If you’re planning to explore Seoul’s traditional markets, Namdaemun Market should be high on your list. Located just a few minutes from Seoul Station and Hoehyeon Station, it’s Korea’s oldest and largest market — a sprawling maze of stalls and shops filled with character, color, and bargains.
But for first-time visitors, the sheer variety can be overwhelming. What should you actually buy? Which items are worth it, and what’s just tourist clutter?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the best things to buy in Namdaemun Market, organized by category — including souvenirs, fashion, home goods, and food. We’ll also share insider tips on prices, bargaining, and how to spot the good stuff.
Korean Souvenirs and Gifts
Namdaemun Market is one of the best places in Seoul to buy traditional and affordable Korean souvenirs.
1. Korean Hand Fans and Keychains
Lightweight and easy to pack
Hand-painted fans with traditional motifs
Keychains featuring hanbok, Seoul icons, or K-pop logos
Prices start from 1,000 KRW
2. Hanji Paper Goods
Traditional Korean paper used for calligraphy, wrapping, and crafts
Look for stationery sets, bookmarks, and folding cards
Great gift idea for artists or letter writers
3. Korean Socks with Characters or Patterns
Popular among locals and tourists alike
Cartoon prints, K-pop group logos, or cute food motifs
Usually 1,000–2,000 KRW per pair (cheaper in bulk)
4. Traditional Korean Tableware
Brass spoons and chopsticks, patterned ceramic bowls, soju shot glasses
Wrap them carefully, as some are fragile
Available in boxed sets perfect for gifting
5. Miniature Hanbok and Dolls
Display items or souvenirs representing traditional Korean clothing
Often hand-sewn and sold at cultural shops within the market
Korean Snacks and Specialty Foods
Namdaemun has a huge food section with both ready-to-eat street food and packaged items you can take home.
6. Korean Dried Seaweed (Gim)
Flavored or plain, sold in family-size packs or snack portions
Popular snack or side dish in Korean meals
Often cheaper here than at supermarkets
7. Red Ginseng (홍삼)
Known for boosting immunity and energy
Available as tea, candy, extract, or root slices
Visit the ginseng-only arcades for better pricing and consultation
8. Traditional Korean Sweets (Hangwa)
Beautifully packaged rice snacks and honey cookies
Good for gifting older family members or foodies
Can be found in boxes or plastic-wrapped sets
9. Korean Street Food to Eat on the Spot
Hotteok (sweet pancakes with sugar and seeds)
Mandu (dumplings), tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), or fishcake skewers
Kalguksu (knife-cut noodle soup) in the famous noodle alley
Fashion and Accessories
This is where Namdaemun really shines for shoppers looking for good deals and unexpected finds.
10. Hats, Bags, and Scarves
Indoor arcades feature rows of accessory vendors
Great variety and prices, especially for seasonal fashion
Bargain-friendly — especially if you buy multiple pieces
11. Affordable Sunglasses and Eyewear
Knockoff styles and trendy frames
Usually 5,000–10,000 KRW per pair
Look for UV protection stickers if buying for everyday wear
12. Casual Women’s Clothing and Children’s Clothes
Factory overstock and unbranded Korean fashion
Also known for kids’ wear at very low prices
Selection changes often — great for treasure hunters
13. Hair Accessories and Clips
Korean-made hair ties, pins, and stylish clips
Often sold in sets or bulk packs
Cheaper than department stores and similar quality
Home Goods and Kitchen Tools
Namdaemun is not just for tourists — many locals come here to stock up on essentials.
14. Korean Cooking Tools
Stone bowls for bibimbap, metal chopsticks, rice scoops
Stainless steel lunch boxes or bento kits
Perfect if you’re into Korean cooking at home
15. Character Tableware for Kids
Pororo, Hello Kitty, and Kakao Friends-themed bowls and cups
BPA-free plastic sets, great as gifts or souvenirs for young kids
Practical and cute, often sold in sets with utensils
16. Reusable Kitchen Cloths and Aprons
Often handmade or decorated with traditional Korean prints
Available in bulk or one-offs — prices are negotiable
K-pop and Character Goods
While Namdaemun isn’t the K-pop hotspot that Myeongdong is, you’ll still find a decent variety of merchandise.
17. K-pop Merch (Unofficial)
Posters, socks, keychains, photo cards, and notebooks
Prices are lower than at official stores
Ask before buying if you care about authenticity
18. Kakao Friends and Line Friends Goods
Stationery, pens, mugs, and magnets
Popular among Korean kids and tourists
Often available at better prices than flagship stores
Bargaining Tips for Namdaemun Shoppers
Always ask for a lower price: Especially if you’re buying multiple items
Use phrases like “Can you give me a discount?” or just point at the calculator
Go early: Vendors are friendlier and more willing to haggle before lunch
Bring cash: Some stalls do not accept credit cards
Be polite: Bargaining is part of the culture, but always smile and thank the seller
How to Navigate the Market
Namdaemun Market can be overwhelming. It helps to know that it’s divided into zones:
Gate 2: Fashion and accessories
Gate 4–6: Food alleys, restaurants, and ginseng shops
Underground Arcade: Sunglasses, hats, and cheap electronics
Wholesale buildings (e.g., Daedo Shopping Center): Early morning fashion sales
Use Naver Map instead of Google Maps for more accurate stall and arcade names.
Namdaemun Is a One-Stop Shop for Everything You Didn’t Know You Needed
Whether you’re looking for uniquely Korean gifts, cheap but stylish fashion, delicious snacks, or something totally unexpected, Namdaemun Market is a shopper’s paradise. It’s not just a place to buy things — it’s a window into Korea’s culture, values, and street-level energy.
So take your time. Browse the stalls. Try a street snack you’ve never heard of. Buy a quirky pair of socks or haggle for a souvenir. Because in Namdaemun, it’s not just what you buy — it’s the experience of shopping that makes it unforgettable.