Exploring S(e)oul: Gangnam & Namsan Mountain

Yesterday I had a late start to the day but once I finally got up and going I realized I had a lot that I wanted to do!

Earlier this week on the website 'Meetup' I signed up to do a walk in Namsan and yesterday was the day for that. I was a little bit nervous to find my way alone on the subway, but excited to do more sightseeing and meet new people.

But first on the agenda was going to Gangnam - I had been there briefly before with Megan and wanted to check out the shops. This was also an opportunity to test out my knowledge of the subway for the longer trip I'd have to make later in the day for Namsan. I got to Gangnam without any problems and did some shopping then did a quick walk outside. Shopping there can be a little dangerous - cute clothes at great prices! I would have liked to spend more time there walking around but was a little strapped for time since I had plans for the evening. Gangnam is one place so far that reminds me most of Vancouver. Here is a video and a few shots of the station with the shops and outside on the streets.

From Gangnam, I stopped at EMart since it's located at the subway station I get off at. So far I prefer EMart over Lotte Mart and wish EMart was in walking distance! The prices seem to be a little bit better there and they also seem to have a better selection. I felt like I was walking around Costco because at every corner you had someone offering you a sample of food. I tried a few meat samples and ended up buying what seem to be mini sausages (I'm sure those aren't great for you) as well as pork cutlets among other things. I also picked up cheap shampoo and conditioner (the same brand that I liked from the hotel). I normally use Tres Semme but that is $14 a small bottle here!

I also sent a small package yesterday and it was only $10 to send! I was impressed.

Finally it was time to go on my adventure to Namsan. I was originally given directions to the meet up spot by another person off the website who suggested I take the 9001 bus - but I had no idea where to find that. Instead I wrote out the subway directions which included 4 transfers. I gave myself some extra time in case I got lost (which I sort of did - I ended up going the wrong way on one of the subway lines then took a bit to figure out how to get going the other way). The meetup time was 7:30 and I knew I was going to be late because of this. I had written the organizer's phone number down so I sent a text and got the reply "You can make it. Hurry up" - So I hurried because I really wanted to go! I ended up only being 5 minutes late.

I think there were about 20 people total who met up to walk in Namsan. We followed Harry (the organizer) who is an older (maybe middle aged) Korean man who plans events because he likes to travel and make international friends. The group was diverse in age, occupations and countries. Many are teachers but some are here working in hospitals and others got sent here to work through their job back home. There were people from the US, Ireland, Germany, India, Egypt and even some local Koreans. I think it was funny that on the event page this was 'advertised' as a walk, but it was more like doing the first half of the Grouse Grind! I felt pretty ridiculous that I had a skirt on - but then again, I was expecting a casual walk! It was super nice though and we got to see a gorgeous view of Seoul. At the top of Namsan there is the N Seoul Tower that had a short 'light show' we got to watch. And by 'light show' I mean they projected images on the tower. Here are some pictures (half of which Harry took and I saved off the website :)