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
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Neighbourhood: Myeongdong
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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See what travellers are saying
  • fire-tower
    3,151 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 January 26, 2024
  • Insertnamehereuserid
    Brisbane, Australia216 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 February 24, 2024
  • ManHanao
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Worth a Look
    Namdaemun is a great market for almost everything. There are many shops that open on to the street and others in the surrounding buildings. Lots of clothes for children. Numerous stalls for visitors as well. Prices for most things was cheaper then nearby Myeongdong. The market is great for a stroll like pace as the streets are just wide enough to allow the movement of people. Food options and coffee can be found there as well. There are money changers there too. You may also see the Red Clothed Information persons. They can usually speak 2 or more languages, english is common with them. The area has hills with a small slope. Walking up and down the hills was manageable for persons with slight difficulty walking. Namdaemun is within 15-25 minutes walk, at a slow pace, from Myeongdong Food street.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written March 28, 2024
  • Borish J
    Scotland, United Kingdom4 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A Taste of Seoul Culture
    Namdaemun Market offers a bustling and authentic Seoul experience with a wide variety of stalls selling traditional Korean goods. While the atmosphere is lively and the street food is delicious, some areas of the market could benefit from better organization and cleanliness. Overall, it's worth a visit for a taste of Korean culture, but don't expect a flawless experience.
    Visited July 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written April 7, 2024
  • Seokdoespilates
    Singapore, Singapore233 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A bustling local market tucked in the midst of Seoul's shopping and banking district
    The market is vast with many alley ways, and can get really busy on the weekends. Shops seem to open after 9 am and close by 7 pm. The shops along the street are just the tip of the iceberg as these street level shops are the frontage of multiple small malls to wander into, each often specialising in a particular item. There is even a mall dedicated to children's wear or jewellery/accessories. Hats, socks, bags, clothing, Korean ginseng, snacks, toys and household items galore. In the early evening, the street vendors open offering typical Korean street food. Delve into the narrow alleys to find cosy eateries selling local food, including Kalguksu Alley. There are gate numbers for the main entries to the market. The often featured on social media hotteok vendor is at gate 2 (ask for the vegetable one). Many vendors can speak some English. A fun way to spend a couple of hours getting local souvenirs and bargains and trying local food.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written April 18, 2024
  • TIersHasie
    Sydney, Australia1,087 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nice market area next to the Southern gate of Seoul
    Lots to see very central location near City Hall. They sell all sorts of items, best ask a visitor information guide for which section sells what (they wear red and speak different languages). From souvenirs, to kids clothing to old camera parts and hanbok. Awesome window shopping. When hungry there are food sections and stalls for normal simple and street food staples.
    Visited January 2024
    Travelled solo
    Written July 8, 2024
  • Elad D
    Los Angeles, California138 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Not impressive and messyarket
    Average market, nothing to write home about. Nothing really to buy all looks like junk. Very disorganized. Not like the Turkish or middle eastern markets with smells, sounds, colors. This is probably more a place for locals not impressive at all
    Visited July 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written July 30, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles2,931 reviews
Excellent
822
Very good
1,293
Average
650
Poor
122
Terrible
45

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Culinary-Consultants
Ferrara, Italy3,745 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Dear colleague travelers, here I leave you a review for the one and only market worthy of a visit in Seoul: The Namdaemun Market. Filled with excitement, strange and curious things, lots of interesting street food, raw food ingredients, music, clothing, souvenirs and its booming with people.

Still the rule of South Koreans is not to understand a word of English; but in this market like everywhere in South Korea; be ready for price rise as soon as they see you coming and being a non-Korean. Speculation is in the air.

Most of the things you'll be able to buy when it comes to clothing and souvenirs; is cheap worthless Chinese crap. But concentrate on the raw products and on the street food. At least prices are exposed and the prices are the same for foreigners and locals alike.

Just walk around (watch your pockets) as there are some suspicious persons in the area. Don't spend much (you will be tempted) but remember most of the souvenirs globally are cheap Chinese products that you'll end up throwing away.

In Korea you need to concentrate on walking a lot as there is plenty to walk, take fresh air, don't spend on garbage, have some curious food and the points of Interest are to be museums, palaces and all related to this activities. (museums and monuments, places, etc are really cheap). This is my advise.

We recommend this market as the ONLY one worth. The rest is just copy and paste.
Written February 1, 2020
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.

Janet1016
Ottawa, Canada1,026 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
My husband, son and I visited Seoul, South Korea for the very first time the end of January. Our Hotel, the Tmark Grand Hotel, was within walking distance of the Namdaemun Market and we visited it numerous times over the course of the week we were there.

