Are you an enthusiastic antique hunter that takes pleasure in finding gems by running through a pile of random collectibles?
South Korea has several flea markets every treasure hunter should not miss.
South Korea’s popularity as a vintage market destination is quickly growing.
You can find all the vintage items you need at reasonable prices at Hwanghak-Dong, Itaewon Antique Furniture Street, Seoul Folk, Kwangjang Market, and Dongmyo flea markets in South Korea.
Let us explore the sublime flea markets in South Korea for a memorable shopping experience.
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10 Best Flea Markets in South Korea
1. Hwanghak-Dong Flea Market
After the end of the Korean War, people earned a living by buying and selling military items in the Hwanghak-Dong Flea Market.
By the 1970s, people would sell vintage and used goods in the market, leading to its expansion to become the flea market it is today.
Hwanghak-Dong market, located in the heart of Seoul city, opens during the weekdays from 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.
However, it closes a little earlier during the winter months.
Hwanghak-Dong has over 1000 stalls displaying a wide range of vintage items.
More so, visitors say that the market is about 205 cheaper than most second-hand markets in Seoul.
You will see and buy vintage and second-hand items like cameras, TVs, books, paintings, old money, Buddha statues, clothes, antique books, and tons of other collectibles.
Most vendors allow customers to bargain for the items in addition to the affordable prices.
2. Itaewon Antique Furniture Street
Itaewon Antique Furniture Street in Seoul is one of the most exotic places in the city for shopping.
The market opens every day from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm but closes every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
The market is a confluence for visitors and locals coming to the city.
Occasionally, there are festivals at Itaewon Antique Furniture Street featuring tons of incredible props.
The market is home to over 2400 shops across the streets dealing with antiques, fashion, and food.
In Antique Furniture Street, you will buy a broad collection of vintage items from wall clocks, vintage toys, posters, carousel horses, pottery, household, and decorative items, and other collectibles you will not find elsewhere.
3. Seoul Folk Flea Market
The Seoul Folk flea market is well organized and offers a lot.
This is one of Korea’s biggest second-hand and vintage items markets, created by merchants who broke off from the Hwanghak-Dong flea market.
The market opens daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, but remains closed every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
It has over 885 stalls sprawling over 8,000 square meters and has done a great job conserving South Korea’s traditional market culture.
You will find random items, souvenirs, and other products at reasonable prices on the market.
Whether traditional crafts, art, antique telephones, second-hand watches, radios, furniture, or tableware, you will find them on the market.
The market organizes merchants depending on the items they sell to give visitors an easy time navigating.
For instance, the first floor has yellow, orange, and green zones, with the green zone housing antique furniture and the yellow zone antique second-hand items such as radios.
4. Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang flea market opens every day from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.
It will take about two hours to browse the market featuring over 5000 shops.
The market is a hub for a wide range of antique Korean items and one of the largest flea markets in the country.
The market has clothing, handicrafts, antique gifts, and Korean souvenirs.
The authentic Korean food offered in the market will complete your shopping experience at the Gwangjang Market.
5. Dongmyo Flea Market
Dongmyo Flea Market is not only the most popular market for second-hand and antique goods but also has a lot of historical significance.
The market is an embodiment of Korea’s 1960s and 1970s history, and you can find almost everything vintage you need at affordable prices.
The market opens from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm on weekdays and from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
However, the market remains closed every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
The market befits its reputation as the most prestigious flea market and offers diverse goods.
You will find clothing, fashion accessories, household items, electronics, kitchenware, tableware, handicrafts, statues, and many other collectibles.
Come dressed for the occasion and ready to browse the market.
Be ready for a surprise as, in addition to antiques, you never know what else you will find and carry home.
6. Seocho Flea Market
The Seocho flea market has quite an impressive history.
It started back in 1997 during the Asian Financial Crisis to motivate people to put up for sale items they didn’t need.
The market has been going on for decades, and it opens on Saturdays from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.
Seocho flea market has over 700 vendors bringing many vintage and second-hand items in one place.
Visiting the market is like a treasure hunt, and as you comb through the random items, you can come across gems at affordable prices.
Thousands of locals and tourists gather in the market every Saturday hoping to catch sight of clothing, handbags, shoes, accessories, hats, antique books, household items, tableware, watches, and other collectibles at a bargain.
