Namdaemun Market on Postcard

"Tucked Behind the Skyscrapers: Namdaemun Market Among the biggest and most chaotic markets in Korea, Seoul 's Namdaemun Market is the capital's oldest, dating to the 1400s. Today you can find ANYthing here, if you're willing to brave the crowded alleyways tucked in behind skyscrapers: cellphones, fried fish cakes, ginseng liqueurs, bulk stockings, cosmetics, lacquerware, underwear, noodles, squid, seaweed... Street snacks abound, along with the occasional street musician. Watch out for the motorcycle stacked 10 feet high with you-name-it (pantyhose?calculators?), weaving its way through the sea of pedestrians. And don't forget to haggle. To get here via subway: Hoehyon station, Line 4, Exit 5."

The Best Places to Shop in Seoul

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@afar

"Tucked Behind the Skyscrapers: Namdaemun Market Among the biggest and most chaotic markets in Korea, Seoul 's Namdaemun Market is the capital's oldest, dating to the 1400s. Today you can find ANYthing here, if you're willing to brave the crowded alleyways tucked in behind skyscrapers: cellphones, fried fish cakes, ginseng liqueurs, bulk stockings, cosmetics, lacquerware, underwear, noodles, squid, seaweed... Street snacks abound, along with the occasional street musician. Watch out for the motorcycle stacked 10 feet high with you-name-it (pantyhose?calculators?), weaving its way through the sea of pedestrians. And don't forget to haggle. To get here via subway: Hoehyon station, Line 4, Exit 5."

Shopping By Neighborhood in Seoul

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@afar

"Since the city never sleeps, it’s also possible to find street food past midnight, particularly around wholesale shopping districts like Namdaemun and Dongdaemun." - Lara Dalinsky

7 Korean Street Foods to Eat in Seoul in the Winter - AFAR

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@cntraveler

"This is South Korea’s oldest and largest market, with roots dating to the 1400s. It's a constant hive of activity, buzzing with shoppers in search of the latest fashion, electronics, crockery, and, of course, good food. Merchandise is organized on themed streets: kids' clothing over there, military gear and opticians this way. On the grub front, you’ll see salarymen digging into steaming bowls of stewed beltfish, mackerel, and pollock along Galchi Jorim, a.k.a. Stewed Beltfish Alley. In the nearby Foodie Alley (yup, different from Beltfish Alley and arguably better smelling), it’s all about street eats like dakkochi (grilled chicken skewers) and tteokbokki, glutinous rice cakes in a spicy red sauce."

The 3 Markets You Need to Visit in Seoul

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NôMāR Åltïçłöś

Google

Street food, clothes & other shopping stuff. Prices are economical. How will you know which food to buy, just look for the lines. Warning: lots of spicy & fried food, so if you’re not on a diet and feeling adventurous, do add this to your places to go in Seoul.

Amy Tan

Google

It's a popular shopping area. You can find all sorts of merchandise here. I liked the dumpling shop and the Kimchi dumping and snow dumplings were delicious. They were generous with the fillings. From Hoehyeon station, exit 5 turn into the lane and you'll see a stall with long queue. The area selling kids clothing had lots of choices too. Nice experience. Restroom are available in most buildings and these are clean.

Same London

Google

This place is out of the world, it’s so huge and have so many small small shops around. Authentic Korean restaurants there. Yon can find nice clothing, household goods around. Once you come out from the Seoul station, you will see a bridge opposite, walk on the bridge and half way you will see the market on your left. Very close to the Seoul station only 15 minutes walk.

Angel Milev

Google

Namdaemun Market in Seoul is a bustling hub for shoppers, offering a wide range of goods from clothing and accessories to Korean street food and souvenirs. As one of Korea’s oldest and largest markets, it provides an authentic local experience with friendly vendors and affordable prices. The market’s lively atmosphere and diverse selection make it a great spot to explore Korean culture and find unique items. Perfect for bargain hunters and food lovers alike.

