Namdaemun Market (남대문시장, 南大門市場) is one of the largest wholesale markets in Korea. Located in central Seoul and covering an area of over 10 acres, it was the first large conventional or traditional market spontaneously formed in the city. It is filled with over 1,000 shops, stalls, retailers, street vendors, and has several department stores nearby. Here you can find clothes, houseware, shoes, fabrics, tableware, flowers, vegetables, ginseng products, toys, and watches. Prices are 10%~20% lower than prices at other markets. Under Namdaemun-no (남대문로, the main street to the north of the market) is an extensive underground arcade. There are also camping stores in the area and a cluster of camera/photography shops along one edge. Inside the buildings are grey-market goods, where you can find western items if you are looking for something like vitamins, deoderant, bodybuilding supplements, beauty products, etc.

Although many of Namdaemun's shops are within the buildings that make up the area, the most colorful aspect of the market is the group of street vendors that setup in the alleys and walkways between the buildings. Wholesalers operate from midnight to 6:00 a.m., and retailers are open from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Although most retailers close their stores on the 1st and 3rd Sundays of each month, many street vendors operate stalls in the alleys.

Due to its location near downtown and the convenient bus service to and from Itaewon, many foreigners visit here. Most of the vendors can speak a few words of English or Japanese, but you will generally need an interpreter for any intense bargaining. Because many shops are willing to take non-Korean currency, there is also a thriving black market for money exchanging, with rates generally a little better than those of banks. Should you decide to exchange money this way, take great care not to get ripped off.

Hours: Closed - Every Sunday

Directions: Subway line 4, Hoehyeon Station, exit 5 or 6

Nearby is Namdaemun (Great South Gate). Also within walking distance are Seoul Station, Deoksu Palace, and City Hall.