Seoul Searching | Dazed in Dongdaemun.

The day after Christmas, I went on a solo trip to Dongdaemun with hopes of finding cheap clothes and stuff that I can bring home as souvenirs. I decided to travel solo that day because 1) the husband had to go to sleep since he works in the evening; 2) it was drizzling and Yue might get a cold if I took him along; 3) Yue didn't want to come along anyway, because 'shopping trips with Mommy take forever' - as he puts it.

I took a cab to Dongdaemun, and arrived at my destination after a short, fifteen-minute ride. I asked the cab driver to let me off at Doota, which I have seen in passing when I went to Myeongdong.

Doota!

Hello aPM.

But I didn't enter the mall right away. Instead, I headed for the nearby clothing market where most of the tourists seem to be going.

Pyounghwa Clothing Market.

Pyounghwa Fashion Town.

More of Dongdaemun after the jump!

Inside the clothing market was a sea of stalls with every fashion item imaginable - fabric, clothes, accessories, purses, linen, wedding goods. They even have toys and stationery to boot! The prices are pretty affordable, and you can haggle with the sellers, too. It's like the 168 and 999 Mall in Divisoria, but with a more 'touristy' feel.

Lovely hanboks.

Toys!

Clothes, clothes, and more clothes!

Dazed by the multitude of merchandise, I spent about an hour or so just looking at the clothes and purses until I came across this souvenir shop at the far end of the market. Bought a few items here which I gave as 'pasalubong' to my niece and my siblings.

Souvenir items.

I got hungry from all that walking and window-shopping, so I stopped by this food stall for a snack. I bought one of those Gamja Hotdogs (hotdogs coated with french fries) for 2500 won. The serving was pretty huge, and more than enough to satiate my hunger.

Street food, Korean style.

After that quick tummy-fill, I made my way back to Doota for another round of shopping. 

The display outside make great backdrop for photo ops!

Quirky artwork.

Still feels like Christmas at Doota!

Once again, I was overwhelmed at how vast this mall is. It consists of 10 floors, and is home to a variety of designer brands, womens and menswear brands, and even local and international sportswear brands. In other words, the goods here don't come cheap. 

But somehow I always end up where the Tiger is.

But they do have items on sale, like the tees and bags at the Line Pop-up Store. I bought couple tees for the husband and I (buy one take one at 9000 won), and a messenger bag (7500 won) for the little man.

Line Friends Pop-up Store.

The mall also has a 'Food Gallery' which offers a variety of food choices - from coffee shops to fast food chains to 'proper' restaurants.

Food Gallery.

I shopped for a bit more at the third floor where the bags are, and at B2 where the sportswear brands are (read: Onitsuka Tiger). Satisfied with my purchases, I was ready to go home and call it a day. But not without stopping by Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is located right across the street.

Dongdaemun Design Plaza, right across Doota.

The newest and most iconic landmark of the Korean design industry, the Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a blend of traditional buildings, relics, and cutting-edge architecture.

A stroll at the DDP History and Culture Park.

DDP has five main facilities - the Art Hall, a key venue for conventions, fashion shows, and performances; the Museum, where exhibits are mostly held; the Design Lab, where creative designers can showcase their products and ideas; the Design Market, a multi-purpose space that combines culture, experiences, and shopping; and the History and Culture Park, an eco-friendly park where you can find the lovely Rose LED Garden.

Royal Copenhagen.

The DDP Camera.

A quirky-looking faucet.

To better appreciate the beauty of this Rose Garden, I suggest you visit Dongdaemun at night.

The Rose Garden in broad daylight.

And how it looks like at night.

How to get to Dongdaemun?
If you're taking the subway, get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Seoul Subway Line 2, 4 ,5), Exit 1.
If you're coming from Incheon Airport, take the Limousine Bus No. 6001.

If you're riding the Green Bus, find the ones numbered 2012, 2015, 2233, or 7212.