Shopping In Korea | The 4 Major Vintage Markets in Seoul

Did you know hunting for vintage items is a popular hobby among young Koreans?

The reason is because you can often find trendy and popular brands at low prices.

Today we're introducing you to the 4 big vintage markets in Seoul, so when you visit, you can get in on the action too.

Dongmyo Flea Market
동묘 벼룩시장

Address: 서울 종로구 숭인동 102-8
102-8, Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Public Transportation: Dongmyo Station (동묘앞역) exit 3

One of the largest and most visited markets is the Dongmyo Flea Market in the heart of Seoul.

It's conveniently located right outside of Dongmyo Station near exit 3 

The market is open every day, weather permitting, and weekends are especially crowded.

From young to old, locals to foreigners, many different people visit this market to find great deals. 

GD also came here to film a show!

There are many accessories and other interesting items for sale here, but the bulk of it is vintage clothing.

You can see merchants with clothes piled up on the street, selling them for very cheap prices.

You can buy a dress for 5,000 won, less than $5 USD!

Especially at the end of the afternoon (usually around 17:00), the stalls here will offer a discount to try and sell all the items.

If you go later in the day, you can score some amazing deals! 

There are also vintage shops in the market where clothes are a little more money, but are also more carefully selected and washed.

These stores tend to carry a lot of brand name items. 

I really enjoyed visiting this market and finding fun, new-to-me clothes.

Seoul Folk Flea Market
서울 풍물시장

Address: 서울 동대문구 천호대로4길 21
21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul

Hours:
Market: 10:00-19:00
Restaurants: 10:00-20:00
Closed: Tuesdays

Public Transportation: 6 minute walk from Sinseol-dong Station (신설동역) exit 10

Seoul Folk Flea Market is the largest flea market in Korea.

From the entrance to the market, you will see a lot of things being sold on the ground such as clothes, decor, books, vinyl records, and toys.

There are many interesting things here you could use to decorate your home.

There is a very clean and cool indoor market area here that sells vintage clothes, home decor, musical instruments, and more.

The clothes here are pretty cool in my opinion, though the price is a bit higher than at Dongmyo.

This is the market where Running Man filmed an appearance by SNSD's Yoona and Sunny!

There is also a "Childhood Corner" (청춘일번가) on the 2nd floor, which is a photo zone where you can relax and take cute pictures.

It is meant to recreate Korean childhood memories and could be fun to check out with some friends while you're here. 

Gwangjang Market Import Relief Shopping Center
광장시장 수입구제상가

Address: 서울 종로구 창경궁로12길 11
11, Changgyeonggung-ro 12-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Hours:
Mon-Sat: 10:00-19:00
Sun: 11:00-19:00

Public Transportation: 7 minute walk from Jongno 5-ga (종로5가) exit 8, 5 minute walk from Euljiro 4-ga (을지로4가) exit 4.

If you like vintage items from American or European brands, you can come to Gwangjang Market.

Gwangjang is a large traditional market with lots of delicious food, so you can combine dining and shopping!

Gwangjang Market sells a lot of things and has an area specifically for vintage items.

Most shops here are operated by younger people, so they know what kind of things are popular, which means they have great merchandise, but since a lot of it is branded, it is a little more expensive than the other markets.

Both men's and women's clothes are available here, so you can choose freely.

When entering Gwangjang Market, look for the red sign that says "수입구제". 

Hwanghakdong Flea Market
황학동 벼룩시장

Address: 서울 중구 황학동 161
161, Hwanghak-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul

Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00

Public Transportation: 6 minute walk from Sindang Station (신당역) exit 11

Hwanghakdong Market specializes in old accessories and machinery.

Here, you will find lots of shops selling vinyl records and cool home decor.

There are also many other interesting items such as old TVs, radios, etc.

There are no clothes here, so if that's what you're after, you can walk over to Dongmyo Market since they are close together.

When you come here, don't forget to try some traditional Korean twisted fried dough, only 500 won a piece!

This has been a brief summary of the 4 major vintage markets in Seoul.

If you're into vintage fashion or decor, don't miss these awesome places when you come to Seoul!