To cover Dongdaemun Marketin a week, let alone a day, is virtually impossible. The commercial district ismade up of about 26 malls, 30,000 stores and 50,000 manufacturers, all spreadover 10 city blocks. You can find almost anything you need here, including fabricsand jewelry, sporting goods and toys. Discount fashion items are a specialty,and both locals and tourists come here to buy clothes.
A trip to Dongdaemun canbe overwhelming, so pick up a map and get familiar with the layout. The complexis divided in two by the main street. Section 1 is on the same side as DoosanTower. Here, the shopping malls are generally more geared to tourists. Moneyexchanges and English-speaking help desks are readily available, and items canbe bought individually, rather than in bulk. Doosan Tower, Migliore and HelloapM are three of the major shopping malls.
Section 2 is focused moreon wholesale items, though it’s still worth visiting if you have the time. Bigfashion malls on this side of the street include Designer's Club, MiglioreValley and Nuzzon. Note, however, there are generally no fitting rooms, andrefunds and exchanges may not be guaranteed.
Booklovers should go tothe first floor of Pyeonghwa Market, where it’s possible to buy secondhand andrare English language books. You can also expect decent discounts.
For good cuisine, head toMukja Golmok, a street packed with restaurants serving soup, fishcakes andgrilled fish.
To get to DongdaemunMarket, take the subway to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, or toDongdaemun. Most stores in Dongdaemun Market are open from mid-morning to lateafternoon, although some are open 24 hours. The majority of outlets are closedMondays and public holidays.
