Namdaemun Market Tours and Activities

Namdaemun Market featuring a city, street scenes and markets
Namdaemun Market featuring signage, cbd and a city
Namdaemun Market featuring markets, street scenes and a city
Namdaemun Market which includes signage, street scenes and a city
Namdaemun Market showing a city, street scenes and markets


This traditional Korean market is the largest and oldest in Seoul, and where you’ll find all manner of clothes and food at very reasonable prices.

Namdaemun is comprised of over 10,000 stores, stalls and vendors. Here you can buy anything from fishing gear to stationery, clothes and children’s toys. Even if you’re not looking to spend, Namdaemun is a colourful place to explore and soak up Korean culture. Mingle with locals doing their shopping, taste traditional food from street stalls and pick up souvenirs to take home.

The market was named after the nearby Namdaemun (Great South Gate). It has been operating in its current form since 1964, although there’s been some form of market here since the 15th century. The market is busy at any time of the day and night, so come when you’re in the mood for a little jostling and haggling. Allow at least a couple of hours to explore the market fully.

Namdaemun is a mixture of permanent stores housed in buildings and pop-up stalls lining the streets. Its lack of vehicle access means many goods are transported by bike or cart keep your wits about you when wandering the streets. 

Getting lost is part of the fun, but be sure to visit the underground arcade beneath Namdaemun-no to the north of the market.

You can find clothing, fabric and jewellery at wholesale prices throughout the market. Bargaining with vendors is widely accepted. That said, levels of English can be quite basic, so be prepared to spend some time agreeing on a price.

Namdaemun is a great place to eat. Dozens of stalls offer cheap and simple meals like mandu gook (dumpling soup) and bindae duk (mung bean pancake). 

To get to the market, take the subway to Hoehyeon. Namdaemun Market is open Monday through Saturday. Retailers are generally open during the day. Wholesalers operate from late at night through to the early morning. If you have children with you, watch them closely, as it’s easy to get lost. 

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Top Namdaemun Market Hotel & Accommodation Deals

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun

4 out of 5
36, Sejong-daero 11-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
ENA Suite Hotel Namdaemun
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong

4 out of 5
15, Namdaemun-ro 5-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Sotetsu Hotels The Splaisir Seoul Myeongdong
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong

4 out of 5
362, Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
LOTTE City Hotel Myeongdong
Step Inn Myeongdong 1

Step Inn Myeongdong 1

3 out of 5
15F, 55 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Step Inn Myeongdong 1
Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun

Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun

4.5 out of 5
9 Namdaemun-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
Courtyard by Marriott Seoul Namdaemun
voco Seoul Myeongdong by IHG

voco Seoul Myeongdong by IHG

4.5 out of 5
52, Toegye-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul
voco Seoul Myeongdong by IHG
Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul

Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul

4 out of 5
58, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Fraser Place Namdaemun Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul

Lotte Hotel Seoul

5 out of 5
30, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
Lotte Hotel Seoul
The Westin Josun Seoul

The Westin Josun Seoul

5 out of 5
106, Sogong-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, Seoul
The Westin Josun Seoul
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Things to do near Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market in Seoul is a must-visit for tourists seeking a vibrant shopping experience. Explore the bustling market stalls filled with local goods, indulge in a delightful tea ceremony, and embark on a city tour to discover the area's rich culture. With numerous sightseeing opportunities nearby, your shopping journey at Namdaemun promises to be both enjoyable and memorable.

Shopping

Namdaemun Market offers a vibrant shopping experience with unique souvenirs and gifts. The closest is Shinsegae Shopping Center, a mere 322m away, followed by Lotte Outlets Seoul Station at 644m. Gwangjang Market, located 1.6km away, adds to the charm with its local vibes.

Recreation

Explore the Seoul Olympic Stadium for a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for jogging or casual sports. Unwind at Supsok Hanbang Land, a tranquil spa offering traditional treatments. For a more active experience, visit Kukkiwon, a centre dedicated to taekwondo and wellness activities that rejuvenate your mind and body.

Adventure

Embark on an exhilarating ride at the Namsan Cable Car, located 644m from Namdaemun Market, offering stunning city views. For a splash of fun, visit SeaLaLa Spa & Water Park, 8.0km away, or Anyang Water Land, 16.1km away, both promising thrilling water adventures.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Myeongdong Nanta Theatre, just 644m from Namdaemun Market, where you can enjoy captivating performances. For a cultural treat, visit the National Theater of Korea, 1.6km away. If you're in the mood for fun, head to Kokkiri Bowlingjang, located 1.1km away for some bowling action.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Namdaemun Market

Namdaemun Market offers a vibrant mix of attractions, including museums, historic palaces, and the iconic Namdaemun Gate, perfect for culture seekers and families alike. Just a short stroll away, you can also visit Namsan Tower for stunning views. Don't miss the unique gems within the market, where the cheerful atmosphere adds to the experience. Whether you're exploring or shopping, Namdaemun is a must-visit destination in Seoul.

  • Myeongdong Street: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Myeongdong Street, where you can explore a plethora of shops, street food stalls, and cafes. Enjoy family-friendly outdoor vibes as you wander through this bustling shopping precinct, a mere 805m from Namdaemun Market.
  • Gyeongbokgung Palace: Experience the rich culture of Korea at Gyeongbokgung Palace, located 1.6km away. This historic palace offers stunning architecture, beautiful gardens, and a glimpse into the royal past, making it a must-visit for history buffs.
  • N Seoul Tower: Enjoy panoramic views of Seoul from N Seoul Tower, which is 1.3km away. This modern landmark provides a wonderful city vibe, especially at sunset, and features dining options and shops at the summit for a memorable experience.

Best time to go to Namdaemun Market

The best time to visit Namdaemun Market can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Namdaemun Market falls in August, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with frequent rain. The coolest average temperature around Namdaemun Market falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain (dry).

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January27.3°F (-2.6°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February32.5°F (0.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.2°F (6.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May63.7°F (17.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June72.1°F (22.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July77.4°F (25.2°C)Frequent RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
August78.4°F (25.8°C)Frequent RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September70.5°F (21.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December30.7°F (-0.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Namdaemun Market

When planning your visit to Namdaemun Market, consider travelling between January and March for lower accommodation prices. Booking a month in advance typically yields the best rates, especially on Wednesdays when stays are cheapest. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals on Expedia, and use their search tool to filter options by budget. To save even more, combine your hotel, flights, and activities into a package. For public transport, utilise buses and subways, which offer economical travel options throughout Seoul.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Namdaemun Market are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Namdaemun Market about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Namdaemun Market is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Namdaemun Market is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you’re after. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near Namdaemun Market with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.