“Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market,” which opened in Hangang Park in Yeouido last October, came back again as a more developed version. This year, Seoul is organizing the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market every Friday and Saturday at four different locations, with a unique theme for each. The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is expected to boost the local economy, youth business start-ups, and job creation, as well as serve as a platform for new cultural attractions for Seoul citizens to enjoy.
Bamdokkaebi Night Market originated from “dottegi market,” which refers to a temporary or seasonal market where wholesale trades, secret trades, and others are conducted. The term has long used to refer to traditional markets, such as markets in Hwanghak-dong and Banghak-dong. Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market is a market that opens at night and disappears in the morning like dokkaebi, a type of demon or ogre in Korean folklore and fairy tales. It also means opening a new chapter.
Traditionally, dokkaebi perform magic with a club and enjoy dancing and singing with human beings. Dokkaebi are familiar folklore creatures to many Koreans. Dokkaebi were chosen as the mascot of Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market because they can offer fun and energy to the nights of the citizens of Seoul as well as tourists.
Many countries, such as the United States and Thailand, have their own night markets, which serve as tourist attractions and boost the local economy. Seoul will likewise encourage related organizations and groups in the areas that fit the theme of Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market to participate in the project in order to develop them into cultural tourist attractions representing Seoul’s nightlife.
Brooklyn Night Bazaar
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The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market first opened in Yeouido, and gradually expanded to other locations, including Dongdaemun Design Plaza and Cheonggye Plaza in May, and Mokdong Stadium in July. Based on the results of operation this year, Seoul will expand the night market to 10 locations.
March 2016 | • Yeouido World Night Market |
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May to June 2016 | • Cheonggye Plaza Seasonal Market (Season 1), DDP Youth Runway Market & Dancing Night Market |
July 2016 | • Mokdong Stadium Recreational Sports Market • Cheonggye Plaza Season Market (Season 2) |
September 2016 | • Cheonggye Plaza Season Market (Season 3) |
October 2016 | • Cheonggye Plaza Season Market (Season 4) |
2017-2018 | • Expand Night Market (10 locations) |
The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market will operate at four different locations in Seoul (Yeouido, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Mokdong Stadium, and Cheonggye Plaza). Once begun, the market will open every Friday and Saturday on a regular basis, and citizens will be able to enjoy their time there. Cheonggye Plaza will open on occasion exceptionally as a special Season Market as well.
Yeouido World Night Market
DDP Youth Runway & Dancing Night Market
Mokdong Stadium Recreational Sports Market
Cheonggye Plaza Season Market
In addition, Seoul will improve the operation of the market and make it more efficient based on the operation results of the past year.
Seoul will host new market festivals, which will gather merchants, customers, and culture together through Seoul’s nightlife and culture, specialized items, merchants, and a culture-blended program.