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You are here: Home / Travel / What To Expect At The Amazing Namdaemun Market In Seoul

What To Expect At The Amazing Namdaemun Market In Seoul

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4 Aug
Namdaemun market in Seoul - street view

Namdaemun market in Seoul

Namdaemun market in Seoul is such a fantastic place to visit. In fact, you can spend a whole day at Namdaemun and still not see everything. This open-air market has over 10,000 shops and is one of the oldest markets in Korea. Also, prices are super affordable since most shops have their own factories, hence the retail and wholesale prices.

Read this post: Ultimate travel guide to visiting Seoul

If you want to avoid the crowds, try arriving at Namdaemun before noon. Otherwise, be ready to inch slowly from one destination to the next. The only risk of coming before noon is that some stalls may still be setting up, so remember to plan ahead.

What can you buy at Namdaemun market?

Namdaemun market in Seoul - busy alleys

Busy Namdaemun market where you can find almost everything imaginable

I think the better question is what can’t you buy at this huge exchange! Keep reading below to get an idea of what you can find and what you can buy at Namdaemun market! Read this Seoul shopping guide for ideas on things to buy and areas that are great for shopping!

11 tips for your Seoul vacation

Luggage and umbrellas at Namdaemun Market in Seoul

You can find almost everything in this market. Not to worry if you run out of luggage space, you can buy a new one! Forgot to pack an umbrella? Not to fear, Namdaemun has tons for you to choose from!

Namdaemun market in Seoul - suitcase shoppingNamdaemun market in Seoul - clothes shopping

Namdaemun market in Seoul - walking through alleys of merchandise

Namdaemun has got you covered with umbrellas, luggage, and alleyways full of stationery

Jewelry, wallets, and women’s accessories at Namdaemun Market in Seoul

Ladies, if you love to accessorize, you will be in heaven in this market. There is a huge section of beautiful glittering jewelry that looks expensive but is actually very affordable. Heads up for brides: there’s a huge section of bridal jewelry and other lovely accessories that are perfect for bridesmaids gifts. Sadly, I wasn’t allowed to take photos in this section, but trust me on this one!

Namdaemun market in Seoul - shopping for braceletsNamdaemun market in Seoul - purses for sale

Namdaemun market in Seoul - jewelry shopping

Lots of cute jewelry, wallets, and coin bags

I also saw a ton of other cute accessories for women, like scarves, keychains, and shoes. The same can be said about menswear: you can find anything from accessories to quality suits for men at Namdaemun!

Namdaemun market in Seoul - clothes shoppingNamdaemun market in Seoul - shopping for trinkets

Toys, children’s accessories, stationery, and bedding at Namdaemun Market in Seoul

Namdaemun market has a huge section filled with toys and bedding. Also, many stalls sell adorable children’s clothing (which I didn’t think to photograph at the time. Sorry!)

Namdaemun market in Seoul - cute stuff on displayNamdaemun market in Seoul - cute stuff to buy

Namdaemun market in Seoul - cute stuff on sale

How about some cute pillows, toys, headbands, and stationery for your loved ones?

Indoor market at Namdaemun Market in Seoul

There are a few covered markets at Namdaemun if you can manage to find them. The one I came across is located underground and carried household goods, cookware, and even beautiful home displays.

Namdaemun market in Seoul - homeware shoppingNamdaemun market in Seoul - homeware shopping

While this indoor market sells some stationery, there is a huge stationery section in Namdaemun market.

Read this post: How to find awesome stationery stores in Seoul

The food at Namdaemun market

These photos say it all! Look at the number of cabbage, bowls, and vegetables needed to feed the hungry shoppers! Check out this food tour that will take you to all the best eats in Namdaemun market!

Namdaemun market in Seoul - food traysNamdaemun market in Seoul - cabbage in bag

Namdaemun market in Seoul - street food preparation

Lots of food to prepare for the hungry customers in this market

What’s unique about Namdaemun are the food alleys where you’ll find people patiently waiting for food in these dark and narrow alleyways.

10 yummy things to try in Seoul
Namdaemun market in Seoul - street food preparation

A Korean lady is cooking in the narrow alleys. She looks like she knows what she is doing

What’s helpful is that most places will have a visual sample of the dishes they serve.

Namdaemun market in Seoul - food vendor

Sample plates, but no samples

Walk at a slow pace as you go through the alley because you’ll see something interesting with every few steps. Like this tiny little restaurant where a cute couple was sitting behind the curtains.

Namdaemun market in Seoul - street food restaurant

A cute couple is seated behind the curtains

Read this post: Check out these places to visit in Seoul South Korea

Some things to keep in mind at Namdaemun Market in Seoul

  • While the market itself is open 24 hours a day, most stores set their hours so make sure to plan if there is a particular shop you want to visit. Many shops close on Sundays
  • Cash is advisable for street food and small purchases, although most stores do offer credit card payments
  • Camera fanatics can find tons of camera shops near Gate one
  • I didn’t come across stores that sell eyeglasses and contact lenses, but you can buy them here at affordable prices

Enjoy the experience. Wander aimlessly and lose yourself in the maze.

Share your experience at Namdaemun in the comments below! What was your favourite thing about this outdoor market?

PIN FOR LATER

namdaemun market in seoul

This post was first published on September 2016 and last updated on August 2019

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Archive Filed Under: Destinations, Travel Tagged With: Asia, Seoul, South Korea, Things To Do

About Nancy

Hi, I’m Nancy! I am obsessed with self-awareness, food, semi-minimalism, stories, budgets, & adventures around the world. Read more here.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Ms Meatballhead says

    September 28, 2016 at 9:15 pm

    It sounds so fun! 10,000 shops, oh my goodness! I’d be lost forever! 🙂

    http://www.makeupisdelish.com

    • Nancy says

      October 4, 2016 at 4:39 pm

      It looks crazy at first, but you start to have a sense for where things are after a few hours in this market 🙂

  2. Barbara Bird says

    April 21, 2018 at 9:16 pm

    We visited South Korea (from the US) in May of 2016. We went to Namdaemun Market early in our trip and found one of the eyeglass stores. I ordered a good pair of prescription eyeglasses and came back 5 days later to pick them up. (You have to allow for a few days turnaround) I’m wearing them now as I type. We’re going back to South Korea in September 2018 and I plan on buying a new pair of eyeglasses while I’m there!!

    • Nancy says

      May 6, 2018 at 2:54 am

      That’s awesome, have a great time in September! Are you going to stop by Namdaemun market again?

    • Michelle says

      August 22, 2018 at 8:20 pm

      Hello I
      Like to get a pair can you share specific shops for me please. Thank you so much

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