.

Soft wind caressed your face as you rolled the windows down and stopped at a red light. You half-heartedly listened to the song playing on the radio; an old ballad about love. The lyrics went unnoticed by your mind, but the soulful melody made your heart clench in pain. It made you remember your parents’ face after the burial of your brother. It was the only time you saw your father cry.

Movement caught your eye. On the pavement, a young man around your age was running. He had a desperate look on his face, like he was running from something, but you didn’t see anything chasing him. Maybe he had this funny way for exercising. Only, he wasn’t wearing clothes made for running and it seemed like he was running straight to your car.

With a lump settling in your throat, you considered rolling the windows back up, but decided against it. Sure, he wasn’t running to a stranger’s car at night. You still activated the safety lock. Who knows, Seoul was just like any city at night: with the wrong step you could be in danger.

And oh, boy, you were wrong! The guy ran right up to you, popping his head in above the window, and said:

“Please, take me somewhere, anywhere before they find out I ran away!”

Not even in the future could you explain what made you unlock the car, and let him climb in. Maybe it was the haunted look in his eyes or how he was breathing heavily.

So you let him get in just in time for the red light changing to green. He fastened the seat belt without you having to asking him, which was a bonus point in your mind. He looked unharmed and didn’t seem like he would attack you in any moment.

You let out the air stuck in your lungs, and cleared your throat.

“So, do you have anywhere specific in your mind?” you asked after a long silence.

You were still driving in the direction of the Namdaemun Gate, the stranger’s presence not diverting you from your original plans.

“It doesn’t matter where you take me. I just need time to clear my mind.” You glanced at him for a moment, and he was scrunching his nose as if he just remembered something important. “I can pay you for the gas and the trouble, of course. Or you can drop me off…”

You interrupted him with a small smile.

“Are you wearing comfortable shoes?”

“Yes. What for?”

“Walking. ‘Cause I might just know the perfect place to turn your mind off for a few hours, if that’s what you want.”

He hummed in agreement as you made a left turn. You still had time before you would get to the gate. He didn’t ask where you were going and you didn’t tell him.

Despite a stranger sitting in your passenger seat, you were still calm and collected, as if you were alone. Not to say you were not aware of him. God, you were more than aware. Every few minutes you looked at him from the corner of your eye. He had dark hair, strands of it falling onto his forehead. Combined with dark, alluring eyes and lips that seemed to be constantly pouting.

“May I?” He asked, and pointed at the radio. You nodded.

Another red light. Looking at your surroundings, you realized you were getting closer to your destination.

The man next to you kept switching between stations, until he found a song he was satisfied with. It was a Beatles song, one your mother listened to a lot when you were younger. You hummed with the singer, never really singing along.

“My name is Doyoung, by the way. I mean… I just realized how weird this situation is.” He sounded defeated and apologetic. You heard his clothes rubbing against the seat, probably moving around a little. “I can’t believe I jumped into a stranger’s car. I’m gonna be in so much trouble.”

“And I have let a stranger get into my car. Worst case scenario: you kill me and we’ll be on the morning news.”

He softly laughed at that. You took a moment to enjoy the sound.

“What’s your name?”

“You can call me Jude,” you told him. If he recognized your obvious lie with ‘Hey Jude’ still playing on the radio, he didn’t mention it. “There, we are not strangers anymore.”

Arriving to your destination, you made a little sound effect as you waved your hand around.

“And we are here.”

“Really? Namdaemun market?” He asked skeptically, and you shrugged your shoulders.

“And the gate. I originally planned to buy some food and drink, go to the gate and have a nice meal. It’s much more relaxing than you would think.”

Getting out of the car, Doyoung followed suit. You watched him pull a mask out from his pocket, putting it on carefully. He noticed the curious look you gave him.

“People might recognize me.”

“Are you an influencer or something?” Your question made him laugh, the sound rich and low, but a little muffled by the fabrics against his mouth.

“Or something.”

Your curiosity haven’t got fulfilled with his answer, but you didn’t pry further. Despite your words, you were just two strangers sharing some time of calmness together.

You still watched his face, trying to will your mind to remember where you could have seen him, but came up with nothing. The dark hair and eyes could belong to any citizen of Seoul, only his clear skin and clothes whispered something about wealth to you. Maybe he was a son of a politician. It would explain his words of getting into trouble for jumping into a stranger’s car in the middle of the night.

Despite the time, the Namdaemun market was buzzing with life. Bright lights lead your way through the stalls of vendors. It looked more like a shopping street rather than a market, but you enjoyed spending time here. Some vendors recognized you, because you usually bought your food from them. You really liked the stalls with the old vibe, where you could know your money was going for a family business rather than a big company.

You lead Doyoung around the market carefully, letting him look around and sometimes stop for window-shopping. He never asked to go here or there, but you always noticed when he stopped in his tracks behind you. Thinking about how he wanted to protect his identity even here, your eyes automatically scanned the crowd for people with recognition on their faces, but you didn’t find anything suspicious. No one here cared about who you were.

