cheonggyecheon time tour market

Visit to Cheonggyecheon Night Market

Visit cheonggyecheon night market in 2019 take a walk along the beautiful cheonggyecheon and the night market.

Hello, everyone! We are Creatrip , a group of Korean travel experts.

When you talk about the Korean night market, the first thing you should think of is the Yeouido and Dongdaemun Night Market! However, in Gwanghwamun and Cheonggyecheon near Gyeongbokgung Palace, there will be night markets every weekend, and it's just as good as other popular places!

Take a look at the latest visits in 2019. The next time you come to Cheonggyecheon, you can experience the atmosphere of the night market in Seoul.

2019 Seoul Cheonggyecheon Night Market I Information

• Location：Cheonggyecheon Plaza
• Subway: Exit 5 of Gwanghwamun Station, Exit 5 of Jonggak Station
• Hours：2019.04.05.-2019.10.27. Every Friday 17:00-22:30；Every Sunday 16:00-21:00 (May vary depending on the weather)

Every spring and summer season, the market will be launched in Seoul. In addition to the night markets in Yeouido and Dongdaemun, I also recommend the "Cheonggyecheon Night Market" in Cheonggyecheon Plaza.

The hours are quite special. It will only be held on Friday and Sunday afternoons. At that time, the front section of Cheonggyecheon Road will be closed. Instead there will be many stalls stretched out.

2019 Seoul Cheonggyecheon Night Market I Review

In the afternoon before dark, the area around Cheonggyecheon was already full of crowds and dining cars and shopping stall. Everyone took a walk along Cheonggyecheon Road or just sat by the street to rest.

Cheonggyecheon is also the home of Korea Tourism Organization, so there is a stall in front of it where you can enjoy activities and fun together.

Although the number of stalls at the Cheonggyecheon Night Market is not as many as that of DDP Night Market in Dongdaemun, the view and atmosphere of shopping is also good here, and there will be no overcrowding and uncomfortable feeling.

If you don't want to walk on Cheonggyecheon Road, you can also choose to walk down the path and take a walk along Cheonggyecheon. Recently, it was the birthday of Korean Buddha.

Actually having experienced both the Cheonggyecheon and Dongdaemun Night Markets, I prefer the atmosphere of Cheonggyecheon Night Market. Although there's more variety at Dongdaemun Night Market, walking along Cheonggyecheon and strolling through the street vendors is a great enjoyment. It feels more free than at DDP.

After sunset, you can see the beautiful twilight over Cheonggyecheon Square (although the weather wasn't so great when I went).

When it gets late, there are more people, but because the route is divided into two, the riverside and the market stalls, you can either choose between taking a leisurely walk by the river or joining the crowd to have fun.

You can find food, drink, and daily necessities at Cheonggyecheon Night Market. Rather the night market, U prefer to call it a market.

Cash and credit cards are also accepted here, but credit cards are accepted only if a yellow sign is placed on the table.

Trees are planted on both sides of Cheonggyecheon, decorating it like a tree-lined avenue, and pedestrians stroll leisurely here in the beautiful evening time.

On the bridge in front of the Tourism Office, there will be the main of the Cheonggyecheon Night Market with an open space. There will be performances sometimes. When you visit the Cheonggyecheon Night Market, you can stop to take a break.

I was a bit hungry when I strolled around so I bought a crepe at the Market. It was large but still very cheap. When you come here the next time, you might as well buy a dessert.

In addition, there is a Korean stationery store "Youngpoong Moonko" at Exit 5 of Jonggak Station. After visiting the Cheonggyecheon Night Market, you might as well walk around the store and buy cute stationery to take home.

Everyone, on Friday and Sunday afternoons where it's crowded everywhere, you might as well take a walk by the beautiful Cheonggye River and experience the Korean-style night market!

The above is the latest Cheonggyecheon Night Market visit in 2019.  If you have questions about information not covered in the blog post, please email us at [email protected]

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7 Best Night Markets in Seoul 2024 (+ Labeled Map)

Last Updated: Jan 14, 2024 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

The pandemic did a number on South Korea's businesses during the first year, with thousands of shops closing, reducing heavy foot traffic in popular Seoul night markets, like Myeongdong and Dongdaemun .

Sure people had ways to shop on their phones, with online shopping becoming the most heavily-utilized service in Korea during this period, but that didn’t help most retail shops. Now after a two-year-long hiatus, people are coming out of their homes and returning to shopping in person .

Because Korea's known to come alive during the night, expect a bustling display of both locals and tourists in every Seoul night market. Business owners big and small are bravely putting up their stalls once more, ready to receive a heavy wave of buyers in the warmer months.

Fun fact : a Korean night market, or  bamdokkaebi , consists of two words:  bam  (night) and  dokkaebi  (goblin). You'd think this is a strange combination of words, but apparently this comes from a phrase that translates to "goblin that comes out at night and disappears by morning." 

This phrase perfectly metaphorizes night markets in Seoul , because this is what generally happens. Dongdaemun, for example, is barren during the day, when people only come to see the art installations in full view; at night, it turns into a shopping mecca.

People come to Seoul night markets to do two things: shop or eat. But wandering through the streets also offers fun things, like buskers, historical temples with cultural performances, or the occasional filming of a K-Drama. 

Whenever you decide to come, here are the top 7 night markets in Seoul for you to plan your trip around.

Basics of Travel in South Korea

Cultural etiquette at night markets in seoul, banghak-dong dokkaebi market (dobong), dongdaemun night market (dongdaemun), cheonggyecheon time slip market, myeongdong night market (chungmuro, jung-gu), namdaemun night market (hoehyeon-dong, jung-gu), youido world night market (yeongdeungpo), gwangjang market (jongno).

Visa: Most travelers will need a K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization ), applied for at least 72 hours before departure. If you needed a visa before, you'll need a K-ETA now. Note that from April 1, 2023, to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and several EU nations, can visit visa-free – no K-ETA required!

Currency: South Korean won ( KRW or ₩ )

Arrival in Korea: all international flights arrive at Incheon Airport (ICN), one of the best-rated airports in the world. It usually takes about 1 hour to get through security & pick up checked bags.

Getting Around: Korea has an extensive & reliable public transport system. A refillable T-Money card is your ticket to buses and trains across the country; you can buy and refill yout TMoney card at any subways station or convenience store in Korea.

Internet & SIM Cards: Rent a Wi-Fi egg or purchase a prepaid Korean SIM card at the airport, available for up to one month of connection.

Travel Insurance: always recommended, though some credit card companies offers limited coverage when booking.

Everyone is welcome to enter any Seoul night market, but you shouldn't come to these spots unprepared. Here are things you should keep in mind before you enter Seoul night markets.

