Strolling Around 보신각 (普信閣) "Bosingak"

Yup..this is the famous Bosingak pavilion where thousands of people thronged on New Year's Eve to celebrate the ringing of the belfry.  

Of course, we did not go there on New Year's Eve...^^ 

We let the kids roam the vast plaza in front of the Bosingak....  

In front of the famous Jongno Tower. 

It is said that we could go up the 33rd floor to view the whole area..a treat in itself. But, unfortunately I haven't even tried it ..not even once. 

Back to the ground..I saw Trio kwek kwek...ready to go for a walk. 

Along with their toddlers.. 

we spent like...30 minutes or so before going to another section of Jongno or bell street area.

Jongno 3-Ga Exit 3 @ Night

Well.well...well..who would've thought that this street turned into a pojangmaja 포장마자 or street food stall haven as the night fall. Yep, this is the very street that I encountered the other day when I was looking for Youth Hostel where my friend, Adi, were staying. I got to reach exit 3 to reach the hotel..and while at night..the street was relatively calm ...I mean..no 'happening' that could be eye-catching to look at...

but..when the night falls, it all turns into this festivity.

Both on the right and left side of the sidewalks....all kinds of street-food-stalls are set up..and the crowds start to pour in. 

That's exactly where it all began. When you just get out of this exit...you'll find yourself immerse into the commotion.

*worth to try for anyone who's looking for something different in Seoul @ night.

젊음의 거리 (Street of Youth)

Hmm, we're going back home after watching the lantern festival and decided to take a different route while trying to find a subway station. 

We ended up bumping into this so called 'street of youth'

located in Jongno area, I got no idea of what's inside.

and.. 

the first thing we found was a row of street vendors ( I am sure they're officially relocated there) that characterize the 500-meter-long street. 

Called 'Pojangmaja' in Korean, I think it's a cool way to experience the outdoor eatery in the makeshift-like tents--which are covered in plastic in Winter like this. I am sure it's effective to ward off the cold or...to trap the heat inside so as to make it warm. 

and we're walking down the street ... 

with brightly lit neon signs that typify most of Korean streets. 

"oops, something just dropped down right in front of 'DOWN town' shop.

what a coincidence!!

On My Way to Youido: By Bus

After taking Eyra to school, usually I took a subway to Youido. But, that day..I decided to give it a try..going to KBS by bus. I passed lots of different streets along the way. More importantly was that..I could see how some parts of Seoul looked like in the morning around 9 and 10 in the morning. 

I passed by the office district in Jeongno. Some office workers were seen getting off the bus..right in front of their office. 

now let's see what I saw during my bus ride: some of the them were...

One intersection @ Jeongno. One busy lane, one...empty one.  

In front of Lotte Department Store, headquarter at Jeongno. 

The Namdaemun fashion outlet.... 

Bank of Korea... 

Bank of Korea, near Namdaemun. 

Korea's No. 1 Heritage: Namdaemun (South Gate) after being renovated, rebuilt, reconstructed. Well, most people knew the shocking disaster when an arsonist set it ablaze in 2008. 

A national loss has been reborn.

Near Mapo...or Gongdeok...I am not quite sure..:( 

A stack of colorful blocks in all shapes imaginable. 

Approaching the Mapo bridge... 

on the bridge..over Han river.. 

A serene yet bright morning...and blue sky over Seoul.  

Safely got off near Youido Park from where I got to walk straight towards KBS. 

Then...I was strolling along the park with some nice view over the park: office buildings that looked like they were spurting^-^ out of the park... 

One of my favorite places to hang out: IFC Mall in Youido. 

The strings of office buildings... 

another one...take a look at the five huge coins coined together!