Seoul surprises and sights


On our third day in Seoul, our adventure took us to various fascinating destinations around the city. We began our day with a visit to the DDP Fashion Mall, but to our surprise, it was closed at noontime. It turns out the mall has quite unconventional opening hours, from 8:10 pm to 5 am, making it perfect for those who love nighttime shopping. Since it wasn't open yet, we decided to explore the area surrounding the Dongdaemun Design Plaza.


Around the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, we stumbled upon a street bazaar named "From the Farm." This bustling market offered a delightful array of goods and local products. The DDP is a modern architectural wonder with diverse public spaces, such as exhibition halls, conference halls, the design museum, and many more. It's a hub of creativity and culture in the heart of Seoul.

Our next plan was to check out the Seoul City Tour Bus, which offers three routes: traditional culture, Hangang/Jamsil, and Night courses. Since we had already experienced much of the cultural scene on our own, we aimed for the Hangang/Jamsil route; unfortunately, it was temporarily out of operation.


With a change of plans, we headed to Hyundai Mall for lunch in its bustling food court before hailing a taxi to our next destination – the Jongmyo Shrine. This shrine, dating back to the Joseon dynasty, was the primary place of worship for kings and queens. The compound houses various buildings, with the main hall being the centerpiece. Unfortunately, like our earlier experience at DDP, the shrine closed at 5 pm, so we leisurely walked around the area.

Our stroll led us through many exciting streets, including one dedicated to medical supplies and an area filled with jewelry stores reminiscent of our Sta. Cruz / Ongpin district.


As the day drew to a close, we embarked on a final adventure – the Namsam cable car ride to Seoul N Tower. The cable car, in operation for over 40 years, offers breathtaking panoramic views of downtown Seoul. An adult one-way ticket costs KRW 12,000 (PHP 511), while a round trip is a better deal at KRW 15,000 (PHP 640). There are discounts for children and senior citizens, making it accessible for all.


At Seoul N Tower, we relished the cold breeze and captured countless photos. This iconic tower is not only a sightseeing observatory but also a broadcasting tower, making it a symbol of Seoul for the past four decades. The observatory provides an unobstructed view of the entire city, making it a favorite destination for Seoul's residents and tourists alike.

As we concluded our third day in Seoul, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible diversity of experiences this city offers. From the modernity of DDP to the historical significance of Jongmyo Shrine and the breathtaking views from Seoul N Tower, every moment was a memorable part of our journey. Seoul's charm lies in its ability to seamlessly blend the past and present, offering a glimpse into both its rich history and vibrant future.




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