Dongdaemun Market, Seoul: Hours, Address, Dongdaemun Market Reviews: 4/5
Dongdaemun Market
Dongdaemun Market
4
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
About
With 26 shopping malls and 30,000 shops, Dongdaemun Market is one of the largest and most important shopping venues in Korea, and the best place to find Korean fashion at wholesale and retail prices.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Recommended
The area
Neighborhood: Jung-gu
How to get there
- Dongdaemun • 2 min walk
- Dongdaemun History & Culture Park • 7 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,953 within 3 miles
The Griffin Bar
206
307 ft$$ - $$$ • Bar • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Kyochon Chicken Dongdaemun 1
331
0.1 mi$$ - $$$ • Fast Food • Asian • Korean
Tavolo 24
316
296 ft$$$$ • Japanese • American • International
Jin Ok Hwa Original Chicken Restaurant
589
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Myeongdong Dakhanmari Main
190
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
The Lounge
102
295 ft$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Bar • Cafe
BLT Steak
180
297 ft$$$$ • American • Steakhouse • Grill
Jin Wonjo Dakhanmari Main Store
143
0.2 mi$ • Asian • Korean
Wonjo WonHalmae Dakhanmari
213
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean • Soups
Gongneung Dak Hanmari
83
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Korean
Attractions
563 within 6 miles
Pyeonghwa Market
29
31 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Dongdaemun Underground Shopping Center
15
168 ftShopping Malls
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex
576
479 ftShopping Malls
Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun)
459
518 ftHistoric Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Doota
205
315 ftDepartment Stores
Nampyeonghwa Sangga
36
435 ftShopping Malls
Migliore Dongdaemun Shop
338
0.1 miDepartment Stores
L’atelier
11
0.1 miArt Museums
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)
2,209
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Kwanghee Fasion Mall
48
0.2 miShopping Malls
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.0
336 reviews
Excellent
84
Very good
125
Average
102
Poor
17
Terrible
8
rememr
Singapore, Singapore851 contributions
Feb 2020
I'm reviewing the Dongdaemun area as a whole, there are various malls located here which are meant for wholesale shopping, though they can be quite pricey depending on the malls and stores you visit. Tops can range from USD 20 to 100+. Discount given for multiple pieces, needs bargaining.
Just to state a few:
(Day) Hello APM
(Night) Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP Fashion Mall
I recommend you to research which mall to visit depending on your style and budget preference.
Just to state a few:
(Day) Hello APM
(Night) Dongdaemun Design Plaza, DDP Fashion Mall
I recommend you to research which mall to visit depending on your style and budget preference.
Written August 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Bwin51_12
Thousand Oaks, CA11 contributions
Sep 2012 • Family
This was a mad, mad experience. Like a huge flea market indoors for fabric and all types of trim and buttons, etc. Some of the vendors do wholesale only as evidenced by their swatch only displays. Others are wholesale and retail depending on the bolts they have in their space. Some only have bolts and are most likely strictly retail. People are moving about constantly carrying huge bolts of fabric over their shoulder along with bags stuffed with purchases down narrow walkways. Designers, textile manufacturers shop here. It seems all of the textile business of Seoul is centered here. There are several buildings. The textiles are in one of them and takes us two floors divided Ito several sections that are oddly shaped and mostly enormous and busy. Another building has manufacturing on the third floor. Wander around. For the sewist, this is a dream on par with Hong Kong's garment district, maybe better.
Written September 6, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TravelDiaries_Pulkit
1,512 contributions
May 2018
Though I noticed that the reviews have been a bit harsh but honestly I did not face any. Yes, the shopkeepers here show some attitude but the quality and the price at this place is comparable to other markets. Since it is close to Marriott, a convenient shopping destination close by.
Written June 15, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen K
1,102 contributions
Apr 2018 • Friends
The most horrible shopping experience. It wasn't like that when I visited same place 2 years ago. The prices were so much more expensive than before and than in Myeondong. Plus, the owners were so hostile and I even witnessed a shop owner cursing and chasing customers away! My friend was also badly treated and left us very bad impression of them! The recent trip made me blacklist the stretch of shopping malls in Dongdaemun and will never return again!
Written May 20, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michelle
21 contributions
Sep 2015
First of all, it is important to know that Dongdaemun market is broken up into two sections.
Section 1 is ONLY wholesale retail. The area is comprised of multiple buildings that unless you are a retailer, you should not bother going into. They will not sell to you unless you are buying in bulk. It opens at 8 p.m and is open until 5 a.m.
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is a wholesale shop for fabric for example.
The second section which if you are just a tourist like myself, is where you want to go. Those buildings are 5 buildings, Hello AM PM, Migliore, Doota, and 2 others.
