An incredible shopping experience- this is what Dongdaemun Market offers. Located in the South Korean capital of Seoul, Dongdaemun’s enormity is not the only thing that makes it distinct. It also allows its dedicated patrons to shop at almost any time without interruption. Yes, Dongdaemun Market runs 24 hours a day with a range of shop sections that will keep you interested. It will literally take hours upon hours to fully explore this market, which represents the vibrancy and enterprising nature of South Korea.
The Dongdaemun Gate, which is a prominent landmark in the country, marks the area of the Dongdaemun Market, which can be more appropriately described these days as a large commercial district rather than just an outdoor market. Its history goes all the way back to 1905, when it first opened for business. These days, it is the largest wholesale and retail district in all of the South Korea. You can easily get lost in its 30,000 specialty shops and 26 shopping malls along with 50,000 manufacturers.
Dongdaemun Market started out to be a night market, but as its popularity has risen, more and more shoppers including tourists make their way here during the day. And although tourists are also attracted to shopping in this district, Dongdaemun’s prices remain in the reasonable range. If you want to know what is new and trendy in the fashion world, this is the best place to get the scoop. There many specialty outlets that are focused on offering the latest fashions at affordable prices. The bargain prices are due to the fact that the retailers and wholesalers are aiming for the youth population and making things affordable.
This market district is divided into sections. Section 1 occupies part of the main street and is located on the side of where the Doosan Tower is located. The other part of the main street is considered Section 2, which stands on the side of the Dongdaemun Stadium. Section 1 gets a lot of tourists and general public and is occupied by malls like Freya Town, Hello apM and Migliore. Here, you can find money changers and a tourist information desk with English-speaking staff.
Section 2, on the other hand is more focused on wholesale shopping, but also has its fair share of malls such as Gwanghee Fashion Mall and Designer’s Club. A number of wholesale shops operate from 1:00 am to 1:00 pm. Thus, if you come here during the wee hours of the morning, you can enjoy the cheap wholesale prices together with giddy local shoppers. At the Doota shopping complex is a big outdoor concert hall, which not only conducts musical concerts, but also modeling competitions, and fashion shows. So make sure to check it out if you are in the vicinity.
If you become hungry after walking around the shops, make your way to Dongdaemun’s food alley, which is also very popular. This section is known as Mukja Golmok, and it has a wide range of restaurants including ones that highlight the best of Korean cuisine. However, you might need to get a restaurant that has pictures on their menu, as it is not a guarantee that you will find the English names of their dishes! But this, of course, is part of the whole adventure in Dongdaemun and Seoul.
To reach the incredible Dongdaemun Market, hop on Seoul’s Subway Line 2 that goes to Dongdaemun Stadium Station, or catch Line 1 or 4 and get off at the Dongdaemun Station.
