Korean Diaries: Day 7-9 - Insadong, Baseball and Myeongdong

Another edition of South Korean Diaries; This time, we have culture, sport and shopping, including Insadong, baseball and Myeongdong.

Our journey in Seoul was a whirlwind of activity – no matter the hour, we could always explore something new. From bustling night markets to traditional dishes, this vibrant city made us feel like we were on a real adventure!

As I look back on days 7-9 of our South Korean Diaries, I can’t help but smile at the memories we made. These three days were packed with unforgettable experiences in Seoul, but what stood out were our visits to Insadong, Baseball and Myeongdong. We got a taste of Korean culture as we wandered the charming streets of Insadong, admiring traditional art and sampling the local cuisine.

It was refreshing to combine that with an exciting day of watching a baseball game, rooting for the home team and joining in on the cheers. And to top it off, we indulged in a shopping spree at Myeongdong. With its endless options of beauty and skincare products, it became every beauty lover’s paradise. These days I honestly have something for everyone, leaving us with memories that will last a lifetime.

South Korean Diaries: Day 7-9 – Insadong, Baseball and Myeongdong

Days 7-9 of my South Korean adventure were full of fun and excitement! It was nonstop action in Seoul, from exploring the culture in Insadong to cheering on an exciting baseball game down to shopping up a storm in Myeongdong. This whirlwind tour will surely be remembered for years to come!

Day 7 – Visiting Insadong

Insadong is the perfect melding of old and new! Set in South Korea, it’s a meeting place where traditional culture blends seamlessly with modern lifestyle. Whether you’re looking to get lost in history or explore cutting-edge trends – there’s something for everyone at this cultural compound.

Despite being a multi-religious nation, South Korea honours Buddhism as their spiritual foundation with proud devotion. Our journey from the Apartment in Gyeongbokgung was full of endless discoveries. After a twenty-minute trek, we arrived at an impressive site celebrating Buddhist culture and tradition. Glowing golden lanterns hung from every wall for an upcoming festival, while statues of Buddha sat inside the hall where many followers sought guidance and peace through prayer.

The lanterns in a temple in the cultural hub of Insadong.

Insadong is a unique blend of past and present, where one can admire the traditional displays while still being able to find modern restaurants and shops. Even though it’s meant for pedestrians only, don’t be surprised if you have to dodge an occasional van or two! From souvenir stores to hanbok shops (traditional Korean dress), cafes, tea spots – anything your heart desires- no shortage of things here will give you both refreshed with new experiences.

As we watched the beginning of a colourful parade featuring Korean music and traditional attire, it seemed like something too good to miss! We decided to explore the area during their procession along the street. To our surprise, though, when we returned after grabbing some lunch, they were back where they started with an hour-and-a-half-long performance full of singing and dancing that even got us up on our feet in a joyous celebration! It was quite a sight watching these talented performers go nonstop for so long; no doubt everyone who experienced this fantastic show walked away feeling entertained.

Insadong will capture your attention, especially of your camera, as you become click-happy with the beautiful sites.

As the day wore on, the clouds grew darker and the air cooler. And then, just like that, the rain came pouring down. We quickly retreated to the warmth and comfort of our little apartment. For a while, we just sat there listening to the steady drumming of the rain on the roof; each lost in our thoughts. But then, hunger began to gnaw at us, and I decided to take the kids out for dinner.

We headed to Lotteria, a Korean fast-food chain like McDonald’s or Burger King but with a few fun twists. Despite the downpour outside, we were all smiles as we chowed down on our burgers and fries, savouring the warmth and coziness of our little fast food oasis. And it was worth it. The rain may have dampened our clothes but it couldn’t dampen our spirits.

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The culture is alive in Insadong.

Day 8 – Baseball at Jamsil Stadium

On that glorious Sunday, the scorching sun shone over Jamsil Baseball Stadium, located right outside Olympic Park in Seoul. We slowly rose out of bed and got to the stadium just before it began at two o’clock.

The moment we stepped off subway line 2, a wave of energy washed over us as people around erupted with chanting fans, delicious eats from food stalls and vibrant merchandise – all swirling together for an intense battle between Doosan Bears against Samsung Lions!

Supporting the Samsung Lions inside Jamsil Stadium.

As I arrived at the stadium, I was immediately drawn to a dazzling sea of royal blue and white worn by fans supporting The Lions. Captivated by the striking colours, I could no longer resist buying one of their jerseys – instantly becoming devoted to this team that day!

Once inside Jamsil Stadium, it is undeniable how grandiose its scale truly is: from towering walls surrounding home plate, which cast an impressive shadow onto outfield seats below them up towards reaching clouds above. A spectacle for any sports enthusiast like myself who revels in such a dynamic atmosphere with a larger-than-life viewing screen right before me!

Outside Jamsil Stadium and enjoying the atmosphere of the ball game.

Ignoring the entertainment in the stands was hard, but that’s not to say the game was dull. The electricity in the stadium was palpable as both the home supporters and the opposing team battled it out through cheers and screams. The sounds of the crowd announcer and the dazzling cheerleaders only added to the already buzzing atmosphere.

On the contrary, it kept us in our seats until the end, with Doosan Bears ultimately taking home the win. As the game ended, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the excitement and adrenaline rush that sports always bring.

It was the perfect ending to a day filled with my favourite pastime. As I headed out into the night for a late dinner at Pho Roi, I couldn’t help but already look forward to the next game.

Take me out to the ball game.

Day 9 – Enjoying the Vibrantcy of Myeondong

Finally, a day to take it easy. Today, we decided to hop on a train and head to Myeongdong. This bustling spot is the ultimate shopping destination, with all the big names in clothing, sporting goods, skincare, shoes, and more.

And let’s not forget about the array of food options that fill the air with mouth-watering scents. As a self-proclaimed shopaholic, this place felt like heaven on earth. It’s hard to put into words the energy that fills the streets of Myeongdong but trust me when I say it’s a sight to behold. Today may not have been much, but it was exactly what we needed.

The wife is Looking good in Myeongdong.

Today was a dreamy day of putting our feet up and relaxing after a long week of the hustle and bustle. Feeling content, we ventured out to Myeongdong, a vibrant and lively Seoul neighbourhood filled with captivating sights and sounds. We took the opportunity to indulge in some delicious Korean takeout and savoured each bite with pure delight.

The day was spent leisurely, enjoying the ambience and exploring the bustling streets after a few busy days of Insadong, Baseball and Myeongdong. As the sun set, we returned to our peaceful abode, readying ourselves for the hectic day ahead. Tomorrow will be all go, go, go, but today was the perfect recharging day we needed at the DMZ Korea.

Check out other editions of South Korean Diaries:

Days 4 – 6 Family Bonding in Seoul!

Days 1 – 3 Seoul Delight!