• "Igeo eolmayeyo?" :  This means "how much is this?" You ask this while pointing to the item you are interested in buying. Most shopkeepers do not understand English, so it's best to brush up on your Korean currency lessons by practicing through this  site  first. 
• Haggling : Be careful before you say " kakka juseyo/harin juseyo "  (lower the price, please!) When it comes to business, Koreans evaluate their customers using four rules:  nunchi  (intuition and emotional intelligence),  gibun  (mood and feelings),  jeong  (unspoken bonds), and  chaemyeon  (face or reputation). If your natural charm allows you all four, you may enjoy some discounts, gifts, coupons, and extra samples in night markets and beyond. Moreover, it's best to haggle at traditional markets rather than shopping malls and other places with posted prices, but there are some department stores in Korea that let you haggle. It's surprising but still possible.
• Don't low-ball too much : Koreans tend to get easily offended, so if they ask you to name your price and think it's too low, they wouldn't even try to negotiate the price and just flat-out reject you. On the other hand, always feel free to walk away if the price seems too high; they might just call you back.
• "Service":  You typically get a freebie if the vendor recognizes you as a regular customer or if you've made a large purchase in their store. It's rude to reject this, so just smile and accept it even if you don't like it.
• Speak kindly and respectfully:  Koreans often say  'Customer is King'  a lot, and this is an age-old mantra they religiously follow to retain customer satisfaction and retention. Still, this does not mean you should abuse this philosophy to your advantage. When you enter their shops, be just as formal and polite as the staff, and they'll treat you well.
• Use two hands :  When handing over your money or card to vendors, use two hands as a sign of respect. If one of your hands is full, try to touch your other arm (of the hand giving the money).
• Bring cash:  If you plan to come to any market, bring cash because most vendors do not accept credit or debit cards, even during the pandemic.

Now that you know basic Korean market etiquette, it's time to test your skills in the following night markets in Seoul.

Season : Open daily

Metro Stop : Ssangmun Station, Exit 2

Operating Hours : 9 AM to 11 PM; " dokkaebi sale"  happens three times a week

If you're a big fan of sales, this market holds them thrice weekly! It's a cheapskate's paradise, with items sold here cheaper than in other markets. People also come here for the affordable but high-quality banchan, or Korean side dishes .

Moreover, many stalls are already equipped with card payment, making it a convenient shopping experience for locals and tourists who may not be as familiar with Korean currency.

There's even a quirky  history  behind the name  "dokkaebi"⁠— in the 80s when department stores were on the rise, unlicensed vendors would gather in this location. Whenever they'd hear the word of police coming, they'd immediately disperse like goblins flitting off into the darkness.

Metro Stop : Subway 2, 4, or 5 and get off at Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station. Use Exits 1, 2, or 3.

  Operating Hours : Daily, from 8 PM to 3 AM (some stalls close at 5 AM)

Dongdaemun Night Market is harder to miss than other Seoul night markets because it is situated near Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DPP), a visually breathtaking structure created by the late architect Zaha Hadid.

Known all over Seoul as its designated  "fashion town" since 2002 , the newest clothing trends are generally found here first. People with 9-to-6 jobs flock here after work, especially on paydays. If you're also lucky, you might get to see fantastic light shows and performances held near DDP.

Metro Stop : Jonggak Station (Line 1), Exit 5

  Operating Hours : 5 PM to 10 PM

If you wish to time travel, this market transports you back to ancient Korea, before they were two separate countries. Compared to other night markets in Seoul, the time slip market features traditional performances, authentic Korean food, and even specific tourist sights.

Streets are lined with  cheongsa chorong  (Korean lanterns), making the night view of the city streets a picturesque backdrop for your next selfie. Moreover, the faint glow of lights illuminating the Cheonggyecheon Stream is one of the most romantic sights you'll ever see, making it the perfect night market in Seoul for a date.

Metro Stop : Myeongdong Station (Line 4), Exit 6 or 7

  Operating Hours : 5 PM to 1 AM.

It's always busy in Myeongdong Night Market because this is a street food paradise. Tasty food options like  soondae  (blood sausages) or  hotteok  (Korean pancake) are sold here at a lower price than in other markets.

What piqued my interest, though, was the grilled cheese lobster stall. I've never seen anything like it, so I thought I should try it. Of course, it is pretty pricey (₩ 15,000 apiece – equivalent to a  muhan refill samgyeopsal  meal), but I promise you that a bite of this cheesy snack is worth every penny.

Metro Stop : Hoeheyon Station (Line 4), Exit 5

  Operating Hours : 24/7, and the night market starts at 10 PM.

Also known as the oldest and largest of the night markets in Seoul , Namdaemun Market is notorious for  never closing . Like the Time Slip Market, this market also lets you see the traditional side of Seoul because Namdaemun houses the old entryway to Seoul: The Sungnyemun Gate (The Great South Gate) and the  Deoksugung  Palace (or the old home of Joseon Dynasty royals).

This market is also the best place to find gifts and souvenirs for your friends and family since the vendors here sell just about everything you can think of.

Season : April to October; visit their  website  for more details

Metro Stop : Yeouinaru Station (Line 5), Exit 2

  Operating Hours : Saturdays & Sundays, from 5 PM to 1 AM

Seoul World Market near Banpo Bridge claims to offer a "trip around the world in one night," with the Han River as the scenic backdrop. Locals love attending the seasonal and occasional Bamdokkaebi Night Market because it brings together a variety of delicious Korean foods as well as specialties from other countries.

Foreigners stationed in Korea often visit for a taste of home, and get a sample of some future possible travels. Unlike other Seoul night markets, this spot doubles as a music festival, with legendary performances from traditional and modern to buskers and celebrities. 

In 2022, the Han River Moonlight Night Market (as it's now known) took place near Banpo Bridge until the 22-23rd of October, when it took place at Yeouido Hangang Park for the final weekend of the year. 

Metro Stop : Jongno-5 Station (Line 1), Exit 7

  Operating Hours : All stores shut around 7 PM; food street runs until 11 PM.

Even though people think of Gwangjang market as the market that makes Korea's finest  hanbok , the real gem for tourists is their 'food street.' Situated on the market's ground floor, people come to eat the legendary Gwangjang  bindaetteok .

These traditional pancakes are made from mung beans instead of wheat flour, and make for a unique taste of old Seoul. The reason why there are so many night markets in Seoul is to help people wind down after a long day at work.

Stressed office workers & students alike get their much-needed retail therapy or comfort food from any number of these stalls. If you’re a visitor, it's an excellent way to change your perspective and see a different side of Korea, thanks to evening performances and other exciting events that happen at these markets.

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, dropping by any Seoul night market will surely give you a night to remember.

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March 16, 2024 at 2:53 pm

Hi Max! Nice post. The map you created is very cool. Can I ask how you created the map of the markets? I recently got into creating a travel blog and I’ve been searching for how to create maps like you did. Thanks!

March 31, 2024 at 12:35 pm

It's just a Google map, embedded. 🙂

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11 Best Seoul Night Markets (Guide + Map & Hours)

Updated: Oct 7, 2023 by Max · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

South Korea is known as the Land of Morning Calm because at night is when things really get loud. Koreans, resident foreigners, and tourists alike all love to spend a warm evening wandering around a Seoul night market, with Myeongdong Night Market and Dongdaemun Night Market being the unquestionable front-runners.

Both of these night markets in Seoul have decades of history and multiple layers to them. For one, Dongdaemun isn't just one big market but a series of a half dozen malls, while Myeongdong Market is more like a district of markets than simply one big one.

In this guide I cover the best Seoul night markets to visit in 2023, as well as how to get there, what you'll find, and a map of the markets.

