Today I didn’t have a shoot, so I went feature hunting at the traditional market in my neighborhood. The many vendors who make their living at these all-weather markets serve as a staple in cities across the country. In massive Seoul there is a market in most neighborhoods.

Surrounded by mostly older folks, I couldn’t help but feel like I had traveled back in time. Sometimes the traditional parts of Seoul seem so drastically different from the modern striking skyscrapers. But while many people head to multi-floor grocery stores or department stores these days, the traditional market culture is very much alive. It’s a place to get homemade traditional food, traditional clothing and wholesale ingredients. Not to mention that you can bargain for a lower cost, and sometimes vendors throw in something extra for free, a tradition called “deom”.

Koreans are fiercely proud of their heritage. Markets like this are still a vital part of life because people want to support them and keep their traditions living even in the age of motorcycle take-out delivery and online shopping. Plus, there is seriously delicious food and laughs to be enjoyed together.