I'm not a big shopper but I am a foodie and we ate in a couple of restaurants in the Market as well as sampling some of the street foods and I also purchased some Honey Butter Almonds, which are a very popular foodie souvenir to buy when in South Korea, at a lower price than if you go to an actual shop that specializes in them (of which there are MANY). :)

I love Night Markets. Coming from Canada I can't get enough of them when I visit Asia. Everything looks so FOREIGN! LOL! I saw all manner of fresh fruits for sale, spices, clothing, foodie treats, and much, much more.

The Market, which is the largest traditional Market in South Korea, has over 10,000 vendors, retailers and wholesalers. It is a dense maze of stalls and restaurants. One night while we were looking for a spot to get some dinner we came out of a back alley to be faced with a stunning Old City Gate right across the street which turned out to be Sungnyemun Gate, South Korea's #1 National Treasure. You honestly never know what is going to be around the next corner.

Merchants have been selling items near this location since 1414 AD!!!!! There is an information booth with people in it that do speak some English which is super helpful. They also have free maps so you can orient yourself. We went to the Information booth one evening for a restaurant recommendation and were pleased.

Just go wander.....it's uber fun!
Written February 27, 2020
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.

Seokdoespilates
Singapore, Singapore233 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2024 • Couples
The market is vast with many alley ways, and can get really busy on the weekends. Shops seem to open after 9 am and close by 7 pm. The shops along the street are just the tip of the iceberg as these street level shops are the frontage of multiple small malls to wander into, each often specialising in a particular item. There is even a mall dedicated to children's wear or jewellery/accessories. Hats, socks, bags, clothing, Korean ginseng, snacks, toys and household items galore. In the early evening, the street vendors open offering typical Korean street food. Delve into the narrow alleys to find cosy eateries selling local food, including Kalguksu Alley. There are gate numbers for the main entries to the market. The often featured on social media hotteok vendor is at gate 2 (ask for the vegetable one). Many vendors can speak some English. A fun way to spend a couple of hours getting local souvenirs and bargains and trying local food.
Written April 18, 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.

soul p
1 contribution
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020 • Friends
This is a market mainly focused in optical products, knock off clothes and not very authentic souveniers that are made in China. Go to Gwangjang Market if you are looking for some street foods, Go to Myeongdong if you are planning to do some shopping. Worth a visit if you are trying to get yourself a new pair of glasses, but you will probably be overcharged if you are a foreigner. Bring one of your Korean friends. Since it is very close to Myeongdong maybe a 30 min quick stop would not harm you if you do not expect too much.
Written January 3, 2020
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.

Angelin Velle
Singapore, Singapore355 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2023 • Family
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.
Written June 9, 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.

menthol
Winterthur, Switzerland74 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2022
If you want to experience the local life of Korean, you must go there for a walk. Besides clothes shoes shops, there is also a fresh market that the Korean go there for daily shopping. Many Korean restaurants and street food booths located in the small alleys. Also tourist guides were there to help the traveler.
Written September 27, 2022
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.

Carolina
Tucson, AZ581 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2022 • Family
I visited twice this market, it has blocks and blocks of all types of merchandise. The prices were so much better than in the malls in Seoul. I found all the items I wanted at much lower price here so I went twice and walked all over.
Written December 28, 2022
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.

Shaka093
Montfermeil, France499 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2023 • Family
Located at the foot of Shinsegae you have a market which is the opposite of luxury boutiques. It's affordable and you can find everyday products. Souvenir shop and for those who like sports a few stands with Korean jerseys.
It's cheaper than in Myeongdong for souvenirs.
Google
Written November 3, 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.

BigFamily78
Saint-Remy-les-Chevreuse, France543 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2024 • Couples
It’s an open-air market, streets crowded with small stalls. Lots of textiles, not always super modern, real and fake leather goods, food stands. Go there for the change of scenery, and for those who like it, we can discuss the prices...
Google
Written June 15, 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.

DanN1969
Vissenbjerg, Denmark229 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
I could spend days browsing through Seoul's famous Namdaemun Market, because they have everything, and it's Korean style. All from souvenirs, through food, snacks and beverages to wholesale. And all the way through, you meet smiling people. If you don't have days to spend there, at least give it a try of a few hours, it's worth it. And one more thing; It's clean, nice and clean and nice.
Don't miss it if you're in Seoul.
Written March 5, 2020
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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NAMDAEMUN MARKET - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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