Visiting Korea in 2023

Tips for visiting night markets in seoul, 5 simple korean phrases for night markets, myeongdong night market (명동 시장), dongdaemun night market (동대문 시장), namdaemun night market (남대문 시장), gwangjang market (광장 시장), noryangjin fish market (노량진 수산물도매 시장), banghak-dong dokkaebi market (방학동 도깨비 시장), hongdae night market on weekends (홍대 시장), cheonggyecheon time tour market (청계천 타임 투어 시장), yeouido world night market (여의도 밤도깨비 야시장), banpo romantic moonlight market (반포 낭만 달빛 시장), oil tank culture park night market (오일탱크 문화공원 야시장), seoul night market map.

Those of you looking to visit South Korea are probably as confused by all the changes as I was before I visited again post-covid. But as of March 20th, 2024, masks are still required in medical settings like hospitals but are NO LONGER REQUIRED in all other indoor public places, including public transport.

Here are what document you need to visit Korea as a tourist:

• K-ETA ( Korean Electronic Travel Authorization , applied for at least 72 hours before departure) OR Visa to visit Korea (countries which previously had a visa exemption now need to apply for a K-ETA). From April 1, 2023 to December 31, 2024, passport holders from 22 countries will also temporarily NOT need a K-ETA or visa to visit Korea (includes: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Japan, Macao, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, UK, US (including Guam)). If you're a valid ABTC card holder (APEC card), you are not required to apply for a K-ETA [excluding Americans & Canadians].
• Q-Code (can also be filled out upon arrival) : visitors need to fill out information for the Korean quarantine system, known as Q-Code . Note that all travelers are now allowed in regardless of vaccination status, but you do need to have filled out your Q-Code before going through immigration.

If for some reason you need to take a covid test in a South Korea airport, the cost of a covid test in Incheon Airport is currently ₩80,000 ($60USD), with some options within Seoul as inexpensive as ₩65,000 ($50USD). There's no testing requirement to leave South Korea.

• Most shopkeepers in Korean night markets won't speak English. They just won't, and speaking louder— as I've seen some tourists do— will not make communication easier. But shopkeepers often understand body language and a bit of English, Chinese, and sometimes Japanese. So if you maintain a bit of patience and use the simple Korean phrases above, you can get through to anyone about buying anything.
• Korea is basically a cashless society , except for in the markets. This means that you can use your credit card most everywhere, but international cards aren't always accepted, so always keep enough cash on hand.
• You can and should haggle at any Seoul night market . Most shops won't have any price tags, even in 2023, so listen carefully for the shopkeeper's opening price, already having the price you're willing to pay in mind, then lowering it by 20% before it comes out of your mouth. Ideally you'll meet somewhere in the middle, and check multiple stalls for what you're looking for before starting to haggle at one.
• Getting ' service ' means a different thing in Korea. Here, many restaurants and shop proprietors will give you something extra after or during your meal or transaction, as a respectful 'thank you' for choosing their place of business. When they give you or do the free thing, they'll typically tell you that it's ' seo-bi-seu ' (서비스), or 'something for free.'
• It's respectful, though not required, to use two hands to give & receive items. If the thing you're handling is small, people typically will put their unused hand on the arm of the hand being used. It sorta sounds complicated when written down, but it becomes habit quite quickly, and it's a polite gesture.
• Shopkeepers might follow you , especially if you look like a foreigner, and they'll be standing closer to you than you'd prefer. This is true in Korean department stores and clothing shops, as well, but it always surprised me most in the night markets. They just want to be nearby in case you need anything, though I noticed that they now stand slightly further away, post-pandemic.
• Korea has their share of travel scams, and one of the most common is the fortune teller scam , in which a woman stops you on the street and offers to take you to have traditional experiences, only to scam you out of money. Either way, if someone stops you on the street or in the market like that, 95% of the time they just want money.

Before diving into any more cultural aspects you should know, here are the five most helpful Korean phrases for night markets.

• Hello //  An-nyeong-ha-se-yo . (안녕하세요.)
• Thank you //  Gam-saahm-ni-da . (감사합니다.)
• How much is it? //  Eol-ma-yeh-yo?  (얼마예요?)
• Please give me a discount. //  Ha-reen ju-say-yo.  (할인 주세요.)
• One of these, please. //  Ee-gaw ha-na ju-say-yo.  (이거 하나 주세요.)

Regular Seoul Night Markets

These are the five regular night markets in Seoul, meaning that they're open every day of the year, though many have reduced hours or many of the shops are closed on Sundays.

In 2023, Myeongdong night market hours will be longer and later than at any time since the pandemic began, as visitor numbers are expected to swell to more like pre-covid levels. This is because Myeongdong is arguably the center of Seoul nightlife, as a huge tourist destination and a hub for affordable accommodation and street food.

Myeong dong night market is particularly known for cosmetics and clothes shopping, as well as its both traditional and eclectic Korean street dishes. The area that's considered to be the night market in Myeongdong is actually a stretch of about a half mile going outwards from the metro station; just follow the bright lights.

While the cheesy lobster tail is the signature street food in Myeongdong, eomuk (어묵) & ddeokbokki (떡볶이), which are fish cakes & spicy rice cakes, respectively, are two of the cheapest and most typical dishes to try. Hoddeok (호떡), a cinnamon sugar-filled fried rice cake, is my absolute favorite treat and one of the few traditional sweets in Korea .

Location : Myeongdong Station (Exit 6 or 7) in Chungmuro, Jung-gu

Season : year-round

Hours : 5pm-1am, daily

Link to Google Map.

Dongdaemun night market is less a single market so much as a shopping complex, the cousin of wholesale-oriented Namdaemun Market. It's a group of several malls, each with many floors featuring shops selling almost everything under the sun.

Fun Fact — 'Dongdaemun" means 'large east gate' in Korean, and the name refers to a physical gate that has become emblematic in the neighborhood.

This is the ideal Seoul market for clothes shopping in the middle of the night, if that's your idea of a good time. Even if it isn't, however, shopping at Dongdaemun market offers very interesting insight into current Korean fashion and another opportunity to people-watch.

Many visitors make it a point to come here at the end of their night to wander around and haggle after dinner, or occasionally as a way to kill time before the subway reopens. Most of the street food vendors are open quite late, so this also a great place to come for late-night eats.

Location : Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station (Exits 1, 2, or 3) in Dongdaemun

Hours : 8pm-3am (some close at 5am, many are closed on Sundays)

Namdaemun is the oldest and largest night market in South Korea. It's actually the largest market in the country, period, and is open twenty-four hours a day. This is because the market actually caters to retail buyers, that is, people who are shopping for the trinkets and pieces they're going to be selling to you in Hongdae or Insadong (at a mark-up, naturally).

Many enterprising Koreans and visitors alike will come to Namdaemun night market, named after the 'large south gate' located nearby, to buy presents to bring home in bulk, or even just stock up on socks and underwear for the family. I only came here a couple times when I was living in Korea, as I found the vendors to be pretty gruff unless you could speak rapid-fire Korean.

Still, it's a cool place to wander around and spend an evening seeing Koreans haggle with the best of them.

Location : Hoeheyon Station (Exit 5) in Hoehyeon-dong, Jung-gu

Hours : 24 hours (night market starts at 10pm, many are closed on Sundays)

If Namdaemun is the oldest night market in Seoul, then Gwangjang is the oldest daily shopping market in Seoul, mostly patronized by locals picking up their weekly groceries. It's hustling, bustling, and always busy, except on Sundays, when a lot of the shops close. This is the market I head to when I want a taste of old Seoul.

