Day 5 and 6

Day 5: Saturday May 24, 2025

Today we went on a Janes walk with community member Hayeon Park in Hyehwa. We walked around a local neighborhood built into the side of a mountain, known for its quaint nature and public art. I even spotted a replica of the famous girl with the red balloon painting by banksy. We walked through the neighborhood, with the speaker highlighting specific stops in the neighborhood with community significance. One thing that I also learned while on the walk was that this neighborhood has seen a lot of change over the last few years. Many new restaurants and businesses have opened in the last few years, which has clearly altered the character of the neighborhood. I found it very interesting that it has changed, but still retains its charm. We then got lunch and had free time for the rest of the day.

Day 6: Sunday May 25, 2025

Today we went on our hike on Gaemi Maeul Trail. This was a very fun excursion up a mountain. I was completely bewildered that I could do a hike like this in the middle of a big city! We hiked to the summit of the mountain where wen ate lunch and took pictures with the Seoul skyline. After descending the mountain, we traveled to the Tongin Traditional Market. I was very excited about this as we had to reschedule this activity due to the market being closed. At the market, they do a program where you can pay to get coins so that visitors can tey many different foods from various food vendors. I got a variety of delicious foods from many vendors. Overall it was a very cool experience and great way to support many local vendors.

Blog 4 Theme: Food Markets

One of the most prevalent food sources I have seen is local food markets. These are very different from what I am used to seek g in the US. To start, these markets are huge! There are hundreds of vendors in these markets selling fresh goods and cooked foods. There is also a huge variety of foods that can be found. From meats, to vegetables, to preserved foods, these markets have a vast range of products for sale.

I also saw other markets besides Tongin Traditional Market. For example, I saw two other large markets just on our many bus rides. Local food markets are great for sustainability of food in cities. They allow for easy access to affordable, healthy foods. It also helps to support local food vendors by providing space to sell products. One thing I would love to know is how the spots are acquired. In the US, vendors have to pay a fee, but I’m not sure how it works for these markets. Overall, I believe that these kinds of food markets are a key source of food in the city and essential for sustainable food practices.