Namdaemun Market
남대문시장
One of Korea's oldest and largest traditional markets, with more than 10,000 shops selling clothing, eyeglasses, kitchenware, ginseng and street food.
Namdaemun Market sits right next to Sungnyemun (Namdaemun) Gate and traces its origins to the Joseon era. It is South Korea's largest general traditional market, with more than 10,000 shops reportedly. Here you can buy clothing, children's wear, accessories, eyeglasses, kitchenware, ginseng and laver (seaweed) specialties at wholesale prices, which are cheaper than in Myeongdong, making it great for souvenirs. For food, don't miss Kalguksu Alley, where ordering knife-cut noodles comes with a small serving of cold noodles; the braised cutlassfish in Galchi Alley; and the street-side vegetable hotteok (sweet pancakes). Many shops start wholesale trading before dawn. Retail hours are roughly 09:00–18:00, and most shops are closed on Sundays. Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station (Subway Line 4) is right here, and you can walk to Myeongdong and Seoul Station.
Opening hours
Approx. 09:00–18:00; most closed Sundays
Nearby sights
- Sungnyemun (Namdaemun)
- Seoullo 7017
- Deoksugung Palace & Stonewall Road
- Myeongdong
- Gwanghwamun Square & Cheonggyecheon
- Myeongdong Cathedral
- N Seoul Tower
- Jogyesa Temple