An Ultimate Guide to Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market

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In Seoul, there is an ongoing night market called ‘Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market‘. ‘Bam‘ means night in Korean and ‘Dokkaebi‘ is a mythical creature from Korean fairy tales, which appears in the night and disappears in the day. Just like its name, this night market runs only during nighttime.

This unique night market is held every week on Fridays and Saturdays, from 18:00 until 23:00, from April to October in four different venues- Yeouido Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and Cheonggyecheon Stream (Cheonggye Plaza) – each featuring its own theme. Specific dates and opening hours change every year, and the opening hours of venues vary. In 2019, the night markets are held from April 5th to October 27th.

At Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market, you can find not only food trucks that serve traditional Korean foods and foods from other countries but also little shops that sell the trendiest items and handmade craft items. Enjoy the fascinating live music performances along with tasty street foods. Magnificent views of the Han River are a bonus!

Tips before you go to the Night Market

1. Check where the Information Center is.

Make sure to remember where the information desk is just in case you get lost or need emergency medical care. You can find the information center at the entrance of each night market. Feel free to ask the staff if you have questions about the night market.

2. Go to the Colorful International Food Truck Zone!

This is probably everyone’s favorite part of night markets! Try tasty food worldwide, which is served hot and fresh from a lot of different food trucks. It is recommended that you appease your hunger by grabbing the treats first at the food truck zone and then take a look at other parts of the night market.

3. Happy shopping time! Hit Shopping Lane.

After enjoying a tasty treat, take a walk around the Shopping Lane where you can browse through a variety of handicraft and trendy items from different cultures and social enterprises. Window shopping is totally fine. But once you see these colorful, unique handmade accessories, you cannot help but buy them!

4. The Viewing Area, where the music takes you.

From traditional, modern, buskers to impromptu performances, a variety of performances will make your night in Seoul more pleasant. Head over to the viewing area if you want to listen to music and relax. To add, there will be other entertaining events for you to enjoy such as contemporary circus, a fire show, miming, a magic show and many more.

5. Chillax at the rest area with your beloved ones.

The perfect way to wrap up your night at the night market is to sit at the rest area and take in the beautiful night views along the Han River with your significant ones.

Four Venues of Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market

1. Yeouido Bamdokkaebi Night Market

The market takes place in Yeouido Hangang Park under the theme of “one-night world tour”. There will be a seasonal festival where souvenirs from all over the world are displayed and sold.
This is a place where you can experience audio-visual materials and customs of the world’s famous night markets. Besides, there are traditional world performances, busking performances, and a standing experience program for anyone to participate in. In addition, make your nights fancy by renting a tent and spending time comfortably around the market.

Opening Hours: Every Friday & Saturday 5.00pm-10.00pm (Sep 16th-24th / Oct 14th-22nd)

Things to do nearby: 

• Han River E-land Ferry Cruise (Day & Night) – from Yeouido/Jamsil
• 63 Building Observatory Ticket: 63 Sky Art & Aqua Planet 63

2. Banpo Bamdokkaebi Night Market

Taking place in Banpo Hangang Park under the theme of romance and art, the Banpo Bamdokkaebi night market is waiting for you! Water shows of the Banpo Bridge light up the night and cute yellow tents are distinctive. Stores, where you can buy charming artifacts, are unfolded in the background of the moonlight. Feel art and romance right in front of the Han River as well as delicious food.

Opening Hours: Every Sunday 4.00pm-9.00pm (May 7th-Jun 11th)

Things to do nearby: 

• Han River Boat / Yacht Ride

3. DDP Bamdokkaebi Night Market

The night market at Dongdaemun Design Plaza under the theme of youth features trendy and unique products designed by young artisans and startups. Moreover, you can even enjoy fashion shows and b-boy performances that add a lively, convivial atmosphere to the venue. A bright photo zone in the Rose Garden of LEDs is set at sunset, so why not take a glittering picture of your life?

Opening Hours: Not held this year

Things to do nearby:

• Seoul at Night: Special City Night Tour
• Seoul Travel Snap Photoshoot (Day/ Night)

4. Cheonggyecheon Bamdokkaebi Night Market

The night market of Cheonggyecheon Stream takes place around Gwangtonggyo Bridge. When there are special occasions or holidays, the theme of the market changes according to the holiday. This is a place to meet the Korean tradition beyond time with interactive experience booths. Also, look around for souvenirs to remember your nights in Seoul!

Opening Hours: Not held this year

Things to do nearby:

• Street Food Tour in Seoul (Arriving Soon)
• Korean Palace Tour
• Seoul Night Group Tour: Gwangjang Market + Changgyeonggung Palace + Cheonggyecheon Stream + Naksan Park

Notice: Seoul Christmas Market which is a part of Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market will be held during the Christmas season for about 10 days.

If you would like to know Korean food better and try selected food, book a tour below:

• Night Food Tour in Euljiro, Seoul
• Namdaemun Market Street Food Walking Tour
• Insadong Half Day Walking Food Tour
• Changgyeonggung Palace Night Tour With Food & Makgeolli
• Noryangjin Fish Market Half Day Walking Tour & Food Tasting

Discover the latest and trendiest things to do in Korea at Korea’s #1 Travel Shop, Trazy.com.

Photos Credits:

Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market

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