4 Recommended Traditional Markets in Seoul
1. Namdaemun Market (남대문시장)
It has the largest number of stores. There’s nothing you can’t find in this market. If it’s not in Namdaemun Market, it’s nowhere in Seoul. Having 5,200 stores, the market sells clothing, textile products, kitchenware, daily necessities, folk crafts, souvenirs, street food, and imported products.
Location
21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station
Hoehyeon station (회현역) Exit 5
2. Gwangjang Market (광장시장)
Opened in 1905, it is the largest, oldest traditional market. It’s known for the famous food alley. Korean-style raw beef (육회; yukhoe), mung-bean pancake (빈대떡; bindaetteok), drug kimbap (마약김밥; mayak kimbap), slicked raw octopus are some of the famous food selling in the market. It also sells hanbok (Korean traditional clothes) and vintage clothes.
Location
88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station
Jingo 5-ga station (종로5가역) Exit 7, 8
3. Dongdaemun Market (동대문시장)
Right next to Gwangjang Market is Dogdaemun Market. Here, the “Market” refers to a large shopping district comprised of traditional markets and shopping centers where you can find clothes, accessories, shoes, leathers, silks, fabric, and more. It’s the largest wholesale and retail shopping district.
Location
12, Jong-ro 36-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station
Dongdaemun station (동대문역) Exit 8, 9
4. Seoul Folk Flea Market (서울풍물시장)
It mainly sells old, used, unique products, such as used books, antiques, and rare records, that you may not find in other markets. If you want to experience some old Seoul vibe, this market can fulfill your expectations. There’s even a themed zone that recreated downtown Seoul in the 1960s and 70s.
Location
21, Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Nearest Station
Sinseoldong station (신설동역) Exit 9
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