Nasim Ferdous Kallol

Google

Namdaemun Market: A Chaotic Yet Rewarding Experience Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul's oldest and largest traditional markets, offers a unique and bustling shopping experience. While it's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, opinions on it vary. Pros: Wide Variety of Goods: From clothing and electronics to food and household items, Namdaemun Market offers an extensive range of products. Bargaining Opportunities: The market is known for its competitive prices, and visitors can often bargain for better deals. Authentic Korean Experience: Exploring Namdaemun Market provides a glimpse into the everyday life of Koreans and their shopping habits. Cons: Crowded and Chaotic: The market can be extremely crowded, especially during peak hours, making it difficult to navigate and shop comfortably. Limited English: Many vendors may not speak English, which can make communication challenging for foreign visitors. Quality Variations: While the market offers a wide variety of products, quality can vary, and it's important to inspect items carefully before purchasing. Overall: Namdaemun Market is a fascinating place to explore, but it's important to be prepared for the crowds and potential challenges. If you're willing to navigate the chaos and enjoy the bargaining experience, you might find it a rewarding and memorable visit. However, if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience, you might want to consider other markets or shopping malls in Seoul.

Ewa Tomczyk

Google

Big market. Lots of vendors are selling similar stuff. Nobody is pushy, in fact friendly. I spent a good amount of time walking around . Street food is also available.

Megan Sebastian-Du

Google

The noodle alley, hotteok and all the goods you can find here. Definitely one of the biggest market in Seoul that you can explore. Some stores are closed on Sunday. So to get the full experience out of your visit, avoid Sundays is you can.

Ken Loh

Google

Fantastically fun market. Only a tinge of touristy-ness but other than that as local as it gets. Definitely look out for the viral hotteok stall while you are there!

NôMāR Åltïçłöś

Google

Street food, clothes & other shopping stuff. Prices are economical. How will you know which food to buy, just look for the lines. Warning: lots of spicy & fried food, so if you’re not on a diet and feeling adventurous, do add this to your places to go in Seoul.

Amy Tan

Google

It's a popular shopping area. You can find all sorts of merchandise here. I liked the dumpling shop and the Kimchi dumping and snow dumplings were delicious. They were generous with the fillings. From Hoehyeon station, exit 5 turn into the lane and you'll see a stall with long queue. The area selling kids clothing had lots of choices too. Nice experience. Restroom are available in most buildings and these are clean.

Same London

Google

This place is out of the world, it’s so huge and have so many small small shops around. Authentic Korean restaurants there. Yon can find nice clothing, household goods around. Once you come out from the Seoul station, you will see a bridge opposite, walk on the bridge and half way you will see the market on your left. Very close to the Seoul station only 15 minutes walk.

Angel Milev

Google

Namdaemun Market in Seoul is a bustling hub for shoppers, offering a wide range of goods from clothing and accessories to Korean street food and souvenirs. As one of Korea’s oldest and largest markets, it provides an authentic local experience with friendly vendors and affordable prices. The market’s lively atmosphere and diverse selection make it a great spot to explore Korean culture and find unique items. Perfect for bargain hunters and food lovers alike.

Nasim Ferdous Kallol

Google

Namdaemun Market: A Chaotic Yet Rewarding Experience Namdaemun Market, one of Seoul's oldest and largest traditional markets, offers a unique and bustling shopping experience. While it's a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, opinions on it vary. Pros: Wide Variety of Goods: From clothing and electronics to food and household items, Namdaemun Market offers an extensive range of products. Bargaining Opportunities: The market is known for its competitive prices, and visitors can often bargain for better deals. Authentic Korean Experience: Exploring Namdaemun Market provides a glimpse into the everyday life of Koreans and their shopping habits. Cons: Crowded and Chaotic: The market can be extremely crowded, especially during peak hours, making it difficult to navigate and shop comfortably. Limited English: Many vendors may not speak English, which can make communication challenging for foreign visitors. Quality Variations: While the market offers a wide variety of products, quality can vary, and it's important to inspect items carefully before purchasing. Overall: Namdaemun Market is a fascinating place to explore, but it's important to be prepared for the crowds and potential challenges. If you're willing to navigate the chaos and enjoy the bargaining experience, you might find it a rewarding and memorable visit. However, if you prefer a more relaxed shopping experience, you might want to consider other markets or shopping malls in Seoul.

Ewa Tomczyk

Google

Big market. Lots of vendors are selling similar stuff. Nobody is pushy, in fact friendly. I spent a good amount of time walking around . Street food is also available.

Megan Sebastian-Du

Google

The noodle alley, hotteok and all the goods you can find here. Definitely one of the biggest market in Seoul that you can explore. Some stores are closed on Sunday. So to get the full experience out of your visit, avoid Sundays is you can.

Ken Loh

Google

Fantastically fun market. Only a tinge of touristy-ness but other than that as local as it gets. Definitely look out for the viral hotteok stall while you are there!

Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market

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