10 Best Sights in Dongdaemun, Seoul

Ever since this massive, spaceship-like cultural center opened in 2014 it’s become a quintessential sight in Dongdaemun and is visited by an average of 30,000 people per day. The futuristic Zaha Hadid–designed structure is clad with 45,133 aluminum panels and hosts more than 100 exhibitions and events each year. There are also architectural tours, a rooftop garden, kids’ art classes, restaurants, cafes, and shops to keep you occupied for hours.

This section of the sprawling Gwangjang Market is a food lover’s dream. The market’s history dates back more than 100 years and the bright, buzzing atmosphere remains the go-to place to sample Korea’s famous street food. Not to be missed are the bindaetteok (savory mung bean pancakes), mandu (meat or kimchi-filled dumplings), and tteokbokki (simmered rice cake in a spicy red sauce). More adventurous eaters can try san-nakji (raw, freshly chopped live octopus), jokbal (pig feet), and dakbal (chicken feet). Prices are inexpensive, and it’s possible to fill up with two or three items for less than ₩10,000 (more for the delicacies).

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a manmade waterway and walking path stretching 11 km (7 miles) through central Seoul and is one of the city’s most popular attractions. The museum exhibits trace the history of the stream from its natural origins to pollution during the Japanese occupation, to being covered by a freeway overpass, to the 21st-century restoration project that revived it, transforming it into the peaceful oasis it is today.

It seems anachronistic that the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park is directly adjacent to the ultra-modern Dongdaemun Design Plaza, but there it is: the new juxtaposed with the old. They were both constructed at the same time as part of one massive project, and it was all of the ancient relics unearthed that led to the establishment of the park as a historical destination. The park houses remnants of Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) and the Yigansumun Water Gate, as well as the Dongdaemun History Museum.

Part of the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, this museum displays pottery, porcelain, and other relics excavated during the park's construction; they date from the 14th century to the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 20th century.

Just outside Dongmyo subway station (exit three), there’s a whole city block that feels as though it’s emerged from another era. This veritable time warp contains various examples of Chinese art and architecture including wood statues, stone calligraphy tablets, and an ornate, colorful shrine dedicated to the third-century general Guan Yu of the ancient Chinese state Shu Han. The general’s spirit was said to have led a Korean army to victory over a Japanese invasion in 1592, and the complex was erected in 1599 in his honor.

Also known as Dongdaemun Gate (Great Eastern Gate), this massive, elaborate structure is one of the eight gates that protected the outer wall of Seoul Fortress during the Joseon Dynasty. Originally built in 1396, the towering two-story hipped roof features the distinctive curved edges of East Asian architecture. The gate fell into disrepair and was rebuilt in 1869, and in 1963 was designated a National Treasure by the Korean government.

This unique little museum lies on a residential street north of the hectic thoroughfares around Dongdaemun Square. Permanent and special exhibitions explore the history of the sewing industry in Korea, and there are hands-on experiences such as making brooches or keychains. Tours in English are offered for one to 20 people and must be reserved at least one day in advance.

Set in Dongdaemun City Wall Park (also known as Heunginjimun Park), this compact yet worthwhile museum is dedicated to the 18.63 km-long (11.58 mile-long) wall that has surrounded Seoul for more than 600 years. The museum is divided into three permanent exhibition halls featuring the history of the wall, the construction and management of the wall, and the damage and reconstruction of the wall. If you’re planning on walking the Seoul City Wall Trail consider popping into the museum first to enhance your experience.

Constructed in 1396 to protect the capital from invasion, Hanyangdoseong is an 18.63 km-long (11.58 mile-long) fortress wall punctuated with eight gates that took 197,400 people 98 days to complete. Although many sections of the colossal wall have been lost to time, about 70 percent of the wall and six of the gates remain intact today. The wall was built in harmony with the city’s natural topography by lining the ridges of Seoul’s four main mountains, making the trails following the wall today a great way to explore Seoul from the ground up. Two sections of the wall lie in the Dongdaemun area and extend north and south from Heunginjimun Gate. 

The northern Naksan Mountain Trail follows the remnants of the wall for 2.1 km (1.3 miles) over Naksan Mountain to Hyehwamun Gate, and the southern Heunginjimun Gate Trail extends 1.8 km (1.1 miles) past Dongdaemun History & Culture Park and Dongdaemun Design Plaza to Gwanghuimun Gate. Whichever trail you take, a good place to start is with a visit to the Seoul City Wall Museum set in Dongdaemun City Wall Park.