Having been to Dongdaemun, I figured that it was eventually time for us to also explore the other famous ‘-daemun’ in Seoul: Namdaemun.
I’ve heard extensively about this being a really big market in Seoul, and people come here to buy all sorts of things. I wasn’t exactly looking to buy anything, but I always have fun exploring Korea’s markets (see Dongmun Market in Jeju, and Jagalchi in Busan).
It’s a great way to see what the locals buy & eat, and what the general price level is! I find that common household stuff can be a good indicator and comparison of prices.
What to buy at Namdaemun Market
You thought it was an exaggeration when they say that Namdaemun is the biggest traditional market in Korea? I tell you, it isn’t!
This place is filled with so many stores and stalls selling everything you can think of. You want pots and pans? You got ’em. Ahjumma-style fashion? You’ll be spoilt for choice. Souvenirs? Oh definitely yes!
Something you probably won’t find here (or at least, too much of) are trendy, fashionable clothes. Most of the ones I’ve seen are catered to ahjummas and ahjussis.
That being said, these are really very cheap – you can get a simple tee for less than USD 5. That’s provided you are not fussy and just looking for something comfortable to wear at home.
Tip: If you see a building in the market where people sell jewelry and accessories, don’t get too excited just yet. These are wholesale retailers and they only sell in bulk, or at the very least, a few pieces of the same design. They only do B2B, and will ignore buyers like you & I who only purchase a few pieces. Consider yourself lucky if they don’t get angry and chase you away!
You can also purchase dried foods, snacks, candies, and even all kinds of liquors (!) here in Namdaemun.
We bought a few packets of dried foods and nuts. These are priced very cheaply, and the stall owners will definitely give you a discount. If they are feeling extra generous, sometimes they’d even throw in a few small packets of snacks as well!
As for the liquors, we didn’t buy so I frankly don’t know if you get the same perks and discounts. No harm asking!
Namdaemun Market is pretty crowded, and you can imagine that it gets even more crowded indoors. Everyone wants to escape the cold or the heat, depending on which season you visit.
For those who are looking to buy cameras & camera gear in Korea, you’d be absolutely thrilled by the options near Namdaemun Market.
Apparently there is a Namdaemun Camera Market, though I’m not too sure about that one! Personally, I saw quite a few camera shops in the Hoehyeon Underground Shopping Centre.
Some of the models on sale in the camera shops caught my eye as they look pretty vintage. Some of these are really difficult to purchase elsewhere. Unfortunately I don’t know if they’re expensive as I didn’t get the chance to see the prices!
Buying baby clothes and shoes at Namdaemun Market
One of the biggest reasons families visit Namdaemun Market is for the baby and children’s clothing section. Entire stretches of the market are dedicated to tiny shoes, toddler outfits, socks, jackets, pajamas, and accessories, and it quickly becomes obvious why local parents shop here too.
The quality is generally much better than many tourists expect from a traditional market setting. A lot of the clothes feel well-made, with soft fabrics, surprisingly good stitching, and designs that look genuinely stylish rather than cheap souvenir wear. Korean children’s fashion tends to lean toward neutral colours, oversized silhouettes, and café-kid aesthetics, so it is very easy to end up buying far more than planned.
Shoes are especially worth browsing because the selection is huge. Tiny sneakers, soft indoor shoes, toddler sandals, and Korean-style slip-ons fill entire sections of the market. Some designs are genuinely adorable in the way Korean children’s fashion often is, though sizing can vary slightly between brands, so trying things on when possible helps!
That said, one misconception tourists often have is that Namdaemun automatically means “cheap.” Prices can vary quite a bit between shops, and not every store is a bargain. Some stalls clearly cater more toward tourists or impulse shoppers, while others feel more wholesale-oriented and competitively priced.
The best approach is to walk around first before buying anything immediately. You will start noticing which stores attract clusters of local parents, grandparents, and resellers. Those are often the places with the stronger price-to-quality balance. Crowds become surprisingly useful indicators in Namdaemun.
One thing to prepare for is the market layout itself. The children’s clothing area can feel dense and slightly chaotic, especially on weekends. Narrow aisles, crowded racks, and endless tiny storefronts mean shopping here is less of a calm retail experience and more of a treasure hunt. I personally found it incredibly hard to shop here with an active toddler – so we had to split with 2 people entertaining here at the stairs, while another 2 doing the actual shopping for her.
Also note that there are no baby-friendly facilities here (diaper changing stations, nursing rooms etc.), which I suppose is kind of ironic.
What to eat at Namdaemun Market
If you get tired and hungry from the shopping, there are quite a few dining options. By dining options, I refer to food stalls, not restaurants!
There are quite a few street food stalls can be found just outside exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station. Many of these stalls sell typical Korean street foods such as dumplings and noodles, which are very good for warming your bellies in winter.
However, in comparison to Gwangjang Market, the food stalls at Namdaemun Market definitely pale in comparison. Just take note if you’re hoping to settle your meals here!
Is Namdaemun Market a tourist trap?
Mm, I think not quite.
Of course, there are certain stalls that are clearly aimed at attracting tourists (especially those selling souvenirs), but the general target audience here really is, well, the locals.
I can’t imagine who else would be buying carpets and kitchenware here. Unless, of course, you are one of those who actually make the effort to bring these bulky things back to your country.
Even if you have nothing in particular to buy or purchase, I think Namdaemun Market is a stop that you should make. This is especially if you aren’t visiting other markets in Korea. What better place to observe the locals and see what they buy on the daily, right?
DIRECTIONS
Address: 21, Namdaemunsijang 4-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul
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