Gwangjang Market is notorious amongst locals for the bindaetteok , which is a massive mung bean flour pancake served hot, preferably with a couple glasses of cold makgeolli (rice wine). There are other traditional treats to discover there, but it's also a great place to shop for high-quality local goods and traditional Korean clothing.

Sometimes there are even performances on the outskirts of the main building, especially right when Koreans get off work.

Location : Jongno-5 Station (Exit 7) in Jongno

Hours : most shops close around 7pm; street food goes 'til 11pm

People often forget that Seoul is a port city, and a hub for great, fresh seafood. It's actually an important part of the Korean diet, and one of the best places to get a taste of fresh, traditional Korean dishes is at Noryangjin Fish Market.

The open-air market is open all day, all year, including late at night. In the new building, the first floor is dedicated to the market itself, where you can browse and purchase fresh seafood for dinner, both the familiar and unfamiliar.

Up on the second floor is the restaurants where they'll prepare your catch for you, as well as serve house-made side dishes. Friday and Saturday nights are the busiest at Noryangjin, so if you want to pick food and eat it in a restaurant here, I recommend coming earlier, like around 5pm.

Location : Noryangjin Station (Exits 8 & 9) in Dongjak-gu

Hours : 24 hours

While arguably a daytime market, the Banghakdong Dokkaebi Market is one of the older markets in Seoul, having began in 1982. It started off as just a central spot for unlicensed vendors to sell goods, often in the cover of the evening, as the country was just opening up to outside influence.

The market's nickname of Dokkaebi , which roughly translates to 'goblin,' is actually a reference to these early vendors, who were said to scatter off into the night when the cops came by. These days the market operates in the daytime as well as into the night, still holding a ' dokkaebi sale' three times a week. But locals come for the cheap prices on fresh food, banchan , dry goods, clothes, and even bedding.

It's especially popular in the couple weeks before chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) to see people buying large baskets of fruits & spam. Note that this is not to be confused with the summertime 'Bamdokkaebi Markets' which pop up around Seoul at night (see below).

Location : Ssangmun Station (Exit 2) in Dobong

Hours : 9am-11pm (most shops close by 9pm)

While not a regular night market, in Hongdae every weekend there's a heavy flow of young people and a cacophony of Korean snacks & street food and both buskers & booths. Sometimes there are more organized pop-ups of art fairs or craft sales, but these are temporary extensions of the regular vendors which show up most days (along with buskers and performers on the weekends).

If you visit Hongdae for dinner beforehand, your first mission is to snag a table and order up some Korean barbecue , preferably samgyupsal (pork belly) or galbi (pork or beef ribs). After your meal, walk around the neighborhood shopping & people-watching, and settle in on a bench if it's nicer weather.

Location : Hongik University Station (Exit 8) in Mapo-gu

Hours : most shops close by 11pm (earlier in winter)

Night Market Seoul Bamdokkaebi Locations

These unusual Seoul night market locations are all connected to the same group, which has been organizing them in different locations since 2015. While the most recent iterations were in only one spot, it's believed that the 2023 Seoul Bamdokkaebi Markets will return in four or five locations, with potential for a Christmas Market.

Also sometimes held a block or two away as the Cheonggye Plaza Seasonal Night Market, this is one of the original locations for the bamdokkaebi night markets in Seoul. It's held near Gwangtonggyo Bridge, just above the famous greenery of Cheonggyecheon Stream, which cuts through the northern part of Seoul.

The name of the market refers to its general theme, which takes you back in time to enjoy traditional performances, games, and foods. The bright yellow tents which characterize the market can be seen on weekends from April to October, when the market opens in the evenings for visitors to enjoy the shows and grab street food, crafts, and locally-made clothing & gifts.

Often there are also themed photo booths set up, as well as free activities for kids. Each location of the bamdokkaebi markets is different with different timing, but the Cheonggyecheon iteration remains a local favorite.

Location : Gwanghwamun Station (exit 5), Jonggak Station (exit 5), or Euljiro 1(il)-ga Station (exit 2) in Jongno-gu

Season : April-October, sporadically (check website)

Hours : Saturday, 5pm-10pm & Sunday, 4pm-9pm

Held on occasion during the warmer months in Yeouido Hangang Park, the so-named 'Seoul World Market' is the more internationally-themed of the dokkaebi markets. The emphasis is not really upon foreign-owned businesses, but rather celebrating cultures from around the world, especially when it comes to food.

While there are also regular performances, like at all the other dokkaebi night markets, most visitors come for the food trucks and the beautiful backdrop of the park. Many enjoy coming for an early dinner, then watching the sunset as they picnic. A few times a year, the market also plays host to a music festival, and on other weekends the area along the Han River features an array of street vendors & buskers, mostly young musicians.

Location : Yeouinaru Station (Exit 2) in Yeongdeungpo

Hours : Fridays & Saturdays, 6pm-11pm

With the beautiful Banpo Bridge in the background, Banpo Romantic Moonlight Market is the most recent setting for the Seoul bamdokkaebi night markets, and the location for the last market of the 2022 season. In the coming year, Banpo Hangang Park is expected to be the setting of several more romance-themed markets, with particular popularity amongst young couples and foreigners.

There are Korean & international food trucks, handmade crafts & art pieces, and sometimes even a live performance or two. However unlike many of the other night markets covered here, this one is focused on all the elements of a good date night. So while families do attend, the balance definitely leans towards hand-holding and a long romantic stroll.

Location : Sinbanpo Station (Exit 1) in Seocho-gu

Hours : 6pm-11pm, Fridays & Saturdays

Though this hasn't been the location of a bamdokkaebi market since 2019, the Oil Tank Culture Park , which sort of close to the Hongdae neighborhood, is a very cool space to explore. For over 40 years it was closed off to the public, and eventually shut down as an oil depot in 2002.

By 2014, thanks to a push for urban regeneration, the government had turned it into an eco-friendly cultural space, with the five old oil tanks turned into performance spaces, exhibition halls, and a large pavilion. More recently they added a cafeteria and a large plaza, all of which is put to good use when the space is transformed into a night market.

Visitors are encouraged to come early and have a picnic on the plaza, explore the pop-up shops, and enjoy the scheduled & impromptu performances.

Location : World Cup Stadium Station (Exits 2 & 3) in Mapo-gu

Hours : 4pm-9pm, Fridays & Saturdays

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Reader Interactions

March 17, 2024 at 9:31 am

Hi. Max. Thanks for the detailed explanation, very informative.

Regards, Joshua

March 17, 2024 at 10:39 pm

My pleasure, Joshua! Thank you for your kind comment.

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Living and traveling in Korea

Cheonggyecheon Stream: A Guide To One Of The Top Things To See In Seoul

Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천) is one of the top things touted on lists of things to see in Seoul, South Korea. The river which starts near Gwanghwamun Square and eventually ends at the Han River is where the Seoul Lantern Festival is held each year among other popular annual events. Whether it’s summer or autumn, if you want to take a walk in downtown Seoul, this where you should go.

I’ve had a goal to walk the entire length of the Cheonggyecheon Stream for a few years now and finally got around to it this year. After 15 years living in Seoul, yes, I have odd goals, but there it is. Here’s what to see along the entire length of the Cheonggyecheon Stream when you decide to go!

