The route
4. Dongdaemun, Daehagno and nearby
In this itinerary the places included are
- Gwangjang Market: conventional market, well-known for Korean food located in Yejidong
- Dongdaemun Apparel Malls: big shopping malls mainly for clothing and accessories
- Dongdaemun Shopping Complex: Korea’s biggest fabric and clothing material market
- Dongdaemun (Heunginjimun): the big east gate
- Pyeonghwa Market: clothing wholesale market selling underwear, socks, clothing, etc.
- Dongdaemun Design Plaza: Dongdaemun’s iconic landmark where you can find hundreds of trendy design goods
- Naksan Park: a pretty park with a good view overlooking Daehagno
- Ihwa Maeul: a village of murals on the hillside of Daehagno
- Hanyang Doeseong(Seoul City Wall): fortress wall of Seoul
- Daehagno Street: the centre of performance culture with over 150 small theaters
- Marronier Park: A small park where marronnier tree was planted
Why Kimchiman recommends
Dongdaemun Market is Seoul’s most iconic fashion town with numerous retail and wholesale clothing shops and malls. Don’t forget to check out the artistic area, too.
This area is all walkable. Still, you can check the subway exits for each attraction in case you want to visit separately.
1. Gwangjang Market
A conventional market well-known for fabric, hanbok, bedding, second-hand stores and eatery alley: cheap street foods, ttekbokki, gimbap, bindaetteok (Korean pancakes), and jokboal.
Subway: exit 7 and 8 of Jongno5ga Station, line no.1
Opening hours:
- Most shops 09:00 – 19: 00
- Second-hand stores 10:00 – 19:00
- Food Street 09:00 – 22: 00
Things to do: Shop at the stores you are interested in. Try street foods at stalls.
Tip: You can always haggle at conventional markets. But probably not with foods.
2. Dongdaemun Apparel Malls
Shopping malls that offer fashion apparel and accessories.
Subway: exit 14 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, line no. 2 and 4, sky blue and green line
Opening hours
Good Morning City 10:30 – 01: 00 (Night) / Closed on Tuesdays
Hello APM 08:00 – 20:00 Closed on Tuesdays
Migliore 10:30 – 04: 30 Closed on Mondays
Doosan Tower Mon-Sat 10:30 – 05:00 / Sun 10: 30 – 24:00 / Closed on national holidays only
Things to do: Shopping and night shopping 😉
Tip: Some say you cannot haggle but you actually can. If you think that certain goods are too expensive, then just leave and find the same item at another store. If the clerks or owners are not friendly, just ignore them and move on to another one.
3. Dongdaemun Shopping Complex
World’s largest fabric and clothing material market. Accessories, bedding, and Hanbok are also available.
Subway: Exit 8 of Dongdaemun Station, line no.1 and 4
Opening hours: 08:00 – 19: 00
Things to do: Shop at the stores you are interested in. Try street foods at stalls.
Info: You can haggle.
4. Dongdaemun (Heunginjimun)
One of The Eight Gates of Seoul in the Fortress Wall of Seoul
Subway: exit 7 of Dongdaemun Station, line no.1 and 4
Things to do: The night view is great. Don’t forget to get some pictures of this big gate.
Tip: After looking around Dongdaemun Market, you can start your Seoul Fortress Wall walking tour from here to up to Northern Haehwamun through Naksan Park.
5. Pyeonghwa Market
A clothing wholesale market with 50 years of history: Over 2,000 stores selling underwear, socks, clothing, and more.
Subway: exit 8 of Dongdaemun Station, line no.1 and 4
Opening hours:
- 22:00 – 18: 00 of next day
- Closed on Saturdays
6. Dongdaemun Design Plaza
A new landmark with 40,000 aluminum panels in Dongdaemun designed by the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid. Exhibition space, a design museum, sky lounge, rest area and souvenir shops.
Subway: exit 1 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, line no. 2 and 4, sky blue and green line
7. Dongdaemun History and Culture Park
A park where you can see both old and new Seoul; relics and historical findings
Subway: exit 1 and 2 of Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, line no. 2 and 4, sky blue and green line
Info: You can see the old relics and artifacts of Joseon and old Seoul has left.
8. Naksan Park
Named for a camel’s back, this park offers a spectacular view of Daehagno.
Subway: exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, line no. 4, sky blue and walk 15 minutes
9. Iwha Maeul
A village of murals on the hillside of Daehagno
Subway: exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, line no. 4, sky blue and walk 15 minutes
10. Hanyandoeseong, Seoul City Wall
An 18.6km-long fortress wall built around Seoul with the beginning of Joseon Dynasty
Things to do: Find hidden guard towers and gates.
Tip: You can start your journey from Dongdaemun, Naksan Park or the north part of Catholic University when you plan on visiting this area
11. Daehagno (Daehag Street)
The center of performance culture with over 150 small theaters
Subway: exit 1 of Hyehwa Station, line no. 4, sky blue
Things to do: Enjoy theaters, improvised performances on the streets and in small theaters. Try restaurants, galleries and movie theaters in between the theaters.
12. Morronnier Park
A small park where marronnier tree was planted, once was part of Seoul National University serves as an outdoor stage for street artists and young musicians.
Subway: exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, line no. 4, sky blue
