Jeonju Nambu Market
전주 남부시장
Jeonju's largest traditional market, with more than 200 years of history. By day it is home to long-established bean sprout soup rice restaurants, and on weekend nights it turns into a lively youth night market.
Nambu Market lies south of Pungnam Gate on the banks of the Jeonju stream. It originated as the Nammun Market outside the city walls during the Joseon period. It is one of the largest traditional markets in the Honam region, with more than 800 shops selling farm produce, hanbok fabrics, household goods and snacks. There are two highlights for visitors. The first is the old bean sprout soup rice restaurants inside the market, such as Hyeondae-ok and Sambaek-jip. They open from 6 a.m., and a bowl of bean sprout soup rice with an egg and makgeolli is the breakfast staple for locals. The second is the Cheongnyeon Mall on the market's second floor, where young entrepreneurs have converted the space into small shops and creative dining bars, with the motto 'Earn a decent living, live well.' The Nambu Market Night Market (Nammun Night Market), held from 6 p.m. to midnight every Friday and Saturday, is Jeonju's most popular nightlife. Dozens of stalls sell grilled skewers, octopus, fried chicken, rice cakes and snacks from around the world. It is crowded but has a great atmosphere. Entry to the market is free. Getting there: it is about a 10-minute walk from Hanok Village via Pungnam Gate, and there is a bus stop called 'Nambu Market'. Note that the night market does not operate from Sunday to Thursday. Most stalls accept only cash or Korean payment apps, so bring some cash. At the weekend night market's peak from 8 to 10 p.m., it gets very crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Opening hours
Shops about 7:00 am–8:00 pm; night market Fri and Sat 6:00 pm–midnight
Nearby sights
- Pungnammun Gate
- Jeondong Catholic Cathedral
- Gyeonggijeon Shrine
- Jeonju Hanok Village
- Omokdae
- Jeonju Traditional Wine Museum
- Jeonju Gaeksa (Pungpaejigwan)
- Jeonju Hyanggyo