Dongdaemoon - Great East Gate, Seoul

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The Great East Gate market. So whats really great about this market?
Well, lots ~ like all those who have been here. Its a mind boggling market selling anything from shoes to undergarments.

For me, its the SHOES!
I got my shoes from the shoes market (naturally). The price was soooooo good. A pair for 22000 won (after bargaining like a mad fool) which is about US$22.

You can easily get to this place by Subway

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A landmark not to be missed.
You will see this upon exiting the Dongdaemun Subway station. You have to use the subway to get here.

You can be like the old couple in the background of this photo, fully appreciating its wonder and awe! And they are sweet!

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Dongdaemun is a shopping area comprised of thousands of small shops. Some of them are the usual sidwalk affairs, but there are dozens of buildings with hundreds of stalls offering just about any kind of clothing you can think. Additionally, there is the largest fabric shop in the world where if you can think of a pattern, color, or material, it will likely be there and at a much reduced price. Most of the shops inside the buildings are closed on Sundays, but Sundays are the best time for the best bargains. If you come in at Dongdaemun Stadium station, you will exit near the stadium. Keep the stadium on your right until you are completely past it. Hang a right until you come to the street that is nearly blocked with sidewalk shops. There, you can buy a backpack for a dollar, a nice dress shirt for 2 or 3. Dresses that would cost 80-100 USD can be had for 10. Closeouts, overstocks, season changes will cut your clothing price by up to 90%.

You use the new river as a guide. Two years ago, this was a 6 lane highway. It was hidden underneath. When the officials decided the highway was overstressed, they decided to remove it and restore the river.

Do NOT sit down at any of the sidewalk eateries though. The food is good, safe, tasty and twice the price. Instead, orient towards the gate with the stadium at your back. Cross the street then go to the huge street by the gate (Chongno) and turn left. A few blocks down you will find restaurants in all of the little alleys.

Bargaining is expected in most places, but in the second large green building on the second floor where the leather goods are sold, there is little bargaining. It is mostly Russian, and they set a price and don't budge much. Interspersed along clothing shops that line the sidewalks, you will find watches, wallets, purses, notebooks, shoe polish, and too much else to list. Here, you can bargain. Bring cash, no credit cards accepted in most places-none at the sidewalk shops.

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The original east gate for the walled city of Seoul was the Gate of Uplifting Mercy (coming in from our rural abode in Kangwando province, it centainly was merciful to us).The current structure dates from 1869. On top of the arch-shaped gate is a gatehouse. A circular surrounding wall protects against flooding. Today the gate is best known for being adjacent the huge East Gate Market with thousands of vendors.

Dongdaemun (East City Gate) and Namdaemun (South City Gate). These two structurally similar gates are the ancient gates of Seoul and they are very impressive monuments. You can't miss them when you are at the Dongdaemun and Namdaemun areas (they are not exactly very near to each other).

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Across from the Dongdaemun Stadium are the Doosan Tower and Migliore - both towers full of shopping. Great deals abound!! Each floor is full of stalls selling everything from wigs to sunglasses to jewelry to CD's to flowers to toiletries.

You can buy many kinds of luxury products fake and authentic in a low price. Dong Dae Moon top 2 places are DOO TA TOWER and MILLIORE TOWER >

Doo TA Tower B2 , is famous for it and
if you focus on buying bags, 7 or 8 floor .

Dongdaemun is Korea's largest wholesale and retail shopping district has 26 shopping malls, 30,000 specialty shops, and 50,000 manufacturers.

You can buy silks, clothes, shoes, sporting goods, plumbing and electrical supplies, electronics, office supplies, toys and just about almost everything.

Dongdaemun is often described as the largest market in Asia, but its not. Its a whole city district, filled with seemingly innumerable specialist bazaars, multi-level shopping centres, and crowds 24 hours a day. Its one of Seoul`s absolute highlights.

Dongdaemun means "The East Gate" - named after the historic relic you see standing at the entrance. Its stood, been bombed, torn down, reconstructed, damaged, bickered over, and now photographed, for hundreds of years. A true city icon. Stretching behind it is the vast labyrinth of Dongdaemun.

My tips: the lovely Sunday flower market

The pet market :iguanas and occassionally
god-knows-whats.

The stationery market : frilly, girly writing pads,
sparkly pens and stickers

The magazine market : old and new Japanese, Korean and
European fashion magazines.

There are two malls called APM. The main one is so-so, but the slightly hidden smaller one is a rough diamond . Its behind the stadium and open only at night( dont arrive before 10pm!!!) . Come here first to get an idea of prices and the latest designs -you`ll often see the same clothes recycled in other malls for double the price ! Its a rough, no-frills place but as an added bonus the shop owners and customers comprise many of Seoul`s hottest young dudes..another kind of "shopping"....hehehe

Of the big centres, Doota is my pick. It operates 24 hours and is packed all night.Head for the retro and recycled floor. On a sidestreet behind the centre are the bizarre "zipper" and "chain" markets peddling their specialized goods.

Pick up a map.You` ll need one. And check out my shopping advice in the dangers section - ESSENTIAL reading!

We met up with Jamison at Dongdaemun and started out hunt for souvenirs and good deals. We spent a good 3 hours in Dongdaemun.

There are many shops and stalls selling all types of souvenirs. You will find that some stalls will allow bargaining. So, just try your skill at bargaining for a fair price!