Namdaemun Market is a MUST-do when you visit Seoul! We give you our reasons why this market is a can't-miss! Follow Dojeon team member, Lewis, as he shows you around!
The heart of Seoul has so much to offer, and right in the middle of the city is Namdaemun Market. Here you can experience local culture at its fullest. For me, the market is worth visiting around lunchtime, when you can taste different street food, and for me the fresh smoothies during the summer which is a MUST!
Not only, do you have local market stalls, where you can use your bartering skills, but you also have some high-end shops close to Myeondong. If you are not good at bartering, then don't worry, you will have plenty of opportunities to practice. Bear in mind, that if you visit during the weekend, you will have to fight the crowds, so it is worth visiting early.
Hotteok is what I recommend you to try when you visit the market! It's a pan fried delicacy that is filled with cinnamon, melted brown sugar, and sliced nuts. I usually buy two because one is never enough! And it's only KRW 1,000 (USD 0.72) each! Happiness could be that cheap! Ha-ha-ha! Sometimes, the lines in front of these guys are so long, that the ahjumma (middle-aged woman) selling bags at the next stall complains because the hotteok customers cover her shop. Ha-ha-ha! Everyone has to re-align the line.
So, the next time you're walking through the alleys of the Namdaemun Market, observe where shoppers, locals, and tourists actually flock, and you can immediately tell that K-pop stars and Korean celebrities are not the most popular people in Namdaemun Market.
Although most markets accept card or even electronic payments these days, I would still recommend taking some cash with you. You will also notice whilst you are visiting the market, that there are "tourist information" guides. When I first visited the market many years ago, I thought they were trying to get me to book a tour, as in London, guides for bus tours dress very similarly. However, I later realized that they are stationed there to help foreign tourists with directions and information in the market, as due to the narrow streets, you can easily get lost.
How to get to Namdaemun Market:
Walking: From Seoul Station, it's a short 15-minute walk.
Subway: Take line 4 from Seoul Station for 1 stop. Get off at exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station.
Let us know in the comments below if you have visited Namdaemun Market, and tag us in your photos!
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