* Some markets subject to closure or limited entrance due to COVID-19. Please check before visiting.

【 Photo: Hwanghak-dong Flea Market 】

Flea markets and free markets are great places to look for unique souvenirs. Flea markets sell secondhand goods and antiques, while the vendors at free markets sell handmade products. Some markets take place all year round, while others are held on a weekly basis; free markets tend to take place on Saturdays. Flea markets and free markets are located throughout Seoul, with many happening in popular tourist districts such as Hongdae, Jongno-gu, and Gangnam.

Flea Markets

Hwanghak-dong Flea Market & Dongmyo Flea Market

• 【 Photo: Hwanghak-dong Flea Market 】
• 【 Photo: Dongmyo Flea Market (Credit: Time Out Seoul) 】

The Hwanghak-dong Flea Market is a special market located along Cheonggyecheon Stream that sells secondhand goods. It is popularly known as “Manmul (all-things) Market” due to its variety of goods and also as “Dokkaebi (goblin) Market” because the dark interior of the shops seems like a place where goblins might live. The flea market is comprised of the antique street, electronic appliance stores, machinery stores, and stalls out on the street with vendors selling old books and videos. The nearby Dongmyo Flea Market attracts those who love vintage fashion and is constantly busy on the weekends.

Seoul Folk Flea Market

The Seoul Folk Flea Market sells specialty products from different regions of Korea. The market was formed by a group of Hwanghak-dong Flea Market vendors who had to move due to the Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration. The Seoul Folk Flea Market offers everyday goods, souvenirs, and folk items that shed light on the past lifestyles of Koreans. Each floor of the market is dedicated to different themes, selling miscellaneous goods, clothing, antiques and crafts, local specialties, souvenirs, and more. Visitors to the market can also enjoy a wide range of traditional Korean snacks and food at affordable prices.

Seocho Saturday Flea Market

The Seocho Saturday Flea Market was originally a place for selling used household items in an effort to combat the effects of the Asian economic crisis in 1997. Comprised of hundreds of stalls each week, the flea market is held on Saturdays, March through November from 10:30 to 14:30. The market is held in different locations each week and holds street concerts, creative arts programs, and other hands-on events for visitors.

Free Markets

Hongdae Free Market

The Hongdae Free Market takes place on the neighborhood streets of Hongik University, more often referred to as Hongdae, allowing artists and visitors to interact and communicate in a public, open space. The market brings about 50 to 60 teams of different artists every Saturday who perform, sell, exchange, and exhibit their work. Commonly sold items include metal crafts, leatherworks, ceramic crafts, woodcrafts, glass works, and recycled art. In addition, visitors to the market can also enjoy entertainment prepared by free-spirited musicians and performers with the Afternoon Stage performance.

Kondae Free Market

Kondae Culture & Art Space Free Market takes place in front of Konkuk Univ. Station, filled with local artists who proudly sell their handicrafts. The market organizers aim to provide a space where the vendors can easily communicate with consumers, rather than focusing on big sales. Items available at the market range from dolls to bags and pouches to leather accessories to handmade soaps and other small items.