"Tucked Behind the Skyscrapers: Namdaemun Market Among the biggest and most chaotic markets in Korea, Seoul 's Namdaemun Market is the capital's oldest, dating to the 1400s. Today you can find ANYthing here, if you're willing to brave the crowded alleyways tucked in behind skyscrapers: cellphones, fried fish cakes, ginseng liqueurs, bulk stockings, cosmetics, lacquerware, underwear, noodles, squid, seaweed... Street snacks abound, along with the occasional street musician. Watch out for the motorcycle stacked 10 feet high with you-name-it (pantyhose?calculators?), weaving its way through the sea of pedestrians. And don't forget to haggle. To get here via subway: Hoehyon station, Line 4, Exit 5."
"Tucked Behind the Skyscrapers: Namdaemun Market Among the biggest and most chaotic markets in Korea, Seoul 's Namdaemun Market is the capital's oldest, dating to the 1400s. Today you can find ANYthing here, if you're willing to brave the crowded alleyways tucked in behind skyscrapers: cellphones, fried fish cakes, ginseng liqueurs, bulk stockings, cosmetics, lacquerware, underwear, noodles, squid, seaweed... Street snacks abound, along with the occasional street musician. Watch out for the motorcycle stacked 10 feet high with you-name-it (pantyhose?calculators?), weaving its way through the sea of pedestrians. And don't forget to haggle. To get here via subway: Hoehyon station, Line 4, Exit 5."
7 Korean Street Foods to Eat in Seoul in the Winter - AFAR
"Since the city never sleeps, it’s also possible to find street food past midnight, particularly around wholesale shopping districts like Namdaemun and Dongdaemun." - Lara Dalinsky
"This is South Korea’s oldest and largest market, with roots dating to the 1400s. It's a constant hive of activity, buzzing with shoppers in search of the latest fashion, electronics, crockery, and, of course, good food. Merchandise is organized on themed streets: kids' clothing over there, military gear and opticians this way. On the grub front, you’ll see salarymen digging into steaming bowls of stewed beltfish, mackerel, and pollock along Galchi Jorim, a.k.a. Stewed Beltfish Alley. In the nearby Foodie Alley (yup, different from Beltfish Alley and arguably better smelling), it’s all about street eats like dakkochi (grilled chicken skewers) and tteokbokki, glutinous rice cakes in a spicy red sauce."
There is so much to see and eat. Just be aware that it's more of a flea market feel here. Not that they sell used goods, but it's low prices and quantity you will find here, not trendy fashions or recognizable brands. In addition to the many stalls at street level, there are shops upstairs and an endless catacomb of micro stalls underground, many of which probably cater to locals.
Kerry Lamb
Google
Amazing food, so fun to just walk around people watching and try all the different food stands. Felt safe as a single female traveler. A must when visiting Seoul!
jonbristolbs4
Google
By far the cheapest place to buy your souvenirs, 14k for 2 baseball caps to name but one. I saw camouflage bottoms elsewhere, but got exactly the same here at less than 1/2 the price ( with a little haggling as I bought 2 pairs 😆)
Even was directed to some toilets, that unknowingly was in a flower market so for a change they smelt amazing.
It’s a maze of alleyways so be prepared to do a lot of walking in very busy paths.
The Gal Travels
Google
Namdaemun Market is the ideal place to visit in the morning. The market opens around 9am and it is filled with anything you might want to find. They have a huge selection of clothing suited for the older folks. You can also find things like hats, pyjamas, jeans, food, groceries, stationery, fashion accessories, bags, and souvenirs.
The market contains of both roadside and indoor shopping where you can venture into the buildings for more serious finds. It’s a place to easily spend a couple of hours before it starts getting crowded around 11am onwards.
Cynthia R
Google
Great experience for shopping here! Love this place and definitely will come again. Prices for all the goods are reasonable if compared to Myeongdong market. Good food also. You can buy the hand craft here better. Recommended
Shane Daniel
Google
A must go to experience while in Seoul, Korea. All types of street foods and shops that show you the culture of Korea and also help local shop proprietors. It is a win/win situation. Many sights to see and experiences to enjoy. The weekends are crowded, but honestly, crowded most days !
Queen Bee
Google
The most famous items at this market are the wholesale flowers, clothing, glasses, street food, and their 2 food streets.
There’s a spicy braised fish street that serves kalchi jorim and another knife cut noodles street that serves kalguksu.
We shoppers around, had the kalchi jorim, and went to the flower market. It’s also only a 10-15 minute walk from Seoul station and you can walk the whole way using a raised platform via the seoul017
There’s also lots of different hotteok shops and you can get vegetable, japchae, original, Oreo, etc.
꿈꾸는벨라
Google
Recommended Spots Around Namdaemun – From a Local Office Worker
If you're visiting Namdaemun or work nearby, here are some reliable and enjoyable places worth checking out:
1. Honamjip (Galchi Alley) – Known for its flavorful braised hairtail (galchi jjim). A local favorite in the alley filled with seafood restaurants.
2. Suyuri Udon & Tuna Gimbap – A great spot for a quick, satisfying bite. Their tuna gimbap pairs perfectly with the warm udon.
3. Kamegol Sonmandu – Don’t miss the handmade knife-cut noodles (kalguksu) and large dumplings (wang mandu). Dine-in available on the second floor.
4. Seed Hotteok – Sweet and chewy pancakes filled with seeds and brown sugar. A must-try street snack in Namdaemun.
5. Namdaemun Flower Market – Beautiful seasonal flowers in a lively atmosphere. A peaceful break from the city bustle.
6. Alpha Stationery Store – A classic stationery shop with everything from pens to art supplies. Great for browsing or picking up unique finds.