For Sale: Everything but Nuclear Weapons

Namdaemun is South Korea’s Oldest and Most Famous Marketplace.

People often joke that you can find anything on earth there: except for nuclear weapons.

Trinkets and hair thingies for sale at the Namdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea

Harry Potter books for sale in Namdaemun Market - Seoul, South Korea — Harry Potter books for sale in Namdaemun Market – Seoul, South Korea

Would you prefer to put Obama, Bart Simpson or the Korean Flag into your sneakers?

Namdaemun Market is the Heart of Seoul

Since 1414, Namdaemun Market has been the place to sell, trade and buy merchandise, food and services.

In the early years, the marketplace specialized in rice, clothes, grains, fish, fruit and other goods. It was a commercial hub and the heart of business in Korea.

However, hard times fell on Namdaemun in the 1900s. Between the Japanese occupation, Korean War and a series of fires, the market was decimated and its future left in question.

Today, that question has been answered.

With more than 10,000 stores spanning dozens of city blocks, Namdaemun is the largest marketplace in South Korea. It is estimated that 500,000 people visit every day.

I'm not entirely sure if these are CDs, DVDs, books on tape or what... — I’m not entirely sure if these are CDs, DVDs, books on tape or what…

The price tag says 430,000 won, which is about $400 bucks. Something tells me that’s just there to make buyers think they are getting an amazing deal when they buy the “real” watch for 150,000 won.

Morning and Night in Namdaemun Market

I’ve had the opportunity to explore Seoul’s Namdaemun Market at 6am and 6pm.

It goes without saying that these were two completely different experiences.

Sunrise at Namdaemun Market — I didn’t stay in my room long, as it was early morning and the light was beautiful in Namdaemun Market

The rows of street stalls don't open until the late-afternoon and remain open well into the night. — The rows of street stalls don’t open until the late-afternoon and remain open well into the night.

Towering above Namdaemun Market is a maze of electric wires

You can’t get lost in Namdaemun Market, as Tourist Information kiosks await you at every turn

So Much Delicious Food in Seoul’s Namdaemun Market

Don’t fill up before a visit to Seoul’s Namdaemun Market, as every other vendor seems to sell food.

With options ranging from fresh fruit to noodle soup, steamed buns, fried fish, insect larvae, kimchee pancakes and the ass of a chicken, there’s something for everyone.

Deep fried sausages wrapped in fish cake. Nom nom nom

These insect larve are incredibly disgusting, according to my costar Jesse. After that “glowing” recommendation, I decided not to try one.

A stick of fresh fruit costs 1,000 won ($1)

Steamed buns are one of my favorite Asian foods in any country: especially when they are stuffed with pork

A menu at a local street food vendor. Notice the toilet paper roll on the lower right, which is used as a napkin

Disposable chopsticks and bowls for water are quite common at sit-down street food stalls

A local Korean woman enjoys a traditional bowl of noodle soup

Oh, the People You’ll Meet

In addition to being a great place to buy whatever you want, Seoul’s Namdaemun Market offers countless people watching opportunities.

Doesn't this look like the type of guy you would expect to sell a "genuine" Armani shirt? — Doesn’t this look like the type of guy you would expect to sell a “genuine” Armani shirt?

This man sells fried seafood on a stick and plays the clarinet to attract customers and stave-off boredom. He’s been doing it for nearly 20 years. Behind him is our National Geographic Channel cameraman filming a scene for the show.

Even the money exchange guy loves to smile!

Even Johnny Depp can be found at Namdaemun Market, where he sells designer glasses. OK, so maybe it was just an ad in a window…

Make a Fashion Statement

Whatever your style looks like, you’re sure to find it at Namdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea.

A colorful way to keep those tootsies warm

Designer Ferrari polo shirts are a common site

Just what every young girl wants: a Spongebob purse!

Children’s books for sale at the Namdaemun Market in Seoul, South Korea

It took all of about 5 minutes for me to find Psy (the man behind Gangnam Style) on the streets

Want to see photos from a similar market in Chiang Mai, Thailand?

GET LOST IN KOREA

In 2013, I was hired by National Geographic to film a TV show in South Korea … following my adventures as a travel blogger and photographic storyteller.

The single-episode show offered a mix of humor, tradition, adventure and stunning imagery; as I teamed up with Jesse Day: a Canadian entertainer who lives in Seoul and raps in Korean.

Here are the highlights from filming Get Lost in Korea …