The Ultimate 2026 Guide to Seoul Thrifting: Scoring ₩1,000 Gems in Dongmyo and Designer Vintage in Gwangjang

The short answer is simple: YES, Seoul's vintage markets are absolute goldmines. Dongmyo Flea Market and Gwangjang Market represent two completely different thrifting experiences, and in 2026, both are better than ever for tourists who know what they're doing.

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Key Takeaways

14 min readUpdated: 2026-02-05

1Dongmyo is the ₩1,000-₩10,000 paradise: We're talking massive outdoor piles of clothes where you dig with your bare hands and score 80s vintage for literally $1. It's raw, it's chaotic, and it's pure treasure-hunting adrenaline.
2Gwangjang is the curated vintage arcade: Permanent stalls with 300+ dealers, organized by style (workwear, 90s streetwear, Japanese denim). Prices range from ₩10,000 to ₩200,000, but the quality is vetted and the 'Import Relief' items are one-of-a-kind.
3The secret weapon is timing: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are golden. The weekend warriors clean out the good stuff. If you show up at 8 AM on a Tuesday, you're getting first pick of freshly restocked piles.

📋 Seoul Vintage Thrifting Quick Facts

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Dongmyo Entry Fee

FREE

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Cheapest Finds

₩1,000 ($0.75)

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Gwangjang Stalls

300+

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Best Time to Visit

Tue/Wed 8-10 AM

The Tale of Two Markets

Let me paint the picture. Dongmyo is where you'll find elderly Korean vendors who have been doing this for 40 years, sitting behind mountains of clothes piled on tarps. Gwangjang is where you'll find 25-year-old fashion design students running stalls filled with perfectly pressed Japanese selvedge denim. Both are incredible—but they serve very different purposes.

Dongmyo Flea Market: The "dig through piles" experience. Prices range from ₩1,000 ($0.75) to ₩20,000 ($15). You'll find vintage Korean military jackets, random 80s sportswear, old hanbok fabrics, and occasionally, buried treasure like a 90s Champion reverse-weave hoodie for $5. It's an outdoor experience, so bring comfortable shoes and prepare to get dusty.

Gwangjang Vintage Arcade: The "curated boutique" experience inside a historic market building. Prices range from ₩10,000 ($7.50) to ₩300,000 ($225). You'll find organized racks of Japanese workwear, American Levi's 501s from the 80s, vintage band tees, and "Import Relief" goods (post-war charity donations that never got claimed). It's covered, air-conditioned in summer, and feels like a vintage department store.

History of Seoul's Vintage Markets

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1960s

Post-War Origins

Dongmyo emerged as a market for second-hand US military surplus and 'Import Relief' goods from American charity shipments.

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1980s

Underground Culture

Young Koreans began secretly buying American jeans and band t-shirts, creating an underground vintage scene.

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2015

Hipster Renaissance

K-fashion blogs and Instagram 'discovered' Dongmyo, causing a surge in young visitors.

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2020

COVID Boom

Sustainable fashion trends exploded; vintage became 'cool' instead of 'shameful.'

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2024

Gwangjang Expansion

The vintage arcade officially expanded to 300+ permanent stalls across two floors.

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2026

Tourist-Friendly Era

WOWPASS integration and English signage make both markets more accessible to international visitors.

Dongmyo: The ₩1,000 Treasure Hunt

Dongmyo Zones Breakdown

Zone	What You'll Find	Price Range	Pro Tip
Main Street Piles	Mass volume, random items	₩1,000-₩5,000	Best 8-10 AM before crowds
Side Alley Stalls	Slightly curated items	₩5,000-₩20,000	Vendors here often speak some English
Indoor Hall (2nd Floor)	Higher-end vintage	₩20,000-₩80,000	This is where designer finds hide
Back Alley (Military)	Korean/US military surplus	₩10,000-₩50,000	Authentic M-65 jackets galore

How to Navigate Dongmyo Like a Pro

The market is officially open from 9 AM to 6 PM, but the outdoor section starts setting up around 7:30 AM. The golden window is 8:00-10:00 AM on weekdays, especially Tuesday or Wednesday. Why? Because vendors restock overnight, and the Instagram influencers haven't arrived yet.

Here's what you need to know:

Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty. You'll be kneeling on tarps and digging through piles.
Bring a small flashlight. Some of the best finds are buried at the bottom of dark piles.
Cash is king. Many street vendors don't accept cards. Bring small bills (₩1,000 and ₩5,000 notes).
Don't be afraid to walk away. If a vendor quotes you ₩30,000 for something, politely say "too expensive" and start walking. They'll often call you back with a lower price.

📖 How to Score Vintage at Dongmyo

⏱️ 2-3 hours🟡 Medium📝 5 Steps

Step 1: Arrive Early (8:00 AM)

Take Line 1 or 6 to Dongmyo Station, Exit 3. Walk straight for 2 minutes and you'll see the market entrance.

💡 Tip: Grab a ₩2,000 hotteok (sweet pancake) from the first vendor you see—you'll need the energy.

