Gyeongdong Market

Gyeongdong Market in Seoul is one of Korea’s largest traditional medicine and agricultural product markets, offering a wide variety of herbs, ginseng, dried goods, and fresh produce at wholesale and retail prices.

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#HerbalMarket, #Seoul, #TraditionalMarket

Gyeongdong Market (경동시장), sometimes also referred to as Kyungdong Market, is a large traditional market located in the Dongdaemun District of Seoul, South Korea. Established in 1960, it has grown to become one of the largest herbal medicine and ginseng markets in the country, supplying an estimated 70% of Korea’s herbal medicine ingredients.

Key Features:

Herbal Medicine and Ginseng Hub: Gyeongdong Market is renowned for its extensive selection of traditional Korean herbal medicines, medicinal herbs, and various types of ginseng. You’ll find a wide array of ingredients and related shops, including oriental medicine clinics.

Large Scale: The market spans a significant area, approximately 300,000 square meters, making it one of Seoul’s largest traditional markets.

Agricultural and Seafood Products: Beyond herbal medicine, Gyeongdong Market also functions as a wholesale and retail market for a variety of agricultural goods, fresh produce, and seafood.

Traditional Atmosphere: Despite some modernization efforts, the market retains a lively and traditional atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the workings of a long-standing Korean marketplace.

Affordable Prices: Known for offering fresh goods and herbal remedies at reasonable prices, it attracts both locals and those seeking value.

Blend of Old and New: Interestingly, the market is seeing a blend of tradition and modernity, with initiatives like a retro-themed Starbucks housed in a former theater within the market area.

What You Can Find:

A vast selection of dried and fresh herbal medicines.

Various types of ginseng, including Korean and red ginseng.

Fresh agricultural products, including fruits, vegetables, and grains.

Dried seafood and other marine products.

Specialized stores selling clothing and flowers.

Street food and local snacks.

Gyeongdong Market offers a unique and sensory experience, especially for those interested in traditional Korean medicine and the vibrant atmosphere of a large-scale local market. It’s a place where you can discover a wide range of products and immerse yourself in Korean culture.

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4.1

Based on 10714 reviews

Ed U.

05:50 31 Mar 25

Seoul has such a robust market scene that I made a mistake when I told an Uber driver where to go when my husband and I needed a ride from Itaewon. I had thought this market was the more renowned Gwangjang Market with all the bustling food stalls selling signature dishes like knife-cut noodles and mung bean pancakes. It wasn’t until we were half an hour in the labyrinth market that we realized we were actually in Gyeongdong Market which contains over a thousand shops and stalls dedicated to herbal medicines and ginseng. Deep within the Dongdaemun-gu neighborhood east of Gwangjang, there are also vendors that sell dried seafood, produce, and local culinary specialties. While it was truly happenstance that we were here, we found Gyeongdong a fascinating place and one not many foreigners visit. That has a definite appeal in itself.

Sophia W

12:01 19 Jan 25

There’re two local traditional markets link together, plus a nearby traditional herbal market🌿You may spend few hours hanging around, such as buying Goryeo Ginseng and Korea Jujube; “Netflix Filmed Famous Hand-made noodle”🍜 but a quite long queue :) Korea Roast Meat, Korea Soft Cake, fresh-made Sesame Oil, etc…Btw, bring cashes always in traditional market, then enjoy your trip☕️

Lolandra S.

06:20 17 Nov 24

Big and organised local market for fresh stuff. Best for fresh fruits. Recommend to visit to buy fruits during stay in Seoul. Unfortunately, not much cooked food to eat there.

Better Food Better M.

04:26 14 Sep 24

Go find the 국산찹쌀도너츠 stall, and thank me later. They legit have the best donuts. These are korean style glutinous fried donuts. They are so fresh (right out of the batter), and they’re crunchy and chewy and delicious!!! Cheap too, they are pretty filling. I bought 4pc of 찹쌀도너츠 then went back for more. Just get the 10pc set, you won’t regret it. If you like red beans then def get the 팥도너츠 (red bean donut).

Tyson T.

09:02 12 Sep 24

In an attempt to experience the atmosphere of a truly local sijang, we decided to head further east to Yongdu-dong. The Gyeongdong Market (경동시장) is located deep within the neighbourhood of Dongdaemun-gu.Once you exit Jegidong station (Line 1) and start navigating your way to the market, if feels like you’ve left the modern metropolis of Seoul far behind.Instead of airconditioned malls, clothes are sold out in the open by roadside vendors. Which made me wonder how pants, for example, were tested for fit. And before you ask, no, we didn’t see any ajusshis in their underwear.

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