Seoul Wandering: Daerim Chinatown, Concert, Walk and Food Travel

<<I still have something new to experience in Seoul>>

Landed in Incheon Airport for the third time this year. Booked a templestay in Naesosa, and Seoul was the stop-over city. New discoveries to be made and favorites to be visited in Seoul again? ;)

Seoullo walkway

Daerim: Seoul Chinatown
Always curious about Chinatowns in different cities. After visiting the tiny Chinatown in Busan, I surfed the web and discovered that Daerim is considered the "unofficial" Chinatown in Seoul.
Daerim Chinatown is located at Exit 12 of Daerim subway station (a rather extensive station). As similar to many Chinatowns in other cities, a wide variety of food and fresh produce could be found.

Daerim

I was surprised that there were two stalls selling durians.

Durians for sales

more food

Daerim : Food and more food

and disappointment and unease that a couple of shops sell dog meat... 😞😦

Daerim is certain carries more of a bustle than Busan Chinatown. (I hear more Chinese conversations amongst the people in MyeongDong than in Daerim....).

Shinheung Military Academy Musical

Although I can't understand the language, I usually check for any interesting musical or concerts during my visits to Seoul. I was thrilled to book the "Shinheung Military Academy" musical because Infinite's Sung Kyu, and actors Ji Chang Wook and Kang Ha Neul were part of the main cast.

Shinheung Military Academy Poster

The songs were very good and catchy, and the singing was lively and upbeat, with clear patriotism in their voices. I could 'sense' the general theme and the lady beside me cried whenever the resistance fighters were killed. There was a standing ovation at the end of the performance.

Shinheung Musical Finale

N.Seoul Tower

The tower beckons from the hotel window.

N.Seoul Tower from afar

I walked from Insadong to Myeongdong, and then took the Namsan cable car lift (Namsan Oreumi elevator) to the park entrance. Yellow and red leaves peppered the trees amidst the green. The air was cool, making for a nice stroll.


The climb was tedious, but the pretty sights sure do energize both the minds and legs.

 (Is the air cooler at the peak or the tree just happened to have changed color early?)


The lower-deck of the terrace offers another spectacular view of the city landscape from a new perspective.


The park was already quite crowded, and there were more people arriving when I made my way down.

Lanes within Samil-daero/Donhwamun (in front of Ibis Insadong)

The hotel offers a good view of the rows of houses and lanes bounded within Samil-daero and Donhwamun-ro. I noticed that more houses were undergoing renovations and small boutique stalls and cafes have sprung up.

Took several walks through the myriad of alleyways and small roads; indeed more houses are now being converted to new cafes/restaurants and stalls.


By evening, the small alleyways were crowded with people spilling onto the lanes. One had many BBQ restaurants lining it, yet most were packed with diners despite the competition.

The Familiar Favorites

Took a walk along Cheonggyecheon to Gwangjiang Market. (I should try to walk the entire stream from near Dongdaemum to Gwanghuamun in my next trip?).


Had a quick bite at Lotte Supermarket. This store served Korean-fusion sushi, making for many interesting dishes.

Insadong Food Trail

Food within walking distance from the hotel: Osulloc's Green Tea dessert, Gimgane's gimbap and tteobokki ramen, Hanuso's beef soup and Insadong Mandu (if there is no queue...)


Before long, it was the morning of departure. I was saddened by the closure of Sinseon Seolnontang in Insadong, my favorite breakfast mandu-seolnongtang. I shall visit the Myeongdong branch in my next visit.
Till my next stop-over in Seoul. ;)

"Amidst the familiar is always something new?"

Lodging
Ibis Insadong : $90-100/night
Transport : Airport Bus 6011 (10000 won)
On the same trip
Naesosa Temple Stay Day 1
Naesosa Temple Stay Day 2
Naesosa Temple Stay Day3 and Final Note
Busan : One Day Trip 
Seoul : Insadong's Michelin Eats