At last, you reached your favorite place. It was a little hole in the wall shop with the most delicious tteokbokki. And it was a plus that the old couple running the restaurant were kind people, who liked to give you free drinks, very insistent about not letting you pay for them. You usually left a big enough tip to make up for the drinks anyway.

“Ah, my sweet girl! Good to see you again! Do you want the usual?” Upon your nod, the owner turned to Doyoung. “And what about your partner? A simple, mild tteokbokki will do for you, too?”

“I would like it spicy. Thank you, mister!”

“I’ll make it immediately. My old Yoona will be with you in a moment. She just made a fresh batch of coffee, too.” He gave you a wink, then went to the back and called for his wife.

“It’s cozy.” Looking around, Doyoung hummed in satisfaction, then his attention was on the menu, written on a little black board above the counter. “But I don’t see any coffee mentioned. Only water, juices and soju.”

“I come here often,” you said it like it would explain the under-the-counter coffee. In reality, you couldn’t explain it well without sounding too cheesy.

The old couple, Yoona and Minsu became fond of you along your many visits here. Some nights, you wouldn’t even go to the City Wall, just sitting here and eating tteokbokki was enough to make your soul calm down. They were the first people you talked to about your true feelings regarding the loss of your brother. They listened with open hearts, while their handmade food filled you with warmth. They gave you coffee or chocolate milk and you brought them small gifts on occasions.

They liked to show you pictures of their grandchildren, keeping you up to date about their lives as well. You also enjoyed listening to their stories and little arguments that ended up in Minsu calling his wife “my fierce, old Yoona”.

Looking at them, you sometimes believed that true, lasting love existed.

“Oh, my! Our girl brought a boy with her!” And here she was. The starter of the couple’s arguments, Yoona. She liked to tease the customers, especially you, but her heart was made of gold, you were sure of it.

“Miss Yoona!” Her name left your lips in a whine, a pout already forming on your lips. Regardless, you took a seat at the counter, instead of at the tables. She had two mugs in her hands. His husband must have told her you didn’t come alone for once.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. You are young. When’s better time to live your life as you wish?” You shyly glanced at Doyoung as he sat down on another stool next to you. The mask helped to cover his expression, but you saw a light red tint painting the top of his ears.

“Are you going to the wall again? Or planning to stay here?” Your lack of response from earlier didn’t scare her, she was more than aware how she made you embarrassed for a moment. Maybe even enjoyed it a little, too. She sat the two mugs down in front of you, slipping milk and sugar along with it.

“We aren’t staying this time. Just grabbing your husband’s famous tteokbokki, then go for the wall.”

“Don’t tell him that. He will brag about it for days if he hears you calling it famous,” Yoona said in a hushed tone, leaning closer to you over the counter. Doyoung chuckled at that a little, putting two sugars and a little milk in his coffee. Watching him pull his mask down to drink made you wonder about his identity again, but your mind came up with nothing. Again. Maybe you should look him up on the internet later.

You drowned your coffee in milk with little to no sugar, and sighed contentedly after the first sip. It smelled earthy and tasted divine.

Yoona went to the back and returned with your orders. They were a more than generous amount and carefully packaged. You payed and thanked them for everything, leaving a tip like usual. Doyoung watched you with curious eyes, but haven’t said a word until you left.

“Are you relatives?”

“No. I told you, I come here often. They are always treating me nicely. Just some really kind people.”

It wasn’t a complete lie. But how could you tell someone you just met that an old couple from the market knew about the deepest parts of your heart? How could you tell him that you lost your brother and was struggling with grief, that Yoona and Minsu seemed to be the only people to understand your pain? You couldn’t, so you just kept it to yourself, not even talking about it with your parents. Sometimes, you visited them more than your own parents.

“So, we are really going to climb up the wall?” He pulled you out of your thoughts.

A half smile played on Doyoung’s lips before he hid it behind his mask. He was holding your tteokbokkis, insistent on carrying them after you payed for it.

“That’s the plan, kinda. Except it’s not open at night, so we can’t really climb it. If you’re not up for it, we can go back. I take you back whenever you want.”

“No. I like the idea.”

“Good.”

Walking in silence, you wandered around the thickening crowd. Nearing midnight, more vendors came out, also locals and tourists started to flood the streets. Fearing of getting lost in the sea of people, you quietly grabbed the seam of his jacket’s sleeve with two fingers. Doyoung halted for a moment, dark eyes meeting yours. You could see in them that he was smiling, then continued to navigate around.

Time after time you muttered a few words to take a turn here or there, and about an hour later you were out of the market.

The Namdaemun Gate could be seen from afar, but it almost got lost around the modern buildings, all of them larger than this piece of history. It was lit up with lights, towering beautifully and anciently.

Doyoung’s eyes widened a little, and you smiled to yourself. He could definitely understand now why you liked to come here.

“I’ve never been here at night. It looks…”

“Old?”

“Wonderful.”

You found a little place to sit down across the street from the gate. Once everything was in place, Doyoung handed you one of the tteokbokkis and chopsticks.

