Dongdaemun General Market

"mobile fruit market near The East Gate Dongdaemun, the old East Gate of Seoul , has been the site of a market for generations. Today, the double-roofed stone arch no longer marks entry into the city, but the capital's residents still come here to haggle over everything from shoes to plumbing supplies and electronics. Food is not left out of the equation; although large produce markets are not found immediately by the gate, roving merchants wheel seasonal fruit in and around the incessant traffic. As evening rush hour neared, this particular cart was almost empty of its offerings, and the vendor seemed ready for the day to end... To get there by subway: Line 2, exit Dongdaemun Stadium Station, or Line 1 or 4, exit Dongdaemun Station."

"This sprawling shopping district is textile central, and a go-to place for trendsetting teens, aspiring fashion designers, and bargain-hunting ajummas. Thirty thousand stores are spread across ten blocks and split into wholesale and retail sections. The mix includes more than a dozen glossy shopping malls (Good Morning City, Migliore, Doota, etc.). In the open-air market near exit four of the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, tables underneath yellow tents are piled high with discounted jeans, shoes, and leather goods, but this area doesn’t really get going until after 10 p.m. When hunger strikes, head to Meokja Golmok, a.k.a. “Let’s Eat Alley,” for super-sized mandu (fried dumplings) and dak hanmari (whole chicken) restaurants, plus an array of Instagrammable desserts."