Korea, Seoul - Walking Tour of the Namdaemun Market

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Whichever city or town I visit, I usually like to find some time to walk the local markets. It can be any markets; be it a wholesale market, a sunday market or a flea market. Observing how the locals go about their daily business around these markets can be a very enriching experience. From the items sold in these markets, I can quickly get myself introduced to the food culture of the country, city or town that I am visiting.

During my visit to Seoul in September 2011, I spent an entire morning just walking around the Namdaemun market. Namdaemun literally means "Great South Gate" in the Korean language. This market is reputedly the largest as well as oldest in the whole of Korea, dating back to the year 1414!

Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

The Namdaemun market is a short walk from the Hoehyeon Subway Station.  More than 1000 stalls sell everything from fresh produce (e.g. fishes, vegetables, ginseng etc.) to toys, shoes, fabrics and accessories. If you are planning a visit, do note that this market is closed on Sundays. On other days of the week, the retail action usually lasts from 7am to 5pm daily.

Fresh seafood, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Fresh seafood, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Vegetables, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Dry ration retailer at her stall, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Seller and buyer chatting, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Food handlers at a cooked food stall, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Street stall, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Take a break, have a chat, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Sorting out the day's greens, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Local Herbs, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Cooked food, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Cooked food, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Shoe retailer, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Toys at Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Shoppers, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

The streets of Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

Shoppers, Namdaemun Market, Seoul, South Korea (2011)

The hustle and bustle of the Namdaemun market is a sight to behold. I had a great time walking amongst the many stalls, buying souvenirs for friends back home and of course, taking photographs to digitally record my experiences.

For first time visitors to Seoul, I highly recommend that you spend some time here. I am sure you will enjoy your visit as much as I enjoyed mine! :-)


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