If you're planning a trip to Seoul, South Korea, make sure to visit Namdaemun Market, a traditional marketplace with over 600 years of history! Located near Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun), this bustling market is the largest and oldest traditional market in Korea, attracting 400,000 visitors daily. Whether you're looking for street food, clothing, souvenirs, or household goods, this market has it all.
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Why You Should Visit Namdaemun Market?
▣ Rich History & Cultural Experience
Founded in the Joseon Dynasty, Namdaemun Market naturally formed as merchants gathered near Sungnyemun (Namdaemun Gate), the main entrance to Hanyang (Seoul’s old name). Over the centuries, it evolved into the largest open-air market in South Korea.
▣ Korea’s Largest Traditional Market
With over 10,200 stores, Namdaemun Market is a shopping paradise where you can find over 1,700 different types of products, including:
√ Fashion & Accessories
√ Traditional Korean Souvenirs
√ Kitchenware & Home Essentials
√ K-Pop Merchandise & Beauty Products
√ Handicrafts & Textiles
▣ A Food Lover’s Paradise
Namdaemun Market is one of the best places to try Korean street food at an affordable price. Some must-try dishes include:
Hotteok (Sweet Pancake) – A crispy pancake filled with brown sugar and nuts.
Kalguksu Alley (Knife-cut Noodles) – A famous spot for handmade Korean noodles.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) – Chewy rice cakes in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Gimbap & Mandu (Korean Sushi Rolls & Dumplings) – Quick, delicious street food options.
▣ Day & Night Shopping Experience
Namdaemun Market is unique because it serves both retail and wholesale customers.
Daytime: Open for general shoppers and tourists.
Nighttime: Transforms into a wholesale market, supplying goods nationwide.
Tour Courses
▣ History Experience Course
Start from Seoullo 7017 - GATE 6
- Import Mall (Basement of Building C, D and E)
It is a popular mall that sells imported goods of olden times, 19060s - 1970s, where it was difficult to purchase foreign products. It was called as “Goblin Mall” as it sold the goods by avoiding the police crackdown, and a variety of imported goods are still being sold at reasonable prices.
- Site of Sunhyechung
It was a place which was in charge of the tax revenue collected in accordance with Daedong Law (paying tax with rice) of Joseon Era. Since the building is destroyed, only the site is remained and its size is assumed to be from Gate 1 to Block A and B of Bondong Mall.
- Sungnyemun
he No.1 Treasure of the Republic of Korea, Sungnyemun gate, is one of the main 4 gates of Hanyangdoseong of Joseon Era and is the southern gate. It was destroyed due to the fire, but now it has been restored as it was in the past. From 2006, the central aisle is open to the citizens and can be freely accessed
- Hanok Mall on the 2nd floor of Namdaemun-ro
Built in 1910s (Registered Cultural Property No. 662), it is the only remaining Hanok mansion in Seoul. It is a historic and architecturally valuable place.
- The Bank of Korea Currency Museum
The headquarter of the Bank of Korea which was used as the headquarter of Joseon Bank during the Japanese Colonial Era is the first modern architecture where the first elevator was installed. It is the European style architecture with the form of Renaissance, and although was partially destroyed during the Korean War, but has been restored and is currently operated as a currency museum.
- Headquarter of old Jaeil Bank (Korea’s first bank)
This neo-barque style building which was opened as Joseon Savings Bank during the Japanese Colonial Era, is regarded as one of the finest decorations of modern architecture in Korea.
It is preserved in its original state, and now it is operated as Jaeil Bank (Korea’s first bank).
▣ Traditional Culture Experience Course
start at GATE 1
- Sungnyemun
The No.1 national treasure of Korea, Sungnyemun Gate!
It is the largest building of Korean gates.
- Namdaemun Market Community Lounge
You can experience the Korean culture for free such as Hanbok wearing experience and Korean dessert, and can receive free services such as information on shopping in the market and tour guide service. *For foreigners only
- Bondong Mall (A, B Building)
There are many things to buy such as glasses, sunglasses, ginseng, red ginseng, dried seaweed, dried fish, etc. You can also taste the popular food of Namdaemun market, Galchi Jorim (Braised Cutlassfish) and Galchi Gui (Grilled Cutlassfish).
- Sulla Ceremony
You can see the culture of escort in the Joseon Dynasty called Sulla ceremony!
You can experience the Joseon Era with a photo time of only 10 minutes.
