15 Traditional Markets in Seoul: Well-Known & Hidden Gems – Page 3 – Seoulistic

12. Guro Market / Daerim Central Market

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These two markets are the epitome of local markets. There are no tourists here. If you go and see one, do us a favor and ask them what the heck they’re doing there. It’s THAT local. It’s an old part of Seoul that doesn’t get much love when the government thinks of development projects or tourism marketing. And maybe that’s exactly what you’re looking for, real Seoulites living in very residential areas. Come here for food and residential streets that resemble the non-rich family in the Korean drama you’re watching. Also, Daerim Central Market is a place where some Koreans don’t even go to as it’s an immigrant’s market (mostly Chinese & Vietnamese). And that’s about as local as you can get!

How to get there: Namguro Station (Line 7, Exit 6), Left at the 3-way intersection.
Pics via Korean bloggers: Blogger 1 & Blogger 2

 

13. Mangwon Market near Hongdae

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If you’re planning a trip around Hongdae, you can visit Magwon market. This market is not a tourist attraction at all, so there aren’t going to be any bells and whistles. It’s simple and plain, and pretty much meant for locals. But residents of the area that are trying their best to make some Korean food at home can head over to buy Korean food ingredients here. There’s banchan (side dishes), ingredients like soybean and tofu, and traditional Korean snacks as well. Come here for a laid back market without hordes of people pushing and shoving to ruin your voyeuristic tendencies in Seoul.

How to get there: Mangwon Station (Line 6, Exit 2). Left out of station, and another left at the large intersection (approximately 10 minutes total walk).
Pics via Korean bloggers: Blogger 1 & Blogger 2

 

14. Yeongdong Traditional Market near Gangnam Station

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No Gangnam style jokes here. It’s just played at this point. But the area around Gangnam Station isn’t. It’s one of the busiest areas you can find in Seoul. Tons of people meet up here to eat, drink and hang in one of the most developed areas Seoul has to offer. But if you take a 15 minute walk (10 minutes from Sinnonhyeon Station, 5 from Nonhyeon Station), you can find a huge contrast to the big buildings and corporations that have made Gangnam so famous. Yeongdong Traditional Market has no 2 floor buildings, really good market food, and things like pig heads on display. It’s an old school market in a new school part of town, and that itself should be reason enough to visit!

How to get there: Nonhyeon Station (Line 7, Exit 2). First left.
Pics via Korean bloggers: Blogger 1 & Blogger 2

 

15. Yeongdeungpo Traditional Market near Times Square Mall

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Some of you might be headed to one of Seoul’s shopping malls in Yeongdeungpo, Times Square. They’ve got new buildings with tons of shopping and other conveniences of modern day shopping malls (like one of the world’s largest theater screens). But just a few minutes walk away is the really old school Yeongdeungpo Market. And we think it’s equally entertaining. It’s one of the larger markets in Seoul, so there are lots of things to see. There’s also tons of great food stalls in the middle of the market where you can eat and drink good ol Korean market food. And closeby there are also many pojangmacha tent bars where you can end your night with a drink with local Seoul ajeosis (Korean men).

How to get there: Yeongdeungpo Market Station (Line 5, Exit 5) , first left.
Pics via Korean bloggers: Blogger 1 & Blogger 2

Have you been to any of these markets? Which one did you like? Write a review and let us know!

Keith
Keith
Keith Kim is a Korean-American who has been living in Korea for almost a decade. Being in a unique position as both a Korean and a non-Korean, he's put all his experience and knowledge for surviving in Korea in Survival Korean . Read it to learn how you can survive in Korea. Follow him on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

17 Comments

  1. Natalie says:

    Thanks for this, I love traditional markets and plan to visit them all while living here. I’m looking for a more Chinese market with Chinese ingredients like Chinese Wax Sausages (Lap Cheong), Dried Soy Skin (Fu Juk), or any other traditional Chinese soy byproduct paraphernalia, Dried Lotus Bud. Do you know if there are any here in Seoul? Any hellp would be greatful. Thannks!

  2. Keith says:

    See #12 πŸ™‚ daerim central market λŒ€λ¦Όμ¦μ•™μ‹œμž₯

  3. nD says:

    Love it!

    A friend of mine took me to Geumcheongyo Market before, and it’s really old school to the max!

    Can u guys do a topic about 포μž₯마차? It’s quite difficult to locate one these days, thanks!

  4. Lili says:

    Perfect! I must go there, especially the fabric and textile market πŸ™‚ thanks for the great suggestions.

  5. Daryl says:

    This site is a godsend, I’m moving to Korea later this year from the UK and Nakwon is most definitely getting a visit to soothe my musical burns.
    And you know I’m hunting you down for a soju session Keith, my man!

  6. Juanita says:

    Hi, I think your site might be having browser compatibility
    issues. When I look at your website in Chrome, it
    looks fine but when opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping.
    I just wanted to give you a quick heads up! Other then that, very good blog!

  7. michelle says:

    hi! will be visiting korea end of next month for 8days. would love to visit & experience the locals daily live & places. Hope you can recommend me some ideas where to stay best. tqvm

    Michelle

  8. Ron says:

    I am looking for a wholesale leather shop. Years ago thee was a 4-6 floor bldg. I forget where. Jackets galore in tiny stalls. Can some direct me specifically?

  9. Chantal says:

    I love this website so much

  10. Chantal says:

    Good job for doing it

  11. Fatema says:

    Does the wholesale market sells only winter clothing in November? or i can find summer clothing as well?

  12. A says:

    Thank you for creating this. I was wondering if there is any real good market for shoemaking supplies and tools? I heard Seongsu was too tourist-y, is that true? Will I find high quality tools or do I have to go to Japan? I appreciate any information!

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  14. Michelle says:

    If you there for one day where would you recommend to go ?

  15. Joel says:

    Great article. I really think that traditional markets should be on everyone’s list of things to do when they visit a new country, especially somewhere like Korea. Thanks for giving so many great suggestions πŸ™‚

  16. Lauren says:

    Thanks for the tips Keith! Korean traditional markets are always worth a visit.

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