Bamdokkaebi Night Market: The Trendiest Night Markets in Seoul

Night markets in Seoul are always full of surprises. Junk food and street delicacies, either local or international, they’re all so hard to resist. In the recent years, an interesting night market called “Bamdokkaebi Night Market” 밤도께비 야시장 has risen to popularity amongst Seoulites. It is currently the trendiest night markets held in Seoul.

“Bam” means night in Korean, and “Dokkaebi” refers to a Korean folklore character that appears only at night to trick human and disappears when the night turns to dusk. It is named after the characteristic of such night markets because they’re known to appear only at night and completely disappear by morning.

Bamdokkaebi Night Market first started in Yeouido in 2015 and expanding into 4 other venues in Seoul due to surging popularity — Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Cheonggye Plaza, Cheonggye-Cheon and Banpo. I have recently visited a Bamdokkaebi Night Market in Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP). Check out the video below:

These night markets are typically held every Fridays and Saturdays, with some Sunday markets happening at several locations mentioned above. Visitors can expect snack trucks, handmade goods stalls and cultural performances at these markets from 5pm- 11 pm.

The food trucks selections are wide. Expect international dishes like shrimp pad thai, Mexican tacos, English fish & chips, sandwiches, grilled lobsters, churros, hot dogs as well as Korean street food such as mandoo, ddeokbokki, and king sized bulgogi stick. The license to sell food here isn’t easy to obtain either. According to an egg benedict truck owner, all of these vendors went through several rounds of interviews before given a green light to do business there.

Different Bamdokkaebi Night Market has slightly different characteristics. For example, Yeouido focuses more on international fair, hence given the theme of “Yeouido World Night Market” whereas the one at DDP is themed as a “Youth Runway Market”, which functions as a platform for the youth to dream and shine. If you want to do some shopping to support local artists and designers, DDP night market is clearly the better option.

Yeouido Night Market is believed to be the biggest and oldest Bamdokkaebi Night Market in Seoul, which makes it the best night market you should check out if you’re in short of time. However, if you prefer something more stylish or quirky, board on subway line No.2 to Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station, where you’ll be greeted by the energetic crowd at the market.

For those who prefer a romantic night out with the loved ones, check out the Bamdokkaebi night market at Banpo. Themed as “Romantic Starlight Market”, the market focuses on food and various performances such as Jazz and Acapella. Remember to catch the Banpo Bridge Light Show when you’re there!

Information

Click onto the compiled Google map below to locate the nearest Bamdokkaebi Night Market.

Yeouido World Night Market 여의도 월드나이트마켓
Address: 330 Yeoeuido Hangang Park, Yeoeuidong-ro, Yondeungpo-gu, Seoul.
서울시 영등포구 여의동로 330 여의도한강공원 물빛광장
Every Friday & Saturday, March – October.
6pm-11pm

DDP Youth Runway Market 청춘 런웨이마켓
Address: 281 Euljiro, Jung-gu, Seoul.
서울시 중구 을지로 281
Every Friday & Saturday, March – October.
6pm-11pm

Banpo Romantic Starlight Market 반포 낭만달빛마켓
Address: Banpo Hangang Park, Banpo 2 dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul.
서울시 서초구 반포2동 반포한강공원 달빛광장
Every Friday & Saturday, March – October.
6pm-11pm

Cheonggye-Cheon Time Slip Market 청계천 타임슬립 마켓
Address: Cheonggye Cheon, Near Gwang Tong Bridge. Jungak Station Exit 5.
청계천 광통교 일대(을지로입구역 1∙2번 출구, 종각역 5번 출구)
Every Saturday 430pm-1130pm
Every Sunday 4pm – 9pm
March – October

Cheonggye Plaza 청계광장 시즌마켓
Address: 14 Seorin-dong, Jungno-gu, Seoul.
서울시 종로구 서린동 14
May 19th, 20th, 21st;  6pm-11pm.
August 18th, 19th, 20th; 6pm-11pm.
September 15th, 16th, 17th;  6pm-11pm.
October 13th, 14th, 15th;  6pm-11pm.
**Cheonggye Plaza’s night market has seasonal opening. Please check the official website for more information.

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