{
  "id": 18869489,
  "title": "What brings us back to old Seoul",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/08/what-brings-us-back-to-old-seoul-18869489",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-08T05:47:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/opinion/20261108/what-brings-us-back-to-old-seoul"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A scarf vendor in Namdaemun Market became an internet sensation this autumn by inquiring why customers were purchasing scarves they would never wear. His approach to sales was unconventional, as he criticized the customers for their wasteful spending. The seller's charm resided in the conversations he initiated with passersby. However, his popularity led to a downside; the throngs of people made it difficult for him to engage in meaningful exchanges and caused inconvenience to nearby merchants. He requested that people visit the market at their leisure, rather than rushing solely to witness his act. This predicament prompts a question about the transformation of Seoul's revitalized districts: How does a casual visit evolve into a cherished connection? In my childhood, my parents and grandparents would occasionally take me to Jongno and Euljiro. I recall exploring Pimatgol's narrow lanes behind Jongno's main road and window-shopping in Sewoon Sangga's electronics stores alongside them. Having a bowl of naengmyeon, the traditional Korean cold noodles, in Euljiro is etched into those memories.",
  "summary": "A scarf seller in Namdaemun Market became an online celebrity this autumn by asking customers why they were buying scarves they would never wear. He jokes that they are wasting their money. It is an unusual sales pitch. Much of its charm lies in the conversation. Then success got in the way. The proprietor explained that the crowds were making conversation difficult and inconveniencing…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}