The ULTIMATE Dongdaemun guide: What to do, where to go & MORE

Dongdaemun District is known as one of the busiest areas in Seoul. Visit Dongdaemun on your next trip to shop, eat, entertain and party all night long. So, what to do in Dongdaemun? Let’s check out The ULTIMATE Dongdaemun guide: What to do, where to go & MORE in this post below!

With more than 20 markets covering a large area, you will have the opportunity to explore a variety of products from fashion, household goods to handicrafts, along with many street food stalls and entertainment spots. In particular, this is a “city that never sleeps” operating 24/7, allowing you to comfortably shop and experience local culture at any time of the day. Explore this vibrant city with Living Nomads and useful Dongdaemun travel tips.

If you have no experience traveling to Dongdaemun, Korea, information about location and how to get there is extremely important. Take note of the following information to plan your convenient itinerary!

Dongdaemun guide: Where is Dongdaemun District?

Dongdaemun is known as one of the largest districts in Seoul. Dongdaemun District borders other districts of Seoul such as Jung-gu, Jongno-gu, Seongbuk-gu, Gwangjin-gu and Seongdong-gu. With such a convenient geographical location, you can easily reach the city’s famous tourist destinations in just a few minutes.

Getting to Dongdaemun

Airport transfers

With a location near the center of Seoul, visitors have many options to travel to Dongdaemun. You can choose to take the bus from the airport here with route 6002; or take the night bus routes such as: N13, N15, N16, N26, N30, N62. If you use the subway (metro), you can go to metro stations such as Dongdaemun History and Culture Park (lines 2, 4, and 5), or Dongdaemun Station (lines 1 and 4). For those who want to enjoy the authentic urban atmosphere, you can travel by taxi or walk from the city center to Dongdaemun, a distance of only 6.5 km.

Guide for visiting and traveling to Dongdaemun on your own

Famous for being a crowded, bustling area with a variety of attractive activities, Dongdaemun is an attractive destination, but also makes inexperienced people confused. Where to stay, what to eat, what to buy, what to play are the top concerns when traveling on your own. Below are some useful experiences of traveling to Dongdaemun, Korea that we will share with you today.

What to do in Dongdaemun: Top attractions in Dongdaemun, Korea

If you are going to eat and shop, you cannot miss out on fun activities and sightseeing when coming to Dongdaemun. Let’s check out the outstanding entertainment places here with Living Nomads!

Dongdaemun Design Plaza

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) is a unique design center in Seoul, built in 2014 and designed by famous Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.

DDP consists of various areas, including an exhibition center, shopping mall, restaurants and cafes, along with an outdoor area. Here, you can visit exhibitions and events related to art, design and fashion. Outside DDP is the busiest shopping district Dongdaemun, with shops selling clothes, bags and fashion accessories.

Heunginjimun (Dongdaemun Gate)

Heunginjimun, also known as Dongdaemun, is one of the eight city gates of Seoul, South Korea. The gate was built in 1395 during the early Joseon Dynasty. With its ancient beauty and central location in the Dongdaemun neighborhood, Heunginjimun has become an important historical and cultural symbol of Seoul. Today, it is one of the popular tourist destinations of this place.

Cheonggyecheon Stream

Gwangjang Market, Royal Palace, Naksan Park – Seoul Night Tour

Cheonggyecheon Stream is an artificial stream built in the center of Seoul, the capital of South Korea. With the aim of regenerating the environment and providing public space for the people, in 2003, the Seoul government decided to redesign and rebuild Cheonggyecheon Stream. Cheonggyecheon Stream is also known for its positive impact on the environment and social life of Seoul. It helps improve air quality and reduce temperatures, while providing a cool green space for urban residents to relax and have fun.

Naksan Dongdaemun Park

Naksan Park is a park located in northeastern Seoul, South Korea. It is located on top of Naksan, a mountain about 100 meters high, famous for its beautiful view of the entire city of Seoul. Naksan Park is large and divided into many areas, including walking paths, resting areas and viewing areas. Naksan is also famous for the Seoul Historic Wall, part of the city’s old wall system. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, the Naksan Wall has helped protect Seoul for centuries. Today, visitors can take a walking trail on the wall and admire the historical sites here.

