[Cultural Excursion] Exploring the History and Environs of Dongdaemun Market

EXCURSION THEME: 'Exploring the History and Environs of Dongdaemun Market'

LEADER: Matt VanVolkenburg

DATE: Saturday. October 17, 2025. 2:00-5:00PM

DESTINATION: Dongdaemun area

COST: W25,000 for RAS Korea Lifetime and Annual Members; W30,000 for Non-members

MEETING POINT: At the top of Exit 1 of Dongdaemun Station (동대문역, Subway Lines No. 1 and 4) at 2:00PM

Dongdaemun Market is one of Seoul’s best-known and largest markets. Founded in 1905, it has a fascinating history, and the surrounding area is packed with markets, vanished pieces of urban infrastructure, and remnants of the Seoul fortress wall and its gates. In addition to Dongdaemun Market, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Jongno Sinjin Market, and Dongmyo Flea Market, there are markets specializing in toys, shoes, and pet birds and fish, while around the Seoul Flea Market you can find almost anything imaginable, from tools and audio and video cassettes to old electronics, LPs, and antiques. The area is also home to a number of distinctive food alleys specializing in dishes such as grilled mackerel and chicken.

This walk will explore these markets and their history, visit surviving sections of Seoul’s fortress wall, and uncover the stories of a vanished railway and elevated highway, as well as long-gone landmarks such as the Dongdaemun Stadium complex. We will also consider the history of the Peace Market, where clothing was produced under sweatshop conditions, and visit the memorial to labor martyr Jeon Tae-il.

Leaving from Dongdaemun Station, we will first take in a view of the area from the city wall before making our way to Jongno Sinjin Market. From there, we will visit the Chun Tae-il statue and Peace Market, followed by the National Medical Center, DDP, the Igansumun water gate, and the Dongdaemun Stadium Museum. We will then explore several markets specializing in shoes, toys, and pets, as well as a food alley, the Samil Apartments, and the Dongmyo Shrine, before ending at the Dongmyo Flea Market.

This walking excursion will set off at 2:00 pm from the top of Exit 1 of Dongdaemun Station (동대문역, Subway Lines No. 1 and 4). The excursion will last until about 5:00 and end near Dongmyo Station (Subway Lines 1 and 6). Participants may join Matt afterwards for a coffee or an early dinner (not included in the excursion fee) nearby. Though the walk is flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended

*Note:* An earlier and slightly different version of this walk in 2025 was titled ‘Fortress amid Markets.’

[RSVP](https://forms.gle/AUXv4wnLLo6MgyBm9) by October 15 (Thursday) with payment of the fee via bank transfer.

Please register one RSVP at a time. [RSVP](https://forms.gle/AUXv4wnLLo6MgyBm9): [https://forms.gle/Hx9Ecd5a7dP8Yk3f9](https://forms.gle/Hx9Ecd5a7dP8Yk3f9)

☞Payment to be remitted to the following account: SHINHAN BANK ACCOUNT # 100-026-383501 (RAS-KB)

**Reservation is not confirmed until payment has been received by RAS Korea in advance of the event.*