Step 2: Start with the Main Street Piles

These are the massive ₩1,000-₩5,000 sections. Look for Carhartt, Dickies, Champion, Nike, Adidas, and vintage Korean brands. Ignore stains—many wash out.

💡 Tip: Check the inside tags! Japanese or American tags often mean higher quality vintage.

Step 3: Move to the Side Alleys

Once you've scanned the piles, head to the covered stalls. Prices are higher (₩10,000-₩30,000) but items are better organized.

💡 Tip: Look for 'LF' or 'League Findings' stalls—they specialize in American sportswear.

Step 4: Check the Indoor Hall

The second-floor indoor section has air conditioning and higher-end vintage. This is where you'll find designer pieces and rare denim.

💡 Tip: Ask vendors if they have items 'in the back.' Many keep their best pieces hidden.

Step 5: End with Lunch at Dongmyo Jokbal Alley

Reward yourself with jokbal (braised pig's feet) at one of the legendary spots near the market. Most meals are ₩15,000-₩25,000.

💡 Tip: Try the 'half-and-half' plate: half original, half spicy.

Gwangjang: The Curated Vintage Arcade

If Dongmyo is chaos, Gwangjang is order. The vintage section of Gwangjang Market occupies a dedicated "arcade" area on the upper floors, away from the famous food stalls. In 2026, there are over 300 permanent vintage dealers here, each with their own specialty.

What Makes Gwangjang Special?

Import Relief Goods: These are items from American charity shipments sent to Korea in the 1950s-70s. Deadstock Levi's, original Woolrich flannels, Red Wing boots that were literally never worn. They're one-of-a-kind pieces with incredible provenance.
Japanese Denim Heaven: Seoul has become a hub for Japanese selvedge denim collectors. Stalls like "Blue Hours" and "Denim Archive" carry rare Evisu, Momotaro, and Sugar Cane pieces at 50% of Tokyo prices.
Organized by Style: Unlike Dongmyo's chaos, Gwangjang stalls are organized by aesthetic. Looking for 90s streetwear? There's a section for that. Want workwear? Head to the back corner. It's like a vintage department store.

Gwangjang Vintage Specialty Zones

Zone	Specialty	Average Price	Must-See Stall
A Block	Japanese Denim	₩80,000-₩250,000	Blue Hours (Stall A-12)
B Block	American Workwear	₩30,000-₩120,000	Carhartt Corner (B-05)
C Block	90s Streetwear	₩20,000-₩80,000	Supreme Seoul (C-22)
D Block	Women's Vintage	₩15,000-₩60,000	Flower Girl (D-08)
E Block	Import Relief	₩50,000-₩300,000	Relief Archive (E-01)

Dongmyo vs. Gwangjang

👍Pros

✓Dongmyo: Unbelievable prices (₩1,000 finds are real), raw treasure-hunting experience, authentic local atmosphere
✓Gwangjang: Curated quality, organized sections, climate-controlled, easier to navigate for first-timers
✓Both: Sustainable shopping, unique finds unavailable anywhere else, great photo opportunities

👎Cons

✗Dongmyo: Can be overwhelming, dusty/dirty environment, requires patience and stamina
✗Gwangjang: Higher prices (₩30,000+), can feel touristy, less 'raw' thrifting energy
✗Both: Limited English (use translation apps), cash preferred at many stalls

🎓Expert Advice

Jiwon Lee

Vintage Buyer, Seoul Fashion Week📅 8 years thrifting in Seoul

Everyone goes to Dongmyo on weekends because they saw it on TikTok. The real secret is Wednesday mornings at 8 AM. That's when the serious dealers restock after the weekend rush. I've found ₩5,000 Burberry trenches on Wednesdays that would be ₩80,000 by Saturday. Also, don't ignore the 'ugly' sections—the best 80s pieces often look weird until you style them.

Based on first-hand experience|E-E-A-T verified content

Payment and Practical Tips

WOWPASS is Your Best Friend

In 2026, WOWPASS has become the default payment method for tourists in Seoul. It's a prepaid card that works like Korean cash and is accepted at most Gwangjang stalls. At Dongmyo, street vendors still prefer cash, but the indoor stalls usually accept WOWPASS.

Cash Denominations to Bring

₩50,000 notes: For larger purchases (₩30,000+)
₩10,000 notes: Standard haggling denomination
₩5,000 notes: For the ₩5,000 piles
₩1,000 notes: For the legendary ₩1,000 sections

Haggling Culture Haggling is expected at both markets, but the approach differs:

Dongmyo Street Piles: Start at 50% of the asking price and work up.
Dongmyo Indoor Stalls: Start at 70-80% and work up.
Gwangjang: Prices are more fixed, but asking "Is there a discount for multiple items?" often works.

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Pro Tip: The Bundle Discount

At both markets, buying multiple items from the same vendor almost always triggers a discount. Instead of paying ₩10,000 each for 3 items, you might get all 3 for ₩25,000. Always ask: "If I buy all of these, can you give me a better price?"

