Seoul has several noted traditional markets, and while some are just a bunch of stands selling rubbish from extremely cheap clothing and accessories to how-dare-they-fake-haute-couture, don’t lose hope. There are still some nooks and crannies of markets out there that are hidden gems. You just have to find them.
But I also understand how varied everyone’s tastes and needs are. What I may find cute, you may find repulsing, and what you think the best (your favourite) market is, could be a total waste of time for me.
15 traditional and alternative markets in Seoul
So for those who are going to Seoul and looking at auditing the market scene, I have here a list that I made. I am sure there are MORE markets out there, but you can start the initial hunt with these. Use google and googlemaps to find their exact addresses please or ask the locals for directions when you are there.
(1) NAMDAEMUN MARKET (Jung-gu) – Together with Dongdaemun, this is one of the popular and biggest traditional markets in Seoul. We have been here and below this post are my finds in the market, so just scroll down.
(2) PYOUNGHWA FASHION TOWN (Jung-gu) – The name obviously suggest what this market sells. There are more than 2,000 stores in this fashion market town, but closed on weekends though.
(3) MYEONGDONG STREET MARKET (Jung-gu) – Modern street market teeming with lively street stands selling manufactured goods and local specialty food. Not to be missed and a great place to visit in the evening. Here is my blog entry: The sights, sounds and shopping of Myeongdong
(4) DONGHWA MARKET (Jung-gu) – A warehouse/street market of everything you need, again, about fashion. We women are surely high maintenance. From buttons, zippers to textiles to sew!
(5) HWANGHAKDONG FLEA MARKET (Jung-gu) – Sells a lot of second hand manufactured goods.
(6) INSADONG TRADITIONAL MARKETS for antiques, crafts and artwork (Jongno-gu) – Highly recommended because I love this place! There are lots of food stalls in the area as well, during daytime and nighttime. Here are my blog entries: A picture tour of Insadong and Insadong at night, a mecca for steet food lovers. This is also the place to go for traditional Korean tea. I went to: Dawon Traditional Tea House
(7) GWANGJANG MARKET (Jungno-gu) – The oldest traditional market in Seoul and the stores here are believed to be suppliers of the stores in the other markets. Think ‘haggle’ and ‘wholesale’ when you come here.
(8) TONGIN MARKET (Jungno-gu) – Farmers and fish market, as well as restaurants and retail shops of manufactured goods. Mostly locals shop here.
(9) DONGDAEMUN SHOPPING COMPLEX (Dongdaemun-gu) – Ah, where all the tourists go for cheap shopping thrills. This is the largest market in Seoul. However, if you want to bring cheap to a different level, go to Gwangjang but I guess you would need to know which stores and what products. Helaas, I never made it here.
(10) GYEONGDONG MARKET (Dongdaemun-gu) – Also known as Kyungdong Market. Looking for herbal medicine, ginseng and all oriental cure stuff? This is your place.
(11) PUNGMUL MARKET (Dongdaemun-gu) – Sells everything but look out for the opening times. Ask the locals.
(12) JANGANPYEONG ANTIQUE MARKET (Dongdaemun-gu) – Also known as Dapsimi Market, lots of antique treasures here.
(13) YONGSAN ELECTRONICS MARKET (Yongsan-gu) – The Dutchman has been here. It is the largest electronics market in the world with more than 5,000 stalls selling the same electronic stuff and newest gadget in town. Seriously, I cannot be bothered so I did not go with the Dutchman, instead, I treated myself to a lovely afternoon at Namsan Park, took a ride up N Seoul Tower and had a lovely lunch with stunning views at HanCook Restaurant. Much better huh? =)
(14) NORYANGJIN FISH MARKET (Dongjak-gu) – This is a wholesale fisheries market located on the other side of the river. Very popular for tourists who wants to see carcasses by the volume!
(15) GARAK MARKET (Songpa-gu) – Another big fish and farmers market located on the other side of the river.
Interesting finds at Namdaemun market
We came here a little bit late so the area was not busy at all. I have been to many markets and when I am travelling I am just really a curious kitty. I may or may not shop. It all depends on my mood, my company and the goods I see.
Because I am with the Dutchman the chance of shopping is almost NIL. Firstly, he wants me to be quick and fly through the market scene like superwoman. Secondly, when I pick up something, he suddenly appears out of nowhere and torments me with — Do you really need that? Why? You already have 10 of those at home! GRRR, I want to pull my hairs, err his hairs I mean! No bother shopping when he is around, I cannot shop in peace. It is better I’ll take pictures instead. UGH.
Do you have an appetite for jumbo pig knuckles and feet? Do you need some medicine extraordinaire such as supernatural mushrooms and the highly prized Ginseng? Come here =)
Travel Period: October 2012
Destination: Seoul, South Korea
Keep in touch and follow me on Facebook: Travel & Lifestyle Diaries by Dutched Pinay Travels
Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)