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Namdaemun Market

Shopping ·Seoul
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About

Namdaemun Market, Seoul: the oldest and largest traditional market in Korea, beside Namdaemun gate in Jung-gu.

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Namdaemun Market — Narrow market alley lined with colorful shop signs

Namdaemun Market — Narrow market alley lined with colorful shop signsNamdaemun Market — Clothing stall displaying garments beneath the market arcade signNamdaemun Market — Dried seafood and other market goods displayed for sale

Shorts

Why go

  • Galchi-jorim, spicy braised cutlassfish, in one alleyway of Building A.
  • Ilchul Apartment, a Japanese colonial-era building inside the market, once named Hinode.

What to buy

ClothingFashion accessoriesChildren's wearEarrings and hairpinsWedding goodsKitchen and tablewareImported goodsStationeryFarm, marine and ginseng productsFlowersCraftsJewelryWatchesCameras

History

Its first shop was a government-licensed silk importer. Fires damaged the market several times, and each time it was rebuilt at about its former size. A major fire destroyed much of it in 1911. After the Korean War, war refugees moved into Ilchul Apartment, a Japanese colonial-era building, and kept living there.

  1. 1414Founded under the reign of Taejong, one of the oldest surviving markets in Korea.
  2. 1897Some shops move into a former public grain-distribution building.
  3. 1911A major fire destroys much of the market.
  4. 1945More than 200 merchants form an association and take over management.
  5. 1950The Korean War destroys most of the market's 250 shops.
Show all
  1. 1968A major fire breaks out on 25 November.
  2. 1990sThe market begins shifting from wholesale to retail.

Dishes to try

  • Kkulkkuri-juk, the dish that came before budae-jjigae, was sold here.

Market days

Monday to Saturday
09:00 to 17:00

Sources: Namdaemun Market - Wikipedia · Seoul/Jung - Wikivoyage (buy) · 남대문관광특구 남대문시장 · Marché de Namdaemun - Wikipedia · checked 25 Oct 2026

Where
21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

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Questions and answers

What are the opening hours of Namdaemun Market in Seoul?

Namdaemun Market is open Monday to Saturday, from 09:00 to 17:00.

Where is Namdaemun Market and how do I find it?

It stands beside Namdaemun, the main southern gate to the old city. The address is 21 Namdaemunsijang 4-gil in Seoul's Jung-gu.

Is Namdaemun Market good for children?

Children's clothing and accessories are the goods sold most often there. Stalls also sell children's wear alongside other goods.

What food should I try at Namdaemun Market?

Galchi-jorim, spicy braised cutlassfish, is sold in one alleyway of Building A. Kal-guksu noodles and hotteok pancakes have their own alleyways. Many outdoor eating options open in the evening.

How do I contact Namdaemun Market?

The contact phone number of Namdaemun Market is 02-753-2805.

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