Unearth hidden treasures and experience the magic of Seoul’s Dongmyo Flea Market. A vintage lover’s paradise!
Dongmyo Flea Market
Dongmyo Flea Market is a must-visit flea market for vintage enthusiasts in Seoul. For Korean baby boomers, born between 1955 and 1974, this market is like the most hip place. It is almost comparable to the GenZ’s favorite Seongsu-dong. It’s a place where you can find cool vibes and retro items from almost every shop and store.
It’s a popular spot for weekend shoppers who love finding unique treasures. You’ll find a wide variety of items here, including antiques, vintage accessories, old cameras, and even affordable vintage clothing priced at just KRW 1,000 per item. In 2013, the famous Korean musician G-Dragon graced the market with a visit on a TV program, Infinite Challenge. This event has certainly made it attractive for the younger generation customers eager to explore and discover the treasures this market has to offer.
Where is the market?
The market is located near the Donggwanwangmyo Shrine (also known as “Dongmyo”). It is a shrine for Guan Yu, a military general of China. Guan Yu, a revered Chinese general, is said to have led the Ming army to victory during the Japanese invasions of Korea. In honor of this legendary figure, the Ming generals constructed a shrine in Joseon. This shrine, located in a historically significant area, captures the essence of Seoul during the 1960s and 70s.
The main street of Dongmyo Flea Market starts at Dongmyo Station Exit No. 3 on Subway Line No. 1. All the little alleys and corners around the main road are a treasure.
A revival of shopping spot
Dongmyo Flea Market is making a comeback, drawing more locals with its revival of the 80s and 90s. The market is becoming popular in all sectors, be it shopping for fashion, or enjoying local street food, or even finding hidden gems of music. The flea market in Seoul brings back the memories of golden times for the older generation and a time-traveling experience for the younger ones.
After G-Dragon’s visit in 2013, it got another life back after its feature on the hit Korean reality show “I Live Alone.” SHINee’s Key explored the area and embraced the retro vibe in his own special way.
What to shop at Dongmyo Flea Market?
Clothing stalls are one of the biggest highlights of the Dongmyo Flea Market. Sellers just create a pile of clothes for sale on street and buyers have to dig through the piles. You have to bend down and you just might find a hidden gem in the pile that’s completely unique!
The clothes are a bit of a mixed bag, but the insanely low prices — starting at 1,000 won ($0.72). That makes it worth the time to hunt for a hidden gem that’s both stylish and fits your style.
And if you don’t want to dig in these large piles, you can check out Sold Out and Vintory, some of the famous vintage shops at Dongmyo.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or just looking to add some retro flair to your wardrobe, this place is a must-visit.
They’ve got everything from vintage DVDs and vinyl records to cool fashion accessories and plush dolls.
Even if you’re not usually into shopping, you’ll find something to catch your eye.
Refreshments in the market
Instead of going for convenience store drinks, try local options like sikhye (a sweet-flavored rice drink), a cup of coffee, or even makgeolli (a Korean rice wine). These are available on beverage stalls and pochas all across the Dongmyo Flea Market and cost really cheap, just about 1,000 won ($0.72).
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