Christmastime @ Downtown Seoul!

               (Myeongdong's main alley brightens 
                      up the night shopping)

If you're heading to Seoul this Christmas time, not only will you be overwhelmed with the winter sale extravaganza everywhere, your night shopping will be extra bright as well!

(Lotte Young Plaza's Christmas lights and decor)

As I roamed downtown Seoul this time of the year, when most foreigners living in the city do their last-minute shopping for Christmas presents to bring back to their home countries, I was distracted by all the extra bright and twinkling lights decorating shops, department stores and alleyways that add a festive atmosphere to an already lively and crowded shopping scene in the city.

              (Lotte Department Store's corner)

                  (Seoul Plaza's Christmas tree)

And not to be outdone, er, outshone, the Seoul Plaza also put up its own towering purple Christmas tree that attracts passers-by and motorists as it's sitting right at the tip of the plaza, just right across Deoksugung Palace, and close enough to mesmerize any resident royalty when it's lighted at night.

                (Shinsegae Department Store's 
                     annual Christmas lights)

So, if you're doing your night Christmas shopping in Seoul amidst the freezing temperatures, don't forget to appreciate, not just the huge discounts, but also the bright Christmas lights and decorations that hopefully would remind and educate everyone what Christmas is all about.

              (Christmas hearts in Myeongdong)