Plan to spend at least 3 to 4 hours at Namdaemun Market, if you want to explore it well. Is Namdaemun Market safe for tourists? Yes, Namdaemun Market is safe for tourists to explore.
Namdaemun Market offers a bustling and authentic Seoul experience, and it's a decent spot for grabbing local souvenirs or exploring Korean street food. That said, it's not a place I'd go out of my way to visit. If you're staying nearby, it's worth some time to soak in the atmosphere.
The best time to visit Namdaemun Market is in the early evening when most stores are open, and the crowds are thinner. For delicious meals and sampling the local food scene, head to the market early in the morning or mid-afternoon. Evenings are great for lively nightlife if you don't mind the crowds.
Hoehyeon Station (Korean: 회현역) is a station on the Seoul Subway Line 4. It is the closest station to the historical gate of Namdaemun, and also serves the major shopping district of Namdaemun Market.
Why You Should Visit Gwangjang Market. Gwanjang Market is an incredible place to visit. It is the oldest and largest traditional market in Korea and a wonderful place to eat Korean street food. Visiting the market is a real foodie experience, and you'll get a real taste of Korean culture and traditional Korean cuisine.
DDM was traditionally a night market and wholesalers once operated from 1:00 am to 1:00 pm. Now, the area is open for 18.5 hours a day from 10:30 am to 5:00 am, with some stores open 24 hours a day, although most close on Sundays and holidays.
Cash is also needed for smaller purchases or when shopping at street vendors. While some traditional markets such as Gwangjang or Namdaemun markets in Seoul may accept cards, cash could still be the only option depending on the area you're in.
What is the difference between Dongdaemun and Namdaemun?
Namdaemun has much more of the “traditional market” feel, so if it's more of the experience (or photographic opportunities) you're after, Namdaemun is the ideal place for you. But if your main aim is to shop for more affordable Korean clothes and cosmetics, you're probably better off visiting the malls at Dongdaemun.
How long does it take to get from Dongdaemun to Myeongdong?
Seoul Metro operates a subway from Dongdaemun Station to Myeongdong Station every 10 minutes. Tickets cost ₩1,300–1,800 and the journey takes 5 min. Alternatively, KD(Purple Ski Bus) operates a shuttle from Dongdaemun DOOTA Mall to Myeongdong Station exit 1 twice daily, and the journey takes 2 min.
What time should you visit Gwangjang Market / Kwangjang Market? The entire market is open from 8:30am-6:00pm daily, but the food sections will stay open until 11:00pm.
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza (동대문디자인플라자), often referred to as DDP by locals, is one of those cool things to see in Seoul that is on numerous list after list of the architectural must-see's in the capital city of Korea. Seoul was even named the World Design Capital in 2010 because of the DDP.
Is Gwangjang Market and Dongdaemun Market the same?
At the time, most markets were temporary and open only occasionally, so Dongdaemun Market became the first permanent market to be open every day of the week. The market was renamed Gwangjang Market in 1960.
It's one of the most famous markets in South Korea, offering an exciting mix of traditional charm, modern style, and delicious street food. Whether you're exploring during the day or late at night, Dongdaemun promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the city.
Are things closed on Sunday in Seoul? Not at all, in fact, many of the city's most beloved attractions come alive with a different kind of energy. Korean culture values rest, but Seoul's Sunday scene is vibrant and welcoming for both locals and visitors.
The Netflix noodle lady stall itself is pretty much in the centre of Gwangjang Market, at a crossways section. We found the shortest queue to be at around 10am, just after the stall had opened.
The best way to get from Myeongdong (Station) to Namdaemun without a car is to subway which takes 7 min and costs ₩1,200 - ₩1,800. How long does it take to get from Myeongdong (Station) to Namdaemun? The subway from Myeongdong Station to Hoehyeon Station takes 1 min including transfers and departs every 10 minutes.
Namdaemun Market is a particularly popular place to find clothing, especially a variety of fabrics and children's clothing. There's also a wide selection of handicrafts, food, shoes, and over 1,700 other types of products.
One can easily spend half a day window shopping or shopping and trying out some street food. Pity that we got to spend only a couple of hours there since we were specifically looking for luggage. Would have loved to browse through the shops much longer and walk around. Definitely go there while visiting Seoul.
The best way to get from Gwangjang Market to Insadong without a car is to line 1 subway which takes 6 min and costs ₩1,300 - ₩1,800. How long does it take to get from Gwangjang Market to Insadong? The line 1 subway from Jongno 5-ga Station to Jonggak Station takes 4 min including transfers and departs every 10 minutes.
The cheapest way to get from Namdaemun to Nami Island is to line 1 subway and train which costs ₩4,200 - ₩8,000 and takes 1h 13m. What is the fastest way to get from Namdaemun to Nami Island? The fastest way to get from Namdaemun to Nami Island is to taxi which takes 25 min and costs ₩26,000 - ₩32,000.