Traditional markets in Seoul offer a fascinating blend of modern and traditional experiences.

Popular Traditional Markets in Seoul

Traditional markets in Seoul offer a fascinating blend of modern and traditional experiences. With vendors selling a variety of goods and street foods, these markets are must-visit destinations for anyone looking to shop or eat.

Tongin Market

Tongin Market is located in Seochon near Gyeongbokgung Palace and was formed due to the rapid population growth that took place after the Korean War. Today, the market boasts over 80 vendors and stores, mostly consisting of restaurants and food stalls. One of the unique features of Tongin Market is the Dosirak Café, where you can buy a lunch tray and 10 yeopjeon (brass coins; old Korean currency) for 5,000 won. 

You can then use the yeopjeon to purchase food and fill up your tray as you explore the market, offering a fun and novel dining experience. Do note that the Dosirak Café is closed on Mondays and the third Sunday of the month. The market is conveniently located near popular attractions like Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Gate, and Samcheongdong-gil Road.

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market is a traditional market with over 600 years of history. It offers over 1,700 varieties of goods at affordable prices, including pottery, clothing, accessories, kitchenware, and regional specialties. It is also known for being one of the best places to buy traditional handicrafts, glasses, and sunglasses. 

In addition to shopping, visitors can indulge in delicious foods like guksu (noodles), jokbal (pig's trotters), and galchi jorim (stewed beltfish). Namdaemun Market is located near popular tourist attractions like Myeong-dong, Deoksugung Palace, and Gwanghwamun Gate, making it a great place to stop by after a tour of the area.

Gwangjang Market

Gwangjang Market is the first permanent market established in Korea and is best known for its food. The market has a unique strip of food vendors, each with long lines of people waiting to sample the delicious food. 

Some of the most popular foods sold here include bindaetteok (mung bean pancake) and gimbap.

Korean Currency(KRW) & Exchange

The Won: Understanding Korea's Currency System

Korea's official monetary unit is the won, and as a traveler, it's important to understand the various options available for exchanging and using currency in the country. In this article, we'll explore the different methods of payment and exchange available in Korea.

Bills

Coins

Traveler's Checks: A Dwindling Option

Traveler's checks were once a popular form of payment for travelers, and they can still be exchanged for cash at banks or exchange booths. However, the use of traveler's checks has declined in recent years as credit and debit cards have become the preferred means of payment for many travelers. 

Consequently, the number of stores that accept traveler's checks is also decreasing, making it a less common option for those visiting Korea.

Credit Cards: A Widely Accepted Payment Method

Credit cards are widely accepted in Korea, and businesses across the country, including major hotels, department stores, and general shops, allow customers to pay with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and other credit cards. 

However, it's always a good idea to check with the specific store before making a purchase to ensure they offer this payment option.

Money Exchange: Convert Your Foreign Currency

When traveling to Korea, you may need to convert your foreign currency into the local won. Banks and authorized exchange service centers are readily available for this purpose. Note that banks are typically open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays, with some banks operating from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM. It's also important to check if a bank or exchange service center accepts old currency as some locations may not accept outdated currency.

Foreign Exchange Banks in Airports: Convenient Currency Conversion

For travelers arriving in Korea, converting their money into the local currency can be done easily at bank branches and money exchangers located within Incheon International Airport. The hours and locations of these facilities may vary, so it's recommended to check ahead of time. Money exchangers within the airport generally operate from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with some locations remaining open until 10:00 PM or midnight.

In conclusion, while traveler's checks are becoming less common in Korea, credit cards are widely accepted, and exchanging foreign currency is readily available at banks and exchange centers. 

Whether you're arriving at Incheon International Airport or exploring the country, you're sure to have a seamless experience with your currency needs in Korea.

Flag of South Korea "Taegukgi"

The South Korean Flag: A Symbol of Peace and Balance

The South Korean flag, known as Taegukgi, is a symbol of peace and purity with its white field. The circle in the center represents balance in the world, with the blue half symbolizing the sky and the red half representing the land. The two trigrams in the center symbolize movement and harmony as key principles.

History of the South Korean Flag

Before 1876, the Joseon dynasty in Korea did not have a national flag, but the king had his own royal standard. However, the lack of a national flag became a problem during the negotiations for the Japan-Korea Treaty of 1876, where the delegate from Japan displayed the Japanese national flag, but Korea had no corresponding national symbol to exhibit. 

In 1880, the increasing number of foreign negotiations led to the need for a national flag, and the most popular proposal was described in the "Korea Strategy" papers, written by the Chinese delegate Huang Zunxian. This proposal was to incorporate the flag of the Qing dynasty of China into that of the Joseon dynasty of Korea.

During the negotiations for the United States-Korea Treaty of 1882, US emissary Robert Wilson Shufeldt suggested that Korea adopt a national flag to represent its sovereignty. This led the king of Joseon, Kojong, to order officials Sin Heon and Kim Hong-jip to begin working on a new flag. 

Lee Eung-jun was then tasked with creating the first design, which was presented to the Chinese official Ma Jianzhong. Ma Jianzhong proposed a modified dragon flag, but Kojong rejected this idea. 

He instead proposed the Taegeuk and Eight Trigrams flag, with changes made by Kim and Ma. The final design was approved by Kojong in 1882, and the Taegukgi was officially declared the national flag in January 1883.

The Taegukgi remained in use after the southern portion of Korea became a republic under the influence of the United States in 1945 and was also used by the People's Republic of Korea. 

In 1949, the current flag was declared official by the government of South Korea, although it had been used as the de facto national flag prior. The precise dimensions and color scheme of the flag were codified in 1984 and 1997, respectively.