Annyeonghaseyo chingu! I walked out to a drizzly morning and promptly bought an umbrella at 7Eleven (convenience stores are everywhere).

Next stop was Holly’s Coffee for breakfast.

Then I walked down the street to the Sungnyemun Gate, the South Gate of Seoul and first built in 1378.

The gate would close with the bell tolling during curfew (10pm-4am) during the Joseon era and the King would visit during times of drought and flood to preside over prayer rituals for better times.

Across the street is Namdeamun Market. It was pretty quiet because of the wet weather and being Sunday, only about half the stalls were open. There’s lots of bargain clothing, souvenirs and some food stalls to browse through. Underneath the street is rows and rows of more Market stalls, but I’m yet to see them open. Underground is also the easiest way to cross the street.

Just watch out for fake Buddhist monks trying to give you deity cards/blessings and wanting donations and your details – I was approached by two in the area, so just be aware and politely refuse them.

By the afternoon the sun was shining again – it was a good day getting to know the area.

More exploring to do tomorrow!