Doota and Migliore are configured like department stores where all the products are nicely displayed like an American department store such as Macy's. The other 3 buildings will look like a total mess. It's a different kind of shopping and one must get past that to actually shop. There are generally no dressing rooms, but they let you try things on, and you literally try things on right over your clothes. There is no bargaining really, but if you buy a couple of items they will give you a discount. The clothes CAN be cheap, but they are also priced fairly, where you can get shirts and dresses etc, for the equivalent of $15-25 USD (which isn't SUPER cheap considering you're buying from a market that doesn't look legit, it's not like you're shopping at a brand name store).
It's definitely an eye opener. Make sure that everything you buy says "Made in Korea" to ensure quality. A lot of designs and fashion is actually exported. We went to Hong Kong after our trip to Seoul and a lot of boutique stores source 100% of their product from Dongdaemun. So if you want to shop, this is the place to do it.
For men I think it is really difficult to shop in this area. A lot of the salespeople were very very aggressive and kept trying to get my boyfriend to buy things and try things on. To an extent where if he even grazed or looked at a shirt they would immediately take it out for him to try. It was a little overbearing and he was unable to shop comfortably. For myself it wasn't difficult to browse with a little more ease, but they are on top of you, and that can be a lot. There are SO SO MANY clothes and designs and stores. A lot of Korean fashion or Asian fashion in general is one size fit all as well, so if you're looking to get something tailored for a specific body type it might be hard when it comes to pants etc. I am fairly small, a "Korean Small" as they told me, so I was able to shop for sizes without a problem.
Another place I really recommend for shopping that is less overwhelming is Hongdae. It is much more manageable, and they are open until 10-11 pm.
Section 1 is ONLY wholesale retail. The area is comprised of multiple buildings that unless you are a retailer, you should not bother going into. They will not sell to you unless you are buying in bulk. It opens at 8 p.m and is open until 5 a.m.
Dongdaemun Shopping Complex is a wholesale shop for fabric for example.
The second section which if you are just a tourist like myself, is where you want to go. Those buildings are 5 buildings, Hello AM PM, Migliore, Doota, and 2 others.
Doota and Migliore are configured like department stores where all the products are nicely displayed like an American department store such as Macy's. The other 3 buildings will look like a total mess. It's a different kind of shopping and one must get past that to actually shop. There are generally no dressing rooms, but they let you try things on, and you literally try things on right over your clothes. There is no bargaining really, but if you buy a couple of items they will give you a discount. The clothes CAN be cheap, but they are also priced fairly, where you can get shirts and dresses etc, for the equivalent of $15-25 USD (which isn't SUPER cheap considering you're buying from a market that doesn't look legit, it's not like you're shopping at a brand name store).
It's definitely an eye opener. Make sure that everything you buy says "Made in Korea" to ensure quality. A lot of designs and fashion is actually exported. We went to Hong Kong after our trip to Seoul and a lot of boutique stores source 100% of their product from Dongdaemun. So if you want to shop, this is the place to do it.
For men I think it is really difficult to shop in this area. A lot of the salespeople were very very aggressive and kept trying to get my boyfriend to buy things and try things on. To an extent where if he even grazed or looked at a shirt they would immediately take it out for him to try. It was a little overbearing and he was unable to shop comfortably. For myself it wasn't difficult to browse with a little more ease, but they are on top of you, and that can be a lot. There are SO SO MANY clothes and designs and stores. A lot of Korean fashion or Asian fashion in general is one size fit all as well, so if you're looking to get something tailored for a specific body type it might be hard when it comes to pants etc. I am fairly small, a "Korean Small" as they told me, so I was able to shop for sizes without a problem.
Another place I really recommend for shopping that is less overwhelming is Hongdae. It is much more manageable, and they are open until 10-11 pm.
Written September 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Ai_Sakura
Singapore, Singapore13 contributions
Nov 2011 • Family
This is a famous mecca in Korea for shopaholics. If you think that 9am-9pm shopping hours are not enough for you, then you have to visit Dongdaemun because although store opening hours vary, a lot of the shops here are open until 5AM daily {except for Mondays or Public Hols}. Some are even open 24 hours!!!!
Dongdaemun is Korea's largest retail and wholesale shopping district. Major retail shopping centres include Doota {located within Doosan Tower}, Good Morning City, Hello apN and Migliore. All are walking distance from each other and have multilingual staff at the information desks at Level 1. However, individual store owners usually just speak a spattering of English so don't expect to converse with them much. There is a tourist information centre in front of Good Morning City or inside Doota though, and you can get your city maps & event information there.
