경동시장 Gyeongdong Sijang
Seoul
Every line names the page it was read from and the date we opened it.
About the market
Opened in June 1960 as an agricultural-produce market; described by Visit Korea as a representative traditional market of central Seoul.Source: 한국관광공사 대한민국 구석구석 (korean.visitkorea.or.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Opening hours
Visit Korea says hours and closing days vary by store — please confirm before you go.Source: 한국관광공사 영문 (english.visitkorea.or.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Hours and days off change. Confirm with the market or the city before you go.
What to eat
- Herbal teas, ssanghwatang, medicinal-herb samgyetang and herbal snacks (listed by the Ministry of Culture as featured foods).Source: 문체부 보도자료 2026-05-14 K-관광마켓 2기 붙임표 (mcst.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Gyeongdong-style fried chicken (tongdak) and kalguksu noodles (listed by the Ministry of Culture as featured foods).Source: 문체부 보도자료 2026-05-14 K-관광마켓 2기 붙임표 (mcst.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Traditional market rice cakes (tteok) and jeon pan-fries (listed by the Ministry of Culture as featured foods).Source: 문체부 보도자료 2026-05-14 K-관광마켓 2기 붙임표 (mcst.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
What to see and do
- Experiences listed by the Ministry: a permanent medicinal-herb experience, a traditional yangnyeongsi (herbal market) tour and herbal foot-bath healing.Source: 문체부 보도자료 2026-05-14 K-관광마켓 2기 붙임표 (mcst.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Nearby attractions listed by the Ministry include Seoul Yangnyeongsi and the Museum of Korean Medicine.Source: 문체부 보도자료 2026-05-14 K-관광마켓 2기 붙임표 (mcst.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- When winter comes, a kimjang (kimchi-making) market opens, selling cabbage, radish and seasonings.Source: 동대문구청 동대문구 기억여행 (memory.ddm.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
What to buy
- Agricultural produce, medicinal herbs, ginseng and seafood are sold across the market.Source: 한국관광공사 대한민국 구석구석 (korean.visitkorea.or.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Mainly chili peppers, garlic, vegetables, bellflower root (doraji) and mountain greens.Source: 동대문구청 동대문구 기억여행 (memory.ddm.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Local specialties
- Listed products: oriental-medicine ingredients, dried seafood, vegetables.Source: 한국관광공사 영문 (english.visitkorea.or.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Since the Gyeongdong Building opened in 1985, a ginseng market (called the largest in Korea) and herbal-medicine shops have formed here.Source: 한국관광공사 대한민국 구석구석 (korean.visitkorea.or.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Good to know
- The market opens from early dawn and most stalls close toward evening, so go in daytime.Source: 동대문구청 동대문구 기억여행 (memory.ddm.go.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Visit Korea lists parking as "not available".Source: 한국관광공사 영문 (english.visitkorea.or.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Official lists
A name on an official list. It is not a ranking of visitors or of quality.
Register facts
경동시장
Address in Korean — show it to a taxi driver
서울특별시 동대문구 고산자로36길 3
Open every day
682 stalls registered · Public restroom: Yes · Parking: Yes · Opened 1960