By Honorary Reporter Laura Lopez Velazquez from Mexico
Photos = Laura Lopez Velazquez

When I visit another country, I usually hit traditional markets since they have preserved the host nation's culture for hundreds of years. In Korea, such venues have maintained the origins of trade from past to present since many businesses there have lasted for generations.

I visited the area during my trip to Korea in 2019. Though my visit came just before the pandemic and changes to the atmosphere have ensued, this article highlights several aspects of Namdaemun Market I noticed while visiting.

Namdaemun Market is one of the oldest and important markets in Korea.

Origins
Namdaemun Market is one of the most famous, largest and oldest markets in Korea, with over 10,000 stores visited daily by approximately 300,000 sellers and buyers from both at home and abroad.

The market's origins date back to 1414, when the ruling Joseon Dynasty under King Tae-jong opened and ran a small market. In 1608, this place became the capital's food market.

Namdaemun suffered many hardships over the centuries such as Japanese colonial rule, the Korean War and fires but remains intact to this day. This is because after national liberation from Japan, a market merchants association (that later became a corporation) was founded to create joint ownership between building owners and traders, thus allowing the market to stay permanently.

Getting there
Finding the market is extremely easy as it is right near a Shinsegae Department Store, Bank of Korea and Namdaemun Gate, also called Sungnyemun, a national treasure representing the entrance to the old city of Seoul.

The closest subway station is Hoehyeon. So the most practical method is to take Seoul Subway Line 4 and get out at Exit 5 of Hoehyeon Station, though Myeongdong Station on the same line is nearby. 

Namdaemun Market draws both domestic and foreign visitors interested in buying just about anything.

Difference from other traditional markets in Seoul
Most stores and stalls at Namdaemun Market are outdoors, so visitors can walk through its streets and observe the dynamic energy there. Unlike other markets, this one is not only popular among Koreans but also foreign tourists as well as buyers from all over the country seeking suppliers for their businesses.

Recommended foods and snacks
A major reason I recommend visiting the market is the cuisine available there, with the plethora of aromas strong enough to whet any appetite.

The most popular snacks there are hotteok (bun with sweet filling), kkwabaegi (Korean-style donuts), tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), gimbap (rice rolled in seaweed), eomuk (fish cake), bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) and mandu (dumplings). Anyone who eats there will be more than satisfied with the taste and price.

Street food stalls are another huge draw of Namdaemun Market.

Diversity of shopping
Namdaemun Market is a great place to shop for family items with a wide range of things such as clothing (traditional and modern), shoes, pottery, ginseng, household items, kitchenware, accessories, jewelry, toys, stationery, fishing and mountain gear, luggage and imported products. The products are organized by streets exclusively for clothing, electronics, food and souvenirs, which save time when shopping. Likewise, good quality products made by hand are also available at reasonable prices.

A popular Korean proverb says, "If you can't find something at Namdaemun Market, you can never find it in Seoul".

Namdaemun Market has preserved itself over generations thanks to the efforts of its people and patrons to become the national pride of traditional markets, preserving its tradition and essence since the Joseon era. So going here is a must for anyone visiting Korea. Because travel to many countries have reopened with the decline of quarantine measures, I hope to visit the market again to see how it changed since my last time there.

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.