Join MLB Network's Paul Severino and Joe Magrane as they take a tour of Seoul
Unlike Team Israel's Ryan Lavarnway and Josh Zeid, Joe Magrane and Paul Severino of MLB Network aren't adventurous eaters -- but you can still call them adventure seekers.
Magrane and Severino are in Korea for the first time in their lives to call Pool A action at the 2017 World Baseball Classic, and a day after arriving in the capital, they were ready to hit the busy streets of Seoul. One of the first things Severino noticed: "Where are the trash cans?"
While circumnavigating the city, you might notice the lack of people carrying disposable items, because trash cans are almost impossible to find on street corners. In fact, it's easier to find free Wi-Fi. After Severino spotted a receptacle, it was like an oasis opened up for him -- he could finally be free of his empty water bottle.
Without trash in hand, Severino and Magrane visited Sungnyemun Gate, also known as Namdaemun Gate, the first National Treasure of Korea -- not too far from City Hall. The original gate structure was destroyed by a fire (incidentally, Sungnyemun means "fire") but Koreans still hold the landmark dear to their hearts.
From there, the Network men made a short walk to the Namdaemun Market, an area not unlike an enclosed version of New York City's Canal Street -- a comparison Magrane made right away after noticing the goods sold by hawkers in the market.
You can find almost anything at Namademun, from ginseng to belts to peanuts to K-pop merchandise. Magrane walked into one store and was surprised by K-pop's ubiquity, asking, "Is this the Korean version of 'TigerBeat' or boy bands?" It's not a bad analogy -- as evidenced by the wall littered with buttons, posters and other paraphernalia featuring some of Korea's popular boy and girl bands.
Then, it was on to the next part of the trip: the always-popular but congested Myeongdong area. Well-known for its street food -- like egg bread or dried cuttlefish -- the shopping district is also notable for the beauty stores that line its streets. One of the first attractions that caught Magrane and Severino's eyes was a giant bear in one of the stores.
From there, a bit of home was in store for Severino and Magrane, who spotted an MLB store. The former Cardinals left-hander tried on the lone Redbirds cap, while his counterpart went with a team more befitting someone named Severino: a Yankees hat.
From any part of the city, you'd be hard-pressed not to spot Seoul Tower, also known as Namsan Tower. Situated on Namsan Mountain, the landmark is both a hangout spot for lovers and a broadcast tower.
After a cable car ride to the summit, the duo sauntered over to one of the many fenced areas where couples seal their affection for each other with an inscribed lock. Inspired by the ceremony, the team decided to leave a legacy of their own.
"A piece of us is in Korea forever," joked Severino after sealing their lock on the fence. To which Magrane added: "And it was the WBC that made that happen."
