Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Market
4
About
This is the city's largest market. Almost everything is available for sale including clothing, souvenirs, purses, and food supplies. Many stalls are open into the wee hours of the morning.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Myeongdong / Namdaemun
Arguably Seoul’s most famous neighbourhood and undoubtedly one of its most popular, Myeongdong takes shopping and eating to new heights, with hundreds of shops, restaurants, and cafes all stacked on top of one another. The rise in popularity of Korean cosmetics, fashion, and more has made this area a must-see for visitors who come and marvel at Myeongdong’s often frenetic pace and energy. Lotte and Shinsaegae’s massive department stores are also popular draws for both Korean and luxury products. The department stores, just like Myeongdong’s streets, are crowded around the clock. Myeongdong’s many street food carts are also immensely popular for their inexpensive and quirky offerings (French-fry-encrusted corn dogs, anyone?). The neighbourhood’s popularity, as well as its close proximity to other popular sights and neighbourhoods, makes it one of Seoul’s most popular places to stay.
How to get there
- Hoehyeon • 3 min walk
- Euljiro 1-ga • 10 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
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3,266 within 5 kms
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604 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- AJ U3 contributionsShopping heavenGreat shopping, both high end and street fare. But I do have to admit I did have the benefit of going with my aunts who live in Seoul and helped me negotiate a great deal on a leather jacket. And I knew enough Korean to navigate haggling a little on prices for souvenirs the next day.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 21 May 2023
- Angelin VelleSingapore, Singapore346 contributionsHuge narket sellings lots of thingsIt is huge and sells lots of things! We didn't manage to comb through every section or alley because my toddlr was asleep and she suddenly woke up and I had to tend to her. We saw many shops selling clothes but they don't appeal to me - mostly ahjumma clothes? We bought dehydrated strawberry and apple chips there for 10k won each. My toddler loves the strawberries but too sour for me. We also bought hotteok to eat there. Nice! Btw, we walked from Seoul station after going to Lotte Mart. Not too far a walk.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 June 2023
- Moonrock1962Devonport, Australia972 contributionsExtensive and FascinatingIf you are into visiting markets, this on is a must visit. If you are shopping you will be spilt for choice. However even if you aren’t shopping worth a visit exploring the little alleyways lined with stalls. Recommend going later in the day when everything is open. Heaps of little street food stalls as well also well worth experiencing.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 6 July 2023
- HengSingapore, Singapore3,736 contributionsHuge market - you can literally find anything you want hereProbably THE, or one of the largest traditional market in Seoul. You can find everything here - fresh food, cooked food, socks, clothings, etc. and the variety each! allow for 3 hours at least to visit. Unless you come during winter; in which case then it will be really cold and you will be interested in hot food and there are ample here as well. The only drawback is that the menu are all in Korean so make sure you come with a translator app.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 17 July 2023
- TraveltheorientSan Antonio, Texas605 contributionsAWESOME!Absolutely, positively one of the most fascinating and interesting markets you'll find on Planet Earth. An abundance of everything but like items are bunched together and so if you are looking for jewelry, they have about 40 jewelry shops, all specializing in certain styles or things, etc... Similar observations with clothes, etc. This is also by far the best place to buy any sort of souvenirs. We usually go to a lady namedVisited June 2023Written 9 August 2023
- fire-tower1,930 contributionsThe are also stalls along the small alleyways that are frequented by the localsWe were last here 5 years ago and we still enjoy coming here in the morning. The Namdaemun Market area is definitely bustling. We tried lots of street food including mandu from various stalls, tteok-galbi (grilled minced pork patty), etc. there are shops selling clothes, dried food, jewellery, etc, and is definitely a good place to explore. The are also stalls along the small alleyways that are frequented by the locals. This is a good place to spend a few hours exploring around.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 January 2024
- InsertnamehereuseridBrisbane, Australia124 contributionsA bustling market of general merchandise and foodNot for me my favourite market, both Myeongdong and Gwanjang had better food in my opinion. Bought some gifts which disappointingly we realised were made in China when we got home. Convenient if staying in Namdaemun which we were, otherwise I wouldn’t travel a long way to come here. Convenient to access Seoullo 7017 walkway from the end of the market. I would suggest if staying in Namdaemun, walking through the market then along Seoullo 7017 to Seoul station when on your way somewhere, or vice versa. Interesting but not amazing.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 24 February 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
2,915 reviews
Excellent
818
Very good
1,288
Average
646
Poor
120
Terrible
43
Insertnamehereuserid
Brisbane, Australia124 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Not for me my favourite market, both Myeongdong and Gwanjang had better food in my opinion. Bought some gifts which disappointingly we realised were made in China when we got home.
