Are you looking to try something other than shopping and eating in Seoul? You've come to the right place! I'll introduce you to Seoul's 70s and 80s.
Dongdaemun DDP is the first spot people think of when they hear the word Dongdaemun. Feel Korea's retro vibes and you'll get to experience the real life of the locals here on a more personal level too!
Changsindong Spicy Pork Feet(창신동 매운 족발)
This place has been on Dongdaemun Jokbal Street (Pork Trotter Street) from the beginning of time.
The authenticity and taste of this place are verified by its amazing history!
Its spicy Jokbal was at a level that made me sweat!
Because the spicy flavour was so delicious I could feel myself getting addicted to it.
If you'd like to ease the spiciness, go ahead and order rice balls(주먹밥).
Knead the seaweed powder and rice with sesame oil into a shape you like!
Coolpis(쿨피스), a refreshing fruit-flavoured drink, is also a good option to calm the spicy fire. 🔥
This area is always bustling with crowd. It's very likely that you'll have to wait in line to try their famous Jokbal but I personally think it's worth the wait!
Take on the spicy Korean food challenge here!
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 창신2동 687-40
Dongmyo Flea Market (동묘시장)
This is the place for experiencing the 70s & 80s vibe of Seoul!
Dongmyo Flea Market features antiques and old-fashioned clothing on display.
It's the go-to place for people who want to relive the good old days and purchase vintage items.
Here you can find items from vintage clothing, nostalgic turntables, typewriters to refrigerators and DVDs.
These items are rare to find these days, but the prices at this market are unexpectedly cheap!
This place reminds me of treasure chests. Many come here and dig through to find their treasure.
Dongmyo Market is open every day, but if you want to experience it at its most lively state, I recommend you come on weekends.
Come to Dongmyo Market, look at items from an older era in Korea and dig for your own treasure!
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 종로58길 4
Dongdaemun Stationery and Toy Street (동대문문구완구거리)
Dongdaemun Stationery Street was formed in the 60s as a centre for Korean school supplies.
Interesting toys including masks, dinosaur models, toy guns, chess, firecrackers and LEGO models of Minions, Mario, Mickey Mouse, Batmen, etc. can be found here.
Stationery such as notebooks, pens, school supplies are sold here at cheap prices! 📕
Recently, this street has been welcoming more and more tourists who come and purchase souvenirs.
It's one of the best places I recommend for purchasing souvenirs! 😍
Address: 서울특별시 종로구 종로52길 36
Dongdaemun Digital Plaza (DDP (동대문 디지털 플라자))
Once you're finished exploring the retro Dongdaemun, go take a look at Dongdaemun's popular digital plaza!
Dongdaemun is a charming place that has reserved all of Korea's traditions but also managed to add a digital aspect to the area that looks like a spaceship! ✨
There are shops and cafes inside the building. It's also a nice place to take a walk indoors.
DDP is fun in the daytime too, but the highlight is the LED Rose Garden that lights up at night! 🌹
The roses look dazzling at night. Lots of couples come here for their romantic date night.
Make sure to get some photos in here too! 📷
Address: 서울 중구 을지로 281
Dongdaemun Night Market (동대문 야시장)
Dongdaemun Night Market has a long history of over 20 years and it's also the biggest clothing night market.
The market can be divided into two areas: wholesale night market and retail night market.
Wholesale night market is mostly sold to clothing store retailers and not to tourists.
Retail night market is mostly sold to people who visit the night market or tourists, so if you're looking to get some shopping for clothes done, this is the place to be!
The retail night market is inside Milliore and APM.
There are lots of food stalls nearby as well. Get a bite to eat in between your shopping to recharge your energy!
The crowd starts gathering at 11pm and it gets more lively and fun as the night deepens. 🌛
Address: 서울특별시 중구 마장로1길 21 광희시장
There are lots of must-see places in Dongdaemun and the places introduced in the blog today are worth adding to your itinerary.
Happy travels!