Seoul One Day City Tour & Night View Tour

Where to stay: Check out the famous hotels and hostels in Dongdaemun, Korea

Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun

With modern facilities and excellent customer service, Novotel Ambassador Seoul Dongdaemun is a very popular 5-star hotel. The hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, a variety of dining options, and event spaces. Conveniently located to explore the city, visitors can visit tourist attractions without spending too much time traveling. (klook, agoda)

The Recenz Dongdaemun Hotel

According to the self-guided travel experience of Dongdaemun travel enthusiasts in the land of Kim Chi, The Recenz Dongdaemun Hotel is a choice worth considering for tourists. This is a modern and luxurious hotel located in Dongdaemun, Korea. The hotel offers a variety of beautifully designed rooms with modern amenities. One of the hotel’s tourist attractions is its prime location. Recenz Dongdaemun Hotel is just a few minutes’ walk from Dongdaemun History and Culture Park and shopping areas such as Dongdaemun Market. (klook, agoda)

K-Guesthouse Dongdaemun 5

is a guesthouse located in Dongdaemun. Located in a bustling shopping and fashion district, this is a popular choice for budget travelers. The guesthouse offers affordable rooms including single rooms and shared rooms. In addition, the guesthouse also provides facilities such as free Wi-Fi, laundry services and a shared kitchen. (klook, agoda)

Dinner and shopping places in Dongdaemun that you should visit

It would be a pity to come to Dongdaemun – the bustling commercial center in Seoul without eating and shopping to your heart’s content. Take note of the following places to explore when you come here!

Doota Mall

Located in the vibrant Dongdaemun district, Doota Mall is a one-stop destination for all your fashion and beauty needs. With its modern and chic design, this mall is the perfect place for you to experience shopping in style and excitement. Discover the latest fashion and cosmetics trends from local and international brands, and enjoy delicious food at the food court. Whether you are a fashionista, a foodie, or just looking for a fun day out, Doota Mall is the perfect destination for you. Get ready to shop till you drop in this fashion paradise!

Migliore Mall

Another major shopping mall that fashionistas cannot miss is Migliore. Located in the bustling Dongdaemun area, Migliore Mall is a haven for those looking for the latest trends and unique styles. With a huge selection of clothing, accessories and beauty products, this shopping mall has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists.

When you step into Migliore Mall, you will be greeted by a vibrant and bustling atmosphere typical of Seoul. Here, you will find many stores that offer a unique perspective on fashion and style. From streetwear to top luxury brands, Migliore Mall has everything you need. With its convenient location, you can enjoy a full day of shopping without having to go far from the city center.

Dongdaemun Market

Located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea, Dongdaemun Market is a bustling and bustling commercial district, teeming with life day and night. The area is home to numerous street markets, shopping malls, and local shops, all vying for the attention of visitors from all over the world.

Whether you’re looking for edgy fashion, traditional Korean handicrafts, or authentic local street food, Dongdaemun Market has something for you. Open 24 hours a day, visitors can visit and shop here from early morning to late at night. Come explore the sights, sounds, and flavors of Dongdaemun Market and discover why it’s one of Seoul’s most beloved historic spots.

Hyundai Department Store Duty Free Dongdaemun

One of the famous shopping spots in Dongdaemun, Korea that foreign tourists cannot miss is the Huyndai Duty Free Shop. The store offers a variety of products, including fashion, cosmetics, electronics, etc., and all of them can be purchased duty-free for foreign tourists. The store is conveniently located near other major shopping areas, making your shopping convenient and easy.

If you are looking for a colorful, vibrant and attractive destination in Seoul, Korea, then Dongdaemun is a must-see! With bustling shopping areas, night markets, along with historical and cultural sites, this neighborhood offers a wonderful experience that cannot be missed.

If you are a shopaholic, take the time to explore shopping areas such as DDP, Doota, Migliore, where you can find a wide variety of fashion, jewelry and accessories at reasonable prices.

If history and culture are your thing, special destinations such as Dongdaemun Gate, Naksan Park will give you information about Korean history, culture and traditions.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

• Discover Seoul Pass (BTS Edition Available)
• Seoul Yeouido Eland Han River Cruise
• Alpaca/ Nami/ RailBike/ Morning Calm/ LEGOLAND/ Painters/ Wild Show
• [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
• KAL Limousine Bus Ticket for Seoul
• [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
• Bukchon Oneday Hanbok Rental Experience (4/24 Hrs)
• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Everland 1 Day Pass
• Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
• Discover Seoul Pass
• N Seoul Tower Ticket
• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket
• Coex Aquarium Admission Ticket in Seoul
• DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) Tour
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.