Gyeongdong Market is a large traditional market in Seoul's Dongdaemun District (around Jegi-dong and Cheongnyangni). Established in 1960, it has become Korea's largest herbal-medicine market (Yangnyeongsi), handling a major share of the nation's medicinal-herb trade alongside stalls of fresh produce, dried seafood, and prepared foods. In recent years retro landmarks such as Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 — built inside a former cinema — have made it a cross-generational destination.
Yangnyeongsi herbal-medicine district: Korea's largest, with roughly 400 clinics and herb dealers selling ginseng, dried herbs, and health foods
Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960: set inside the restored Gyeongdong Theater (built 1962), with tiered cinema-style seating and a high wooden ceiling (300 won per item goes to a market community fund)
LG 'Geumseong Radio Shop' retro experience center, connected to the Starbucks
'Seoul Faemily' youth mall (new building, 3rd floor): a newtro-themed food court, dessert stalls, and culture-experience spaces
Affordable shopping for herbs, sesame oil, dried seaweed, ginseng, and traditional teas, plus lively street food
Good to know
SeasonAround Korean holidays (Seollal, Chuseok) and on weekend lunchtimes the market gets extremely crowded. Come early in the morning for a calmer visit.
SafetyAisles are narrow and shared with handcarts, elderly shoppers, and motorbikes. Stay alert to traffic and cart paths in vehicle-access lanes.
MannersAsk before taking close-up photos of vendors or their goods; be especially considerate about photographing people.
MannersProduce quality and prices vary by day and stall, so compare a few before buying. Rather than hard haggling, it's more natural to ask for a small extra (deom) when buying in quantity.
RulesMany small stalls and street vendors are cash-oriented, so bring cash and a shopping bag. Check current hours, fees, and parking rules before you go.
Practical info
About a 5-minute walk from Jegi-dong Station (Line 1), Exit 2. Starbucks Gyeongdong 1960 is on the 3rd–4th floors of the market's main building, toward Gate 4. If driving, the Yangnyeongsi or Cheongnyangni Market public parking lots are inexpensive and spacious. Confirm market and store hours and fees before visiting.
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