Whether you are a fan of rustic vintage items, a medicinal collector of herbs, an antique collector or just someone browsing through knick knacks, a walk through these unique markets is sure to be an eye opener. So put on your walking shoes and head over!
Seoul Medicine Market
Founded and established in the 1960s, this herb medicine district in Gyeongdong Market is where 70% of all Oriental medicine in Korea is sold. Traditional clinics all around the country purchase their herbal medicine and supplies from sellers here at Gyeongndong Market. Furthermore, regular customers visit almost every season to buy the medicine they need. Take a stroll down an alley of the market and you will not be denied that pungent aroma of brewing herbal medicine. Do pay a visit Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Museum. Most of the stores here serve as meeting points for the older generation as well as traditional medicinal clinics. If you are thinking of purchasing any of the medicines or herbs, worry not as the medicines’ expiration dates, places of origin and level of pesticides are all clearly marked, thanks to the strict policies and inspections by the Korea Health Ministry.
Opening Hours:
Oriental Medicine Market: 9am to 7pm
Traditional Market : 4pm tp 7pm
Some stores are closed on Sundays.
Address: 10, Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
Getting There: Subway Line 1 to Jegi-dong Station Exit 2
Dapsimni Antiques Shopping Mall
While most people know of Insadong when the thought of antique shopping arises, the more avid collectors of antique items will tell you to head to Dapsimni Antique Shopping Mall for a serious look around. Dapsimni Antique Shopping Mall has been selling antiques for more than 30 years and it is a relatively quiet place. Pieces of antique furniture, such as the wooden floorboards from an old house, the doors of a hanok, antique drawings and porcelain pieces will grab your curiosity or attention for some reason.
Most of the antique merchants here have the eye to distinguish genuine artifacts from counterfeits, the skills to fix wooden and porcelain pieces and the expertise to figure out the origins of different curios. Currently, there are about 140 stores located in this arcade, which is open from 7am to 7pm.
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 7pm
Address: Dapsimni-5 dong, Dongdaemun District, Seoul
Getting There: Subway Line 5 to Dapsimni Station Exit 1 or 2
Seoul Folk Flea Market
This traditional market near Sinseol-dong Station, has witnessed the turbulent history of modern Korea. Dokkaebi (goblin) Market was here before and was established during the Japanese colonial period largely by the poor in Hwanghak-dong near Cheonggyecheon Stream.
There were more than 100 antique shops in the area. Seoul Folk Flea Market itself has shops that are located within the two-story arcade and other shops that surround it. On the second floor of the arcade is Cheongchun 1 Beonji where younger Koreans with a penchant for traditional culture have opened up their own stores.
Opening Hours: 10 am – 7 pm, daily
Address: 109-5 Sinseol-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Getting there: Subway Line 1 or 2 to Sinseoldong station (Exit 9)
Dongmyo Vintage Flea Market
This vintage flea market is located near Dongmyo, a shrine built in honor of Guan Yu, a Chinese military commander. Exit Dongmyo Station exit 3 and walk straight for about 30 seconds until you reach the entrance of this bustling market. Hundreds of street stalls open up along the stone walls of the shrine, all the way to Cheonggyecheon Stream.
This flea market literally has everything you need— from second-hand clothes to antiques, vinyl records and miscellaneous goods. Clothes are only 1,000 won a piece, with leather jackets in the autumn and faux fur in the winter. This traditional market has become an unusual hot spot in Seoul, with people carrying around their newly purchased items in black plastic bags and sellers pushing around carts full of antiques. as it makes bargaining easier. Another tip is to go early when the market opens in order to dig through the piles to find the best items. Dongmyo Flea Market opens at
Bring lots of cash or wads of bills if you want some serious bargaining with the sellers, it also makes it easier for the sellers to give discounts. Another tip is to go early when the market opens in order to rummage through the make stackpiles to find the best items. Dongmyo Flea Market opens at 2pm on weekdays and 10am on weekends. They close before sundown and on every 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.
Opening Hours: 2pm on weekdays, 10am on weekend
Address: Sungin-dong vicinity, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Getting there: Subway line 6 Dongmyo Station exit 3