This is Namdemun, which means "south gate." This city gate was first built in Seoul in the 14th century and is National Treasure #1. Just across the street from it is Namdemun Market.
Namsan Tower
Poking through the trees is Namsan Tower, which means "south mountain tower." I took the picture from inside a taxi, so it's not that great. I have been up to the top via ski lift. There's an observatory up there where you can see the whole city of Seoul, and there's also a rotating restaurant. At night, Namsan Tower lights up like a big Christmas tree.
Kyobo Bookstore
Is this a train station? The airport? People leaving the building after a concert? Christmas Eve at a shopping mall, perhaps? No, actually, it's a bookstore on an average Sunday afternoon. This is the biggest bookstore in Seoul. It's located in the basement of the Kyobo Life Insurance building, and it's huge. There is also a fairly large English section in there.
The Eggman
From time to time, in neighborhoods throughout America, children get excited when the the ice cream truck rolls down their street playing its happy little song. Similarly, every day, about 10 to 12 times a day, in neighborhoods throughout Korea, trucks peddling vegetables, fruit, meats, eggs, and occasionally electronics roll down the streets playing an infinitely looped pre-recorded sales pitch loud enough to shake the pictures off the walls of any house within a 50 mile radius. Often, this sales "pitch" is more like a monotone sales "chant," which allows the message to embed itself deeper into the brain of potential customers. The van featured in this picture belongs to my arch enemy, who I affectionately refer to as either the "Eggman" (he sells eggs) or just "Asshole with Bell." As the photo demonstrates, he has cleverly affixed a bell to the top of his van. This bell rocks back and forth, ringing about two times per second. On most days, the Eggman stops his van outside my window for about 30 minutes and waits for customers, with his bell ringing the whole time. I'd like to ring his #@!&* bell.
Pig Heads, Pig Heads, Roly Poly Pig Heads
When a new business opens up, pig heads (yes, real pig heads) are set out for good luck. This picture was taken a few years ago at a traditional marketplace in Seoul.
Here's another picture of a pig's head, sitting next to a pan of rice cake, or "ddok." As you can see, the pig's head is stuffed with cash. Friends and relatives come to the store or restaurant on opening day and stuff money into the pig's orifices for good luck.
