■ The representative traditional market of Korea, “Everything except cat horns is here” is a Korean proverb that describes Namdaemun Market in one word, meaning that all the world’s sights are gathered here. With about 300,000 visitors a day, Namdaemun Market is bustling with customers looking to fill their hearts and stomachs. There are over 1,700 kinds of products necessary for daily life, such as accessories, imported goods, kitchenware, and miscellaneous goods, and over 10,000 stores here. In addition, you can enjoy a hearty meal at a low price in the unique food alleys such as ‘Galchi Alley’ and ‘Kalguksu Alley’. ■ Light on the wallet, but full on the heart Namdaemun Market emerged as a representative traditional market of Korea through industrialization in the 70s and 80s. However, after the boom period of the 80s when the lights were always on 24 hours a day, merchants suffered during the economic recession that followed the IMF. Nevertheless, merchants continue to support the common people with low prices. Entering Kalguksu Alley, lured by the merchants’ enticements, you will find yourself sitting down in a hurry, and before you know it, a whole table will be prepared. If you order only kalguksu at a reasonable price, cold noodles and barley rice will be served for free. Kim Jin-sun (62), who runs a business in Kalguksu Alley, adds flavor and generosity to kalguksu. ■ A place full of energy with bustling merchants It is no exaggeration to say that the driving force behind Namdaemun Market is its 50,000 merchants. From dawn until late at night, Namdaemun Market is bustling with the footsteps of merchants and delivery workers. At 4 p.m., street vendors bring out their mobile stalls, creating a different evening scene in Namdaemun Market than during the day. Despite the harsh winter cold, Kim Yeon-ja (80), who runs a street stall, says that Namdaemun Market is her playground. She runs her business in the cold, wearing five layers of clothing and a stove as her friends, and she is grateful for Namdaemun Market, which has become her home. ■ From a market full of warmth to a representative tourist destination in Korea Namdaemun Market is rising as a representative tourist destination representing Korea beyond a traditional market. It is so popular with foreign tourists that it has been selected as a must-visit place when visiting Korea. French exchange students Reno and Deborah are looking around Namdaemun Market with hotteok in one hand. They bought souvenirs to share the warmth of Namdaemun Market with their family. A place where you can become friends with foreigners you meet for the first time while waiting in line for hotteok. A place where merchants dance and sing while doing business with gratitude for customers and gratitude for those who do not. A 72-hour documentary of Namdaemun Market filled with human warmth and lively laughter, Day 3 [Everything but cat horns in Namdaemun Market at the end of the year] 20181216 #NamdaemunMarket #TraditionalMarket #TouristAttraction