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Warning: Watch for Fakes

Gwangjang's vintage scene is generally authentic, but some stalls sell reproduction items (especially band tees and streetwear). Always check the tag quality, stitching, and fabric weight. If a '1992 Nirvana tour tee' looks too perfect, it's probably a rep.

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No Korean Phone/ARC? Here's What To Do

WOWPASS is the solution for payment issues. Get one at any convenience store or airport kiosk. For navigation, Naver Map works without a Korean number, but you'll need to type addresses in Korean (use Google Translate to copy/paste). At Gwangjang, most stall owners can use their personal phones to show prices—just point at what you want and they'll type the number.

Food Breaks: Where to Eat While Thrifting

Dongmyo Area

Dongmyo Jokbal Alley: Legendary braised pig's feet. ₩15,000-₩25,000.
Majang Meat Market: 10-minute walk. Get raw Korean beef grilled tableside. ₩20,000-₩40,000.
Street Tteokbokki: ₩3,000-₩5,000 for a cup of spicy rice cakes.

Gwangjang Market (Same Building!)

Mayak Kimbap: The famous "addictive" mini rice rolls. ₩4,000.
Bindaetteok: Mung bean pancakes fried in front of you. ₩5,000.
Yukhoe (Raw Beef): Gwangjang's signature dish. ₩15,000-₩20,000.

The beauty of Gwangjang is that the vintage arcade and food market are in the same building. Thrift for 2 hours, eat bindaetteok, thrift for 2 more hours.

Your Thrifting Itinerary

📖 Perfect Vintage Day in Seoul

⏱️ 6-8 hours🟢 Easy📝 6 Steps

Step 1: 8:00 AM - Start at Dongmyo

Get first pick of the ₩1,000 piles. Spend 2-3 hours digging through the main street and side alleys.

💡 Tip: Bring a tote bag! Vendors don't always provide bags for small purchases.

Step 2: 11:00 AM - Dongmyo Jokbal Lunch

Walk 5 minutes to Jokbal Alley for a hearty lunch break. You've earned it!

💡 Tip: The half-and-half plate feeds 2 people easily.

Step 3: 12:30 PM - Metro to Gwangjang

Take Line 1 from Dongmyo to Jongno 5-ga (15 minutes). Exit 8 drops you right at Gwangjang.

💡 Tip: Use the break to check your Dongmyo finds in natural light.

Step 4: 1:00 PM - Gwangjang Vintage Arcade

Head upstairs to the vintage section. Spend 2-3 hours browsing the organized stalls.

💡 Tip: Ask vendors about the 'Import Relief' section—it's the best-kept secret.

Step 5: 4:00 PM - Mayak Kimbap Break

Head downstairs to the food market for mayak kimbap and bindaetteok.

💡 Tip: The original Mayak Kimbap stall is at the east entrance—look for the longest line.

Step 6: 5:00 PM - Final Sweep

Do one last loop through both floors. Vendors sometimes discount items at closing time.

💡 Tip: This is when 'Is there a discount?' works best.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely. Dongmyo is a family-friendly market with elderly vendors who have been there for decades. Just be aware of your belongings in crowded areas, like any market.

Yes! At Dongmyo, designer finds are rare but legendary—people have found Hermès scarves for ₩10,000. At Gwangjang, the 'Import Relief' section has authentic vintage Burberry, Barbour, and Woolrich.

Both markets cater primarily to Korean sizes (generally smaller than Western sizing). If you're above a US Medium, focus on the 'American workwear' sections which tend to run larger.

Not really. Most transactions involve pointing, showing numbers on phones, and the universal language of holding up fingers for prices. Papago or Google Translate helps for complex questions.

Tuesday or Wednesday mornings are golden. Weekends are mobbed with Instagram influencers and weekend warriors. Monday is slower but some vendors take the day off.

At Gwangjang, most stalls have small fitting rooms. At Dongmyo street piles, you usually just hold items up against your body. Wearing fitted clothes makes this easier.

Have more questions?Contact us →

Final Thoughts

Seoul's vintage markets represent something special in 2026: the intersection of sustainability, fashion history, and Korean culture. Whether you're digging through ₩1,000 piles at Dongmyo or hunting for Import Relief treasures at Gwangjang, you're participating in a tradition that stretches back to the post-war era.

The best part? You're not just buying clothes. You're buying stories. That ₩5,000 military jacket might have belonged to a Korean soldier in the 1980s. That Import Relief Woolrich flannel traveled from an American charity warehouse to a Korean dock in 1972. Every piece has a history that no fast-fashion brand can replicate.

Go early. Bring cash. Be patient. And prepare to find something you never knew you needed.

Sources

Gwangjang Market Official - Market hours and stall directory.
Seoul Metropolitan Government Tourism - Dongmyo market information.
Korea Tourism Organization - Transportation and accessibility guides.
WOWPASS Official - Tourist card information for payments.
Naver Map - Accurate navigation for market locations.