For the wholesale shopping centres like Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, Migliore Valley, Gwanghee Fashion Mall and Heungin Stardom, they usually sell goods in bulk, and thus lower prices per piece. In the heart of Dongdaemun Market is Shinpyeonghwa Fashion Town, the largest wholesale market in Korea with over 1,200 stores! That alone should take you a few hours to go through...
More posts on our Korean trip here: http://www.sakuraharuka.com/search/label/korea
Dongdaemun is Korea's largest retail and wholesale shopping district. Major retail shopping centres include Doota {located within Doosan Tower}, Good Morning City, Hello apN and Migliore. All are walking distance from each other and have multilingual staff at the information desks at Level 1. However, individual store owners usually just speak a spattering of English so don't expect to converse with them much. There is a tourist information centre in front of Good Morning City or inside Doota though, and you can get your city maps & event information there.
For the wholesale shopping centres like Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, Migliore Valley, Gwanghee Fashion Mall and Heungin Stardom, they usually sell goods in bulk, and thus lower prices per piece. In the heart of Dongdaemun Market is Shinpyeonghwa Fashion Town, the largest wholesale market in Korea with over 1,200 stores! That alone should take you a few hours to go through...
More posts on our Korean trip here: http://www.sakuraharuka.com/search/label/korea
Written April 3, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Diandra S
Singapore, Singapore81 contributions
Mar 2018 • Couples
Although it is a 24 hours market/shops/malls, when I went there at 10pm, the individual shops were closed. Only shops in the malls were open. I guess you have to go at daytime.
Most shops are wholesaler. So you got to buy in bigger quantities, like 10 pairs of socks, etc.
Note:
Products are cheap but the qualities are also not top notch. Fair enough.
Most shops are wholesaler. So you got to buy in bigger quantities, like 10 pairs of socks, etc.
Note:
Products are cheap but the qualities are also not top notch. Fair enough.
Written October 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eve L
Amsterdam, The Netherlands63 contributions
Nov 2017 • Couples
Clothes market:
Endless shopping of korean style clothing, mostly only one size. I'm an European size 38, which translates into a korean XXXL. The bargaining was mostly fun, as they are competitive with each other as they sell many of the same goods.
Toy/stationary market:
This was absolutely fantastic, we really enjoyed this part of the market. Although many brands are fake, we could find a lot of enjoyable toys and gadgets. This was absolutely heaven for the kid in me. Bargaining is additionally possible, although many of the toys already come cheap.
Endless shopping of korean style clothing, mostly only one size. I'm an European size 38, which translates into a korean XXXL. The bargaining was mostly fun, as they are competitive with each other as they sell many of the same goods.
Toy/stationary market:
This was absolutely fantastic, we really enjoyed this part of the market. Although many brands are fake, we could find a lot of enjoyable toys and gadgets. This was absolutely heaven for the kid in me. Bargaining is additionally possible, although many of the toys already come cheap.
Written November 16, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
krys_k
London, UK656 contributions
Dec 2016 • Couples
Who on earth comes here at 4 in the morning to buy socks or any of the merchandise on sale here: clothes, electronics, homeware etc. Floor after floor, corridor after corridor, building after building, filled with millions of goods. And it's open from 10am until 5am. We arrived just after 11pm just to check it out (shopping is kryptonite to me). An interesting approach to consumerism.
Written December 19, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
si_kat07
Manila, Philippines305 contributions
Jun 2011
Dongdaemun is a "must see" site especially for tourists. girls will mostly appreciate the site. Unlimited shopping!! and souvenir shops :P
Must try street foods:
-sticky rice on red sauce
-sweet potato sticks
-very tall ice cream, (should try esp on summer) (around KW1,500)
-fresh strawberry shake
You can also watch the COOKING NANTA show, it is situated at the center of dongdaemun market.
For first timers: ask for a MAP from one of those helpful information guys in the market.you can see them easily because they are almost all over the market's intersections. They are wearing red or something that can easily capture the attention of the people.
Must try street foods:
-sticky rice on red sauce
-sweet potato sticks
-very tall ice cream, (should try esp on summer) (around KW1,500)
-fresh strawberry shake
You can also watch the COOKING NANTA show, it is situated at the center of dongdaemun market.
For first timers: ask for a MAP from one of those helpful information guys in the market.you can see them easily because they are almost all over the market's intersections. They are wearing red or something that can easily capture the attention of the people.
Written June 26, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LC888
Melbourne, Australia2,310 contributions
Hi,
Can one do a back of house tour of this market?
cath1110
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia43 contributions
The ‘market’ covers a large area and compose of multiple shopping malls. I think just by walking around the area and shops by yourself you would be able to glimpse the transactions and price haggling(though not in English) between the sellers and buyers. Piece of advise, they certainly are not the friendliest people in the world so try to not interfere unless you are keen to buy something by the dozens. 🤣
Ilovelotso
Irvine, CA8 contributions
Is the night market till open in late November? And what days it the night market closed?
