Namdaemun Market

I had my head set on going to Namdaemun market this weekend, so on Saturday, even with the drizzle, I set off on my trip to Seoul. This has been described to me as 20 minutes (in my telephone interview), 40 minutes (in an e-mail), and an hour (in a discussion). I think it took me an hour and a half with bussing to the subway then subway navigation (with 2 transfers!). I impressed myself by NOT getting lost at all! On the last subway leg, I saw my first white person, who sat next to me and started chatting. She was from Hungary and due to a number of circumstances was leaing the country the next day. She and her husband had been here for seven years and were selling off all of their stuff (hence the trip to Seoul to meet a buyer). Anyway, she was super nice, and I got off at my stop to go to the market.

Namdaemun market was really cool. There were SO many vendors selling EVERYTHING. There were indoor areas and outdoor areas, covered and uncovered. Not only was it packed with people, but trucks would drive through the streets too!!!!! After about two hours of wandering around, it started to rain, which isn't a problem, except that the legions of 5'5 people all had ubreallas at eye level with your beloved giantess. Due to the danger of being blinded, I decided to head for the subway again. This time, I went into Seoul Central Station to take it from that stop, and who did I see? THe same lady from the train! The person that she was supposed to meet didn't show up, and was like, "Do you want to buy the phone?" Cellphone??? (I happen to be looking for one). She told me 50 000 won for the phone; she really didn't want to throw it away. So I chatted her up, paid her 20 000 and now have a lovely colour handphone! woo! Now how do I put money on it.....

Okay, on the way home, I told the station man "Ori juk", which I believe to mean "Ori Station", took the ticket, put it through the first (in) turnstile, and rode the subways home. AT ORI STATION HOWEVER, I tried t put the ticket in, but the turnstile wouldn't let me through!!! Upon closer inspection, it seemed that I had a 1100 W (1.10 CDN) ticket instead of a 1400W (1.40 CDN oooh) ticket... uh oh. An older man came up behind me and tried to help with the machine... it wouldn't work. He offered to boost me over the turnstile (at least, that's what I think hewas offering), but I doubt that a 70 year old 5'3 korean man could boost me anywhere, so I just looked sad. He left, and came back with a ticket for me!!!!!!! Anyway, he totally helped me out, and I said "kamsahamnida", which I believe means "thank you!!!!!", and he had a really good laugh. Not me, just him.

I was so grateful for that man- I wish I knew more Korean so that I could have expressed myself better...