- Tip. venue : in front of D block of Namdaemun Market / Time : Tuesday - Friday AM 11:50 (From Sungnyemun Gate to D block of Namdaemun Market)
- Souvenir Street
You can purchase the Korean traditional souvenirs that foreigners like such as handcrafts, ginseng, dried seaweed, etc.
- Seoullo7017
Enjoy the romantic atmosphere of ‘Seoullo7017’ which has been emerged as a new urban tourism area. There are various experience courses such as rose stage, view cafe, foot bath, exhibition hall, library and so on.
▣ Hallyu Trend Course
Start from Seoullo 7017-GATE4
- Kidswear Street
It is the best place to purchase the latest trend design and quality children's wear.
- Tip. Children's wear festival held in early May of every year
- Womesn’s Apparel Street
If you buy once, you will become a regular customer!
You can buy quality goods from casual to stylish suit at a reasonable price.
- Military Street
The most popular theme alley in Namdaemun Market where you must visit!
If you want to see the main characters of drama and entertainment TV programs in army uniforms?
You can purchase everything from uniforms, military boots, blankets, etc. in this alley.
- Optician Street
You can buy glasses and sunglasses of celebrities you saw in dramas and movies and try them.
- Foodie Street
The Street of Food consists of Korean menu such as Bibimbab, Gukbab (Rice in Soup), Seolleongtang (Ox Bone Soup), Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles), etc. which are available 24 hours a day and late at night.
- Camera Street
It is called 'camera museum’ as it sells a variety of products from old cameras to the latest cameras and cameras that can not be found in Korea. How about you wear the clothes you bought in the market and and stand in front of the camera like the Korean celebrity?
How to Get to Namdaemun Market: Easy Transportation Guide
Traffic is congested near Namdaemun, so I recommend using public transportation.
By Subway (Most Convenient Option)
The easiest way to reach Namdaemun Market is by subway.
- Line 4 (Blue Line) – Hoehyeon Station (Exit 5)
Walk 2 minutes from Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station (Line 4), and you’ll be at the market entrance.
This is the closest subway station to the market.
- Line 1 (Dark Blue Line) & Line 4 – Seoul Station (Exit 4)
Walk about 10 minutes from Exit 4 of Seoul Station.
Perfect if you're arriving from Incheon Airport via the Airport Railroad Express (AREX).
- Line 2 (Green Line) – Euljiro 1-ga Station (Exit 7)
Walk about 15 minutes from Euljiro 1-ga Station.
Good option if you're coming from Myeongdong or Dongdaemun.
By Bus (Direct Access to the Market)
There are several buses that stop directly in front of Namdaemun Market.
- Blue Buses (Main Routes)
103, 105, 143, 149, 151, 152, 202, 261, 401, 406, 503, 7011
- Green Buses (Short-Distance Routes)
0013, 0211, 7011
- Airport Limousine Bus
If you're coming from Incheon Airport, take Bus 6001 or 6015, which stops near Hoehyeon Station.
By Car (Parking Options)
If you're driving, Namdaemun Market has several nearby parking lots.
- Namdaemun Market Parking Lot
Address: 21 Namdaemun Market-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Open 24/7
Fee: Approx. ₩3,000 per 30 minutes
- Hoehyeon Public Parking Lot
Address: 56 Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Open 24/7
Fee: Approx. ₩1,500 per 30 minutes
- Seoul Station Parking Lot (A good option if you're visiting Myeongdong after)
Address: Near Seoul Station, walk 10 minutes to Namdaemun Market.
Tip: Namdaemun Market can get very crowded, so taking public transportation is highly recommended!
Tip for Visiting Namdaemun Market
Bring Cash – Many stores prefer cash over credit cards.
Bargaining is Common – Negotiate prices at wholesale shops!
Go Early or Late – Mornings are best for street food, while late-night visits offer a unique wholesale shopping vibe.
Explore Side Alleys – The best food stalls and hidden gems are found in small alleyways.
Tourist attractions near Namdaemun Market
Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun Gate) & Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun Gate) Guard Performance
Address : 40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
The Myeognon Cathedral
Address : 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Jeongdong-gil
Address : Subway Lines 1, 2, City Hall Station, Exit1
Deoksugung Palace
Address : 21-18 Jeongong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Hanok village
Address : 28 Toegye-ro 34-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
Namsan Park (N Seoul Tower)
Address : Hoehyeon-dong 1-ga, Jung-gu
From the historic Sungnyemun Gate to delicious street food and amazing shopping deals, Namdaemun Market offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Plus, with Myeongdong just a short walk away, you can seamlessly continue your Seoul adventure!
