A Roundup of 10 Must-Visit Night Markets in Seoul | Seoul Travel Guide

Seoul is a city that never sleeps. Although locals are busy with work during the day, the nightlife is still vibrant. In addition to bars and BBQ restaurants, the night markets here are also one of the must-try activities when traveling in Seoul. If you want to taste authentic Korean cuisine, you absolutely cannot miss the chance to visit the night markets.

1. Dongdaemun Night Market

Dongdaemun is one of Seoul's main attractions, so it is always crowded with international tourists. This area was once famous for its huge ancient fortress gates, such as Dongdaemun and Heunginjimun. Now, it is known for its large shopping malls and the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, curated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

At Dongdaemun Night Market, you can enjoy delicious street food and buy affordable fruits, clothes, shoes, and bags. If you still want more after browsing the market, you can head to the nearby department stores to continue shopping.

Hours: Open every night from 8:00 PM to 3:00 AM

On Fridays and Saturdays from April to late October, the DDP Youth Runway Night Market is held nearby, operating from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Here, you will find clothing from young designers, food trucks offering various cuisines, and photo zones.

2. Namdaemun Night Market

For an unforgettable night, Namdaemun Night Market is also a great choice. Namdaemun Market is a traditional Korean market open daily from 10:00 AM to 3:00 AM. It is located next to Namdaemun, not far from Seoul Station and Myeongdong.

Opened in 1964, this market is the oldest and largest market in Korea. During the day, Namdaemun Night Market sells clothes, household items, glasses, and traditional herbal tea to locals and tourists. At night, it becomes an ideal place to enjoy street food and buy affordable goods.

3. Yeouido World Night Market

If your travel itinerary includes Hangang Park, you might want to check out this popular Korean night market! Yeouido World Night Market is one of Seoul's most famous night markets, operating from 6:00 PM to 1:00 AM on Fridays through Sundays. The market features food stalls and performances from around the world, making you feel like you've visited several different countries in one night.

4. Myeongdong Night Market

Well-known Myeongdong Night Market is close to Namdaemun Market, Seoul Station, and City Hall, making it the busiest outdoor night market in Seoul. The area is a shopping street filled with trendy clothing and beauty stores.

Hours: Open daily from 5:00 PM to 1:00 AM

Unlike other traditional night markets, the stalls here are stocked with innovative foods you won't find anywhere else in Seoul, such as seafood snacks, tornado potatoes, cheese tteokbokki, and all kinds of aromatic, crispy, crunchy fried vegetables.

5. Oil Tank Culture Park Night Market

The Oil Tank Culture Park Night Market is located on the grounds of the Oil Tank Culture Park in Mapo-gu. This area was once an old oil depot, but the Seoul government transformed it into a public space to teach people about environmental issues.

Hours: Open for three weeks in May, from 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

You can have a picnic here, browse the flea market, and enjoy street performances.

6. Cheonggye Plaza Seasonal Night Market

The Cheonggye Plaza Seasonal Night Market is held at Cheonggye Plaza 3 to 4 times a year, adjacent to Cheonggyecheon Stream and City Hall.

Hours: Typically open from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

This is an open market with different themes based on the month and season, such as Christmas theme, hot summer night theme, chestnut season theme, etc. You can participate in fun family activities, enjoy performances, and buy snacks and handicrafts.

7. Mokdong Stadium Night Market

If you are interested in sports, sports equipment, and sportswear, you might want to check out Mokdong Stadium Night Market—you might find something you like. For example, you can buy a pair of hiking shoes or a travel backpack at a good price here.

Hours: Open from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

8. Gwangjang Night Market

Gwangjang Market is a permanent night market and one of the largest markets in Korea. It is also the most famous night market among locals. Open daily from morning to night, it is known for its vintage clothing stores, jewelry shops, and traditional Korean street food. When you visit Gwangjang Market, you must try the must-eats: bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), Mayak kimbap, dumplings, kimchi jeon, and more.

9. Hangang Moonlight Market

The Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market is held every Friday and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM at Banpo Hangang Park. This market is popular for its spectacular performances, lights, and stunning river views. If you're looking for some fine items from the 1950s and 1960s, check out the Banpo Flea Market.

10. Cheonggyecheon Time Travel Market

Every weekend, the Cheonggyecheon Time Travel Night Market is held along Cheonggyecheon Stream near Gwangtonggyo Bridge. It is open from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Saturdays and 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Sundays.

The central theme of this market is "time travel." At the market, you will find countless traditional performances, snacks, souvenirs, and street food. If you are not interested in Korean traditional performances, you can choose to stroll along the riverside and enjoy the beautiful floating lantern views.

Warm reminder: The Go City Pass has launched a new Seoul Pass. You can choose the All-Inclusive Pass or the Flexi Pass according to your itinerary, visiting various popular Seoul attractions at one price, saving time, money, and hassle for your trip.

Above are 10 famous night markets in Seoul carefully compiled by Xiaolvcheng. You can experience Seoul's nightlife and taste the most authentic Korean cuisine by visiting these night markets. Before visiting these night markets, be sure to check the official website for the latest opening hours.