Dongdaemun Market
| Dongdaemun Market | |
 |
|
| Korean name | |
|---|---|
| Hangul | 동대문시장 |
| Hanja | |
| Revised Romanization | Dongdaemun Sijang |
| McCune–Reischauer | Tongdaemun Sijang |
Dongdaemun Market or Tongdaemun (abbreviated DDM) is a large commercial district comprising traditional markets and shopping centers in Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea. A popular shopping and tourist destination, it has been designated a 'Special Tourism Zone' (관광특구) since 2002.
Dongdaemun Market opened in July 1905 in Yeji-dong (예지동 ), whose name means "a neighborhood for learning politeness", so the market was originally called Baeugaejang (배우개장, "market for learning"). It was also called Gwangjang Market (광장시장) as a company of the same name was set up as market management.
The market was set in a closed structure until the Korean War, when it was completely destroyed. It slowly rebuilt over the years and, in 1959, a building was constructed and the market was revived. In 1998 and 1999, large shopping malls such as Geopyeong Freya, Migliore, and Doosan Tower were built in the district, and the market was renovated with a modern atmosphere in the traditional market.
Dongdaemun Market is near Dongdaemun from which it takes its name. The market is divided into five shopping districts—A, B, C, D and a shopping town, with 26 shopping malls over 10 blocks, 30,000 speciality shops, and 50,000 manufacturers.
The market sells all types of goods but notably silks and fabric, clothes, shoes and leather goods, sporting goods, plumbing and electronics, office supplies, fortune tellers, toys and food areas specialising in Korean cuisine. It also has many pet shops. It is on the Seoul list of 'Asia's 10 greatest street food cities' for the Korean snack Sundae and mandu.
DDM was traditionally a night market and wholesalers once operated from 1:00 am to 1:00 pm. Now, the area is open for 18-½ hours a day from 10:30 am to 5:00 am, with some stores open 24 hours a day, although most close on Mondays and holidays.
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