Namdaemun Market

Overview

Namdaemun Market is Korea's largest and oldest traditional market, a chaotic, exhilarating labyrinth of over 10,000 stall-lined alleys selling everything from ginseng and dried fish to custom-tailored suits and camera equipment.

Highlights

• 24-Hour Sections: Parts of the market operate through the night.
• Wholesale Prices: Genuine wholesale pricing on clothing, accessories, and housewares.
• Street Food: Fantastic food stalls serving kalguksu (hand-cut noodles), hotteok, and japchae.

History

Established in 1414 near the Namdaemun (Great South Gate), it is Korea's oldest continuously operating market. The gate itself, National Treasure No. 1, was rebuilt after an arson attack in 2008.

Visitor Tips

• Best Early or Late: The market has different characters — wholesale before dawn, retail during the day, and food stalls at night.
• Namdaemun Gate: Stop to admire the reconstructed gate on the market's southern edge.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.