Marie-Catherine L
Montreal, Canada54 contributions
Hello Annie! I know the market - or most of its shops at least - are closed on Mondays. I didn't go during the evening, although I got this hint from a touristic website: "the area stays open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 a.m., allowing shoppers to do their thing almost any time the mood strikes them." Happy shopping!
Ernie240
Los Angeles, CA79 contributions
I am looking for fabric. The kind you can buy by the yard. Something traditional?
palawanismyhome
Palawan Island, Philippines20,517 contributions
Go to Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, which is just next to JW Marriot Hotel near Dongdaemun Subway Station. So many different fabrics here and you buy per meter or yard. Fabric starts about 6000 won a yard and it is closed on Sundays. You can order whatever you want and they will send it to your hotel free. Dongdaemun Station, Line 1 or 4, Exit 9. It’s just next to JW Marriot Hotel. If you walk from Doota, cross the river.
Christine0910
Singapore, Singapore12 contributions
I went to Dongdaemun last Dec but sadly I could not find the street market. I saw malls such as migilore and a building that has all fashion clothes. Appreciate if someone can explain to me how to get to these market streets. Thanks.
palawanismyhome
Palawan Island, Philippines20,517 contributions
From the malls return to Cheonggyecheon , which is the rive below street level. The market is along the road by the river and the side streets. Walk westwards
Benazir S
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates1 contribution
If I only have time to visit one market, either the one in Myeongdong or Dongdaemun, which is better for clothes and skincare?
shinninaw
60 contributions
If u hv only one day i guess myungdong is better for ur first trip in kr, cuz u can buy both skin care n garments, its easier for u
Seoulshopper
Seoul, South Korea3 contributions
I am planning to get some cushion covers made for my rattan porch furniture. I need 12 covers: six seat and six back cushions, all with zippers. I have old covers to use as patterns.
How much should I expect to pay? (USD) I haven't picked fabric yet, and understand that will effect price. Just looking for ballpark figure.
zhukovamarina
Chisinau, Moldova
I am planing to by wholesale Korean style clothes ! Can anyone suggest if I am searching in the right place ?
chestonh2015
2 contributions
How do I go from Tmark hotel?
lijo c
Anyang, South Korea221 contributions
Near to your hotel, there is Chungmuro Subway
Board subway from there and ride for two stops and you are at Dongdaemun station
the best way is to walk as it is nearby
Install Kakao Map or Naver Map app from play store
Now Kakao Map is available in English version
Copy the Korean characters and you are good to go
Start point: 티마크호텔
Destination: 동대문시장
Rachel L
2 contributions
Hi is dongdaemun market permanently closed? Bc that pops up when I search for dongdaemun market
Neda S
45 contributions
No...its nor closed.
it's a huge place so maybe some part is closed do to winter but I really don't think the whole place can be closed.
although other markets are easier to find and to shop-eat-experience...
This one is to huge and to difficult to u understand bcuz it's many parts that's make it a market...
Try rather:
myeongdong
namdemun
kwangjang
Frequently Asked Questions about Dongdaemun Market
- Dongdaemun Market is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
- We recommend booking Dongdaemun Market tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 12 Dongdaemun Market tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Dongdaemun Market:
- Night Shopping Tour in Seoul (From $120.00)
- Jjimjilbang (Korean Spa) & Culture 7days 6nights (From $2,679.24)
- Traveling into K-Drama in Seoul (From $44.11)
- Seoul City Tour - Private Van (1day) (From $249.24)
- K-pop Photoshoot with K-Beauty Makeup & Hair Styling Experience - Gangnam Studio (From $294.36)
- Hotels near Dongdaemun Market:
- (0.05 mi) JW Marriott Dongdaemun Square Seoul
- (0.11 mi) Hotel Skypark Kingstown Dongdaemun
- (0.09 mi) Dongdaemun Maxtyle Guesthouse
- (0.08 mi) 24 Guesthouse Dongdaemun Market
- (0.10 mi) Hotel Dongdaemun
- Restaurants near Dongdaemun Market:
- (0.06 mi) The Griffin Bar
- (0.06 mi) Tavolo 24
- (0.06 mi) The Lounge
- (0.06 mi) BLT Steak
- (0.05 mi) Shake Shack Doota
- Attractions near Dongdaemun Market:
- (0.01 mi) Pyeonghwa Market
- (0.03 mi) Dongdaemun Underground Shopping Center
- (0.09 mi) Dongdaemun Shopping Complex
- (0.10 mi) Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun)
- (0.06 mi) Doota