Seoul, the bustling capital of South Korea, is a haven for expats and digital nomads who crave the excitement of urban life alongside the charm of traditional culture. The city’s markets are a microcosm of this blend, offering everything from fresh food to vintage clothing, handcrafted jewelry, and unique furniture. Whether you’re looking to shop for daily necessities, souvenirs, or simply to soak in the local atmosphere, Seoul’s markets are an experience not to be missed. Here are some of the best markets in Seoul that offer a glimpse into the heart of Korean commerce and culture.
Gwangjang Market
Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Traditional Indoor Market
Open: Daily, 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Seoul, renowned for its array of fabrics, clothing, and street food. With over 100 years of history, it’s a place where you can find a vibrant mix of locals and tourists browsing through the countless stalls. The market is especially famous for its food alley, where you can indulge in authentic Korean street food.
We Recommend: Trying the ‘bindaetteok,’ a savory mung bean pancake that’s a crowd favorite, and the ‘mayak gimbap,’ which are small, addictive rice rolls that you won’t be able to stop eating.
Namdaemun Market
Location: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Open-Air Market
Open: Daily, 24 hours (with some shops closed on Sundays)
Namdaemun Market is Korea’s largest traditional market, offering an extensive range of goods at affordable prices. It operates round-the-clock and is always bustling with activity. Here, you can find everything from kitchenware and electronics to clothing and accessories. The market is also a great place to sample Korean cuisine at the many food stalls and restaurants.
We Recommend: Sampling the ‘hotteok,’ a sweet Korean pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts, perfect for a quick snack as you explore the market.
Dongdaemun Market
Location: Euljiro 6(yuk)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Fashion Market
Open: Daily, 10:30 AM – 5:00 AM the following day
Dongdaemun Market is a fashionista’s paradise, featuring 26 shopping malls and thousands of individual shops. It’s a major hub for wholesale and retail fashion, attracting designers, buyers, and tourists alike. The market is also known for its late-night shopping, making it a unique experience for night owls.
We Recommend: Exploring the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), an iconic landmark where you can find designer goods, exhibitions, and cultural events.
Common Ground
Location: 200 Achasan-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Container Market
Open: Daily, 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Common Ground is Korea’s first pop-up container shopping mall, offering a unique shopping experience with its trendy and youthful vibe. The market is made up of blue shipping containers and houses a variety of boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s a great spot for those looking for unique fashion items and accessories from up-and-coming designers.
We Recommend: Checking out the weekend markets where local artisans and craftsmen sell their handmade goods, ranging from jewelry to home decor.
Seoul Folk Flea Market
Location: 21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Flea Market
Open: Daily, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
The Seoul Folk Flea Market is a treasure trove of antiques, vintage items, and second-hand goods. It’s the perfect place for those who love to hunt for unique finds and bargains. The market also offers a glimpse into Korea’s past, with various items that hold historical and cultural significance.
We Recommend: Exploring the array of traditional Korean items, such as hanbok (traditional clothing), old LPs, and vintage cameras, for a piece of history to take home.
Itaewon Antique Furniture Street
Location: Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Antique Furniture Market
Open: Varies by store, generally 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Itaewon Antique Furniture Street is a unique market area where you can find a wide range of vintage and antique furniture. The street is lined with shops that specialize in furniture from different eras and parts of the world. It’s a great place for those looking to add a touch of character to their living space with a unique piece of furniture.
We Recommend: Visiting the various shops to find one-of-a-kind Korean pieces, such as beautifully crafted wooden chests and traditional low tables.
Majang Meat Market
Location: 40 Majang-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul
Type of Market: Specialty Meat Market
Open: Daily, 24 hours (with some shops closed on Sundays)
Majang Meat Market is the go-to place for meat lovers in Seoul. It’s known as the largest meat market in Korea, offering high-quality beef at wholesale prices. The market is a hub of activity, with butchers and vendors selling a variety of meats, including Korean Hanwoo beef.
We Recommend: Trying the Korean BBQ experience at one of the market’s restaurants, where you can select your cuts of meat and grill them right at your table.