You will come across different items that will make you nostalgic, such as Walkman cassette players and typewriters.
In addition to the flea market, the area surrounding the market is quite active; you could get lucky and experience artistic performances and street concerts.
7. Seoul Folk Flea Market
The Seoul Folk flea market came to life after merchants from the Hwanghak-dong flea market split during the Cheonggyecheon renovation.
The market opens every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, but remains closed every second and fourth Tuesday of the month.
Seoul Folk market occupies an area of over 8000 square meters, enough to accommodate over 900 stalls.
The vendors display traditional Korean goods, clothing, fashion items, military stuff, kitchenware, accessories, tools, souvenirs, and a wide range of other antique items.
You will also find several stalls with master artisans who entertain visitors with violin performances and who can also fix instruments, motorbike accessories, and leather items.
8. Gukje Market, Busan
Gukje Market is in Busan, a port city in South Korea, known for its vibrant culture and tourism.
The market opens every day from 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, and browsing the market will take about two hours.
The Gukje Market atmosphere is traditional, something the locals prefer to maintain to preserve their history and culture.
While one of the biggest attractions for tourists in the market is sampling the authentic local cuisine, the market is home to an array of goods, new and used.
Prepare yourself to buy clothing, shoes, household items, industrial goods, and accessories, among other gems.
9. Hongdae Art Market Free Market
The Hongdae Art Market runs from March to November and opens every Saturday from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm.
The market stands out from the other flea markets as the vendors don’t sell used items.
However, it is a must-visit place in Seoul as this is where hundreds of young artists gather to showcase their skills.
It has become a cultural hub where you can buy Korean souvenirs and other handmade crafts and art.
The vendors are enthusiastic about answering any questions you have about their pieces.
The market is also a prime spot for cultural events where artists come together to showcase their art and interact with visitors.
Expect an exciting experience interacting with gifted artists from all over the country, appreciating their work, and learning from them.
You will also get beautiful souvenirs to take home.
10. Bling & Platoon Night Flea Market
The Bling & Platoon Night Flea Market is not your typical Korean flea market.
The Bling, a club culture magazine, hosts the night flea market.
It happens in the evening, opening from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
Visitors can find trendy accessories, clothing, shoes, bags, and other fashion items and shop as they get entertained by amazing music.
Be prepared to take home designer handmade and precious and rare items.
The venue changes from time to time, so visit The Bling’s social media pages for directions for the next flea market.
The 10 Best Flea Markets in South Korea – Summary Table
| Flea Market | Address |
|---|---|
| 1. Hwanghak-Dong Flea Market | 166 Heungin-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 2. Itaewon Antique Furniture Street | Itaewon-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 3. Seoul Folk Flea Market | 21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Sinseol-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 4. Gwangjang Market | 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 5. Dongmyo Flea Market | Sungin 2(i)-dong, 종로구, 서울특별시, South Korea |
| 6. Seocho Flea Market | 21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Sinseol-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 7. Seoul Folk Flea Market | 21 Cheonho-daero 4-gil, Sinseol-dong, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 8. Gukje Market, Busan | 25 Gukjesijang 2-gil, Jung-gu, Busan, South Korea |
| 9. Hongdae Art Market Free Market | 19-3 Wausan-ro 21-gil, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea |
| 10. Bling & Platoon Night Flea Market |
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do You Access Flea Markets in South Korea?
Most flea markets in South Korea are at the heart of Seoul, the country’s capital.
Therefore, they are accessible, and visitors can get there by train and bus.
South Korea has a modern network of transport running through the city.
Do all the Flea Markets in South Korea sell Second-Hand Goods?
The majority of South Korea’s flea markets sell antiques and second-hand goods.
However, others sell both new and used goods.
Others, like Hongdae Art Market, sell only new handcrafted items.
What Can You Buy at South Korea Flea Markets?
You will find everyday goods, souvenirs, art, kitchenware, tableware, electronics, clothing, shoes, handbags, furniture, jewelry, accessories, statues, and an extensive array of collectibles in South Korean flea markets.
Do the Flea Markets in South Korea Open Every Day
Most of the flea markets are open every day of the week.
However, they remain closed during festivals and observances linked to Korean culture.
Most flea markets do not open during the winter months in the country.
