Seoul
When exploring Seoul, South Korea, visitors cannot miss the vibrant and bustling markets that are scattered throughout the city. From traditional to modern, these markets offer a wide array of products and experiences for every type of shopper.
For those looking to immerse themselves in the local culture and find unique items, a visit to markets in Seoul is a must. Whether it's trying delicious street food, hunting for vintage treasures, or simply soaking in the sights and sounds of a bustling market, there is something for everyone.
Embark on a market-hopping adventure and discover the best markets Seoul has to offer!
This selection of markets in Seoul weighs each business's reputation, which anyone can check online, against how much of its work is devoted to this service. Those that do exactly this, and have done it well for years, come first.
A few businesses pay to stand out, always after passing our editorial review and with a label that says so.
Top of the list
Select one to see why it made the list.
Complete list
#1Street food and desserts
Shops and market stalls
Street food, desserts and shopping share the space at Myeongdong Night Market in Seoul, with stores and stalls to browse as you eat. Its busy evening setting suits visitors who want to combine a snack stop with some shopping, and families with children can explore the market together.
#2Korean street food stalls
Street performers
Night food market
Open 24 hours
Myeong-dong, Jung District, Seoul, South KoreaKorean street food is the main draw on Myeongdong Street in Seoul, where food stalls and street vendors fill a busy night market. Performers add to the activity along the street, making this a place for visitors who enjoy eating while exploring a crowded setting alongside locals and other travellers.
#3Clothes and souvenirs
Street food
Trinkets
Clothes, souvenirs and trinkets give shoppers several reasons to browse Namdaemun Market in Seoul's Jung District. Street food is also part of the market's appeal, so a visit can combine looking for something to take home with stopping for a bite among the stalls and their varied goods.
Mung bean pancakes
K-BBQ and hotpot restaurants
Korean snacks
Mung bean pancakes and Korean snacks sit alongside restaurants serving K-BBQ and hotpots at Gwangjang Market in Seoul. This traditional market suits visitors deciding between street food and a sit-down meal, with local vendors offering food to sample as they explore. The market can get crowded during a visit.
#5Fabrics and buttons
Clothing repairs
Accessories and fan goods
Fabric, clothing materials, buttons and clothing repairs make Dongdaemun Market a useful stop for sewing and wardrobe needs in Seoul. Shoppers can also browse sheet sets, phone charms, plushies, fan goods and traditional hairpins. Street food adds a reason to pause between shops selling clothes, makeup and souvenirs.
#6Fresh produce and seafood
Ginseng and nuts
Cafe in a former cinema
Fresh produce, seafood, meat, spices and ginseng give Gyeongdong Market in Seoul a focus on ingredients and traditional Korean foods. Fruit and nut sellers add to the shopping options. An old cinema within the market now houses a Starbucks cafe, with seating on several levels and order numbers projected onto a screen.
#7Turkish carpets
Korean fried chicken
International cuisine and bars
Turkish carpets and Korean fried chicken reflect the mix of goods and food at Itaewon Market in Seoul. International cuisines, bars and street shows give visitors several ways to spend time here, whether they come to shop, eat or socialise in a setting that draws people from different countries.
#8Traditional market shopping
Food
Bogwang Market brings food and shopping together in a traditional market setting in Seoul. It suits visitors who want to browse products and include something to eat during their visit, though the available information gives little detail about individual stalls, the goods sold or the dishes to expect.
#9Korean restaurants and street food
Printing shops
Locally focused market
Restaurants, Korean street food and printing shops share Inhyeon Traditional Market in Seoul, where the businesses mainly cater to locals. The dining scene has a pub-like atmosphere and sits off the usual tourist path. Menus are predominantly in Korean, a practical point for visitors choosing where and what to eat.
#10Fresh and live seafood
Beef and pork
On-site cooking
At Garak Market in Seoul, shoppers can select meat or seafood and have it cooked on-site, linking the market visit directly to a meal. This wholesale market also has retail seafood shopping, with fresh, live and dried seafood available alongside beef, pork, fruit and vegetables for those buying ingredients.
#11Baking supplies
Dried seaweed and ginseng
Vendors serving businesses
Baking supplies and dried foods, including seaweed and ginseng, are among the goods available at Bangsan Market in Seoul. Most vendors cater to businesses, while a smaller section serves individual shoppers. That mix makes it a relevant stop for people looking for baking essentials or local dried ingredients.
#12Meat, fish and vegetable shops
Korean, Vietnamese and Mexican food
Modern pubs
Meat, fish and fresh vegetable shops form part of Seoul Central Market's traditional market offering, alongside restaurants and modern pubs. Food choices extend from Korean dishes and street food to Vietnamese and Mexican cooking, giving visitors scope to combine ingredient shopping with a meal or a pub visit.
