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
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • AJ U
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Shopping heaven
    Great 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 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 21 May 2023
  • Angelin Velle
    Singapore, Singapore346 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huge narket sellings lots of things
    It 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 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 9 June 2023
  • Moonrock1962
    Devonport, Australia972 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Extensive and Fascinating
    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.
    Visited June 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 6 July 2023
  • Heng
    Singapore, Singapore3,736 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Huge market - you can literally find anything you want here
    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.
    Visited December 2022
    Travelled with family
    Written 17 July 2023
  • Traveltheorient
    San Antonio, Texas605 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    AWESOME!
    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
    Visited June 2023
    Written 9 August 2023
  • fire-tower
    1,930 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The are also stalls along the small alleyways that are frequented by the locals
    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.
    Visited December 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 January 2024
  • Insertnamehereuserid
    Brisbane, Australia124 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bustling market of general merchandise and food
    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.
    Visited February 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 24 February 2024
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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,915 reviews
Excellent
818
Very good
1,288
Average
646
Poor
120
Terrible
43

Insertnamehereuserid
Brisbane, Australia124 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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.
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
2.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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
3.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
5.0 of 5 bubbles
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
4.0 of 5 bubbles
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.

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