Convenient if staying in Namdaemun which we were, otherwise I wouldn’t travel a long way to come here. Convenient to access Seoullo 7017 walkway from the end of the market. I would suggest if staying in Namdaemun, walking through the market then along Seoullo 7017 to Seoul station when on your way somewhere, or vice versa.
Interesting but not amazing.
Convenient if staying in Namdaemun which we were, otherwise I wouldn’t travel a long way to come here. Convenient to access Seoullo 7017 walkway from the end of the market. I would suggest if staying in Namdaemun, walking through the market then along Seoullo 7017 to Seoul station when on your way somewhere, or vice versa.
Interesting but not amazing.
Written 24 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fire-tower
1,930 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
We were last here 5 years ago and we still enjoy coming here in the morning. The Namdaemun Market area is definitely bustling. We tried lots of street food including mandu from various stalls, tteok-galbi (grilled minced pork patty), etc. there are shops selling clothes, dried food, jewellery, etc, and is definitely a good place to explore. The are also stalls along the small alleyways that are frequented by the locals. This is a good place to spend a few hours exploring around.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel L
Singapore, Singapore208 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Tried local food and experience the local fair. Nothing much to see other than famous Korean pancake, must try Thier fish cak
Written 5 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mathew D
Minneapolis, MN9 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
We had a great time eating, drinking and shopping our way through the market. There was a good variety of things to do and see.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Norm the Nomad
Australia1,003 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
A quick look around the Namdaemun Markets but really wasn’t that impressed. Lots of tourist stuff to buy but nothing of any real quality. (pretty junky if you ask me)
Written 20 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Raditya A
Jakarta, Indonesia128 contributions
Jan 2023 • Friends
Here to eat kalguksu at kalguksu alley. We follow local reviewers at other platforms saying that there’s a great kalguksu restaurant inside. We tried and did not disappoint
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael B
Melbourne, Australia631 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Pretty average market with a lot of junky clothing. Some souvenirs but at higher prices than elsewhere. Every store was “same same - and no difference”
Written 19 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Traveltheorient
San Antonio, TX605 contributions
June 2023
Absolutely, positively one of the most fascinating and interesting markets you'll find on Planet Earth. An abundance of everything but like items are bunched together and so if you are looking for jewelry, they have about 40 jewelry shops, all specializing in certain styles or things, etc... Similar observations with clothes, etc. This is also by far the best place to buy any sort of souvenirs. We usually go to a lady named
Written 9 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Heng
Singapore, Singapore3,736 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Probably THE, or one of the largest traditional market in Seoul. You can find everything here - fresh food, cooked food, socks, clothings, etc. and the variety each! allow for 3 hours at least to visit. Unless you come during winter; in which case then it will be really cold and you will be interested in hot food and there are ample here as well. The only drawback is that the menu are all in Korean so make sure you come with a translator app.
Written 17 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moonrock1962
Devonport, Australia972 contributions
June 2023 • Couples
If you are into visiting markets, this on is a must visit. If you are shopping you will be spilt for choice. However even if you aren’t shopping worth a visit exploring the little alleyways lined with stalls. Recommend going later in the day when everything is open. Heaps of little street food stalls as well also well worth experiencing.
