Hey everyone, this is the second part of my trip to Seoul. You can read the first one here: Seoul: From Gyeongbokgung Palace to Cookin' Nanta!
Second day route: N Seoul Tower - Namdaemun Market - Lotte World
I had no idea why I wanted to visit N Seoul Tower, but I think it was the subtle thinking in my head saying that N Seoul Tower will be just like Taipei 101, which is iconic. The second day after conference finished, I made an appointment with one of Korean delegates I met in the conference, a girl named Chiyoung. We got close after the pre-conference trip, and then when I said I want to go to N Seoul Tower, she offered to take me there.
We met at Samsung station then took the subway to Myeongdong. There is a shuttle bus from Myeongdong to N Seoul Tower. It is quite far and up in the hill, so we arrived at around 12 PM. The weather was so nice, the sun was shining but the breeze felt so comfortable. I asked why it was named with N, and Chiyoung said probably because it is located in Namsan area or because it was renewed several years back, thus adding N as the first letter of "new".
I have to say N Seoul Tower is not iconic, to my opinion, because the structure is simpler compared to Taipei 101. But I like the view. I always have this strange feeling of excitement when standing up high. N Seoul Tower is also famous for its "lover lock fence", where couples put lock with some love notes there. Chiyoung said it is a current proble for Seoul government because if the locks keep piling up, there will be no spaces. And you know, throwing them away is a sign of disrespect to couples.
(N Seoul Tower)
(me and Haechi, in front of N Seoul Tower)
(downtown view)
(love locks)
After a simple lunch, we went back to Myeongdong using cable car. Then Chiyoung had to go, so I went to Namdaemun market by myself. Similar to Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, Namdaemun market packed with so many vendors, mainly selling clothes and traditional food. I bought some seaweeds for my friends back in Taiwan, and wandered around ogling how busy the market was. Namdaemun is not as modern as Myeongdong, but you can find many cheap clothes there. I didn't buy one though, because I don't need one. Haha. The truth is, to my eyes, Taiwanese fashion is more interesting. For buying souvenirs, I suggest Insadong or Itaewon.
(one of Namdaemun market gates)
My roommate, Tugba, went by herself somewhere but we made an appointment to go to Lotte World. We love amusement park! We met there at 5, bought the discount ticket and went inside. I have to say, I was impressed how they set up amusement park INSIDE a building. Lotte World has two main parts: indoor and outdoor. We went to outdoor part first and tried every thrilling games: Bungee Drop, Gyro Drop (70 meters high and then dropped in just 3 seconds), and some others. Seriously, we are adrenaline junkie! It was super fun.