Just west of Dongdaemun, the humble Gwangjang Market and the nearby hiking gear street sit side by side, making this part of Seoul a pleasant place for a leisurely stroll.

The atmosphere of Gwangjang Market changes completely from west to east. The western side is lined with textile and clothing wholesalers, with hardly a tourist in sight.
The eastern side is a lively maze of food stalls and eateries catering to tourists, bustling with a delightful sense of chaos. My attention, however, is drawn to the ingredients unique to Korea, and I find a quiet pleasure in capturing these unfamiliar foods through my lens.The curious-looking items at the bottom of the first photograph are Chinese artichokes, small, snail-shaped tubers that grow underground on a plant in the mint family.

The hiking gear street is lined with shops selling outdoor equipment and hiking apparel, featuring not only international brands but also a wide range of Korean brands.
I find myself wondering whether leaving leather shoes out in the sun might damage them, though perhaps this is not something people here worry much about.
I wonder if the hats, too, are simply enjoying a little sunshine.
Whenever I come across a red motorbike, I feel a little spark of joy and instinctively reach for my camera.
Just before reaching Jongno Shinjin Market, I came across a timeworn hardware shop, quietly capturing the feel of everyday life in Seoul.
A short break at a Vietnamese coffee shop at the eastern end of Hiking Gear Street. For some reason, the place was filled with groups of middle-aged and older customers today. A little mystery.