Written 7 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eniar
Singapore15 contributions
We are a family of 4, however there doesn't seem to be a room with enough bed options. The kids are too young to be left on their own. May I know if there are there connecting rooms option?
Heng
Singapore, Singapore3,736 contributions
I don’t really do hotels but some airbnb options come with multiple beds in a room. Not sure if this helps?
kiki S
Rocky Point, Colombia
I need recommendations for this information
1) Good pork bone soup and seafood noodle soup in/near Namdaemun market.
2) Good washroom/toilet for a break.
Thank you.
Rori T
Avalon Beach, Australia24 contributions
Are there elevators to get to the different floors? And is it wheelchair accessible? A wheelchair isn’t compulsory but helpful for my grandmother if she can use it and my grandfather pushes her.
Angel
Palembang, Indonesia
Can i buy things at this place by online .im from indonesia
Please help me to find the site . Thank you
Deepak
Nepal510 contributions
Hi Friends, I read one review mentioning that the Namdaemun market is closed on Sunday. Is this correct ? We are planning to cover "Namdaemun Market" and "Myeongdong Shopping Street" on same day. We have just Saturday and Sunday for this and will plan accordingly. Please help and suggest.
Deepak.
Kiki
Seoul, South Korea
Hi Deepak, it is usually open on Sunday, it was closed must be because there is a public holiday in Korea.
If you want to visit both Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong Shopping Street, I suggest you to find a customized tour in Seoul provided by Korina Tour. They have a great service for this kind of tour. Have a happy holiday!
Will the namdaemun market(children’s clothes and other indoor stores) and dongdaemun(migliore and hello apm) be closed on the hangeul holiday (Oct 9)?
Planning to go to these two on october 9, and im worried that they might be closed :(
Northstar31200414085
Honolulu, HI9 contributions
Sorry I don't know either
Is the children’s clothes market in nandaemun open at around 11:00 PM? I saw in their website that their hours are 10:30 PM - 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Is this correct?
Todd Z
Toronto, Canada106 contributions
Most of the shops I saw seemed to be closing down when I was walking through around 8pm. It is a huge place though and some shops might remain open. I never went there during my visit, but I understand the other large market, Dongdaemun, had some areas open all the time.
TravelBear808
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia10 contributions
What SIM card to buy
Graziosa the Traveller
Luzon, Philippines723 contributions
I bought simcard thru klook app and it was very easy to roam around.
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Claim your listingNamdaemun Market - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Namdaemun Market
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Namdaemun Market:
- Small-Group Royal Palace and Seoul City Tour w/ Lunch & Hotel p/u (From AU$134.35)
- Secret Food Tours Seoul w/ Private Tour Option (From AU$149.44)
- The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour of Seoul: The 10 Tastings (From AU$209.61)
- Private Layover Tour from Incheon Airport to Seoul (From AU$362.29)
- Korean Palace and Market Tour in Seoul Including Insadong and Gyeongbokgung Palace (From AU$134.35)
- Hotels near Namdaemun Market:
- (0.15 km) Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul
- (0.11 km) Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun
- (0.22 km) L'Escape Hotel
- (0.15 km) Hotel Gracery Seoul
- (0.25 km) Floral Hotel Shin Shin Seoul Myeongdong
- Restaurants near Namdaemun Market:
- (0.02 km) Gom Naengmyeon
- (0.03 km) Jinjujip
- (0.04 km) Gomnaengmyeon
- (0.05 km) Seoul Samgyetang
- (0.05 km) Mujinok
- Attractions near Namdaemun Market:
- (0.01 km) Namdaemun Community Lounge
- (0.05 km) Alpha Gallery
- (0.19 km) Sungnyemun Gate
- (0.19 km) Mesa
- (0.63 km) Seoul Metro