Dongdaemoon - Great East Gate, Seoul

4 more images

Dongdaemun, originally called Heunginjimun (literally "Gate of Rising Benevolence"), is one of the eight gates of the city of Seoul. Heunginjimun was constructed during the fifth year of King Taejo's reign, 1398. It was renovated in 1453, and the current gate was built in 1869. Despite repairs in 1998, the roof was damaged by heavy rains in 2011.

Dongdaemun is closed tot he public, but the area is home to the massive Dongdaemun Market that features some 26 malls, with 30,000 vendors and 50,000 manufacturers.

4 more images

While taking a walk along the Dongdaemum district, I saw this structure that looks like a palace... so I took a picture. Eventually, after reviewing the map, I found out that this is the major eastern gate that surrounds Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. It’s more commonly called Dongdaemum than Heunginjimun, (maybe because Dongdaemum is easier to pronounce) being the prominent landmark in Seoul which means “Great East Gate”. It’s amazing that it’s just regarded as a major eastern gate but really, for me, looked like a palace. (yeah, I really can't believe that it's just a gate!)

After taking a picture, you can go ahead and head for shopping since the area is surrounded by shopping malls, markets, stalls, etc.…

For fashionable clothes, head to Doota Mall or Migliore. usually, the shopping malls are open until midnight.

3 more images

The Dongdaemun History Museum was established within the Dongdaemun History and culture Park to Preserve and show artifacts found from excavation work conducted during the park's construction. A total of 2,778 pieces comprising 2,575 artifacts were discovered from the site with occupation ievel ranging from the early Joseon Dynasty to modern times.
( from home page )

Admission Times : 10am ~ 9pm ( year round )
Admission Fee : Free

1 more image

Dongdaemun is the east gate of Seoul. The original one was built in 14th century, but the existing one was built in 1869. This gate has seen a few renovations until today. The famous Dongdaemun Market is located in this area.

4 more images

Originally called Heung-injimun ("Gate of Uplifting Mercy"), it once served as the main eastern gate in the wall surrounding Seoul. First built in 1397, it was rebuilt in 1869 in its present form. The Korean name "Dongdaemun" means "Great East Gate," and it was so named because it was the major eastern gate in the wall that surrounded Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty.

Since the South Gate (Namdaemun) was set on fire on
Located nearby are Dongdaemun Market (one of Korea's largest and most popular) and Dongdaemun Sports Stadium. Since the South Gate (Namdaemun) was set on fire on February 10, 2008, Dongdaemun is one of only two main gates that have survived, the other being the North Gate or Bukdaemun (more formally Sukjeongmun).

2 more images

The Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) has built fortresses and gates that surround Seoul to protect the city and Heunginjimun is one of them, located in the West. Widely known as Dongdaemun and built in 1398, it was repaired in 1453, and renovated in 1869 by King Gojong to its present form. Detailed decorations that are very weak and thin represent well the post-Joseon style of architecture. Another point where you can see the representation of Joseon dynasty style is ornamentation in pavilion. This gate has an outer wall which was used to defend the gate in battle and it is the 1st national treasure of Korea along with Sungnyemun.

2 more images

During the day (after 11am) this area is bustling with energy. During all hours of the night especially after midnight (Friday/Saturday) you can shop here at the night market. It's set up along the street behind one of the stadiums.

There are two stadiums near the Dongdaemun (East gate), one of which is the old soccer stadium. If you go inside there is a flea market with an assortment of things (I think only during the day time it's open).

Pretty much you can shop in the underground shopping areas (Pyeongwha market) for goods such as material, yarn, buttons, hats, etc. This is where the wholesale for clothing takes place. You will spend hours here.

If you prefer shopping in a building you can go to Doota, Hello APm, or Migliore from 10/11am until 5am (I think) I do know that shopping is an all night event.
When you get hungry there are also many places to choose from...street food or restaurants (mostly all Korean foods)

The street food is always available also. Vendors all along both stadiums and also around a few streets are PACKED with ajummas who want you to sit in their tent. All of the food is reasonably priced and you can get a bottle of soju as you sit in the tent with the ajossis (old men) and their friends after a long days work.

If you walk north toward the Dongdaemun (East gate) you will run into the Cheonggyecheon (Cheonggye stream) you can stroll along that for a couple of miles either toward City Hall or in the opposite direction toward the Han river (not as scenic).

Dongdaemun is good for retailers looking for cheap buys - lots of wholesalers selling mostly fashion and household goods. There's a street selling paper product, one selling children's toys. The buildings flanking the river are mostly fashion or household items "warehouses" - find shoes, clothes, accessories, curtains, bedsheets etc.

Go take lunch at one of the wholesale markets for a hearty, cheap meal of noodles or dumplings.

Dongdaemun is a very large shopping area, bustling with life any time of the day or night. Yup, it's any die hard shopper's dream: 24 hours of action! You can buy almost anything you dream up in this shopping district. There are 30 malls housing 27,000 shops, and hundreds of street vendors which come out mostly at night, starting at 10 p.m. You can find clothes, shoes, bags, belts,sun glasses, accessories, underwear, towels, bedsheets, second-hand books, yarn, fabric, household goods....get the picture? Enjoy the outdoor entertainment and fashion shows held at the stages located right outside the three bussiest malls: Doota, Migliore, and Freya Town.
Because different places are open at different times, your best bet would be to pick up your free Dongdaemun Market Shopping Guide from the Tourist Information office located right outside the Dongdaemun stadium.

The Pungmul Flea Market, located in the Dongdaemun stadium itself, is a very interesting Sunday afternoon outing. You can find anything from musical instruments to weapons to dildos (this last one is not a typo).

Here is one of the centers of life in Seoul, the bustling market district around the East Gate, or Tongdaemun. Different sections have different merchandise--everything from clothes to electronics to housewares to you-name-it. These stores stay open almost all the time, so something is always going on here.

Also spelled Dongdaemun.