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Wondering where to go in Seoul for an authentic taste of Korean culture and cuisine? The city's traditional markets are the perfect destination you can’t miss!
Seoul is one of the most developed cities in Asia, with towering skyscrapers and a rapidly growing number of shopping malls. However, the city has managed to preserve its traditional cultural heritage, which remains alive in its bustling markets.
As you wander through these vibrant markets, you’ll find yourself immersed in the energetic crowd, experiencing the essence of Korean culture. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to indulge in an endless array of delicious dishes to satisfy your hunger.
Join Mytour Vietnam as we take you through the famous Seoul markets featured in this guide!
1. Namdaemun Market - Seoul’s Food Paradise
- Address: 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
When visiting Seoul, South Korea, Namdaemun Market is a must-see. As the largest and oldest traditional market in the capital, it boasts over 10,000 shops and stalls, offering a rich shopping experience and cultural exploration.
The market has everything from household goods, stationery, clothing, toys, to food. Namdaemun is especially famous for its traditional street food, packed with authentic Korean flavors. Don't miss the chance to try dishes like Mandu-guk, Galchi-jorim, Hotteok, Kalguksu, and many other delicious street foods!
Namdaemun Market is also an excellent spot for buying souvenirs like Hanbok (traditional clothing), postcards featuring famous landmarks, Hanji paper crafts, fans, Dojang seals, herbal teas, imported candies, and other Korean traditional specialties. The market is easily accessible thanks to Seoul's efficient public transport system. From Incheon Airport, take Subway Line 4 or a bus to Hoehyeon Station, then walk to the market.
2. Gwangjang Market - Jongno District, Seoul
- Address: 88, Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Founded in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest traditional markets in Seoul. It is renowned for its diverse and vibrant street food scene, attracting visitors from around the globe.
At Gwangjang Market, you’ll find a wide array of delicious traditional Korean dishes, from savory pancakes (Bindaetteok) and spicy rice cakes (Tteokbokki) to fresh seafood and Soondae (Korean blood sausage). In addition to the food, the second floor is home to shops offering shoes, bags, accessories, Hanbok fabric, and clothing, catering to all your shopping needs.
To reach Gwangjang Market, you can take the subway. Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1, Exit 7/8) or Euljiro 4-ga Station (Lines 2/5, Exit 4) are both conveniently located near the market. The market opens in the morning and closes in the afternoon, but some stalls, particularly food vendors, stay open until midnight, so you can enjoy late-night snacks as well.
3. Dongdaemun Market - Jongno District, Seoul
- Address: 272 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM (next day)
Located next to the Great East Gate (Dongdaemun), Dongdaemun Market has been designated as a "Special Tourism Zone" by the government since 2002. With an impressive scale, the market includes 26 shopping centers, 30,000 shops, and 50,000 manufacturers, divided into four sections: A, B, C, and D.
Here, you'll find a vast selection of products ranging from silk, clothing, shoes, and accessories to electronics and office supplies. In addition to shopping, you can immerse yourself in Korean cuisine at Mukja Golmok alley, enjoy live music performances, watch movies, attend fashion shows, and participate in various events held at large shopping centers like Doota and Good Morning City in the area.
To assist visitors, the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) has set up the Dongdaemun Market Information Center, located in the basement of Freya Town. The center provides information in several languages, including English, Japanese, Chinese, and some information in Russian. Be sure to stop by here first for helpful tips to enhance your shopping experience.
Most stores are closed on Mondays and public holidays, so make sure to plan your shopping accordingly when visiting Dongdaemun Market.
4. Tongin Market - Jongno District, Seoul
- Address: 18 Jahamun-ro 15-gil, Jongno District, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
If you want to experience the atmosphere of a traditional Korean market and old-fashioned ways of trading, Tongin Market is the place to visit. The market is famous for its unique "coin" system, which is used to buy food.
Visitors can exchange money at the counter on the second floor of the market, where 5,000 won will get you 10 coins. Afterward, feel free to explore traditional dishes such as tteokbokki, kimbap, spicy rice cakes, mixed noodles, fried eggs, and fried pastries—all starting from just 2 to 4 coins per item.
