Seoul’s best flea markets

Sunny, brisk September days are perfect for some treasure hunting at outdoor flea markets. Here are Seoul’s most popular flea markets.

Seocho Saturday Flea Market

Location: Sadang Station, Lines 2 and 4, Exit 11

Time: Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Phone: (02) 2155-6693

Website: www.seocho.go.kr

On an 800-meter-long street between Sadang and Chongshin University subway stations, thousands of buyers and sellers hustle and bustle every Saturday. This is Seoul’s oldest and largest flea market and the only one that is open throughout the year.

Products on sale vary widely, from used household items, antiques to fresh fruits and vegetables. Cultural events are also offered, including musical concerts and free craft classes.

To sell, one must apply online on Monday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Competition for a stall is usually around 3:1. Successful applicants are randomly selected.

Ttukseom Beautiful Flea Market

Location: Ttukseom Resort Station, Line 7, Exit 2 or 3

Time: March to October, Saturdays, from 11:30 a.m to 4 p.m

Phone: 1899-1017

Website: www.flea1004.com

Ttukseom Beautiful Flea Market tries to stay true to the culture of sharing, limiting the number of items that a seller can bring to 40. Ten percent of the sellers’ profits are donated to help underprivileged children.

Products usually include household items, books, clothes and accessories. Participants are people of all ages, especially those with their families.

Those interested in selling can register to sell at www.flea1004.com. Test-runs of Sunday markets have started this year to provide more opportunities for both vendors and visitors.

Mapo Hope Flea Market

Location: Daeheung Station, Line 6, Exit 2

Time: From March 31 to Nov. 3, Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone: (02) 715-7546

Website: www.mapomarket.com

The Mapo Hope Flea Market is held in the middle of a residential area in Mapo-gu. Located in front of the Mapo Art Center, the market is not as big as those in Ttukseom or Seocho, but enough for more than 200-300 people to haggle over items.

The sellers are mostly local neighbors who bring their used items from home including clothes, shoes, bicycles, game consoles, footballs and musical instruments.

Anyone who wants to sell can join by registering on location. Ten percent of the sellers’ profits go to charity.

Hongdae Art Free Market

Location: Hongik University Station, Line 2 or Airport Express Line, Exit 9

Time: March to November, Saturdays, from 1 to 6 p.m.

Phone: (02) 325-8553

Website: www.freemarket.or.kr

Held in the Hongdae area, the mecca of art and youth culture in Seoul, the Hongdae Art Free Market is a great venue for young, independent artists and people seeking unique and creative goods.

Items on display include handicrafts, jewelry and other artwork including earrings, necklaces, rings, calligraphy and handmade dolls.

People can also enjoy music from indie bands and amateur singers who perform from 1:30 p.m. on a small stage at the back of the market.

The market is located at Hongik Children’s Park near the entrance of Hongik University.

By Lee Sun-young, Kim Young-won and Sang Youn-joo
(milaya@heraldcorp.com) (wone0102@heraldcorp.com) (sangyj@heraldcorp.com)