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Our group shopping at one of the bazillion shops. Today I went to a HUGE traditional Korean market in Daegu called Seomun Market. It's essentially a whole city block with multiple buildings that have multiple floors literally packed to the gills full of everything you can imagine. Besides the indoor stores, outside covering almost every inch of sidewalk and alleys are booths of food, fabrics, shoes, clothes, spices, beans, meats, vegetables, and even silkworms...yes...silkworms to eat! Here's some info about it: Seomun Market has been one of 3 major markets in the nation since 1669 (10th year of King Hyeongjong of Joseon Dynasty), and played a pivotal role in Daegu's economy. It is also one of the oldest markets in Daegu. The name "Seomun" means west gate and was taken from the fact that the market was located in the western part of the Daegu Fortress. Moved to its present location in 1920, the market is divided into 6 zones with over 4,000 shops. Seomun Market carries various items ranging from agricultural products and fish to manufactured goods. The market is especially considered the best place in Korea to buy fabrics, textiles, and clothes, which are the specialties of Daegu.
Can you believe that? Over 4000 shops! It turns out that this one is small compared to some in Seoul! I went with Sunja and her ladies group. So it was me and Sunja's husband and 5 ladies in shopping heaven. Can you say crazy time? The highlight for me was seeing barrels of bugs (silkworms) and eating handmade pancakes with cinnamon & peanuts. An old Korean lady pulls the dough and makes small circles of pancakes and flips them on a large round skillet. They were big time yummy. Here's a site with more pictures - http://www.lifeinkorea.com/Travel2/59. What I learned today about Korea: 1) They eat silkworms!
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