Dongdaemun, The East Gate Market

Established during the Joseon Period near The East Gate, Dongdaemun. Today, Dongdaemun Market has turned into a fashion town packed with large and small retail as well as wholesale shopping malls. Dongdaemun is surely the place where shoppers can purchase anything related to fashion. Here, you can buy fabrics and subsidiary materials for garments.

One irresistible advantage of Dongdaemun market is this place offers high grade quality materials for reasonable price. At the daytime, the market is overflowing with tourists looking for the best products at affordable prices. At night, local shop owners are busy purchasing newest fashion products for their own customers.

Heunginjimun, Also known as Dongdaemun, (Great East Gate). This eastern gate is among the eight gates of Seoul. The fortress walls were destroyed long time ago, but the gate remains the same as in the Joseon period, retaining its magnificent beauty.

Walking distance from Exit 8 of Dongdaemun Station (subway lines 1 & 4)

Namdaemun Market, the largest traditional market in Korea

Established during the Joseon Dynasty in 1414, Namdaemun is a very old yet largest traditional market in Korea. Located next to Sungnyemun Gate with over 10000 shops and street stalls, it takes a whole day to just look around the market. From a wide variety of selling items at for different prices and qualities, you never fail to find what you have in mind. Even street vendors offer rare items which give you a pleasant time to look for. Namdaemun Market is famous for its reasonable prices and the generous hospitality. Almost half of foreign tourists who visit Seoul are known to stop by the market.  Between shopping you can please your stomach with unique snacks and specialities.

Sungnyemun Gate, the wooden structure was built in 1398. Also known as Namdaemun (The great south gate), the gate served as the main entrance through the fortress wall of Hanjang which surrounded Seoul during Joseon time.

Fast Facts :

• A walking distance from Exit 5 ofHeohyeon station (subway line 4).
• Closed on Sunday

Gyeonghuigung, The west palace

Gyeonghuigung was built in 1617 and often referred as West Palace. At the height of its usage, Gyeonghuigung included more than 100 halls, most were burnt in two separate conflagration. One during the 29^th year of the reign of King Sunjo (1829) and the other during the 20^th year of the reign of king Gojong. The remaining halls were demolished during the colonial period (1910-1945). Since 1985, several buildings including Sungjeongjeon Hall was restored.

Sungjeongjeon is the main hall of Gyeonghuigung Palace. Three Joseon kings ascended the throne at Sungjeongjeon.

Today Gyeonghuigung is very quiet and provides a good resting place for tired tourists. Often times, Korean TV shows shoot here. If you are lucky, you can meet Korean TV stars.

Fast Facts

• 10 minutes walk from Exit 4 of Seodaemun Station (Subway line 5). 10 minutes walk from Exit 1 of Gwahamun Station (Subway line 5).
• Free admission.
• Closed on Monday.