남대문시장 Namdaemun Sijang
Seoul
Every line names the page it was read from and the date we opened it.
About the market
Market's own history: it began in 1414 as a government-supervised sijeon (licensed shops) and now has about 10,000 shops.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Opening hours
Each arcade sets its own hours (e.g. main market 06:00–23:00 at shops' discretion; Coco arcade 09:00–18:00). Table note: regular closure every Sunday (street-facing shops open at their discretion).Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Hours and days off change. Confirm with the market or the city before you go.
Getting there
Hoehyeon Station (Line 4) Exits 5, 6 or 7, about 5 minutes on foot (market page).Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
What to eat
- Galchi-jorim alley (braised hairtail, 갈치조림): hairtail and mackerel stews are the main menu.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Kalguksu alley (knife-cut noodles, 칼국수): kalguksu, sujebi, janchi-guksu, yeolmu naengmyeon and more.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- The market names long-running kkori-gomtang (oxtail soup, 꼬리곰탕) houses, plus yachae-hotteok (vegetable hotteok, 야채호떡), dak-gomtang and Buwon Myeonok (Pyongan-style cold noodles).Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
What to see and do
- Themed alleys: kids' clothes, women's clothes, souvenirs, bedding, military goods, eyewear, stationery, cameras and a food alley.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- 1414 Born Market (1414본시장): about 60 shops in six trades (produce, side dishes, seafood, groceries, butchers, eateries).Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
What to buy
- About 1,700 kinds of goods: clothing, accessories, kitchenware, folk crafts, food, sundries, farm and sea produce (market figure).Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Souvenir street: traditional fans, hand mirrors, handicrafts, ginseng, gim (seaweed) and other items foreign visitors favor.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Camera street: described as so varied it is called a "camera museum".Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Good to know
- Foreigners' lounge: Gate-2 alley (next to IBK), Dongwoo Bldg 3F, 10:00–19:00, closed on Seollal and Chuseok day; info, luggage service, Wi-Fi.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
- Information booths: in front of Cheongja arcade at Gate 5 and in front of the Samho accessory building at Gate 3.Source: 남대문시장 공식 사이트 (namdaemunmarket.co.kr) · checked 2026-11-01
Register facts
남대문시장
Address in Korean — show it to a taxi driver
서울특별시 중구 남대문시장4길 21
Open every day
5,111 stalls registered · Public restroom: Yes · Parking: No · Opened 1964