Gwanghwamun Flea Market Fun

Every Sunday from March to October, traffic is blocked going southbound and tents are erected for a big flea market on the Gwanghwamun Square just in front of Gyeongbokgung Palace.

From 11 o’clock in the morning to 4 in the afternoon, visitors can peruse a wide range of goods. Vendors sell everything from old clothes at bargain prices to homemade accessories, teas, candles, lotions, potted plants and seedlings and more. What’s more, every Sunday is different. There’s something for everyone and even food from around the world on sale to munch on when the midday pangs of hunger strike.

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To get involved and sell your own goods in the flea market you should register on the Seoul City’s Flea Market Site a few weeks in advance. Vendors are chosen randomly to allow more people to participate and makes every Sunday different on the plaza. The tents are set up on the southbound lane while the plaza itself still remains open. It’s easy to meander in and around the tents and even find plenty of space to sit and chat with friends. Not only are there vendors in attendance, but there is also a small stage with performers set up to give visitors something else to enjoy while in the area. It’s the perfect spot to spend the Sunday in downtown Seoul.

Old women haggle and young students show off their homemade goods proudly. This past Sunday there was even a silent disco to get people amped up for Sunday. With the entire southbound side of lanes halted for the day, the entire space is that much more pleasing to the eyes, ears and really all senses become pleased when cars are out of the picture. Spend a couple hours in Gwanghwamun and then head on over to Insa-dong for tea at Moon Bird Only Thinks of The Moon or dinner at Oh Sae Gyae Hyang.

It’s a great place to spend the day any Sunday this summer and autumn.

Know Where To Stay

This area would also make a great place to stay if you’re having guests travel through or want to have a little staycation downtown. Check out Fantastic Unit Seochon for a great spunky spot. Picture velvet seating, a rooftop that has been painted pink complete with a flamingo blown up too. The rooms are comfortable and the guest house is easy to get to which is great for anyone looking to stay downtown in a more residential neighborhood.

If you’d rather have something a bit more traditional but absolutely stunning, check out the Ihwa Hanok Stay. This is an entire Hanok House that is available for rental and features five bedrooms, four bathrooms and all of the amenities you’d want yet still in a traditional home. This spot is suitable for 12 guests and is really so well suited for any traveler that might not be quite sure about sleeping on the floor of a Hanok just yet, but wants to have the experience.