One of the main attractions of Tongin Market is its bento café, where you can customize your own lunchbox by purchasing food from various stalls within the market using coins. In addition to this unique experience, the market offers a variety of delicious dishes like tteokbokki, kimbap, mixed noodles, fried eggs, and assorted fried snacks.
Tongin Market is located near Gyeongbokgung Palace, just a 10-minute walk from Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3). Keep in mind that the market closes on the third Sunday of every month, and the bento café is closed on Mondays and on market closure days.
5. Yangnyeongsi Market - Dongdaemun District, Seoul
- Address: 10 Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM
If you’re planning a trip to Korea and are interested in traditional medicine, the Yangnyeongsi Market in Daegu is a must-visit. Located in the heart of Daegu, Yangnyeongsi Market has been around for over 367 years and is one of the largest herbal medicine markets in Korea.
To reach Yangnyeongsi Market, take Line 1 of the subway and get off at Yangnyeongsi Station, then walk to the market. Upon entering, you'll be amazed by the hundreds of colorful stalls displaying a variety of rare herbs. From ginseng and reishi mushrooms to medicinal tree barks, everything is neatly arranged and visually striking.
Yangnyeongsi is not just a shopping destination, it also boasts the Traditional Medicine Museum, offering insights into the history and evolution of Korean medicine. Additionally, the herbal tea shops within the market are perfect spots to unwind and promote your health. The market is generally closed on Sundays and some holidays, so it's a good idea to check the schedule in advance.
6. Gyeongdong Market - Dongdaemun District, Seoul
- Address: 3 Gosanja-ro 36-gil, Dongdaemun, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Located in the Dongdaemun-gu district, Gyeongdong Market is one of the largest ginseng and herbal medicine markets in Korea. It's the perfect spot to buy health products as souvenirs for loved ones. The market opens from 4:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the herbal section opening at 9:00 AM. To get there, simply take Line 1 of the subway and get off at Jegidong Station.
Gyeongdong Market was established in the 1960s when farmers from the Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do regions gathered here to sell their locally grown products. Over time, it has grown into a bustling commercial hub, attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Gyeongdong Market is renowned for its rare herbs, such as ginseng, reishi mushrooms, and various medicinal tree barks. The ginseng sold here is highly valued for its quality and is available at a range of price points to suit different budgets.
7. Noryangjin Fish Market - Seoul's Famous Seafood Market
- Address: 674 Nodeul-ro, Dongjak, Seoul
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
In addition to traditional dishes like kimchi and spicy rice cakes, Korea is also famous for its fresh seafood. Noryangjin Fish Market, the largest and oldest of its kind in the country, has over 700 stalls and handles 250-300 tons of seafood daily.
To reach the market, take Line 1 of the subway to Noryangjin Station, exit at door 1, and walk about 100 meters across the bridge. Here, you can shop for fresh seafood, ranging from king crab, lobster, abalone, and various shellfish to salted and dried seafood. The unique aspect of this market is that most of the seafood is still alive, ensuring absolute freshness.
When visiting the market, it's advisable to wear comfortable clothing and closed shoes to avoid getting your feet wet, as the floors can be quite damp. Additionally, bargaining is an important part of the shopping culture in Korea, so don’t hesitate to negotiate a fair price for your seafood! After purchasing, you can take your items to the market's in-house restaurants, where they will cook them to your preference—grilled, fried, or stir-fried—and you can enjoy them right there at the market.
8. Discover the Flavors of Mangwon Market - Mapo District, Seoul
- Address: 27 Poeun-ro 6-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Mangwon Market is a must-visit destination in Seoul, especially for street food enthusiasts. Located near the lively Hongdae area, the market is easily accessible via subway (Line 6, Mangwon Station, Exit 2).
Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy a variety of traditional Korean dishes such as fish cakes, spicy rice cakes, fried chicken, grilled ribs, kimbap, and mixed noodles, all at reasonable prices. Some of the popular stalls include Deep Fried Market (fried ice cream), Delicious Eats (spicy rice cakes and fried snacks), Eomma Son Banchan (pickled radish kimchi), Khyusi Chicken (fried chicken), Uirak (fried chili peppers), and Mangwon Tteok Galbi (grilled rice cakes).
In addition to food, the market offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, dried goods, sweets, and household items. The market space is clean and organized, with spacious aisles that make it easy to navigate, as well as facilities such as restrooms, parking, and cafés for visitors to enjoy.
To fully enjoy your visit to Mangwon Market, it's recommended to bring cash as not all stores accept international card payments.
9. Gongdeok Market - Mapo District, Seoul
- Address: 256-5 Gongdeok-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Although not as bustling and lively as other markets, Gongdeok is the perfect place to dive into Korean culinary culture and experience the everyday life of local residents. The market is conveniently located near Gongdeok Station, where four subway lines intersect, making it easy to travel by public transport.
When you visit the market, you'll be drawn to the famous Buchimgae Alley, known for its wide variety of jeon (Korean pancakes). Over 50 different types of jeon are displayed, ranging from vegetables and seafood to meats, all neatly arranged on trays. Simply pick the ones you like, place them in your basket, and have them weighed to determine the price.
In addition to food, the market also offers a range of fresh produce, ready-made meals, and household items. You can also visit the nearby St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, with its striking green-domed roof, for a unique photo opportunity near the market.
10. Yeongdong Market - Gangnam District, Seoul
- Address: 35, Hakdong-ro 4-gil, Gangnam-gu
- Operating Hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Imagine visiting a traditional market right in the heart of Gangnam, one of the most modern districts in Seoul? It may sound impossible, but hidden among the towering buildings of Gangnam is Yeongdong Market, offering a peaceful and traditional atmosphere for you to explore.
This market is one of the few remaining in the southern part of the Han River, offering a glimpse into local food culture. This narrow street is home to many food stalls and traditional eateries, making you feel as though you've entered a different world.
Here, you can indulge in popular street foods like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), or enjoy the delicious aroma of savory pancakes and sweet mochi.
Once you've satisfied your hunger, take a leisurely stroll around Yeongdong Street, admire the traditional Korean houses, and enjoy the stunning view of the Han River from the Yeongdong Bridge.
11. Yeongdeungpo Market - Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul
- Address: Yeongdeungpo-dong 5(o)-ga, Yeongdeungpo, Seoul
- Operating Hours: 8:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Yeongdeungpo Market is the perfect spot for those who want to experience the daily life of Seoul's locals. Located near Yeongdeungpo Station, this vibrant market offers a variety of goods, fresh produce, and other products in a lively atmosphere.
The market is especially well-known for its fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, seafood, and meats. Not only are the items fresh, but they are also reasonably priced. In addition, you'll find several stalls selling clothes and footwear.
Beyond the main market area, there are various stalls offering handmade crafts, jewelry, and traditional Korean products. This is an ideal spot to shop for souvenirs to bring back for friends and family.
To get to Yeongdeungpo Market, take Line 5 of the subway to Yeongdeungpo Market Station. After exiting at Exit 3, walk approximately 25 meters, then turn left, and you will find the entrance to the market.
Traditional markets in Seoul are not just shopping hubs; they also serve as gathering places for unique flavors and everyday stories. Here, you'll encounter a lively rhythm of life, along with warm smiles from the local people.
The rich flavors, fresh seafood, rare herbs, and unique souvenirs from the markets in Seoul will make your trip truly unforgettable and complete.
If you're still wondering how to travel Seoul on your own, head over to Mytour Blog to equip yourself with plenty of useful tips: 25 Famous Seoul Tourist Spots, 12 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea this November, 18 Best Shopping Spots in Seoul, Latest Guide to DIY Travel in Korea, 7 Budget-Friendly Travel Spots in Korea with Seoul Pass, 10 Beautiful Cafes Featured in Korean Dramas...
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