Gwangjang Vintage Clothing Market

Last weekend my friend Amzani and I made our way to the Gwanjang Market in the Jongno district of central Seoul. While most people visit this renowned market for its street food, we went out there to check out the vintage clothing market hidden away on its second and third floors.

The inside of the market can feel quite claustrophobic, especially when there is a lot of people, or you come to a choke point like a pillar. It looks as if a child made a fort entirely out of second hand clothes.

I had better luck finding clothes I liked more than any place in Korea. I managed to procure a Fred Perry Wing Tip, in excellent condition. 

Most of the clothes were the real thing, but looked like they had been shipped over from the States 25 years ago. Unlike the markets of Dongdaemun and Namdaemun, the clothes weren’t cheap off-brand stuff made in China. Like any good thrift store, if you see something you like you’d better buy it because odds are if its quirky or interesting there’s not going to be another hiding in a stockroom in the back.

The Korea Times writes in 2009:

The market may be chaotic at first, with the maze of stalls that look eerily similar and the narrow aisles jammed with people. A musty scent fills the air, while stalls are overflowing with heaps of used clothing, bags and shoes. (Pay close attention since some ajummas were spotted sleeping on top of their wares.)

Most of my experiences in Asia have led me to believe that thrift stores for the most part, do not exist. There are one or two at Incheon that I’m aware of but they are nowhere near the size or quality of those Mat Salleh.. Most Koreans probably don’t have an excess of physical goods to donate like most Mat Salleh do.

Anyway, the market is the best substitute I can think of to a thrift store in Korea. The top floors had the very homey feel of an thrift store with an array of one-of-a-kind knick-knacks and accessories. Basically, it made for a great place to spend a Thursday afternoon.

Once you get outside to the ground floor can find a very busy traditional market with goods ranging from toiletries to hanbuk to dragonfruit to pig’s feet.  We didn’t get a chance to stop and eat at any of the food vendors (which looked delicious), but I have a feeling the next time I make it out to Jongno I’ll find something to eat.

They said Kimbab, Bibimbap, Odeng and Toppoeki there are good.. Better try it next time!