���What are you running from, Doyoung?” You broke the silence with your out of place question, fidgeting with your chopstick before taking the first bite. The rice cakes were soggy and the sauce was a little spicy, just how you liked it.

From the corner of your eyes, you saw him following your movements, chewing sounds filling the night. It was like a little bubble of comfort formed around you, only filled with small noises and the contentment from eating a delicious meal. You were almost too scared to pop it, but your curiosity took the best of you. You pried further, wanting to understand why a men like him would run away from his life even for a night without looking back. Maybe he had a heavy weight on his soul, just like you.

“You know, sometimes it’s easier to pour our heart out to a stranger than a friend. Talking about our problems… It might not solve it, but it helps. And we probably won’t meet again after tonight.”

“You said it yourself: we are not strangers anymore.”

“Then a one-night-companionship.”

“I don’t think there is a word like that.”

“There is now.”

The food disappeared fast. You didn’t even knew you were that hungry, until you started to eat. You let Doyoung think about your offer. You might have seemed a little pushy, but you had nothing to lose or gain from listening to his story and struggles.

Setting aside the leftovers from your meal, Doyoung sighed, and said:

“You might be right. But beforehand, you have to promise to never tell anyone about what I will tell you. I don’t want to see it back on news tabloids.”

“And I don’t want to break down your confidence, but I honestly have no idea who you are. I only know your first name and that you ran away from home.”

He smiled sadly at that. You noticed how he didn’t pull his mask back up.

“I’m an idol in a boy group. We are quite popular domestically and inernationally.”

An idol. Thinking that he was an influencer or the son of a politician seemed ridiculous now.

Doyoung was dissecting your expression, and when he didn’t find anything he disliked in it, he went on.

“We have a lot of members… and a really tight schedule. I have an older brother, but I was always taking care of him, so I like to do the same with my dongsaengs. They can be a handful, but they are good kids, really. Lately, it’s just getting too much. I have to show a perfect image to our fans, a good example for my dongsaengs, while barely sleeping. My life became monotonous, and it just peaked tonight. One of my members broke something precious to me, and I suddenly had this unnerving feeling that if I don’t get away from the dorm right away, I might… I don’t really know what I might have done. It was too overwhelming.”

“I understand it,” you said quietly, grief gripping your throat.

And you did. You knew that feeling so well, like the back of your hand. The urge that made you jump into your car, making you drive for hours on end because you were too scared to find out what would happen if you let that feeling get a steady hold of you. A panic attack would be the most plausible, but who knew what it would make you do.

Self-harm was never something you though about. Fortunately, you never slipped that far into the rabbit hole. But you were scared you might hurt others. You might lash out at your parents for never being there for you when your brother died, drowning in their own grief and never thinking about yours for a moment. So you coped. You coped with visiting places he might have gone to, you coped with imagining your brother next to you while you drove around Seoul.

“It’s too much.” Doyoung’s voice was low and defeated. When your eyes met, it was like you were looking in the mirror. The haunted and lost sparkle in them resonated with your soul, pulling at strings in your heart that no one could ever touched.

You wanted to hug him, but placing your hand over his was enough for now. Even that little gesture seemed far too intimate in the moment. You both let the other look into your own souls, see the pain gathering in there.

You took a deep breath, deciding to dive into your pain, trusting him and sharing your story with him.

“I had an older brother once, too. He was my world growing up. Then he died in a car accident and I was left alone with my feelings. My parents… they were so lost in grieving their dead son, that they forgot about their other kid. They never talk about it with me, and the pain gets unbearable sometimes. Making me want to run away… But I’m too much of a coward for that, so I just keep driving around, visiting places I find in the city, so I don’t have to be at home, alone or with my parents.”

Doyoung squeezed your hand with his own, then laced your fingers together. A silent sign of support.

“So trust me when I say: it gets better. You learn to cope with things with time. You learn to forgive and that overwhelming feeling will get lighter. I don’t know if it will ever disappear, but it will get better.”

You kept sitting there in silence, looking at the City Gate. You felt you two were like that piece of history over there. It stood stable and unmovable in the middle of this modern jungle. Time kept chipping away at its edges, but it couldn’t be broken just like that.

You were like that, too. Feelings tormented your soul, but you steeled yourself and kept going, not letting it make you any less of what you truly were.

The car ride back was peaceful. A weight have been lifted from both of your souls. And for once, you weren’t imagining your brother sitting in the passenger seat. Doyoung sat there, and he kept singing with the radio in the most ridiculous voices, making you laugh and happy. His dark eyes lost that haunted look from them. They sparkled with lightness in the city lights.

You felt like you could get used to it – driving around with him next to you.

You didn’t even notice when started to sing along. With windows rolled down, your voices flew with the wind in the soft summer night. At a red light, you watched Doyoung. His eyes crinkled at the edges, constantly smiling as he was heaving for air between two songs. You felt happy.

Parking near the place where he jumped into your car, you looked at him again. The uplift mood calmed down, but the air still held onto the lightness of it.

