Sabrina Gradolf editor（Switzerland）
Namdaemun Market is the largest traditional market in Korea with over 10,000 stores that line the streets around Namdaemun (Gate), the main southern gate of the old city wall. Namdaemun Market first started under the reign of King Taejong (1367 – 1422, the third Joseon king) during the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910),
when the government built shops around
Namdaemun and rented out the shops to traders. It boasts one of the largest distribution structures in Korea, providing local products, daily living essentials, food products, medical supplies and more to retailers and consumers across the country.
Due to the wholesale nature of the market, shoppers can comparison shop for the lowest prices on all sorts of goods. Namdaemun Market is also packed with interesting things to see and eat, making it a popular destination for both locals and international visitors alike. So, whether you’re looking for traditional oriental medicine or imported drugs, traditional Korean food or imported snacks, hanbok attire or a Halloween costume, Namdaemun Market is the place to go.
Namdaemun Market is renowned for its vast size and the variety of goods it offers. Except for construction materials, the market sells nearly every item under the sun. So, it comes as no surprise that Namdaemun Market is always bustling day and night. Retailers from all over the nation flock to the market at night and local consumers flock to the market during the day. Many tourists come during the day as well to experience the charm of a traditional Korean market. The market's success is largely due to its independent distribution system.
Although the shops are small, most of them produce the goods they offer themselves, allowing for customers to purchase goods directly from the manufacturers at wholesale prices.
From our side:
We can really say without a guilty conscience that we have never seen such a market before. So many market and food stalls, so many things for sale...it was incredible. Of course, we couldn't resist and bought some things ourselves. Traditional gifts for our family, beauty products and culinary we also tried something new. We will definitely visit the market a few more times and you should do the same when you are in Korea. Don’t miss it!
Sabrina Gradolf editor（Switzerland）
acopia.news@gmail.com