Here’s the Cheonggyecheon Stream guide you need to read:

The History

Benefits of restoring the cheonggyecheon stream, events held at the cheonggyecheon stream, “spring” sculpture, waterfall & rainbows, gwangtonggyo bridge (광통교), king jeongjo’s royal procession mosaic, samilgyo bridge (삼일교), sewoon bridge (세우교), gwangjang market (광장시장), dongdaemun (동대문), seongbukcheon (선북천)/cheonggyecheon (청계천) meeting point, cheonggyecheon ramshackle houses.

• Cheonggyecheon Museum

Museum Onward

(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking at no cost to you. Thank you for your support.)

The Cheonggyecheon Stream was originally a naturally flowing river with water falling from Inwangsan Mountain. It was simultaneously a local resource and a hazard for the local residents as it overflowed in monsoon seasons and caused flooding.

Throughout the Joseon Dynasty, the riverside was updated and reconstructed to allow for easier use. The river was nice enough up until the Japanese occupation from 1910 to 1945 at which point it became dirty and polluted.

By 1953, after the Korean War, more people were moving to the city and throwing trash into the dirty water making it even worse. And finally, in 1958, construction began to completely cover the river with an elevated motorway. The Cheonggyecheon Stream was effectively covered and hidden from sight for the next 25 years.

Then in 2003, the mayor, Lee Myung Bak, started a project to remove the highway and restore the stream. The effects of which weren’t fully known until construction was finally completely. As the road was dismantled and nature was brought back to downtown Seoul and 120,000 tonnes of water was pumped in, the restoration project led to numerous benefits for locals and the city of Seoul.

Dismantling the 10 lane highway that carried 170,000 vehicles daily through downtown Seoul encouraged a huge transformation of the downtown area.

• It encouraged transit use. As people couldn’t drive their vehicles as easily through the center of the city, more people were encoraged to take buses or subways. There was actually a 15.1% increase in bus ridership and 3.3% increase in subway ridership between 2003 and 2008.*
• The decrease in vehicles downtown in turn improved the air quality and water quality. There was a 10.3% decrease in air pollution from vehicles.*
• The decrease in pollution also led to a decrease in the temperature downtown. The urban heat island effect was decreased by 4.5%.*
• The better air and water quality and reduction in temperature was an invitation to wildlife to return and today, visitors can see fish, cranes, and other birds happily enjoying the Cheonggyecheon Stream.
• Today, the Cheonggyecheon Stream has more then 64,000 visitors daily as they’re either walking or taking a break from work or enjoying the scenery creating more quality of life opportunities.*

*The stats here were found in the Global Designing Cities Initiative Case Study on the Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Numerous events are held along the Cheonggyecheon Stream which is why locals and tourists alike flock to the area year round. Generally, the events and installations are held at the beginning of the stream at Gwanghwamun Square and stretch for a few blocks.

In the spring, there are usually art festivals. Though because of Covid, the past couple of years have held the Buddhist lanterns usually seen in the massive Lotus Lantern Festival Parade which unfortunately couldn’t be held.

In the autumn there is the popular Seoul Lantern Festival usually held in October. Lights are strung across the top of the walkway and lanterns are placed in the waterway to enjoy in the evenings.

In the winter, there are still more lanterns placed in the waterway to celebrate the holidays.

No matter the time of the year or the time of the day, you will probably find something fun happening along the Cheonggyecheon Stream in downtown Seoul.

What To See Along The River

Want to walk along the entire Cheonggyecheon Stream like us? Or just want to know what to see along the way? Let’s go step by step starting from the beginning at Gwanghwamun Square all the way out to the Han River.

How long is the Cheonggyecheon Stream?

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is 10.92km long. It starts in downtown Seoul, meets the Jungnangcheon Stream and then empties into the Han River. Are you ready to go for a walk?

Address Notes: The addresses below are the street level addresses as the river stops themselves don’t really have addresses. This should make it easier if you want to head to a certain section but just know as the GPS will say you’ve arrived when you’re street level and you may not be able to see anything, like the art beneath the bridges, until you head down to the riverside level.

When you’re walking on the main road and aren’t sure where the Cheonggyecheon Stream starts, just look for the sculpture by Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen called “Spring”. The sculpture, created by the Swedish pop artists, is a 20 meter high spiral cone painted in red and blue and is meant to be a symbol of renewal in nature. There was some controversy when it was chosen back in 2006 but has been there since installation and has become a mainstay of the downtown art scene.

• Address: 1 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 1)

The entrance to the Cheonggyecheon Stream has a waterfall that pumps water into the stream and the first bridge features some fun rainbow lights. This is often the busiest area as the entrance is here and events start from here. Take a seat along the stream and just enjoy the lights or keep walking on to the next section. This is a beautiful from day into night. Just check out those rainbows, it’s one of the prettiest spots in Seoul at night to take a walk.

One of the most important and busiest bridges during the Joseon Dynasty, it was originally built with wood and soil but was destroyed by the numerous floods.

The bridge you can see today was constructed during the reign of King Taejong between 1400 and 1418 and to show his ruthlessness, he used the stones from the tomb of Queen Sindeok. Buried for 100 years, restoration on the bridge happened when the river was restored. Some of the stones you can see today are even original.

• Address: 35 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 35)

Pro Tip: If you want to take a break here, head up to the main street and find HiKR Ground . Opened by the Korea Tourism Organization, it’s an immersive tourism space with multiple floors, a cafe on the top floor, and it’s completely free to enter. It’s a great space to cool off in the summer or warm up in the winter and have some fun while you’re at it.

Just before the Jangtonggyo Bridge, a beautiful tiled mosaic depicting King Jeongjo’s Royal procession begins on the north side of the stream. The mosaic is 192 meters long and is apparently the largest tile wall painting in the world. It is made up of 5,120 individual ceramic tiles. It depicts King Jeongjo leading a royal procession to the tomb of his father in Hwaseong in 1785 escorted by his mother Hyegyeonggung Hong.

You can also see this woodblock map of the streets of Seoul that was produced by Kim Jeongho in 1825. Called Suseon Jeondo, you can recognize numerous names across Seoul that still exist today. The Suseon Jeondo is considered the most outstanding woodblock map of Seoul ever produced during the Joseon Dynasty in terms of accuracy and size.

• Address: 61 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 61) (Starts around here)

Quite a few of the bridges feature colorful murals beneath them so you definitely want to walk beneath and enjoy them. The stream is known for hosting various artistic events throughout the year, but even when there aren’t any going on, it’s quite a creative atmosphere.

• Address: 93 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 93)

Now, this is one of the newest bridges over the stream. The street level bridge has been there for awhile, but there has been a lot of development in the Sewoon Sangga Market area over the past few years and they’ve built a second floor pedestrian bridge from that market to the market on the other side of the stream. Apparently, this used to exist some time ago and now as they redevelop the area, they replaced it. If you want to stop off, head up to Sewoon Sangga for an awesome view of Jongmyo Shrine and Namsan Tower from the rooftop.

• Address: 159 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 청계천로 159)

While the Gwangjang Market isn’t ON the Cheonggyecheon Stream, if you’re walking along the entire stream like we were, this is where I’d recommend stopping for lunch. Head up to the main road at Baeogae Road and into the market on the north side of the stream. The market runs the entire stretch from that road to Majeon Bridge and there’s not much to see in that section of the Cheonggyecheon Stream so it’s a win/win.

