This takes time. A lot of time. If you are going for the first time, make sure you have at least a couple hours to burn and comfortable shoes. The first time I went, I was completely overstimulated. The market is bustling with porters walking sideways in the narrow passages and shoppers negotiating prices. The best way to get a feel is to go in with a goal - so you don't lose focus and turn into a zombie - and to be keep an eye out for things that interest you. That being said, there is a general order to things, though don't expect everything to be divided neatly.
Right before entering the building, you may see a guide to the market. It lists only the floor and the approximate materials available on each, but it does help a bit. Here it is with my personal notes added in italics.
B1: thread, bedclothes, handicraft, curtains, crochet material, sewing essentials, canvas
1: bedclothes, handicraft, curtain, vessel (this turns out to be kitchenware), suiting
2: silk goods, curtains, fabric subsidiary materials, cotton, linen, blends
3 & 4: fabrics, stuff (yes, it actually says "stuff."), denim, satin, twill, muslin
5: clothing accessories, beads, jewelry making material, jewelry, felt, quilting material, artificial flowers, embroidery material, leather, belts
Once you've found a vendor that you like, make sure to take a business card. Keep track of which card is which by writing what you got at each store on its card. Even if you can't read the Korean, you can always show someone the card and ask for directions next time you go to the market!
Here's a sample of my growing collection:
Right before entering the building, you may see a guide to the market. It lists only the floor and the approximate materials available on each, but it does help a bit. Here it is with my personal notes added in italics.
B1: thread, bedclothes, handicraft, curtains, crochet material, sewing essentials, canvas
1: bedclothes, handicraft, curtain, vessel (this turns out to be kitchenware), suiting
2: silk goods, curtains, fabric subsidiary materials, cotton, linen, blends
3 & 4: fabrics, stuff (yes, it actually says "stuff."), denim, satin, twill, muslin
5: clothing accessories, beads, jewelry making material, jewelry, felt, quilting material, artificial flowers, embroidery material, leather, belts
Once you've found a vendor that you like, make sure to take a business card. Keep track of which card is which by writing what you got at each store on its card. Even if you can't read the Korean, you can always show someone the card and ask for directions next time you go to the market!
Here's a sample of my growing collection:
1 comment:
Wow, how interesting! I will sure give it a visit!
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