[Talk Talk Market] Nangman Market in Chuncheon

Nangman Market is the new name given to Chuncheon’s first traditional market. Originally called Jungang Market, the market was formed about 60 years ago in the heart of the city following the Korean War. Initially, the market sold manufactured goods from Seoul, American products from the nearby U.S. Army, and local agricultural produce. Gradually, it turned into a large-scale retail market. After experiencing ups and downs caused by the emergence of large-scale marts in the 1990s, Jungang Market’s name was changed into Nangman Market in 2010 to live up to its designation as a culture and tourism market.

Literally meaning ‘a river beckoning spring,’ Chuncheon is referenced in many Korean novels and pop songs as a place of romance and memories. The railway has carried countless travelers to the city for generations. The recent opening of the subway on a double track has shortened travel time to about an hour. The Nangman Market is a nice place to bring back old memories, where people can buy quality products at good prices and enjoy the unique hospitality of a traditional market.

The market is gradually turning into a lively space of culture and art, thanks to its advantageous location in the heart of the city and the enthusiasm of its vendors, cultural activists, and artists. Visitors can enjoy various paintings and formative arts, and have a unique experience in which the whole market turns into a venue for performances. Nearby attractions include Jungnim-dong Church, a modern landmark that’s been in its present location since 1928, Yaksari Pass, which used to be the only road connecting the downtown area with the marketplace, and the old alley where the famed Korean artist Park Soo-keun (1914-1965) spent his youth.

Major shopping items

Food (dakgalbi, toppokki, sundae soup, noodles, etc), clothes, hanbok, bedding)

Nearby attractions : Jungnimdong Catholic Church, Yaksari Pass, Festival Theater Momzit, Artist Park Soo Keun Street

Transportation

Sangbong Station (Subway Line 7, Jungang Line, Gyeongchun Line) -> Namchuncheon Station (Gyeongchun Line)

Take bus #8 or #9 from Namchuncheon Station (travel time: about 10 – 15 min)