Tips on What To Do at Dongdaemun, Seoul Korea

Dongdaemun (동대문) is one of the most attractive areas in Seoul for tourists and locals alike. All throughout the day and well into the night, the place is bustling with shoppers, vendors, tourists, and people just hanging out. Huge shopping center after shopping center can be seen lined up along the wide, crowded streets, in the midst of which is the Dongdaemun Design Plaza, a cultural fashion hub recently built and recognized as one of Seoul's major landmarks, constantly hosting exhibitions and performances for the people of Seoul.



Renewme Skin Clinic Dongdaemun is located right in the center of this wonderland, at a convenient location of just one minute away from the subway station exit. Dermatology/skin care in Korea is extremely advanced and easily accessible; pop in for a quick visit while during your stay in Seoul and experience it for yourself.

Here are directions, and some suggestions for what else you should try out at Dongdaemun:

The first step, of course, is arriving. Get off at Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, subway lines 2, 4 and 5. I normally use line 4 to get to and from work. (You can tell this is line 4 because the number in front starts with 4.) ^_^

 

Once you get off the station, all you have to do is follow the arrows that lead you to exit 13. 

Exits 13 and 14 are right beside the entrance to Good Morning City, one of the huge shopping centers you see in Dongdaemun. This place has floors and floors of clothes and fashion accessories, as well as a movie theater and sauna. Exit 13 is on the left; that's me in the blue jacket, facing the stairs. Looks like I only have one leg! :D

Walk out of exit 13 and this is the first thing you will see. Follow the yellow line and cross the street.

Renewme Skin Clinic is located on the 6th floor of this building. Go straight past Lotteria and you will see the entrance on your right.

Here is a picture of our sign as well as the entrance. Just above the clinic is a hotel; there is a wide selection of hotels and hostels around this area to choose from, of all budgets and facilities. In case you are wondering where you should stay in Seoul. ;)

Above is our reception desk and lobby. That's me on the couch, waiting to meet with an international patient who needs interpretation. ^_^

Here are some other places you should check out if you are in the area:

Shopping

Shopping is a must if you are in Dongdaemun. Stand in this spot right here, and in all four directions you will see shopping centers towering above you, as well as street stalls that sell snacks, accessories, and even clothes. Here at Dongdaemun you can get everything, from brand name clothing to cheaper but fashionable items where prices are negotiable. Have some fun haggling with the store owners before you make your purchase! Many shopping centers also have floors with souvenirs that can make great gifts. Many of them are also open until 4-5 in the morning! Ooh. And if you're into Korean cosmetics, which is steadily gaining worldwide popularity due to its low prices and high quality, they are all available at Dongdaemun as well.

Food

Ah, the food in Korea is really something. It's unique, delicious, and super cheap. Most of it will be things you have never tried back at home (unless you've had Korean food already), so get ready to gain some weight during your stay. Dongdaemun is full of restaurants and cafes that sell traditional food, international food, fusion foods, desserts, drinks, coffee, you name it. Most restaurants around this area will probably have English/Chinese/Japanese menus for tourists. Street foods are also aplenty - ice cream, chicken on a stick, Korean corndogs, silkworms, waffles, fried snacks are just a few out of the endless options. You'll want to try everything... and you should!

Cheonggyecheon (Stream)

Cheonggyecheon is a stream that flows through the city center, passing by Dongdaemun along the way. This used to be an actual stream that was restored about ten years ago and is now artificially run. It's bright and decorated, and a great place to go for a walk or jog, sightseeing along the way. (No swimming or wading, though - the water is not that clean!) In the late fall/early winter you might be able to catch the lantern festival. Even if you can't, the stream is a beautiful thing to see at night when it is all lit up.

Wholesale/Night Market

To Seoul locals, I would say this is what Dongdaemun is most well-known for. Closer to Cheonggyecheon, you will see huge market complexes that are a bit less modern. These markets are wholesale only, and have supplies for just about anything; clothing items, fabric, accessories, crafts, shoes, sports etc. If you are looking to import supplies or clothes to start a retail business, or perhaps an online shopping mall, this is the perfect place for you. Remember, this is wholesale only; don't expect to shop for yourself around here. They will know, and refuse to deal with you.

A lot of these markets open in the evening and close in the early morning. There are also a bunch of street stalls that line up outside after the sun goes down. The night market is a great option for when you are jet-lagged, not into clubs or drinking, and have nowhere else to go. It's a fun experience even if you don't want to buy anything. Plus, some night stalls sell street food as well, so you won't go hungry.

And that's all! I hope this helps you navigate through Seoul if you still aren't familiar with this crazy, beautiful, awesome city. 

Best wishes on your journey.

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