One of the places I always make sure to visit when traveling abroad is the local market. While department stores and large supermarkets offer plenty to see, I believe there is a unique charm that can only be found in local markets. So today, I would like to write about Namdaemun Market, a long-standing and famous market in Seoul.
I have frequently visited the imported goods section of Namdaemun Market since I was young. I have vivid memories of visiting with my grandmother and mother to browse, buy necessary items, and even purchase my own toys. Even now, after finishing work in Myeongdong, I occasionally stop by to eat or look around. So, shall we begin?
National Treasure No. 1, Sungnyemun
You might be surprised by the sudden title mentioning National Treasure No. 1, Sungnyemun. The original Korean name for Namdaemun is Sungnyemun. It is our country’s National Treasure No. 1. It is a historical site that is both precious and something to be proud of. The market is located right next to this spot. If you are walking from Myeongdong or Seoul Station, you can simply walk while looking at Sungnyemun, which stands out clearly from a distance. Market is located right in front of it.
A Market You Don’t Have to Worry About Getting Lost
To get to market by subway, get off at Hoehyeon Station (Line 4). When you exit through Exit 5, you will find yourself standing right in front of the entrance to market. It will likely be incredibly crowded with people and street stalls right from the start. You should be prepared for that. Haha.
Like other large markets, Namdaemun Market has many shops and its streets are like a maze, so you might think it’s easy to get lost. However, what is Seoul? It is a city that is incredibly friendly to tourists. If you are unsure of the way, simply look for the people standing there wearing red hats and uniforms. These are tourist guides who will kindly explain things to you in a language suitable for travelers. Alternatively, as shown in the photo, tourist information centers are placed throughout the market, so you can find one of them and ask. For more detailed information, please check the official Seoul website.
3 Must-Try Items at Namdaemun Market
Namdaemun Vegetable Hotteok
If you head towards Gate 2 of Namdaemun, you will see people standing in a long line. This is where the vegetable hotteok is sold. This dish features chewy flour dough generously filled with glass noodles and vegetables, then pan-fried. They brush it with a special sauce and wrap it in paper for easy eating. If you look around, you will see many foreigners standing by taking a bite and enjoying it.
Gamegol Handmade King Dumplings
If you came out of Exit 5 earlier, you will come across this place right away. This spot is also incredibly crowded. The thick dumplings are filled with plenty of meat or spicy kimchi. The price is 6,000 KRW; this is the price for 5 dumplings for takeout, or 4 if you eat in. The price is the same for both the Meat King Dumplings and the Kimchi King Dumplings.
Braised Hairtail Alley
One of the representative dishes of Namdaemun Market is braised hairtail. It is a place I visit every time I go. As shown in the photo, if you enter the alley marked as "Braised Hairtail Alley," you will find a row of braised hairtail restaurants. You can simply go into the one you like best. It is spicy and delicious, with a combination of radish and tender hairtail. It is truly delicious to eat rice topped with radish and hairtail fish. If you would like to try Gukbap, a Seoul soul food similar to braised hairtail, please refer to Best Gukbap in Seoul: 3 Places Perfect for Eating Alone (2026).
Here is a Tip
The street stalls I mentioned do not have seating areas. You have to find a spot with no people around and eat standing up. If this is inconvenient for you, or if you have booked accommodation nearby, I recommend getting takeout and eating it in your hotel room. The smell isn’t strong, so you can buy several to share with friends or family, and enjoy your meal comfortably without being jostled by crowds.
Recommended Items to Buy
I will introduce some recommended items to purchase when visiting market. Namdaemun Market is the mecca of the Korean children’s clothing market. The quality is good and the prices are reasonable, so many Koreans visit to make purchases.
It is also a great place to buy traditional Korean souvenirs. It is a good spot to purchase a variety of traditional items, ranging from handcrafted jewelry to mother-of-pearl, Korean seaweed, and ginseng. If you are looking to purchase Seoul souvenirs in a different style, please check out “3 Best Seoul Souvenirs 2026: Why You Should Skip Myeongdong Street Stalls.“
Today, I wrote a post about Namdaemun Market. It seems this place is always bustling with merchants, consumers, and tourists. As such, it is a place with plenty to see and eat. The route I recommend is to browse in Myeongdong, shop at Namdaemun, and then walk along Seoullo towards Seoul Station. I will write a post about Seoullo later, but walking along the sky bridge that stretches all the way from Namdaemun to Seoul Station allows you to experience a different side of Seoul. See you in the next post.
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