Last week on Seoul Travel Tips we covered the larger and better known traditional markets in Seoul. Today here’s a roundup of some of the more specialty markets worth checking out.

Tongin Market
As a traditional market, Tongin Market is not as grand as other major markets however for those looking to sample Korean food it has a unique lunchbox system. Simply pay a small fee at the lunchbox café center, located in the middle of the market, and you’ll be given a lunchbox tray and some tokens. Then start browsing around the market to start making your own lunch box. Each item will vary in the number of tokens required and after the fun shopping experience you’ll have a delicious customized meal! Be sure to try the gireum ddeokbokki, or stir-fried rice cakes, which is a specialty of this market. Do note that the tokens are only sold until 4PM every day and that Tongin Market is closed on Sundays.

Dongdaemun Market
For shoppers, Dongdaemun Market is the must-visit market. All around the area you’ll find wholesale vendors offering the latest in Korean fashion from clothing to accessories. Part of the fun is that the markets are open until morning so you can literally shop through the night. In between, don’t forget to pick up a few bites from the various street food vendors around. There’s also a wholesale market for cloth and textile available if that’s what you need. Not very far away from the area is the Changsin Market- a very local market that has a nostalgic feel and look to it which you can freely check out.

Majangdong Meat Market
I mentioned Noryangjin Seafood Market last time for seafood lovers and for carnivores the Majangdong Meat Market is your place to visit. As a wholesale distribution market for meat, the meat is not only fresh but generally cheaper than a restaurant. Pick the type and cut of meat you want from a butcher stall and they’ll expertly prepare it the way you want. You can take your purchase home or take it to one of the many grill restaurants around the market where, after paying a small fee, you can enjoy your meal.

Dongmyo Flea Market
If treasure hunting is your interest swing over to the street next to Dongmyo Park’s stone walls to check out the Dongmyo Flea Market. Since the 1980s, the area continues to attract hundreds of stalls and vendors that sell antiques, new, and used goods of all kinds. Wallets, books, shoes, film posters, electronics, paintings, and sculptures are just some of the items offered but recently the market has become popular for even youths who search for vintage fashion. It’s a fun way to do some bargain shopping in a lively atmosphere and, who knows, you may find a real gem of an item to take home! There are snack stalls around selling everything from boiled eggs to mung bean pancakes which are inexpensive- much like the items found within the flea market. If you prefer it even livelier, the market is more abuzz on weekends than weekdays.

Yangnyeong Market
For oriental medicine, the Yangnyeong (약령) Market is one of Korea’s most famed, offering a variety of oriental medicine and its related ingredients at wholesale prices. Ginseng, dates, and various other herbs and roots are just some of the things you can find here and there are also more than 800 oriental clinics in the area if you want to receive a diagnosis and recommendation.