Korea's biggest traditional market, one stop from Myeongdong.
Hoehyeon is the station for Namdaemun Market, a sprawling traditional market of more than 10,000 shops selling everything from ginseng and kitchenware to children's clothes and camera gear.
It is also next to Shinsegae's flagship department store and a short walk from Sungnyemun, Seoul's Great South Gate.
Which exit to take
- Exit5Namdaemun MarketGo in the morning. Many shops close on Sundays.
- FollowsignsGalchi Jorim AlleyA lane of restaurants serving braised hairtail fish, inside the market.
- FollowsignsSungnyemun (Namdaemun Gate)The Great South Gate of the old city wall, restored after a 2008 fire.
- FollowsignsShinsegae Department Store main branchHoused partly in a 1930s building, with a duty-free floor.
Exit numbers can change during station works. Check the yellow exit boards on the platform before you leave the gates.
Food nearby
Market food alleys serve kalguksu, hotteok (sweet pancakes) and braised fish at counter stalls. Cheap and quick.
Good to know
- Bargaining is normal in the wholesale sections.
- The Namsan cable car is a 10-minute walk from here too.
Travel times
| To | Time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Myeongdong | ~2 min | Line 4 towards Myeongdong |
| Gyeongbokgung | ~17 min | Line 4 towards Myeongdong, then change at Chungmuro to Line 3 |
| Bukchon & Insadong | ~15 min | Line 4 towards Myeongdong, then change at Chungmuro to Line 3 |
| Seoul Station | ~2 min | Line 4 towards Seoul Station |
| Hongdae | ~16 min | Line 4 towards Seoul Station, then change at Seoul Station to AREX (airport) |
| Seongsu | ~23 min | Line 4 towards Myeongdong, then change at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park to Line 2 |
| Gangnam | ~33 min | Line 4 towards Seoul Station, then change at Sadang to Line 2 |
| Jamsil / Lotte World | ~34 min | Line 4 towards Myeongdong, then change at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park to Line 2 |
Approximate, based on distance between stops plus about seven minutes per change. Add a few minutes for waiting.