Rica's Diary: Part 4: Seoul Series- Kwangjang Market & Gangnam

Saturday, May 27, 2017

Part 4: Seoul Series- Kwangjang Market & Gangnam

KwangJang or Gwangjang Market is the nation's oldest and largest traditional market and is the local's favorite for stores selling linens, silk and hanbok. But for tourists like us.. it is the haven for FOOD.. especially the streetfoods. The hardest part is making a selection as every food stall looked and smelled amazing. Among the popular streetfoods here are Tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), Odeng (soup fish cake), Sundae (blood sausage), Pajeon (Korean vegetable pancake), bibimbap, Mandu (dumplings) and Yukhoe (seasoned raw beef). It was really a regret that we only visited this market on our 5th day when it is only located across the hotel we stayed in .. We should have visited everyday :P

The Kwangjang Market

Late lunch of Korean pancake, fried mixed veggies, tofu and meat. Yummy!

Our order being cooked in front of us.

Taaddaaaahhh...

After our delicious lunch we then headed next to Gangnam..

Gangnam is said to be the neighborhood for the rich and famous in Korea (in 2007, Gangnam was ranked as the 10th expensive shopping center), thus, made PSY's 2012 Hit Song.. "Oppa Gangnam Style" -- Oppa refers to boyfriend/ close guy friend or brother and Gangnam style (or rich style) for an oppa who lives in Gangnam. The hit song has made a big impact to music and tourism industry not only in Gangnam district but to the whole South Korea. As a tribute for his contribution in boosting the City's tourism.. a stage dedicated for him with his popular horse dance was made located right beside the Gangnam station exit 11. The area surrounding the station are important commercial and entertainment district with many impressive buildings, shops, bar, clubs and restaurant . We just roamed around and appreciate the modern & vibrant City.

Jan right at the center of Gangnam Station

Gangnam Road

Impressive buildings everywhere

The people of Gangnam dresses nicely too

Tae Tea :P

Yummy strawberry Shake

The neighborhood of rich and famous

Tribute Stage of PSY right beside Exit 11 of Gangnam Station

For dinner, we had another delicious sangyeopsal dinner in a restaurant near the alley of the station. We ordered a set of meal with pork belly+pork shoulder+squid barbecue+kimchi jjigage+1 drink for 31,000 won. We also add up Cass beer and rice to complete our sumptuous dinner..