Namdaemun MarketMyeongdong 42
Photo: KTOWith more than 600 years of history, Namdaemun is one of Korea's largest traditional markets. Thousands of stalls sell clothing, glasses, kitchenware, seaweed, ginseng and much more, and it doubles as a wholesale market.
Inside you will find a famous kalguksu (knife-cut noodle) alley and hotteok stands where locals queue for cheap, tasty food. Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun) stands at the market's west end, about a 10-minute walk from Myeongdong.
Key information
| Hours | Varies by shop (mainly early morning to about 17:00). Many shops close on Sundays |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free to stroll |
| Closed | Sundays (many shops) |
| Time needed | about 1 hours |
| Nearest station | Myeongdong Stn (Line 4) / Euljiro 1-ga Stn (Line 2) |
| Area | Myeongdong |
Hours and fees are estimates as of 2026-10 and may change. Please check official sources before you go.
Many shops are closed on Sundays. For shopping, go on a weekday or Saturday morning.
Plan a trip with Namdaemun Market
Getting there
| From | Route | Time | Fare (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Incheon Airport | AREX all-stop train → change at Seoul Station → Line 4 | ~72 min | 6,300 KRW |
| Gimpo Airport | AREX (all-stop) → Line 4 | ~33 min | 1,750 KRW |
| Seoul Station | Line 4 | ~5 min | 1,550 KRW |
Times are to the Myeongdong area's nearest station; walk from there.
Nearby spots
Photo: KTO
Myeongdong Shopping StreetMyeongdong · ~800 mMain street of cosmetics shops, duty-free stores and street food.Photo: KTO
Myeongdong CathedralMyeongdong · ~1000 mKorea's first Gothic-style cathedral. Keep quiet during Mass.Photo: KTO
N Seoul Tower (Namsan)Myeongdong · ~1.3 kmObservation tower atop Namsan, reached by cable car or shuttle bus. Popular at night.Photo: KTO
Cheonggyecheon StreamIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.1 kmA downtown streamside walkway, beautifully lit at night.Photo: KTO
Gwanghwamun SquareGyeongbokgung · Bukchon · ~1.4 kmStatues of King Sejong and Admiral Yi Sun-sin, in front of the palace gate.Photo: KTO
Insadong-gil & SsamziegilIkseon-dong · Insadong · ~1.8 kmTraditional crafts, hanji paper and tea houses — great for souvenirs.
FAQ
What are the opening hours of Namdaemun Market?
Varies by shop (mainly early morning to about 17:00). Many shops close on Sundays. Please check the official website for the latest information.
How much does Namdaemun Market cost?
Free to stroll.
How do I get to Namdaemun Market?
The nearest station is Myeongdong Stn (Line 4) / Euljiro 1-ga Stn (Line 2). From Incheon Airport it takes about 72 minutes and costs around ₩6,300.
When is Namdaemun Market closed?
Sundays (many shops).