“Do you feel better?” You asked, wanting to make the night last a little longer.

“Yes. Thank you. For everything.”

Another silent moment passed. Doyoung haven’t moved to get out of the car. His eyebrows furrowed as he got lost in his thoughts before he finally voiced them.

“You know, you never told me your name. You told me to call you Jude, but I bet it was a lie.”

“For tonight, it was the truth.”

“It’s still not fair. You know my name, and you never really told me yours.”

“I’ll tell you, if we ever meet again, Doyoung,” you smiled softly at him, a hint of sadness washing over you. You knew that you probably will never meet him again.

Doyoung grabbed your hand, squeezed it once, twice before getting out of your car. The horizon started to turn orange with the sun coming up as you watched Doyoung walk away, his mask back on his face.

And so the night ended.

You wandered around Namdaemun market. It was earlier than usual, the sun only started to set.

You spent your day off walking around in the city, even visited your parents for lunch and suggested to them that you should go to your brother’s grave together for the anniversary of his death. Things were getting better, you dared to say. You still had bad days, where only driving around would help you, but escaping your depressing thoughts weren’t that easy.

For the last three years you always took this day off. It wasn’t a special day or anything, but you felt like you should. For three years you spent this day going anywhere but the Namdaemun market or the City Gate. You didn’t need a harsh reminder of that one particular night you spent in the company of Doyoung. That night you felt you were with someone who you understood on the deepest level and you missed that feeling. And you missed him. Which was weird because you only knew him for a night and never met him again. Day by day it seemed more likely to never see him again.

But this year, you gathered your strength and decided to go to the night market.

As more people started to crowd the streets, you went to Yoona and Minsu’s place for your usual fill of tteokbokki. You also found a nice teacup set at an antic shop on the other side of the city, which you wanted to gift to Yoona. It was packaged well and securely, so she couldn’t find out from one look what it was.

“My sweet girl! How good to see you again!” You smiled at the familiar words which you were greeted with upon your every visit. Yoona looked more tired than usually, but her eyes shined with warmth and strength.

You took a seat at the counter; it slowly became your spot at the restaurant. You already had a cup of warm tea placed in front of you, as if she was anticipating your visit already.

“I knew you would come. I told that boy to come back later, you might just be running late,” Yoona’s words made you frown. Your heart leaped into your throat at the possibilities of who she was thinking about. You swallowed back all your feelings, and tried to look nonchalant.

“What boy?”

“The one you came here with once,” she rewarded you with a look which said you should know about it better than her. “He keeps coming back every year, but you keep missing each other. Tragic, if you ask me. Not to stick my nose where it doesn’t belong, but you shouldn’t treat him like this. Leaving people hanging is not a nice thing to do!”

Time has stopped for a moment. You didn’t even notice the mug burning your fingers as you held it, you could only think about Yoona’s words.

The boy you came here with once… Doyoung. It only could be Doyoung. He was here. He came here every year, looking for you at the only place where he knew he might find you.

“I… I never knew he came back. I only met him that one time.” You tried to defend yourself, and Yoona’s expression softened, then a mischievous smile took over her features.

“It must be fate, then.”

“You never told me he kept coming back here.”

“Well, I thought you were trying to avoid him for some reasons. Young love can be unpredictable even for an old soul like me.”

Dismissing that anticipating feeling in your chest, you willed yourself to change the subject. Yoona almost cried while opening your gift, even called Minsu out for a moment, so he could admire it too. The little restaurant was busier than it used to be, so you could only exchange a few words with the old man before he had to return to the kitchen. Talking with them filled your soul to the fullest, yet you were missing something.

Knowing that Doyoung was at the Namdaemun market looking for you made you do silly things. Like gazing at the door every time it opened, hoping it was Doyoung arriving. You barely had any luck, but you still kept doing it. You told yourself you would only stay an hour, but you kept staying until you finally confessed to yourself: you wouldn’t leave until he would finally came back here.

After eating a plate of tteokbokki, you switched your tea with coffee. You were sipping the second cup already. There were fewer people, most of them went out to discover the market and Yoona went to the kitchen to help Minsu clean up a bit.

Someone came in again, and you looked at them for a second, then turned back to your coffee. Then back to the newcomer.

It was Doyoung. He had a mask on, but the same dark hair and eyes from three years ago greeted you like a wave of fresh air. You unknowingly held your breath, only exhaled when the corner of his eyes crinkled, indicating a smile. You returned it without thinking, slipping out of your seat.

Standing there awkwardly, Doyoung was the first one to move. He walked to you, pulling out a bouquet of pink camellias from behind his back. You felt your face heating up as he held out the flowers for you. The tip of his ears were red, too, you noticed.

“I’ve been waiting for you,” he said in a soothing tone, and you chuckled at his words. Yes, for three years, he was looking and waiting for you.

“I know,” you answered. You could see it in his eyes that he understood exactly what you were feeling. He was feeling it, too.

Your fingers brushed his when you took the bouquet, smelling the flowers. They were sweet, just as the gesture of giving them to you.

