Written by Eu Si Ying
Namdaemun market, meaning market of the Southern gate, is the largest traditional market in Korea. Unlike its cousin Dongdaemun which sells mainly cosmetics and apparel, Namdaemun market sells a variety of items ranging from pottery wares, cooking utensils, luggage, apparel, flowers to stationery and fishing equipment. Most items are sold at wholesale prices and most prices are bargainable.
It exudes a feel of the past Korea in the 1960s/1970s which is now difficult to find in other parts of Seoul. The area is diversified with the discovery of new item at every nook and cranny yet orderly with the infusion of systems and paved roads. In addition, it is located near the City Hall and is very convenient to travel there for a journey to the past!
Operating hours for the market is from 2300hours to 1700hours, although the operating hours differ for shops, depending on their nature.
There are also two unique wholesale markets, namely the flower market and pottery ware market. Situated in the upper floors of two nearby buildings, there is a market selling the different variety of flowers and pottery ware respectively. It was an eye opener to me to be able to see the concentration of items they sell on the same floor. There are so many different types of flowers and pottery, in their different colors and types. It is really heaven for pottery fans and for people who would like to buy flowers at a relatively cheaper price, totally recommended for people who are learning flower arrangement!
To get to Namdaemun, you may alight at Hoehyeon station (Seoul subway line 4) and come up from exit 5. As it is located near to City Hall, you may walk from there too. There are also many buses that go past that area, and is a highly accessible cultural place for you to visit.