9 must-visit night markets in Seoul

Seoul is a city that never sleeps. While locals are busy working during the day, the nightlife is equally exciting. In addition to bars and BBQ restaurants, night markets are a must-try activity when visiting Seoul. If you want to taste authentic Korean food, you definitely shouldn't miss the chance to visit a night market.

Dongdaemun Night Market

Dongdaemun is one of the most popular attractions in Seoul, often crowded and attracting a large number of international tourists. This area is famous for its massive ancient fortress gates, such as Dongdaemun and Heunginjimun. Today, it is known for its large shopping centers and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, which is planned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government. At Dongdaemun Night Market, you can taste a variety of delicious street snacks and buy cheap fruits, clothes, shoes, and bags. From April to late October every year, the DDP Youth Runway Night Market is also held nearby on Fridays and Saturdays. Here, you can find clothing from young designers, various food trucks, and photo spots.

Namdaemun Night Market

First opened in 1964, this market is one of the oldest and largest in South Korea. Namdaemun Night Market is a great choice for an unforgettable night. Namdaemun Market is one of South Korea's traditional markets, operating daily from 10 AM to 3 AM. The market is located next to Namdaemun, not far from Seoul Station and Myeongdong. During the day, Namdaemun Market sells clothes, household items, glasses, and traditional herbal teas, attracting both locals and tourists. At night, Namdaemun Market becomes an ideal place to taste street food and buy affordable goods.

Yeouido World Night Market

Yeouido World Night Market is one of the most famous night markets in Seoul, operating from 6 PM to 1 AM every Friday to Sunday. Unlike other traditional night markets, the stalls here are filled with innovative foods that are hard to find elsewhere in Seoul, such as seafood snacks, tornado potatoes, cheese tteokbokki, and various fragrant, crispy, and crunchy fried vegetables. Not only are there food stalls from around the world, but also performances, making you feel like you are touring several different countries in one night.

Oil Tank Culture Park Night Market

The Oil Tank Culture Park Night Market is located within the grounds of the Oil Tank Culture Park in Mapo-gu. This area was once an abandoned oil depot, but after renovation by the Seoul government, it has now become a public space that educates people about the environment. Here, you can enjoy picnics, browse flea markets, and watch street performances.

Cheonggye Plaza Seasonal Night Market

This is an open-air market that sets different themes according to different months and seasons, such as Christmas, hot summer nights, and chestnut season. Here, you can participate in fun family activities, watch performances, and buy snacks and handmade crafts.

Mokdong Stadium Night Market

If you are interested in sports, sports equipment, and sportswear, you might want to visit the Mokdong Stadium Night Market. You may find ideal items such as hiking shoes, travel backpacks, and more at discounted prices.

Gwangjang Night Market

Gwangjang Market is one of the most famous and largest markets in South Korea, and it is a permanent market. The market is open daily from morning to night and is known for its vintage clothing stores, jewelry shops, and street food filled with traditional Korean flavors. Be sure not to miss the must-try traditional foods such as bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), Mayak gimbap, dumplings, and kimchi pancakes.

Han River Moonlight Market

Every Friday and Saturday from 6 PM to 11 PM, the Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market is held at Banpo Hangang Park. This market is popular for its spectacular performances, lights, and magnificent river views. If you are looking for some vintage and exquisite items, you can visit the Banpo Flea Market. You will have unexpected finds.

Cheonggyecheon Time Travel Market

The core theme of this market is 'time travel'. At the market, you will find many traditional performances, snacks, souvenirs, and street food. When you are not interested in these performances, you can take a stroll along the riverside and enjoy the beautiful floating lantern scenery.