“I wanted to tell you; you were right. It got better. And also, you owe me your name.”

He pulled his mask down as you sat back to the counter and didn’t answer him immediately, Yoona brought out another cup of coffee for him, and smiled knowingly as she disappeared again.

You couldn’t stop smiling, and it seemed Doyoung felt the same.

“I told you to call me Jude once.” Hearing your answer a pout formed on his lips.

“And you also said that you will tell me your name if we meet again. And we did.” He drummed with his fingers on the wooden counter, eyes avoiding yours for a moment. “It would be weird to ask you on a date without knowing your name, wouldn’t it?”

You blushed at his words. Your heart fluttered dangerously in your chest. Gulping down a sip of coffee, your gaze left his eyes. He was still not looking at you as he waited for your reaction. You played with the shanks of the camellias as you muttered your name and looked back at him again.

His dark eyes finally locked on yours, shining with a warm light in them. He smiled as he placed his hand on yours.

“Hello, Y/N! I’m Doyoung, and I think I’m three years late with asking you to a second date.”

“Second?” You questioned him with furrowed eyebrows.

“Yes. Don’t tell me you don’t remember the first one. It would make things a little awkward.”

“Then remind me, please.”

“Well, I jumped into your car and you took me here. We ate tteokbokki and talked until dawn. I believe you stole my heart that night, but you refused to even tell me your name.”

He took away your breath with his easy confession. He said it so freely as if it was common knowledge. Maybe to him it was, since you both had three years to mull over your feelings.

“You will hold a grudge over it forever, huh?” You teased him.

“Maybe. But a smart woman once told me that time can solve a lot of things, so who knows?”

You laughed at his words, basking in the light atmosphere of a slowly budding love.

You felt happy as you ordered a second plate of tteokbokki, and officially started your second date with Doyoung.

[koreaguides]

Korean Street Markets You Must Go

1. Namdaemun Market 

Namdaemun Markst is the largest traditional market in Korea containing more than 10,000 stores lined around the main southern gate of the old city wall. There is everything to see there from wide varieties of food, clothing, and living essentials. They also have traditional medicines, imported drugs and snacks or even Hanbok. 

2. Gwangjang Market 

Gwangjang Market was perviously known as Dongdaemun Market. The name of this market originates from the two bridges it was built between which is Gwangkyo and Jangkyo. This is also one of the oldest traditional street market in Korea. It has more than 5000 shops and around 20 thousands of employees. 

3. Noryangjin Fish Market 

This market was opened in year 1927 next to Seoul Station. It is one of the largest seafood markets in Korea. They handle around 50 percent of metropolitan volume and trades around 300 tons of fishery products every single day. Prices of the seafood are decided according to the quantity so it is highly recommended to check the bid online. 

4. Mangwon Market 

Mangwon Market has been around for over 40 years where it’s widely known for the wide variety of delicacies at extremely low prices. They also have many restaurant inside. Their dak-gang-jeong is honestly a must-try food. They have many restaurants to choose from and is near the Mangwon Hangang Park, making it more attractive to visit.

5. Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market 

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market is located in Gangwon Province, it’s a quintessential Korean market. The specialties there are fish, chicken, and fresh fruits. It is the perfect place to grab your groceries and is very fun to stroll as well. They have aquatic critters in large fish tanks making it feel like a free aquarium tour. 

6. Jeju Dongmun Market 

This market was established in the year of 1945. It is the representative market in Jeju island and of course it is the most famous market there. They always have lots of customers due to their wide variety of products sold there. It is very popular for their fresh seafood sold. 

[dreamer-hangugeo]

𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐨-𝐊𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐕𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐛𝐮𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐲 Hanja characters 문 (門) - Door, Gate, Family, Sepciality 대문 (n): Big gate/ door 동대문: Dongdaemun - Great East Gate 남대문: Namdaemun - Great South Gate 서대문: Seodaemun - Great West Gate 정문 (n): Main gate, Front gate 후문(n): Back door 창문 (n): Window 문단속 (n): Locking a door, locking up 문단속을 하다 (v): lock a door, secure a door 교문(n): School gate 성문 (n): Castle gate 가문 (n): Family, clan 가문을 빛내다: bring honor to one's family 가문을 더럽히다: bring disgrace[dishonor] on one's family 명문 (n): A distinguished family 명문대학교 (n): A prestigious school, elite school 명문 출신: (a person of) noble birth 동문 (n): Alumni, fellow student 전문 (n): Specializing, specialty 전문가 (n): Expert, specialist 전문직 (n): Profession

---  

Kindly Visit My Blog Here

Available Products Here

Available Korean Writing Notebook Here

[bejinyoung]

under the tree.

