The latest in 2024! A summary of tourist spots such as shopping and gourmet in Dongdaemun, Seoul

Dongdaemun is a shopping mecca along with Myeongdong. It also has a wholesale market, so it is a place where retailers from all over the country gather. Prices are reasonable and there are many things to see. In this article, we will introduce tourist spots and recommended gourmet food in Dongdaemun, Seoul.

1. Top 6 recommended tourist spots in Dongdaemun, Seoul

(1) Dongdaemun Market

If you are interested in fashion, Dongdaemun Market is the place to be. Fabric and clothing accessories open at 8am and close at 6pm. Other accessories are open from 9:30am to 7pm. Korean wedding goods and interior goods are also open from 8am to 7pm. It is an eye-opening place for those who enjoy making accessories as a hobby.

If you get hungry, you can grab a meal at the food court or restaurant area. Just wandering around Dongdaemun Market will fly you through the day and give you a good idea of ​​the latest Korean trends.

(2) Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a complex cultural space where you can enjoy everything from shopping to exhibitions and events. Its unique architectural design makes it a landmark of Dongdaemun.

This year (2024), a special exhibition celebrating Hello Kitty's 50th anniversary will be held at the Dongdaemun Design Plaza Museum from April 13th to August 13th, so Hello Kitty fans should definitely visit.

It's hard to see photos of the exhibit online unless you visit in person, as there are many no-photography areas. It's a paid exhibit that requires admission, but it's worth a visit. It'll bring back fond memories as you look back on Kitty's 50-year history. There are also merchandise for sale, so it's a good place to buy some Kitty merchandise as a souvenir, and you can also take photos with Kitty in the photo zone.

(3) Changshin-dong Stationery and Toy Street

Changshin-dong Stationery and Toy Street is home to everything from the latest fashionable items to classic stationery, making it a delight for anyone who loves toys and stationery.

Some items are almost half price off, so you can buy stationery at an affordable price. If you have children or nephews or nieces, it's a good idea to stop by to buy Korean stationery and toys as gifts. However, even if you go to buy gifts for your children, your cart may end up full of your own things. There is such a wide variety of products.

(4) Seoul City Tour Bus

The city bus departing from Dongdaemun Design Plaza is the best way to tour Seoul comfortably. The fare is 20,000 won per person, and the route starts from Dongdaemun Design Plaza, passes through Myeongdong, and goes to Tongin Market, Insadong, Jongmyo Shrine, and then returns to Dongdaemun Design Plaza. The double-decker bus allows you to enjoy the city while feeling the cool breeze. You can enjoy Seoul with an open view. You can also get off at any place along the way to explore. There are no restrictions on the number of times or time, and you can get on and off at all stops with one ticket. There are also buses with designs like the one in the photo below, so check them out!

(5) Yellow Tents at Dongdaemun

As you walk through Dongdaemun, you'll notice a row of yellow tents. Many Koreans don't know what this place is. These yellow tents are also known as the Dongdaemun Counterfeit Goods Market, commonly known as the Dongdaemun Fake Goods Market. It's open all year round, so you can visit it any time, but you'll need to time your visit because it's open from 9pm to 3am the next morning. However! Buying counterfeit goods is a crime and will be confiscated at customs, so we recommend that you don't buy them, just enjoy looking at them. If you get hungry, you can enjoy a meal at the food stalls next to the tents or enjoy eating and drinking at the food stalls.

(6) Aroma Forest

Aroma Forest is a perfume studio where you can make your own perfume, and is recommended for those who want a unique experience. Using the finest European fragrances, you can make a perfume that perfectly suits your taste, so perfume lovers will be satisfied. You can enjoy trying out different scents to see how they harmonize when mixed together. It is also a good idea to visit with your partner or friends and make your own perfect perfume.

2. Food spots in Dongdaemun

After shopping, it's time to enjoy some delicious food. Here are some must-visit restaurants in Dongdaemun.

(1) Chin Yuhua Harmetakkanmari (Chin Harmetakkanmari)

Dakgalbi is a dish that is popular with both Koreans and foreigners. It is a delicious, healthy, and nutritious food. There is a Jinhal Dakgalbi restaurant with a long history in Dongdaemun. It is a famous place that was featured on a TV show featuring the famous Korean cartoonist Heo Young Man.

The chicken served with the restaurant's special sauce is delicious, and the hot soup will warm you up. After you've finished your chicken, don't forget to add the noodles, "Kalguksu," to finish off your meal.

(2) Yangji Restaurant

If you want to try Korean set menu with 30 years of tradition, we recommend Yangji Restaurant. It is a place where you can enjoy home-style white rice, and the very reasonable price of less than 10,000 won is also satisfying.

There is plenty of room for seating, and the main dish, rice, soup, and namul side dishes are all excellent.

It's a warm place, like the rice your mother makes at home. If you want to enjoy authentic Korean home-cooked rice at a reasonable price, visit Yangji Sikdang.

(3) Songjeong Restaurant

Songjeong Restaurant is another recommended restaurant in Dongdaemun, where you can enjoy grilled fish and smoked meat. It also boasts affordable prices, with most of the menu items priced at under 10,000 won. The basic side dishes are not flashy, but they are well-stocked.

The sweet soy sauce bulgogi with a subtle flame aroma is sure to be delicious. There are also jjigae dishes such as cheonggukjang, soondubu, and kimchi jjigae, as well as Korean-style grilled fish, so we recommend ordering a variety of dishes to enjoy a wide range of dishes.

(4) Dongjinbunsik

Dongjin Boonsik boasts a wide variety of menu items, from noodles to rice dishes such as bibimbap and kimchi fried rice, as well as Korean ramen, kimbap, and tteokbokki. It is not a famous gourmet restaurant where you have to queue up to eat, but you can relax and enjoy a wide variety of menu items at reasonable prices.

The menu is served quickly, so it's an easy place to visit even for travelers who don't have much time. I recommend this place to those who want to eat delicious kimbap, which is currently popular all over the world, and Korean noodle dishes.

(5) Dongdaemun Shopping Mall: Handmade Habba (Korean-style oden skewers)

Dongdaemun Market's Handmade Habba (Korean-style oden skewers) is located at the entrance to the food court around Dongdaemun Station. You'll stop in your tracks watching the handmade habba being fried right in front of you. It's thicker than other handmade fish pastes, and each bite is packed with juiciness to delight your palate.

There are also a wide variety of sauces to choose from, so you can enjoy the fish paste in a variety of flavors to suit your taste. If you get hungry while out and about in Dongdaemun, one bowl of chewy fish paste will give you a boost.

(6) Chingoga

It is a place where you can enjoy traditional Korean cuisine and has a wide variety of menu items to suit everyone's tastes. The menu is very diverse, ranging from Korean sashimi to rice bowls, soups, grilled dishes, bento, hotpots, and set meals. If you want to enjoy a hearty Korean meal, try Chingogae.

This concludes our introduction to the must-visit tourist and gourmet spots in Dongdaemun.

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