Day THREE! Out on the town, again.

I guess I'm all about the perspective view.  Good shot of a connecting tunnel in the subway.

More perspective.  This is Gwangjang Market.  I love to go here to eat!!  It is a traditional street market in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea and is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets.  It has more than 5000 shops selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, bread, clothing, textiles, handicrafts, kitchenware, souvenirs and Korean traditional medicinal items an area of 450,000 square feet.  There are also 20,000 employees.  About 65,000 people visit the market each day.  I'm pretty sure that they were all there when I was.

 

And when in Rome (or Korea) . . . eat what the natives eat.  For instance, Yukhoe, or raw beef slices seasoned with various spices or sauces, usually soy sauce, sugar, salt, sesame oil, spring onions, minced garlic, sesame seeds, black pepper and julienned bae (배; Korean pear).

 

If you're feeling a little less adventurous, just nurse the beef radish soup.

 

Three girls at the next table were eating Sannakji or LIVE octopus.  The octopi are cut into small pieces while still alive and served immediately, usually lightly seasoned with sesame and sesame oil. The nakji pieces are usually still squirming on the plate when served.

 

Because of the suction cups on the arm pieces are still active when the dish is served, special care should be taken when eating sannakji. The active suction cups can cause swallowed pieces of arm to stick to the mouth or throat.  This can also present a choking hazard for some people, particularly if they are intoxicated.  I did NOT try this.  I was full.

 

Or if you'd rather have it whole . . .

I'll just have coffee . . .

. . . a crowded street . . .

  

. . . and a few SWEET Korean ho's!

 

Heunginjimun (동대문 - 흥인지문), literally "Gate of Rising Benevolence" or more commonly known as Dongdaemun, is one of The Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul, a prominent landmark in central Seoul.

 

The Korean name "Dongdaemun" means "Great East Gate," and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty.  It was first built by King Taejo during his fifth year of reign (1398), was renovated in 1453 and the current structure was rebuilt in 1869.

 

The Fortress Wall of Seoul stretches 11 1/2 miles (18.6 km) along the ridge of Seoul's four inner mountains, Baegaksan, Naksan, Namsan, and Inwangsan.

 

So, there we were, heading down this alley in South Korea . . .

 

. . . and, well, screw the electrical code!

Homage to Jerry Garcia.

Um, who's your translator?  And do the parentheses mean that "Men" is another word for vulnerable?  And do you really want to us the word "vulnerable" in bathroom signage??