Very very Korean Crafts Market

Hi, everyone. Are you having a good time with a help of this marvelous weather? I am so~ enjoying this crispy autumnal air. Today I'd like to take you to my favorite playground. I am pretty sure that you'd love this place as well.

A couple of years ago, I promised I was going to introduce this sometime not too late. Didn't really know that it would take this long but finally your time has come and I am proudly uncovering the crafters' heaven in Korea.

Pretty often I get the same question from some of my customers (especially those visiting Korea). "Where do I get some crafty stuff in Korea? Any yarn shops? Crafts markets?" Well, if you're looking for something for crafts in Korea you cannot do better than this:  DongDaeMun Market. 

If you ever planned to visit Seoul you might hear a tourist spot called "DongDaeMun" which is a huge traditional Korean gate as you see in the photo. It is one of national treasuries in Korea. The Market is sitting just next to it. Means it is hard to miss. 

There are so many building complexes (they are all markets by the way.) in this Market and one of buildings is fully devoted to crafts. Literally 'crafts' I can say. No trouble to access from the downtown Seoul (subway line 4 DongDaeMun stn.) and you can find anything you need for your projects. The great price is the plus.

I get most of my craft materials at this fabulous place. From sewing threads, buttons, yarns, fabrics, bag handles, zippers, and more. You just name it! As a first timer you might be overwhelmed by the size of the Market as well as the extra-busy ambiance. This is a typical Korean style market. It’s been growing many decades and still going so well. Some parts of the Market run 24/7 and you can find lots of quality fashion accessories created by independent local designers. People say that from a designing to finishing takes less than 1day in this Market. They start designing today, collecting materials and creating products overnight and the finished clothes is out for sale in the Market by tomorrow morning. Every day they offer a variety of new designs and products. Isn't it pretty amazing?

The craft Market is one of the important parts of this Market. Located next to the subway station it works like a heart to this huge organization. The narrow aisles are often filled with busy buyers and sellers. Loads of goodies here and there are waiving to you saying ‘take me!’ Seriously you have to watch out. You might end up with shopping until you drop. (I am not joking.) There are so many stuffs catching your eyes. Time will fly in this town! If you realized you purchased too much to carry then they will deliver at a reasonable price. If you feel lost no worries. Kindly every shop has its own numbers that guide you. If you find a shop that you’d like to come back later simply remember the shop name and number. That will save you good deal of time and energy in the future.

Underground level is for knitting yarns and knitting notions. From the 1^st  Up to 4^th floor you can find various fabrics and sewing notions. On the 5th floor you will pleasantly encounter itsy bitsy DIY materials like buttons, ribbons, laces, jewelry, and more. You will be literally shocked by notion attack. I mean in a great way!

Nearby there are lots of other shopping malls, shops, restaurants, street vendors, exhibition center and more. If you have a chance please stop by this magnificent area. I am sure you will be nicely pleased. I hope you enjoyed this virtual tour of the fabulous Market. Let me know if you need further info. I will be happy to help you~ xo