• Address: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (서울 종로구 창경궁로 88)

There isn’t much on the stream itself from Gwangjang Market to Dongdaemun. If you’re looking for a generally quieter section, this would be a good section to visit. There are fish and the plants take over a bit more of the path. After Dongdaemun, there are again art installations to check out as you meander. The stream begins to widen a bit after this point and become much more natural and taken over by the plant life.

• Address: 295 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 동대문구 청계천로 295)

An interesting aspect of this portion of the river are the giant concrete support pillars which once held the overpass. While the rest of the pillars have been demolished, these ones were left as a monument to that industrial period in Korea’s past and have even been designated as Seoul Future Heritage #248. It’s here that you can really feel how high and big the highway that went through the city once was.

• Address: 443 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul (서울 동대문구 청계천로 443)

While the houses that used to line the Cheonggyecheon Stream are no longer standing, there are some 1960s era house replicas just outside of the Cheonggyecheon Stream Museum that visitors can see to get a feel of what the riverside looked like decades ago.

The reconstruction includes homes, a convenience store, a coffee shop, a comic book store, and a school. You can try on retro Korean school uniforms here too if you want.

• Address: 530 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul (서울 성동구 청계천로 530)

Cheonggyecheon Museum (청계천박물관)

Learn about the history and the stream over time at this museum which has a façade in the shape of the stream itself. This is a great opportunity if you have children to let them learn a bit more about the riverside and Korean history. Or if you’re interested in more ecological and historical information on the stream, head in yourself.

• Hours: Tuesday – Friday: 9:00am ~ 7:00pm; Weekends: 9:00am ~ 6:00pm in the winter / 9:00am ~ 7:00pm in the summer
• Admission:  FREE

From the Cheonggyecheon Museum onward, the path is a bit more overgrown with more natural space alongside the paths and then it hits the Jungnangcheon Stream (중랑천) which filters south to the Han River. This is where a lot more bicyclists are on the path as well as they don’t usually hit up the beginning of the Cheonggyecheon where there are much more pedestrians in the way.

If you make it all the way out to the Han River, you’ll come out near Eungbongsan on the western side or Seoul Forest in Seongsu-dong on the eastern side.

The Cheonggyecheon Stream is a beautiful place to take a walk and when there are events going on, it’s even better. There is definitely a reason the Cheonggyecheon makes it onto almost every list of top things to see in Seoul.

Whether you’re interested in the eco benefits of the stream, want a pedestrian friendly place to walk through the city in Seoul, or just want a calm place to take a break in downtown Seoul, this is where you should go.

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Cheonggyecheon Stream 청계천

서울특별시 중구 태평로1가 ~성동구 신답철교 | Taepyeong-ro 1-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul

Gwanghwamun Station (line 1, exit 5). 3 mins walk.

City Hall Station (line 1/2, exit 4). 6 mins walk.

LOTTE Department Store / LOTTE Hotel Seoul. 8 mins walk in the direction of the stream.

www.cheonggyecheon.or.kr

The 10.84 km Cheonggyecheon Stream flows through the heart of Seoul, from Gwanghwamun to Dongdaemun.

It is a transformed ecological park of natural beauty after 3 years of restoration project to complete in 2005.

Daytime at Cheonggyecheon Stream

Cheonggyecheon Stream passes close to many tourist attractions (e.g. Gyeongbokgung Palace , Jongmyo Shrine , Gwangjang Market  and  Dongdaemun Shopping Malls ) and  subway stations , allowing visitors to have a leisure stroll along the stream and visit the nearby tourist sites easily.

Cheonggyecheon Stream at Night

At night, visitors can enjoy the fantastic display of light and water at the start point of the stream at Cheonggye Plaza.

A favourite of many is the Candle Fountain  which features the magnificent synchronisation of three different lighting fixtures and a 4m high, two-tiered waterfall.

Along the two sides of the waterfall are the Palseokdam wishing wells , made of 8 different stones from each of the nation's 8 provinces.

Cheonggyecheon Stream in Autumn

In autumn, discover the different autumn foliage scenes along the 5.8km stretch from Gwanghwamun Station, Jonggak Station , Jongno3-ga Station , Jongno5-ga Station to Dongdaemun Station .

Lotus Lantern Festival (Late April to Mid May)

Lotus Lantern Festival (Yeondeunghoe)   is an UNESCO-listed annual Lantern Lighting Festival to celebrate Buddha's birthday. As part of the annual festival programme, there will be traditional lantern exhibition along Cheonggyecheon Stream.

Seoul Lantern Festival (November)

The Seoul Lantern Festival is held at Cheonggyecheon Stream every November for 2 weeks, featuring thousands of lanterns along the stream.

Another interesting sight at the Seoul Lantern Festival is the  Food Trucks selling different delicious cuisine to the night visitors.

Seoul Christmas Festival (December)

Within short period after the Seoul Lantern Festival in November, the lanterns changed to the festive Christmas and New Year theme in December.

Map of Cheonggyecheon Stream & How to Get There

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[Small group tour] Gwangjang Market food & Cheonggyecheon Stream

• At least 5 different foods are inclusive
• Certified tour guide leading
• Jongno 5-ga Station, Seoul, South Korea We will meet at Jongro 5ga station at exit 8 outside (line1), in front of a police station Finish near Hyehwa station.
• Dongdaemun, Jongno 6(yuk)-ga, Seoul, South Korea Near Dongdaemun station
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travelers can participate
• This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
• This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll start at Jongno 5-ga Station Seoul, South Korea We will meet at Jongro 5ga station at exit 8 outside (line1), in front of a police station Finish near Hyehwa station. See address & details
• 1 Kwangjang Market Stop: 95 minutes See details
• 2 Cheonggyecheon Stream Stop: 15 minutes See details
• 3 Dongdaemun Gate (Heunginjimun) Stop: 10 minutes See details
• You'll end at Dongdaemun Jongno 6(yuk)-ga, Seoul, South Korea Near Dongdaemun station See address & details

