Walking along the streets of Seoul can sometimes feel a little overwhelming, such is the visual noise generated by a million neon signs all screaming for your attention. Combined with the massive hordes of crowds at certain hours and it can be quite a disorienting, if not an exciting experience all the same.
![SIM'S](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/3943709369_391f6b0e32_b.jpg)
There’s something about neon lights that never cease to allure my eyes and from my travels, I’ve found three main places where they shine brightest in Seoul: Gangnam, Sincheon (above) and Myeongdong (below). Cheonggyecheon stream is also beautifully lit up at night but with a more relaxed romantic atmosphere.
![Main Street Myeongdong](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/3944763908_a944e6bee9_b.jpg)
Myeongdong is mainly full of trendy clothes shops for young people while Sincheon is more focused on bars and restaurants (and dodgy looking motels). Gangnam is a business area lined with shining office buildings (and cool Media Poles). If you only have time to visit one, go to Myeongdong – it’s by far the most interesting and a fascinating area to people watch (if you know any other good spots please leave a comment).
![UNIQLO coex](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/3944472062_5546ebea35_b.jpg)
UNIQLO (from Japan) seem to have new stores appearing all over the place – one just opened near me in Coastal City and for a foreign brand, they’re quite reasonably priced. The shot above was taken outside the COEX mall in Jamsil.
![Sincheon](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/3944475028_85e82ec953_b.jpg)
In some parts of Seoul, the mayor is apparently trying to clean up the streets by curbing the lights and baring roadside vendors. Urban gentrification is something I abhor; the sights and smells are what give an area its nature and by removing them you remove the very heart of its existence.
![Bongeun-sa Temple](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/3943252944_c29cfa8e55_b.jpg)
If the lights get a bit much for you there still exist a few sanctuaries of calm and tranquillity within the megalopolis. Bongeun-sa temple exists in a sort of temporal warp between ancient and modern Korea, nestling between countless high-rise offices and shops. It’s amazing its managed to survive the onslaught of construction and is the perfect oasis to take a moment to relax and reflect on a warm evening.
![Candles in Bongeun-sa Temple](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/3943250608_b3a2039c0b_b.jpg)
Whist sitting here listening to the chanting of the monks I thought back over previous trips to Korea – it was my fourth time in South Korea and whilst I doubt I’ll be returning again for a while my memories are the best souvenir with my blog a visual reminder of the great experiences and wonderful places visited. A strangely fitting ending to the best episode yet.
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