Tailored events highlight the distinct character of the Chungmuro and Myeong-dong Namsan-gol alley shopping districts... Oct. 1–2, Chungmuro hosts the 'Moonlight Night Market' followed by the launch of the 'Mutual Prosperity Night Market'... Oct. 3, Myeong-dong brings a toy flea market and diverse performances
A Friday-night market to draw in the after-work crowd, a weekend flea market to welcome day-trippers — Jung-gu's autumn alley festivals are back, each neighborhood dressed in its own distinct character.
Seoul's Jung-gu will hold back-to-back alley shopping district festivals on Thursday in Chungmuro and Saturday in Myeong-dong, with each merchants' association designing events that reflect the area's own local identity.
Chungmuro kicks things off Thursday. From 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. along Chungmuro 2-gil, the "Chungmuro Yi Sun-sin Victory Road Moonlight Night Market" will transform the street into an outdoor dining and entertainment strip, weaving in the area's historical significance as the birthplace of Admiral Yi Sun-sin to offer a range of hands-on activities for families.
Visitors can dress in general's armor for an instant photo, build a model turtle ship, color a turtle-themed keycap, or try their hand at pulling a Yi Sun-sin-themed dalgona candy shape. Restaurants displaying the merchants' association mark will offer a 10 percent discount on purchases, and a stage will host celebratory performances to keep the autumn evening lively.
The energy carries into Friday with the "Mutual Prosperity Night Market." The Jung-gu-style initiative debuted Sept. 18 at three alley shopping districts — Sinjeungang Market, Baenghak Market and Sindang-o-gil — to strong community response, and the Chungmuro alley shopping district will now join the lineup. Starting Friday, the night market will run every Friday evening, offering food and an outdoor urban cultural experience to visitors.
The weekend action then shifts to Myeong-dong on Saturday. From noon to 5 p.m. at Jaemi-ro Sangsang Square near Exit 3 of Myeong-dong Station, the "Autumn, to Myeong-dong" event will feature a toy flea market in keeping with the neighborhood's identity as a street decorated with cartoon characters and murals. Toys will be available for as little as 1,000 won, with a portion of the proceeds donated to underprivileged children.
From 2 p.m., a magic show, busking acts and K-pop dance performances will take the stage. Visitors who make a purchase at a Myeong-dong Namsan-gol shopping district store or at the flea market that day will also receive a commemorative gift produced by the merchants' association.
Jung-gu District Mayor Kim Gil-sung said local merchants had woven the area's history and culture into festivals that anyone can enjoy. "I hope you will visit the alley shopping districts of Chungmuro and Myeong-dong and experience their charm for yourselves," he said.
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