#13Korean folk and vintage items
Indoor flea market
Korean food court
Near Sinseol-dong metro station, Seoul Folk Flea Market brings Korean folk and vintage items together with clothes, accessories, souvenirs, electronics and tools. The indoor venue suits an extended browse through both traditional and modern goods. A food court serving Korean dishes provides a place to eat during the visit.
#14Brass coin token bento system
Korean street food
Vegetables, seafood and grains
Tongin Traditional Market's brass coin token bento box system gives visitors a specific way to explore its food stalls, using tokens to purchase food. This smaller market in Seoul also sells fresh vegetables, seafood and grains alongside traditional Korean street food, making it suitable for a snack or a browse.
#15Weekend handmade market
Wood photo shop
Changing product selection
Dongjin Market in Seoul hosts a temporary handmade market on weekends, with a selection of products that changes regularly. A wood photo shop offers another option for gift shopping. The small market suits visitors interested in browsing handmade goods, especially those who enjoy seeing a different selection across visits.
#16Fresh fruit and vegetables
Shoes and slippers
Shirts and Korean products
Fresh fruit and vegetables share Huam Traditional Market with shoes, slippers, shirts and other Korean products in Seoul's Yongsan District. Food is also available, giving visitors the option to eat while shopping. The mix suits people looking for produce and everyday goods within the same traditional market visit.
Recap
| # | Business | Rating | Reviews | Recommended for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Myeongdong Night Market | 4.4 | 5,050 | Evening snacks and shopping |
| #2 | Myeongdong Street | 4.3 | 22,836 | Sampling Korean street food |
| #3 | Namdaemun Market | 4.2 | 26,630 | Souvenir shopping and snacks |
| #4 | Gwangjang Market | 4.2 | 39,149 | Korean snacks and sit-down meals |
| #5 | Dongdaemun Market | 4.2 | 2,204 | Fabric shopping and clothing repairs |
| #6 | Gyeongdong Market | 4.1 | 10,395 | Ingredients and traditional Korean foods |
| #7 | Itaewon Market | 4.1 | 2,541 | International food and socialising |
| #8 | Bogwang Market | 4.3 | 15 | Browsing and a food stop |
| #9 | Inhyeon Traditional Market | 4.1 | 213 | Local dining and Korean street food |
| #10 | Garak Market | 4.0 | 7,682 | Seafood shopping and on-site meals |
| #11 | Bangsan Market | 4.0 | 3,937 | Baking supplies and dried foods |
| #12 | Seoul Central Market | 4.0 | 2,669 | Food shopping and varied dining |
| #13 | Seoul Folk Flea Market | 3.9 | 4,617 | Vintage browsing and souvenir hunting |
| #14 | Tongin Traditional Market | 3.8 | 7,254 | Building a market bento meal |
| #15 | Dongjin Market | 3.8 | 436 | Handmade gifts and weekend browsing |
| #16 | Huam Traditional Market | 3.7 | 786 | Produce and everyday goods |
For businesses
Areas and map
Discover the bustling markets of Seoul, Korea with our comprehensive map showcasing all the top shopping destinations in the city. From traditional outdoor markets selling local produce and handicrafts to modern shopping centers carrying the latest fashion trends, this guide will help you navigate through Seoul's vibrant market scene.
Seoul is renowned for its vibrant markets that offer a variety of goods and experiences for visitors. Among the must-visit markets in the city are Gwangjang Market, known for its traditional Korean street food and textiles, and Dongdaemun Market, a shopping mecca featuring both wholesale and retail stores. Another popular market is Myeongdong, which is famous for its fashion boutiques and beauty products. For those looking for a more traditional market experience, the Namdaemun Market offers everything from clothing to souvenirs.
Seoul markets offer a wide range of goods for sale, catering to all kinds of interests. Visitors can shop for Korean beauty products at places like Myeongdong, while food lovers can explore the street food stalls at Gwangjang Market. Dongdaemun Market is the place to go for fashion items, with both Korean and international brands available. Visitors can also find traditional Korean handicrafts, hanboks (traditional Korean clothing), and unique souvenirs at markets like Insadong and Namdaemun.
Most markets in Seoul are open daily, but it's essential to check the specific market's operating hours before visiting. Gwangjang Market, for example, is typically open from early morning until late at night, while some markets like Dongdaemun have specific opening and closing times. The bigger markets in Seoul, such as Namdaemun Market and Myeongdong, are open seven days a week, making it convenient for visitors to explore and shop at their leisure.
While English may not be widely spoken at all markets in Seoul, many vendors and shop owners in popular areas like Dongdaemun, Myeongdong, and Insadong are accustomed to dealing with foreign visitors. It can be helpful to learn a few basic Korean phrases or use translation apps to communicate with vendors. Additionally, many products at the markets are displayed with prices, making it easier for non-Korean speakers to shop without having to negotiate verbally. Most markets also have signs in English, making it easier for visitors to navigate and find their way around.
