[FunFun Marker] Dongdaemun market nearby attraction

 

Nearby Attractions

Formerly known as “Heunginjimun,” Dongdaemun Gate used to be one of the four main gates leading into the capital city, Seoul, and has long since been the symbol of the Dongdaemun area. The Seoul Folk Flea Market in Sinseol-dong (near Dongdaemun) is a large flea market selling daily use items, folk crafts, local produce, and traditional snacks. It’s a popular tourist destination for visitors wanting to experience the traditional Korean marketplace atmosphere.

 

 

 

Heunginjimun
photo from korea tourism organization

 

 

Activities

Right next to the Dongdaemun Market is Cheonggyecheon Stream. Unexpected natural beauty in the heart of the city, the pathway that runs along the stream gives citizens a great place to take a walk or just relax. The stream is adorned with colorful stops such as the Fashion Plaza, the Wall of Culture (murals), light shows, and fountains. There is even a stage that hosts a number of events throughout the seasons. In recent years, Cheonggyecheon Stream has become one of the most beloved places in Seoul.

 

photo from korea tourism organization

 

[TalkTalk Market] Gangnam style? No! Dongdaemun style !

 

 

Dongdaemun has every fashion item imaginable: fabric, clothes, accessories, and wedding goods. The newest fashion trends, along with the newest fabrics, often make their debut in the market. It is home to the largest clothing suppliers in Korea, and aspiring designers also come to here to hone and test their skills. Cheap and diverse clothes attract not just fashion leaders but also the average consumer. It has become a place frequented by major Korean and international buyers as well.

 

Dongdaemun Market started as a traditional market in 1905 and experienced its first major transformation in 1970s as it began to develop as a center of the textile industry (both wholesale and retail), further contributing to the fast economic growth of Korea at that time. With the later construction of mega shopping buildings in the area, the market became reborn as the most famous fashion street in Korea.

Wholesalers across the country visit the market at night, forming an iconic night image in Seoul. The market is a mixture of both traditional and modern stores. Some stores maintain their old buildings, selling clothing materials, crafting clothes, or processing them. Modern shopping malls (such as Cerestar, Migliore, Designer’s Club, and Doosan Tower) popped up in the late 1990s, attracting young people by holding frequent music and dance performances at night. Various fashion shows and festivities are also held year-round.

 

 

Even though stores may sell goods wholesale, individual consumers and tourists purchase them at retail prices. The market offers special fabrics not found anywhere else and sells material and accessories at very reasonable prices. Simple accessories can even be made on-site at some stores. Plenty of currency exchange services and information desks provide a pleasant shopping experience for international visitors.

[article from korea tiurism organizationa]