As we got out of Changdeok Palace, we just crossed the street and walked towards the heart of Insadong.
Insadong is the centre of Seoul's commercial art world with over 50 small private art galleries displaying and selling the work of Seoul's top artists, potters and sculptors. Masses of small shops sell pottery, antiques, calligraphy brushes, handmade paper, embroidery and souvenir knick-knacks.
Our first mission in Insadong was to find lunch. Like any other areas in Seoul, the place has an abundance of BBQ restaurants and family-owned restaurants. We were nearly starved but we took our time walking along the streets, taking photographs and going in and out of shops.
Here's something that's very Korean (see photo below). All throughout the day, you can see medium-sized trucks selling vegetables going around the streets and inviting people to buy from them. The trucks have a megaphone and the driver would be announcing what's he's selling and the sales of the day. When they stop at the side of the street, that's when people come near the trucks and buy from them.
Went inside this shop where you can buy souvenir items such as Korea's musical instruments, fans, Buddhist items, etc.
We bought a miniature version of Korea's traditional drum called Buk.
We found a small but well-lit restaurant called "Jongro Chicken Centre" in the heart of Insadong.
Happy to sit, rest and finally have our late lunch.
While waiting for food, the Husband and I took this chance to study our map.
Now we know where the cutlery can be found.
The Husband had the Pork Cutlet with Parmesan Cheese. The pork was deep-fried in batter and topped with gravy and Parmesan Cheese.
While I had one of my favourite Korean dishes, the Bibimbap which came with soup and kimchi.
After lunch, we went around some more. We saw lots of street stalls, jewelry stores and lots of fashion and cosmetics store.
When in Insadong, eat! Don't forget to try Korea's street food available in various carts lined up all over Insadong.
Here's me making "usyuso" with the Ahjumma's paninda. LOL. (Ahjumma means aunt).
Rice cakes in spicy sauce...really hot!
Deep-fried everything! From vegetables to seafood, they deep fry it!
I bought a bag of this deep-fried prawns (tempura) for only 2,000won. We just had lunch but I can't help it. Exploring the streets of Seoul while eating street food is one of the best gastronomical experiences I had.
Before we caught the train to our next destination, we were able to witness a rally in front of the Bosingak Bell Pavilion (found near Jonggak Station). If New York has Times Square. Seoul has Bosingak Bell Pavilion, where Seoul’s mayor and other city notables ring in the New Year by tolling the famous bell.
Nearby Subway Stations in Insadong:
1. Jonggak Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
2. Jong-no 3-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, Line 3, Line 5)
3. Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3)