• PetraErni 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Two perfect half day hikes in Seoul I spent four days in Seoul and not only wanted to experience this vibrant city but also enjoy nature. So, I booked two half day trips with Lee: Ansan and Bugaksan. Although I had just arrived in Seoul, the meeting points were easy to find. Lee is such a warm-hearted person and easy to talk to. I got to ask questions about life in South Korea while enjoying these hikes and the magnificent views. Read more Written April 30, 2024
• Expedition679707 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Loved it - Perfect tour covering Korean history and culture across key landmarks Lee is an awesome guide, can't recommend her enough! Lovely, friendly and very knowledgeable on Korean history. The enthusiasm came across and made it a very enjoyable half day tour of Insadong and Gyeongbokgung Palace. Lots of insights in to Korean culture and even a game of Yutnori during a coffee break. Read more Written April 20, 2024
• bianca_lao 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Delicious food with amazing company Thank you so much to Lee for such an amazing dinner at the Noryangjin Fish Market! My husband and I booked this tour because we were worried we couldn't navigate the market with no language and understanding of how to purchase the seafood to eat at the restaurants upstairs - thankfully Lee was the answer to all of that. Lee took us around to the various stalls to explain the different types of seafood. She quickly found her go-to stalls and restaurant where we had the freshest sashimi and most delicious grilled seafood. We were absolutely stuffed and also learned some interesting Korean facts while eating. So grateful to Lee for her time and care, would highly recommend this tour :) Read more Written April 12, 2024
• Flyer56227740838 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommend Noryangjin with Lee We had an amazing time at Noryangjin Fish Market, guided by Lee! She helped us explore a wide range of seafood we had never seen (let alone eaten) before. Everything was delicious and fresh, and we enjoyed Lee’s company and her South Korea trivia. Would highly recommend to anyone looking for a relaxing and educational visit to SK’s largest fish market! Read more Written April 7, 2024
• Discover587560 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highly recommended to go on this hike. Easily achievable. It was our pleasure to meet up with Honey who brought us around on this hike. This is perfect with my tween who is 10yo and she thoroughly enjoyed it. Highly recommended for those who love culture/nature and hiking. Read more Written March 11, 2024
• Sandcel 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 10/10 Lee was a great guide, so informative, friendly and fun. My sister and I thoroughly enjoyed the tour and meal. I highly recommend the tour with Lee. Thanks Read more Written March 7, 2024
• D41CRteris 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing half day Seoul tour with Lee This half day tour was wonderful! We were FREEZING in Seoul, didn’t really want to be outside at all! But Lee made these fantastic sites come to life for us anyways! We did the tour on our first full day in Seoul, and left with an appreciation for some highlights, and a good feeling for the layout of the city Lee is friendly, very knowledgeable, and fun. Lee gave us recs for favorite Korean must-try foods, and we even had the ginseng chicken soup immediately upon finishing the tour! It was so welcome, with the blowing snow outside! We even contacted Lee when we had a major travel snafu with canceled train tix, later in the trip. Thank goodness, Lee answered right away and solved our problem from where she was! Such a kind and generous person! Book her tours- you’ll love every minute!!! Read more Written February 12, 2024
• Y4689QBrogers 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A great experience to have esp if you are a solo diner I had a fantastic experience with Lee. She was very accomodating and could explain things in detail with ease. Being able to look around and getting her insight was so helpful and interesting. And then to experience a casual dining spot upstairs was a delight. Highly recommend for foodies interested in the fish market experience especially if you do not speak korean fluently. Read more Written January 9, 2024
• 294sabinen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Couldn‘t be fresher 😋 Immersed in the pulsating life of Seoul‘s largest fish market guided by Ms Lee. Find hidden sea food gems, have them prepared on the spot, a glass of Soju. Life is good. Tx Ms Lee. 6 out of five. Read more Written December 9, 2023
• 294sabinen 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice Palace Tour We had an incredible experience exploring Seoul with Miss Lee as our Guide. Her deep knowledge of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Seoul brought history to life. Miss Lee‘s enthusiasm and her insights into local culture made our tour memorable. Thank you so much Miss Lee ……Good Job 👍😊 Read more Written November 27, 2023
• Voyage557613 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles No hesitatiins to have. I had such an Amazing Hike. Lee is super nice, the group waited for me when i was tired. The hike is easy, and the view is amazing. Really worthy. Thank you so much Lee, i'll definitely book again with you if i get the opportunity to come back in Seoul. Read more Written November 12, 2023
• Seaside38821624101 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful hike This was my first hike with Lee and it was another amazing journey. She was very open and always encouraging during the accent. This was by no means a hard climb, but it was helpful to have someone who would cheer you up! The path itself is clear and easy to step with some steps closer to the top. Whether you're an experienced hiker or a beginner, this tour offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature, learn, and create lasting memories. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for an immersive outdoor adventure. Read more Written October 29, 2023
• O596QVdylanf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Great Hiking Experience Another great experience! This is really informative and you learn alot about Korean history. Lee is super helpful and knowledgeable. She will answer any questions you have and even give you ideas of places to visit in Seoul. The hike was amazing! The scenery is beautiful and the views you get at the top are absolutely breathtaking! This is a must do and I highly recommend it! Read more Written October 9, 2023
• O596QVdylanf 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An Awesome Experience! It was a great experience! It was very informative and you learn some interesting things during the hike. You will get some awesome views at the top. Lee is great and is very knowledgeable. I recommend it to anybody who wants to start hiking and/or learn about Korean culture. Read more Written October 9, 2023
• carolinesU9931TX 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time Loved this tour! We tried a lot of new food (that we wouldn't have known about if we had gone ourselves) and went on a short hike afterwards to see some beautiful night views. Lee is extremely personable and easy to talk to- we learnt a lot about history and Korean culture and afterwards she even gave us additional suggestions for the rest of our vacation. Highly recommended :) Read more Written September 9, 2023

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[Small group tour] Gwangjang Market food & Cheonggyecheon Stream provided by Honey Trail

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A Moscow Free Walking Tour of the Iconic Red Square

Updated March 10th, 2020

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No visit to Moscow, Russia is complete unless you take a walk around the famous Red Square and see the iconic sights of the city. One of the best ways to see all the famous landmarks in Moscow and learn a little something about them too is on a free Moscow walking tour through the Red Square.

Continue reading for a sneak peek at what you will see on your free tour in Moscow and for tips on both the tour and visiting the sights. Make sure to save some time during your trip to go inside of the magnificent buildings because you will not be going in the buildings during the tour.

The State Historical Museum

The Moscow free walking tour begins at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum . You can’t miss this massive red building. The museum’s interior is almost as spectacular as the artifacts you can see within. Read my post dedicated to the museum here to find out more on what you can see and tips for visiting. Admission is free with the Moscow City Pass .

The Kremlin

Behind the walls of the Kremlin lie the working offices of Russian’s government and president. When visiting the Kremlin you can see the Armory Chamber, Cathedral Square, the Patriach’s Palace and many more cathedrals. You definitely want to buy tickets ahead of time so you avoid the long-lines. You can get free admission with the Moscow City Pass . It’s also worth it to take a guided tour if you don’t speak Russian so you have more of an understanding of what you are seeing.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

If asked to conquer up an image of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral might just be the most likely image you picture. The cathedral has a museum that you can visit at a later time. You can buy tickets at the ticket kiosk outside the cathedral or receive free admission with the Moscow City Pass .

Moskva River

Next up on the tour is the Moskva River which runs through the center of Moscow. A cruise on the Moskva River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.

GUM Shopping Mall

Who would think a mall would be one of Moscow’s most well-known attractions? GUM shopping mall across from the Kremlin makes up one of the four sides of the Red Square. The stores might be a bit too pricey for shopping, but the gorgeous interior is worth a visit. If that doesn’t convince you, the mall has some of the best ice cream! GUM is the only building you go inside during the free walking tour. There are pay bathrooms you can use while you have a few minutes of free time.

Kazan Cathedral

Located on the northeast corner of the Red Square, the Kazan Cathedral is another impressive dome-shaped building in Moscow that is also an active place of worship. Entering the cathedral is allowed, but remember to be respectful if people are worshipping.

Bolshoi Theater

Contrary to the previous buildings, the Bolshoi Theater isn’t along one of the four sides of the Red Square. Located a few minutes away, the theater is one of the best theaters in the world. Make sure to come back for a guided tour of the inside or make reservations far ahead of time to attend a ballet or opera.

Alexander Gardens

The tour ends near the Alexander Gardens , a free public park located along the western Kremlin walls. The garden’s green lawns, sculptures and water fountains offer a nice place to take a stroll or relax a bit after some busy sightseeing.

You can visit all these sites on your own, but the best part of doing the Moscow free tour is that you learn more information and have the potential to meet new people!

