Experience Seoul's Best Night Markets: Culinary Adventures, Budget Shopping & Halal Eats

There's always a reason to vacation in Seoul and return to South Korea's lively capital. From cultural and historical tours to culinary adventures and shopping, Seoul is a home for tourists seeking happiness. To experience the city's hustle and bustle, consider visiting the night markets scattered across Seoul, South Korea.

Also read : Travelling in Busan as a Muslim: Halal Food, Mosques & More

Night markets have become a favorite destination for spending evenings and a paradise for culinary delights and shopping in Seoul, South Korea. Here, visitors will be spoiled with rows of vendors selling various delicious foods, fashion items, accessories, and souvenirs at budget-friendly prices. Isn't that exciting? Here are our recommendations.

1. Myeongdong Night Market, where global tourists gather

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You haven't been to Seoul without visiting Myeongdong Night Market! People say you haven't truly been to Seoul until you've explored the Myeongdong area, a global hub for tourists. There are so many exciting things to do, and one you absolutely must experience is the Myeongdong Night Market.

This night market is a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. You'll be spoiled for choice with countless shops selling makeup and skincare from famous brands. After you've had your fill of shopping, a wide variety of classic Korean street foods like tteokbokki, mandu, and more will be waiting for you to enjoy.

Halal Eats in Myeongdong

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If you're looking for safer and guaranteed halal food, you can visit several Indian restaurants around Myeongdong, such as TAJ Restaurant, Gurkha Indian Restaurant, and Saffron Restaurant. But if you want authentic halal Korean food, head to Busan Jib Restaurant.

Address: 8-3 Chungmuro 2(i)-ga, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Opening Hours: Daily, 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM

2. Dongdaemun Night Market: Buzzing with Entertainment

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The next exciting night market to visit during your Seoul vacation is Dongdaemun Night Market. Spend your evening enjoying various Korean street foods you've often seen in K-dramas. Taste the deliciousness of authentic tteokbokki, odeng, mandu, and more.

Dongdaemun Night Market is also filled with trendy fashion shops and souvenirs. Street musicians add to the lively atmosphere with popular songs and even K-Pop dance performances.

Halal Eats in Dongdaemun

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In the Dongdaemun area, Seoul, there are several popular halal restaurants. Some of them include Byeolnan Ori (halal duck meat), and restaurants serving Korean dishes like kimbab, ramyeon, and other snacks. Plus, near Dongdaemun Historical Culture Park Exit 13, there's a consistently busy stall called Grandpa Crepes. This snack is popular because it was featured on the TV show "Night Dokkaebi."

Address: 272 Jong-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM

3. Gwangjang Market, South Korea's Oldest and Largest Market

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If you're curious about Seoul's most popular market, many people will say Gwangjang Market. Opened in 1905, this market is also one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in South Korea, boasting over 5,000 vendor stalls.

Thanks to its popularity, the market is always bustling, not just at night but from early morning, as it has longer opening hours than other night markets. Here, you can shop for a variety of modern fashion items to traditional Korean clothing, or hanbok. After a satisfying shopping spree, delicious Korean street food like tteokbokki, bindaetteok, and much more await you.

Halal Eats at Gwangjang Market

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This traditional market sells a lot of typical Korean snacks. One that's famous and always a target for tourists visiting this market is Kwabegi, which sells twisted donuts with a unique shape and various toppings. Another must-try snack is Hodo Kwaja, a walnut-shaped cake stuffed with red bean paste or custard.

Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM - 10:30 PM

4. Namdaemun Night Market, a Favorite Spot for Souvenir Shopping

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Namdaemun Night Market is the next destination to spend an evening in Seoul, South Korea. This night market is open daily from morning until dawn. Do note that while it's open every day, some stalls will be closed on Sundays, so if you want to explore thoroughly, it's best to visit from Monday to Saturday.

You'll go wild here because this market sells various delicious foods, accessories, clothes, electronic gadgets, and souvenirs at cheaper prices than regular stores. For fans of authentic Korean cuisine, don't miss trying bibimbap, mung bean pancakes, octopus, dumplings, and even clam soup that's great for warming you up.

Halal Eats at Namdaemun Night Market

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Looking for traditional Korean pancakes? You can try Hotteok. Hotteok is a famous stuffed pancake in Korea, made from chewy dough with a crispy outer layer and a sweet filling typically consisting of cinnamon, brown sugar, and walnuts or peanuts.

If you prefer savory flavors, there are other filling options like japchae (stir-fried noodles with vegetables) or kimchi. Another must-try snack for Muslim travelers is Gyeran-Bbang, or egg bread. Gyeran-Bbang is a soft, sweet bread with an egg on top. For those who want a different flavor, the egg on the bread can be topped with meat or vegetables. With its fragrant and sweet aroma, you won't be able to pass by their stall without trying it.

Address: 17-4 Namdaemunsijang-gil, Jung District, Seoul, South Korea

Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 AM - 5:00 AM

5. Cheonggyecheon Time Tour Market, Great for Relaxing

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Quite different from the others, Cheonggyecheon Time Tour Market brings a traditional atmosphere to the city center amidst modern high-rise buildings. This night market is held every weekend with various exciting events like traditional performances and stalls selling street food and souvenirs.

Held along Cheonggyecheon, a popular stream, this night market becomes even more beautiful with colorful lanterns adorning the surroundings. Enjoy sitting leisurely by the stream while savoring delicious Korean cuisine.

Halal Eats at Cheonggyecheon Time Tour Market

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Some halal Korean foods that Muslim travelers can try at Cheonggyecheon Time Tour Market or in various places in Seoul include Bibimbap, a rice dish with vegetables, meat, and egg, often served without pork. Miyeokguk, a delicious and healthy seaweed soup, can be a good option. Haemultang, a spicy and flavorful seafood soup. Samgyetang, a warm and healthy ginseng chicken soup.

Address: 14-1 Seorin-dong, Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea

Opening Hours: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Saturday), 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Sunday)

Also read : A Muslim Traveller's Guide to South Korea in 2025

Experience the hustle and bustle of this city that never sleeps by visiting the night markets scattered across various parts of Seoul, South Korea. They are a paradise for endless culinary adventures and shopping.