@beyoungha

“okay, but you’ll buy me hot cocoa or something for coming all the way out here, right?” he elbows his friend as he speaks as if trying to goad the answer he wants out of the other.

to be perfectly honest, moon jinyoung would have been very happy to avoid all of the christmas festivities at the namdaemun market. it’s hard for him to feel very holly and jolly; this time of year usually just dredges up sour memories that he’d much rather leave in the past. if he’s being very honest, he might even say that he hates christmas. he’s too broke to feel the joy of giving, he’s not really at the top of anyone’s list as far as receiving gifts goes, and the religious part of the holiday? yeah, that’s not happening either. call him a grinch or whatever, but jinyoung just cannot manage to feel the christmas joy he’s heard so much about. and events like this market usually just make him a little sad, a little wistful for things that will never be. so, typically, he tries to stay away.

but... he’s never really been able to say no to youngha. 

he’s probably his best friend, definitely his longest lasting relationship, and jinyoung does have some sense of loyalty. admittedly, he still looks forward to hanging out with his old schoolmate. there’s just something about the other man’s presence that’s sort of calming to him. maybe it’s just sheer familiarity; years of knowing one another creating a bond that’s hard to find anywhere else. he trusts him with everything. plus, youngha said he needed to take pictures, and the leo rising in jinyoung’s chart just can’t pass up an opportunity to be in front of a camera.

“it’s freezing out here,” he really wishes his gloves would fit over the finger splint, but it just wasn’t happening. he tries to shove his hands in his coat pockets, searching for warmth anywhere he can find it, the injury aching all the more from the cold. “it’s the least you could do for me after nagging me to meet you by the tree. you know i don’t like christmas, jerk,” despite his very real complaints, jinyoung keeps it lighthearted, a grin on his face despite the tremble in his jaw, teeth very nearly chattering. if he ever gets rich, he swears he’s going to move somewhere that’s warm all the time. winter is the worst.

[fy-yongsun]

[SOLARSIDO] 220929 Solar Eatsㅣ Braised cutlassfish at the Namdaemun Market. (Special guest: Mamamoo’s Moon Byul)

[wise-journey]

Seoul: A Thrilling Journey

Welcome to Seoul, a city that effortlessly blends ancient traditions with modern marvels, offering visitors a captivating and immersive experience. Bursting with vibrant culture, mouthwatering gastronomic delights, and abundant activities, Seoul is a destination that promises to ignite your sense of adventure and leave you yearning for more.

Culture: Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Seoul

Immerse yourself in the captivating culture of Seoul, where every street corner reveals a story waiting to be told. Start your exploration by delving into the city's historical treasures, such as the magnificent Gyeongbokgung Palace. As you wander through its grand courtyards and beautifully preserved buildings, you'll be transported back in time to the Joseon Dynasty. For a taste of modern Korean culture, head to the bustling neighborhood of Gangnam, where futuristic architecture, high-end fashion, and K-pop beats collide. Dive deeper into the local art scene by visiting the eccentric Hongdae district, where young artists showcase their talents in colorful street performances and trendy galleries.

Gastronomy: A Culinary Odyssey through Seoul's Flavors

Prepare your taste buds for a gastronomic adventure like no other. Seoul is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of flavors that will leave you craving more. Start your culinary journey in the vibrant and bustling streets of Myeongdong, famous for its delectable street food. Sample local favorites such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes) while soaking in the lively atmosphere. For an authentic Korean dining experience, venture into traditional markets like Gwangjang Market or Namdaemun Market, where you can indulge in delicious bibimbap, kimchi, and freshly caught seafood. Don't forget to visit the famous Noryangjin Fish Market, where you can handpick your seafood and have it cooked right before your eyes.

Activities: Unleashing Your Adventurous Spirit in Seoul

Seoul offers a myriad of activities that cater to every adventurous soul. Start your day with a hike up the iconic Namsan Mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Once you reach the top, visit N Seoul Tower, an iconic landmark that not only offers stunning vistas but also houses exhibitions and restaurants. For a taste of tradition, immerse yourself in a traditional Korean tea ceremony at one of the city's many teahouses. You can also explore the ancient village of Bukchon Hanok, where you can rent a hanbok (traditional Korean attire) and stroll through the charming alleyways adorned with traditional houses.

Transport: Navigating the City with Ease

Getting to Seoul is a breeze, with the city being served by two major international airports - Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport. From there, you can easily access the city center via efficient public transportation options, including the subway and buses. When it comes to getting around Seoul, the comprehensive subway network is your best friend. With signs in English and a user-friendly system, it's the perfect way to explore the city at your own pace. Taxis are also readily available, and professional drivers ensure a comfortable journey.

Where to Stay: Finding Your Home Away from Home

Seoul offers a range of accommodation options for every traveler's budget and preference. From luxurious hotels in the heart of Gangnam to cozy guesthouses in traditional neighborhoods, there's something for everyone. For a truly authentic experience, consider staying in a hanok guesthouse, where you can sleep on traditional heated floors and immerse yourself in the local culture. Alternatively, modern boutique hotels in areas like Myeongdong and Insadong offer a blend of comfort and convenience, with easy access to attractions and shopping districts.

