Dongdaemun Market: Seoul's Largest Hub for Shopping and Street Food

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TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Amid the never-sleeping hustle and bustle of the South Korean capital, Dongdaemun Market stands as the pulsating heart of style and flavor. This colossal shopping area, spanning eight blocks of buildings, night markets, and small boutiques, is not just a shopping center, but a reflection of Seoul's efficient, innovative, and surprising spirit.

For both tourists and locals, visiting Dongdaemun is as essential as strolling through Gyeongbokgung Palace. Here, inexpensive goods from the Changsin-dong area are sold at affordable prices, drawing in trendy teenagers, young designers, and bargain hunters.

History and Evolution of the Legendary Market

According to Travel + Leisure Asia, the history of Dongdaemun Market, also known as Baeogae Market or Baeugaejang, dates back to July 1905 in Yeji-dong. Initially managed by the Gwangjang company (which has now become a separate market), this area has evolved into the largest textile center in Seoul.

Although not the largest or most luxurious in South Korea, Dongdaemun offers a wealth that always represents the latest trends: from local and Western vintage clothing, savory jajangmyeon, to giant malls with tempting discounts.

A Maze of 32 Malls and 30,000 Shops

This market is actually a collection of overlapping zones that include 32 retail malls, dozens of traditional markets, and around 30,000 individual shops. Malls such as Doota, Migliore, and apM offer ready-to-wear fashion in air-conditioned comfort, complete with cafes, showrooms, and designer floors. Meanwhile, wholesale markets and fabric stores, such as Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, Nampyeonghwa, and Jeil Pyeonghwa, are more geared towards bulk buyers and stylists. However, anyone can shop as long as they pay in cash and in large quantities. As night falls, the streets are filled with snack stalls, streetwear vendors, and tireless buyers until 5:00 in the morning.

Paradise for Fashion Enthusiasts

For fashion enthusiasts, the wholesale zone is the ultimate paradise. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, the largest center for fabric and handicrafts, occupies four floors with stalls filled with silk, cotton, lace, beads, buttons, and embroidery thread. Open from 08:30 to 19:00 (except Sunday), this complex is easily accessible via Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 or 4, Exit 8-9) or at 272 Jongno, Jongno-gu.

Not far from there, the Dongdaemun Wholesale Shoe Market is active from 02:00 to 14:00 (Monday-Friday) or until noon on Saturday, divided into four wings: A (men's & women's shoes), B (children's shoes), C (women's fashion), and D (unique pet shops).

Nampyeonghwa Market, Seoul's largest bag business center, is a multilevel labyrinth offering shoulder bags, leather wallets, and handbags in various designs and price ranges. The final price depends on your bargaining skills. This market is open from midnight to noon (closed on Friday-Saturday).

A Must-Visit Retail Malls

Several retail malls near this market are a must-visit

- Dongdaemun Hyundai City Outlet: modern style, renowned brands, restaurants, and seasonal bargains ideal for discount hunters and brunch lovers (10:30-21:00, except on national holidays).

- DDP Fashion Mall: adjacent to the Dongdaemun Design Plaza (hosting Seoul Fashion Week twice a year), full of contemporary women's collections.

- apM Mall Group: Hello apM (Gen Z trends), apM Luxe (wholesale designer items), apM Place (weekly updated Korean collections), and apM (eight floors of complete fashion).

- Migliore: wholesale atmosphere despite being a mall, selling streetwear and cute accessories until 2:00 in the morning (closed on Mondays).

- Doota Mall: a hub for local designers and labels with a chic cafe, open until midnight.