Recently, I visited Dongdaemun Market in Seoul, and I was surprised by how crowded it was. One of the biggest reasons is the growing trend in Korea called “phone decoration” (폰꾸) and “pen decoration” (볼꾸), where people decorate their phones, cases, and stationery with cute charms, stickers, and accessories.
Because it was school vacation season, I saw many elementary school children visiting with their mothers. The market was full of families browsing colorful decorations, small accessories, and craft materials. It felt lively and energetic, almost like a festival for creative hobbies.
Another interesting thing I noticed was the number of foreign visitors. Dongdaemun has always been popular with tourists, and I especially saw many Japanese visitors exploring the shops and purchasing cute items.
What You Can Buy at Dongdaemun General Market
The market sells a wide variety of items, including:
- Cute charms and decorative parts
- Phone case decoration materials
- Accessories and jewelry supplies
- Fabrics and sewing materials
- Ribbons and craft components
The 5th floor is particularly good for browsing and shopping because many stores sell retail quantities. Other floors mainly focus on wholesale, so they can feel less convenient for casual visitors.
Making Hair Accessories for My Child
I often buy ribbons and small decorative parts here to make hair clips for my daughter. It’s actually very simple to create your own accessories.
All you need is:
- A hair clip base
- Decorative parts
- A glue gun
Just attach the decoration to the clip, and it’s done.
Recently, during the Korean holiday season, my daughter needed to wear traditional clothing (hanbok) to kindergarten. I made her a special hair clip using decorative pieces with Korean traditional patterns, which made the outfit even more meaningful.
Payment Tips: Bring Cash Before You Visit
One important thing to know before visiting Dongdaemun General Market is that card payment can be difficult in many stores. In fact, most shops prefer cash payments, although bank transfers are sometimes possible.
Because of this, I highly recommend preparing cash in advance. Conveniently, there is a Woori Bank branch located right in front of the market entrance, where you can withdraw money before going inside.
The amount you need depends on how much you plan to buy, but for casual shopping — such as ribbons, decorative parts, or small accessories — around 30,000 KRW (about $20–25 USD) is usually enough.
Having cash ready will make your shopping experience much smoother and less stressful.
Food Court on the 6th Floor: A Convenient Place to Eat
There is also a food court on the 6th floor of Dongdaemun General Market, which makes it easy to grab a meal during your visit. Several local restaurants are gathered there, offering a variety of Korean dishes.
I didn’t have high expectations at first, but I ended up enjoying a surprisingly delicious meal and even had coffee afterward. It was a convenient break after walking around the market.
Unlike many of the craft shops, both card and cash payments are accepted in the food area, which makes dining much more convenient for visitors.
If you plan to spend a few hours exploring the market, the 6th floor is a great place to rest and recharge.
Nearby Attraction: Gwangjang Market Within Walking Distance
Another advantage of visiting Dongdaemun General Market is its location. Gwangjang Market, one of Seoul’s most famous traditional food markets, is only about a 10-minute walk away.
Interestingly, Gwangjang Market is often more well-known among international tourists than locals, thanks to its wide variety of Korean street food and traditional dishes. Because it’s so close, you could easily plan to eat there after shopping at Dongdaemun.
On the other hand, if you were already planning to visit Gwangjang Market, it might be worth adding Dongdaemun General Market to your itinerary as well. Exploring both places together can make for a fun and memorable half-day experience in Seoul.
A Great Place to Visit with Kids
Dongdaemun Market is not only enjoyable for adults but also a great place to visit with children. Especially for elementary school–aged kids, it can be a fun experience to explore the shops, choose cute items, and even try DIY projects at home afterward.
Even if you don’t know exactly what to buy, many items are affordable and adorable, so it’s easy to pick up something as a souvenir or simply enjoy browsing.
If you are visiting Seoul and enjoy crafts, cute accessories, or creative hobbies, Dongdaemun General Market is definitely worth exploring.
Location and Visitor Information
Dongdaemun General Market is very easy to access by public transportation.
If you take the subway, simply get off at Dongdaemun Station (Line 1 or Line 4) and exit through Exit 9. The market entrance is located right outside the station, so it’s convenient even for first-time visitors.
Basic Information
Location: Dongdaemun General Market, Seoul, South Korea
Nearest Subway: Dongdaemun Station Exit 9
Typical Business Hours:
- Most shops: around 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Some stores close earlier on weekends
- Restaurants on the 6th floor may operate slightly later
Because individual stores have different schedules, visiting during late morning or early afternoon is usually the safest option.
🗓 Dongdaemun Shopping Complex Holiday Notice
2025 Holidays
- Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving): October 5 (Sun) – October 8 (Wed), 2025
2026 Holidays
- New Year’s Day: January 1 (Thu), 2026
- Lunar New Year (Seollal): February 15 (Sun) – February 18 (Wed), 2026
- Summer Holiday: August 2 (Sun) – August 5 (Wed), 2026
Final Thoughts: A Fun and Unique Shopping Experience in Seoul
Dongdaemun General Market is more than just a shopping destination — it’s a place where creativity, trends, and everyday Korean life come together. Whether you’re interested in cute accessories, DIY crafts, fabrics, or simply exploring something different from typical tourist attractions, this market offers a unique experience.
It’s enjoyable for adults, but also surprisingly fun to visit with children, especially elementary school–aged kids who enjoy choosing decorations and making things themselves. With nearby attractions like Gwangjang Market within walking distance, it’s easy to turn your visit into a full half-day outing.
If you’re looking for a creative and memorable activity in Seoul, Dongdaemun General Market is definitely worth adding to your travel list.