Rica's Diary: Part 3: Seoul Series- Insadong & Dongdaemun

Thursday, May 25, 2017

Part 3: Seoul Series- Insadong & Dongdaemun

We didn't know that Insadong is just walking distance from the hotel we stayed in until we got lost locating the subway to get to Yeouido and saw the signboard that we're actually right in the heart of Insadong.

-- but it was only in our 4th day that we got to explore this famous market. Insadong has a very fresh and relaxing vibe.. it's not as crowded as Myeongdong and a lovely place to wander around for its wide arrays of interesting shops, modern art galleries, themed cafes and authentic restaurants. At one point, Insadong was used to be the biggest market selling antiques and artworks in Korea. So if you're looking for antique pieces or modern paintings/artworks to bring home or give as souvenir gifts.. Insadong is definitely one you should visit.

the lovely street of Insadong

Famous shopping mall in Insadong full of artworks and antique shops

You could also have your face caricatured by young and talented artists

Our lunch. :)
Jan ordered Pork Curry while I ordered spicy squid. The squid is literally spicy more than I could imagined! :P

Gyeranppang (Korean Egg Bread). Yummy!

Jan and the model of Hanbok rental shop. She looks like a doll!

After an hour of exploring Insadong, we had a coffee-break in this art gallery cafe. We super love the contemporary and vintagey concept.

I dont know how to call this but I just poured strong hot coffee on top of Vanilla Ice cream. Perfect blend of bitter and sweet, I love it.

As always, cafe latte for Jan.

Later that afternoon, we went to Dongdaemun via subway line 5 and alighted right in Dongdaemun Design Plaza or also known as DDP which is the newest iconic landmark of Seoul for its futuristic design that is often being compared to a design of an UFO.

DDP by day

We wanted to see how DDP looks like at night so we waited for an hour and had some snack first. We crossed the street to the mall and found Shake shack. Yay!

Doota Mall with handsome Song Joong-ki as model <3

Shake Shack in Dongdaemun!! :)

Yumyum

We also checked the nearby Cheongyecheon Stream before the sunset. The stream was once a neglected waterway hidden by overpass. In 2005, the stream was transformed into recreation place and is now one of the tourist attractions that always pop up when you search for "places to see in Seoul"..

Cheongyecheon Stream during sunset

And then we went back again to see the beautiful lights of DDP at night.. DDP was also one of the film setting of the famous drama "My love from the star"..