Nightlife: Experiencing Seoul's Vibrant Nightscape

As the sun sets, Seoul truly comes alive with its vibrant nightlife scene. Make your way to Itaewon, known for its international flair and diverse mix of bars and clubs. Here, you can dance the night away to the latest beats or enjoy live music performances. For those seeking a more laid-back evening, head to Hongdae, where you can find cozy cafes, indie music clubs, and trendy bars. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the unique Korean concept of "booking clubs," where you can enjoy private rooms with friends and indulge in karaoke.

Shopping: Retail Therapy in Seoul

Seoul is a shopper's paradise, renowned for its fashion-forward trends, skincare products, and traditional crafts. Visit the bustling streets of Myeongdong, where you'll find a plethora of international and local brands offering the latest fashion and beauty products. For a blend of tradition and contemporary design, explore Insadong, a neighborhood renowned for its beautiful hanbok stores, antique shops, and traditional tea houses. Discover unique souvenirs and handmade crafts at the lively Gwangjang Market or peruse the high-end boutiques in the affluent district of Apgujeong.

Money Matters and Tips for Travelers

Seoul's currency is the South Korean won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or street vendors. ATMs are readily available throughout the city, and major international banks can be found near popular tourist areas. Remember to dress modestly when visiting traditional sites, and always remove your shoes before entering temples or traditional Korean houses. Learning a few basic Korean phrases will go a long way in connecting with locals and showing respect for their culture. Seoul is a mesmerizing destination that will captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your heart. Its blend of ancient traditions, mouthwatering cuisine, and thrilling activities make it a city that beckons adventurers from around the world. Whether you're wandering through palaces, indulging in street food, or dancing the night away in its vibrant neighborhoods, Seoul promises an exhilarating journey that will ignite your passion for travel. So pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and get ready to uncover the wonders of Seoul, South Korea. Read the full article

[fableweaversuzalulu]

Seoul at First Sight - Traveling Around the City on a Budget

Across the Seoul City Hall are couples skating in the center of the bright-lit Seoul Plaza, half-oblivious and half-absorbed with the gentle snow drizzle...Passers-by, on the other hand, race against time to catch the busy subway...These are images of a multi-faceted Seoul-a city full of life, romance, advancement, youthfulness, modernity and heritage. It is stunningly beautiful, refreshingly alive and simply mesmerizing.

Thanks to the "Hallyu" phenomenon, the wonders and culture of the Oriental city has reached far beyond Asia, conquering Americans, Europeans and Latin Americans as well. However, contrary to the elegant and expensive image the city projects, there are places you can enjoy even on a budget or even for free!

Travelling in Korea need not be costly. How? First of all, you've got the option of riding the inexpensive subway system that takes you anywhere you want to go with its several route lines. You can also take the bus which has several stations across the city. What is left for you to think about is your itinerary. Well, if you are set to tour Seoul on a budget, here are some places you shouldn't miss:

1. Cheonggyecheon (Cheonggye Stream)

Once an ignored overpass back in the 70s, this long stream stretching across the city now bursts with inviting charm from the serene sound of water and colorful lights at night. The stream was restored in October 2005 by then-Seoul mayor and now President Lee Myung-Bak. Nothing compares to spending your day here at the stream, cozily playing with water and admiring pieces of art surrounding the place. It is frequented by families as the stream presents a fresh break from buzz of the city above it.

Things you can see here include the grand fountain, the wishing wall, active aquatic life, sculpture and more. Try crossing the Dapgyonori on Gwangtong Bridge on the first full moon as people believe that doing so will save you from leg ailments for the whole year. Cost: Free.

How to go there: Get off at Jongno 3-ga of Line 3 or Gwanghwamun of Line 5.

2. Namdaemun and Dongdaemun

From the Cheonggye stream, you can walk to the nearest shopping areas Namdaemun and Dongdaemun. These are two of the most famous flee markets in Seoul. Namdaemun means "Great South Gate" and Dongdaemun, "Great East Gate". For sure, experiencing these places will engage all of your five senses. See the sights, smell and taste the food, hear the trade and feel the people. Namdaemun offers you items on wholesale and retail with its more than a thousand shops, stores and vendors. Along the streets and alleys of Namdaemun are souvenir shops where you can buy Korean dolls, keychains, fans, masks and other traditional items. Also, street foods like odeng and tteokpokki are available. This place closes every Sunday.

How to go there: Get off at Hoehyeon Station of Line 4.

Another must-see place is Dongdaemun, where shopping never ends. You can also get stuff on wholesale or retail here. There are around 26 shopping malls in this area, two of the most known as Migliore and Doosan Tower. Products range from clothes, shoes, to souvenirs, house items and electrical supplies, etc. It is also closes every Sunday but is open until 5 a.m. on other days. Cost: No Fees

How to go there: Get off at Dongdaemun Station of Line 1 or 4.

3. Hangang (Han River)

How would you like the fresh breeze of river water blowing against your skin, at the same time enjoying the sights of the whole city such as the Seoul Tower, 63 Building and so on? This is possible in Hangang. Being the fourth longest river in Korea, Hangang offers a pleasurable experience for sports activities, sightseeing and relaxation.

