Seoul is a city with more than 10 million people. It is fast-paced but sometimes you may feel that urban life can become overwhelming and humdrum.

With non-descript high-rises and an endless stream of cars clogging the streets, you may think it is hard, if not impossible, to find a place where you can breathe with artistic vitality.

Fortunately, there is an area worthy of note in the heart of this seemingly monotonous metropolis.

It is Hongdae, a Korean term describing the area surrounding Hongik University. There, you can feel the vibrancy of young artists and can mingle with those who want to find an oasis in Seoul.

Every Saturday, artists or literally anybody bring their wares to the Free Market to offer distinctive arts and crafts for sale in the playground near Hongik University.

The market launched in June 2002 is somewhat different from other flea markets in that it doesn't sell used goods. Instead, it sells a variety of items handmade mostly by college-age artists.

Dubbed an "art market," this place features diverse one-of-a-kind handmade products, such as notebooks, dolls and even earthenware. Many eye-catching accessories sold there are made from household junk.

The collection is quite extensive, ranging from hair ornaments crafted with Korean traditional needlework, to bags and hats with original, hand-drawn designs, shoes, diaries and even music CDs just produced in a recording studio.

You will also find portrait artists who will draw your caricature. This place is so vibrant with so many things to see that it is a pleasure just to stroll around.

To brighten the mood, underground bands and artists stage eye-catching performances, creating something like a street party.

The Arts and Living Creative Center, the host of the market, says it has launched more innovative ideas this year, stretching its limitations to encourage more interaction between artists and visitors with the theme of “Capacity and Possibility.”

Artists or just anybody who has registered with the Hongdae Free Market administration are permitted to set up a stand or sell goods at the market.

If you want to see some young talent and passion, visit the Hongdae Free Market on a Saturday afternoon. It opens at 1pm every Saturday from March to November.

Directions: Get off at Hongik Univ. Station (subway line # 2) and take exit 5 for Hongik University. Walk straight to the four-way intersection, make a left, continue until the end of the street, make a right, follow the uphill road on the right to find the small park with playground.

By Han Aran
Korea.net Staff Writer