29 March 2026
The most famous drain in the world
Myeongdong and Cheonggyecheon
Tonight I went and visited the original drain that sparked my obsession with Korean drains. It is world famous. There may not be any others like it anywhere, the ones I compare it to are really not globally famous tourist attractions unlike Cheonggyecheon (earlier we had a word with two random o's, this evening we have the much more common double-g).
Before heading to the drain, I walked briefly through Myeongdong. On the way there I thought things were quiet, but once I got to the makeup and street food heaven, it was heaving. Too busy for me by far, I made a quick retreat.
Then I ate some spinach, and... beef. It was only the second time I have eaten red meat of any kind in a year that I can think of, and the last time was Korean food in Melbourne. So there you go, the only time I eat red meat lately is when I am eating Korean food or in Korea. I will probably go on about that more throughout this trip.
This is the street behind my hotel. A hotel I have used twice on previous trips is just off to the left from here. I feel as though this street used to be much busier.
Until now I did not realise the Seoul my soul thing had 3 emoji's in the logo.
Behold, the main department store street, Lotte flagship on the right.
I entered Myeongdong from a back way, past all the mainly pork intestine restaurants.
First bit of Myeongdong, busy but not alarmingly so yet.
Getting busier.
OK that is too many people, retreat.
First shot of the fabled drain.
On Young Street, all the restaurants are themed, here is treehouse restaurant.
For my dinner, spinach and beef, from a diet food chain named 'Preppers', which probably has a more common meaning that is lost on them. I like to eat my food out of metal. Also the beef was of a very high quality and a surprisingly large serve.
Most notable building in the area, I am sure I have photographed it at least one on each trip.
Now of course, there would not be just one drain pic, so here is another. I am a bit late for peak sunset.
And for my final shot of the evening... more drain!