During my tour I started to talk to a woman from Malaysia and she invited me to join her and her friends for a Russian meal afterwards. It’s these little impromptu meetings and opportunities that I love most about traveling and add more to the sightseeing experience. While I was a little hesitant about going to the tour myself I told myself it would be a great opportunity to possibly meet new people. I love when things work out like that!

If you have already seen the iconic sights of the Red Square and are looking for other things to do in Moscow check out my What to Do in Moscow post that gives more off-the beaten track things to do in Moscow!

Moscow Free Walking Tour Visiting Information

Moscow Free Walking Tours

How to Get There

The Moscow Free Walking Tour begins at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum (a large red building). The website shows a map with the exact meeting point.

To get to the red square area you can take the blue 3 metro line to the Ploshchad Revolyutsii stop, or the green 2 line to the Teatralnaya station or the red 1 line to the Okhotny Ryad station. For more on how to use the metro read my Moscow Metro Guide .

Tours every day at 10:30am – 1pm in English

If you need a toilet before the start of the tour the Okhotny Ryad and GUM shopping malls are both close to the start of the tour. You will need to pay to use the toilets. There is a quick break mid-way through the tour at the GUM shopping mall where you can use the toilet if needed.

During the mid-way break in the tour you can buy some ice cream at the GUM shopping mall. There aren’t many other options or time for anything else. After the tour there are a lot of restaurants in the area. There are a couple of Varenichnaya №1 locations nearby if you would like some authentic Russian food. Their speciality is Russian dumplings. Another classic choice nearby is Grand Cafe Dr. Jhivago. While you can try traditional Russian foods like borscht and Olivier Salad, you may need a reservation. GUM has several restaurants, including a couple of buffets upstairs.

Recommendations

While I would start off your visit to Moscow with a tour of the Red Square, make sure to come back to each place to tour the inside. If you are visiting several sights consider buying the Moscow City Pass  to save money on admissions.

Other Tour Options

Another company  Moscow Free Tour  does a similar free walking tour in the Red Square. Check the site for the details on the starting point and times. If you prefer a private paid tour with a hotel pick-up and a visit to St. Basil’s Cathedral included check out this tour . For a private paid tour with a hotel pick-up and a visit to the Kremlin included you may want to take this tour or this one . Even if you don’t typically take tours, I would recommend taking tours as much as possible in Moscow. Many people do not speak English and most information is not in English either.

Where to Stay in Moscow

Find somewhere to stay in Moscow near the Red Square so you are convenient to all the sights!

More About Russia

• Moscow Things to Do:  Unique Things to Do ,   Spartak Stadium
• Moscow Markets:  Izmailovsky Market ,   Danilovsky Market
• Moscow Museums:  Moscow City Museum ,  Victory Museum ,  Museum of the Patriotic War in 1812 ,  State Historical Museum ,
• Moscow Life:  Malls ,  Christmas in Moscow ,  Metro ,  Learning Spanish ,  My Russian Apartment ,   What is Life Really Like in Russia ,  FiFa World Cup ,  Russian Winters , and more posts about  life abroad in Russia .
• St Petersburg:  City Guide ,  The Hermitage Museum ,  Kayaking the Rivers & Canals ,   Peterhof Palace

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22 comments.

The Kremlin looks rather imposing. It would be great to explore the history in Moscow.

There is a lot of history in Moscow to explore!

What a handy guide to get the most of Moscow’s red square! I’ve always wanted to try a walking tour and this looks like the perfect place to start!

I really enjoy walking tours, I think they are a great way to get to know a new place!

You have highlighted all the main sights around and in the Red Square indeed! I have visited Moscow in winter and the atmosphere was magical…even though it was cold 🙂 I’m looking forward to visiting in summer too!

Yes, there is a magical feel during the winter. I have to say I prefer the warmer, brighter summers though 🙂

Follow My Anchor

I am planning to go to Moscow and St. Petersburg this year so reading this was very helpful. I would love to do the walking tour! What time of year did you do it? I am planning to go in August as I really can’t stand the cold 😀 Do you think August might be a good time to visit Moscow? Thank you so much for your information!

I did the walking tour in September. July and August are the best times to visit Moscow in my opinion, so you are going at a great time! I lived in Moscow for a year so I have a lot of posts about Moscow and a couple for St. Petersburg too. Please check out my other posts as you are planning your trip and feel free to send any questions my way!

I’m a huge fan of taking free walking tours whenever my husband and I travel. We learn more about the history from the local’s perspective. Your walking tour in Moscow looks fun. The St. Basil’s Cathedral is beautiful and would love to see it. Thanks for sharing the must-see places in Moscow!

I’m a big fan of free walking tours too! I completely agree that you get a good perspective and introduction to the history of the city.

I would love to take the walking tour to get a good coverage of the area! The tip about paying for the bathrooms is great. That’s something I didn’t realize when I went to Europe for the first time from the US.

I always find it annoying paying for bathrooms in Europe!

I visited Moscow in June this year for the World Cup and I loved it. St. Basil’s Cathedral was the highlight for me, it’s such an impressive piece of architecture. I would’ve liked to visit more of Russia but maybe next time!

I really enjoyed Moscow during the World Cup too. The city was much livelier than usual!

I have been to St. Petersburg but never to Moscow. I think that these kind of tours are very useful to gather many information but I second your suggestion to visit the palaces inside as they have stunning interior decor and art treasures.

Yes, I think both going on tours and getting an overview and touring the inside of places are good to do.

Shreya Saha

St. Basil’s cathedral is definitely a beautiful place to visit. I would also love to stroll by the Alexander gardens and maybe spend some time in the shopping mall call mom maybe visit the theater, also I would love to visit Kremlin and the State Historical Museum. That’s a great list you have managed to provide here.

Never been to Russia, but the country’s history and culture has always fascinated me. Great list of things to do in Moscow’s Red Square. Kremlin is definitely on top of my list!

Russia does have a fascinating history and culture!

The architecture here always looks so beautiful. I would love to go to Russia. Some helpful tips here that would really help me navigate a future trip. I love the Russian ballet so a trip to the theater would be a must for me.

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Moscow – Ancient history surrounded by the cosmopolitan

Moscow is a truly enchanting cityscape of old & new, with splashes of colour & cosmopolitan elegance creating a wonderful arena in which to explore the art, culture, heritage & history of a very exciting city.

You can wander the old, church-filled Varvarka Street to Red Square, surrounded by the Kremlin, Vasilij Cathedral and Lenin's mausoleum before marveling at the delightful colours of the beautiful cupolas of St. Basil's Cathedral & copper domes of Saviour Cathedral while learning about Moscow's enthralling history, from 12th Century to Ivan the Terrible, Tsars, Soviet era & recent history, and get to grips with present day Moscow, gaining insightful local hints & tips from friendly, authentic local Moscow guides on freetour.com recommended free walking tours.

The city is a treasure chest of fantastic ways to spend your time – incredible museums, galleries & theaters, such as the Gulag museum, Tretiakov Gallery and the famous Bolshoi Theater, await your arrival while a journey through the remarkably beautiful Metro stations is an experience in its own right. You can also indulge in tasty local cuisine, peruse the Izmaylovo Market for interesting Russian souvenirs, walk the Moskva river in Gorky Park, & sample local Vodka while embracing the vibrant nightlife. However you spend your time among the towering skyscrapers of Moscow, you're sure to have an unforgettable visit.

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