Good evening! Ah, today has been such a beautiful and awesome day! To jump start the festive season I ventured into the city to check out a Christmas Market with my dear friend Mary.
The Christmas market was a bit smaller than what we were expecting, however it was something different and Christmasy so we were both pretty excited. It was really easy to find, located at the Seongbukcheon Fountain Square (성북천 분수광장) just off Hansung University Station (exit 2). Seongbuk Global Village Center hosted the event, the tents were all ran by the European embassies each selling goodies and treats from their home countries.
There was Gluehwein, sausage, chocolate chaud, Roesti, Raclette cheese, lasagna, Italian coffee, crepes, a heavenly divine slice of cheesecake, and holiday cookies too. Children could write a letter to Santa for Christmas, there were a few Christmas decorations, and a live band. We arrive right before noon and had the chance to walk around to each tent before the larger crowd moved in.
After leaving the marketplace we wanted to grab some lunch together before heading home. We strolled up the street to check out the area and see where our tummy and noses lead us. As we strolled we found multiple fruit stands all with delicious displays of persimmons, clementine oranges, apples, and pomegranate. We couldn’t help ourselves we had to grab a little bag of persimmons and clementines. Both Mary, I, and our families really enjoy the fruits of the Fall and Winter months here in Korea.
In the end our tummies and noses lead us straight to a budae jjigae restaurant. We were outside discussing the sign and picture of the stew when the Korean women inside came out to explain in her best English what the restaurant was. I have had budae jigae many times before but Mary had not. The woman was very convincing, the restaurant looked really clean, “sure why not” Mary said. What a free spirit this woman has, I just love it! In the end she said she loved the stew. I was so happy that she got a chance to try another new Korean dish that she enjoyed.