This vast commercial district is a shopper's paradise with its many malls, boutiques and specialist shops sitting happily alongside traditional Korean market places.
A shopaholic’s dream, Dongdaemun Market is the largest commercial district in Seoul. Consisting of a staggering 30,000 shops, 50,000 manufacturers and 26 shopping centres, it is spread over an area that covers 10 blocks. You could spend weeks in Dongdaemun Market and not see everything it has to offer! You can pick up virtually anything at the market, including clothes, jewellery, electronics and toys, often at bargain prices.
If you want to get the most out of your visit to Dongdaemun Market, it’s worth taking the time to plan beforehand. The market is separated into two distinct areas. Section 1 is a more regular shopping experience while Section 2 focuses on wholesale. You can find Section 1 on the same side as the Doosan Tower, and the presence of English-speaking help desks make this an easier option for tourists. Three of the big shopping centres here are Migliore, Hello apM and Doosan Tower.
Section 2 is aimed at those looking to buy items in bulk, but is still worth a visit for its bargain shopping centres like Designer’s Club and Nuzzon, which offer great fashion items at low prices. As this is a wholesale shopping area, you can’t count on finding fitting rooms, but it all just adds to the experience!
Pyeongwha Market is home to a vast selection of books, including rare English language and second-hand books. Head to the first floor and get rummaging for some fantastically discounted reads! All that shopping is bound to make you hungry, so stop by nearby Mukja Golmok Street, which is packed with restaurants and stalls serving up tasty Korean classic dishes.
Dongdaemun Market is easily reached via subway – get off at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park or Dongdaemum. Opening hours are generally from mid-morning to early evening, although a few stores operate 24 hours a day. Most stores are closed Mondays and public holidays.
