For many people, one of the essential points of a good trip is shopping abroad. Hunting for unique goods and discounts brings a rich catch of memorable souvenirs. A deep immersion in a foreign culture and its traditions becomes a pleasant bonus to shopping. But it is right only in case if you go shopping in the places recommended by local citizens. Dongdaemun Market is one of such places.

Dongdaemun is one of the largest and most popular shopping clusters in Seoul. It is located near the ancient city attraction called the same way, the Great East Gate of Dongdaemun. It served as a stately entrance to the current capital of South Korea during the Joseon dynasty.

The history of Dongdaemun began in 1905 and to some extent reflected the last 100 years of country development. The market, called Gwangjang at that time, stood for about 50 years until it was destroyed during the Korean War. Oddly enough, it gave a huge impetus for its further development. After the war, the market was restored and expanded by taking the neighboring Pyeonghwa trade area. After two decades, Dongdaemun became the largest South Korean clothing market. When indoor stores began to appear at the end of the last century, it earned the immodest title of Fashion City.

Today, Dongdaemun is a huge 24-hour market with thousands of retail spaces stretching for several kilometers. In addition to high-quality and stylish clothes, shopping lovers will find fashion accessories, natural fabrics, unusual toys and souvenirs, and many other goods that help to keep a long memory of a trip to Seoul.