[signedtimes]

The Best Reasons to Visit Seoul

Seoul is one of the world's largest cities and the capital of South Korea. The city with more than 10 million people is the political, cultural and economic center of South Korea. The vibrant city with 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and numerous museums as well as grand Shopping plazas, markets, restaurants and skyscrapers is a preferred tourist destination. This is an overview of Seoul's major tourist attractions.

Gyeongbok Palace located in Seoul's major avenue, Sejongro is the most popular royal palace of the country. The grand palace built in the 1300s, later destroyed and restructured many times, has magnificent arched gates, gorgeous pavilions and halls featuring Korea's architectural beauty. Changdeokgung Palace is another famous Seoul palace and this 15th century historic palace encompasses beautiful buildings, secret gardens and castles. Walk through the Bukchon Village, a scenic area that has numerous conventional Korean wooden homes 'hanok'. Stroll down the alleys with architectural courtyards, beautiful outer walls and tiled roofs. It has also many old-fashioned cafés, restaurants and popular art galleries.

Shinsegae Department Store is one of the most popular shopping centers in Seoul. You will get all types of products here including fresh fish, fruits, traditional foods like kimchi, brand name shoes, cloths and more, arranged on different floors. Lotte and Hyundai stores are the other two big centers and the food court of Lotte is also notable. Bugaksan is the peak near the Blue House and is an ideal place for hiking. It offers a fantastic view of the city at a height of 342 meters. Here you can take-in Seoul's ancient fortress and many scenic areas nearby. National Museum of Korea that holds more than 220, 000 objects is the largest in the country. It has vast exhibition halls, 6 permanent display galleries, a children's museum, restaurants and more. Leeum Samsung Museum of Art is another best-known museum and is notable for its wonderful architecture and impressive collection.

Itaewon neighborhood close to the U. S. Army base is very popular among foreign tourists. This expatriate-friendly area has numerous trendy clubs, bars, restaurants and shops that sell various products. Club Volume featuring the best DJs and French café Le Saint Ex are particularly notable and enjoy a dinner at Kate's Kitchen. Trip Insadong, the famed cultural art market and view its great collection of Korean paintings, sculptures and more. Stroll along the beautiful, 5. 8 km long Cheonggyecheon Stream to enjoy the natural beauty and relax. The calm stream is 15 ft. below street level and has many petite falls and overhead bridges to enjoy.

Round-the-clock Namdaemun market is the busiest market that has thousands of shops arranged in many multi-story buildings, countless vendor booths and food stalls offering traditional cuisine. The vibrant street is the best to buy a range of items at incredibly low prices. The War Memorial of Korea is actually an enormous military museum and is a must visit for history buffs. The renowned memorial that holds planes, guns and tanks narrates the history of wars the country had fought with many of its enemies, but mainly its neighbor North Korea.

[rapmu]

Seoul - Explore the Paradise of South Korea

The Blue House... the Presidents Abode

The Blue House of Seoul not just offers historically enriching facts but also gives you verdant gardens for your eyes to savor upon. The blue tile on the ceiling of the building is where it gets its name from. The architecture is typically Korean in style. If visited on Saturday morning, you may have the opportunity to enjoy the military band performance outside the Blue House premises. This Blue beauty is set with the background of the mighty Mount Bugaksan which simply enhances its splendor.

Hongdae... and its Nightlife Buzz

The Hongdae district encompassing Seoul's Hongik University is best known for its happening nightlife. This is the major reason why tourists frequent this area. Come, and rediscover the youth in yourself with the dance and jazz of the streets adorned with its night charm. It scores well as one of the must-visit Seoul attractions. The streets are packed with exciting pubs and nightclubs. The music raging out of the Karaoke hubs will keep you engaged all night without realizing that the dawn has knocked. Yes! It is that engaging.

Mt Bukhan... Hike your Heart Out

Overlooking the Seoul city, Mt Bhukhan which is commonly known as Bukhansan is a prominent mountain landmark. It is also associated with the Bukhansan National Park. For all the nature enthusiasts out there, this spot is famous for rock climbers as well as bird watchers. So, hire a car to the foothill and start off with your happy trek on Saturdays and Sundays. The base is packed with aromatic food counters enticing your appetite. So after a tiring hike, you can simply indulge in some gastronomical affair!

Namdaemun Market... A Shoppers Paradise

This famous market dates back to the 1960's. When in Seoul, you cannot really miss shopping goodies from the Namdaemun Market. By the way it is also the best place to try out the lip smacking variations of local street food. You can buy souvenirs for loved ones back home. It specializes in Korean handicrafts gifts. Unlike the pricey markets this place offers stuff within your budget.

Trickeye Museum... Home to Optical illusion

Right at the heart of the Hongdae nightlife you will find this museum that is true to its name as it plays various tricks with the eyes. This museum uses the techniques whereby you will be transported to the world of 3D while glancing at a 2D image. Have you ever imagined the concept of interactive art? This museum guarantees not to disappoint you with its innovations. It's a place to visit especially if you are a photographer in search of novel subjects. Visit to Trickeye Museum is definitely amongst the top fun things to do in Seoul.