Unlike most so called antique stores in touristy areas (think Insadong/Itaewon), the market outside of Dapsimni station is authentic. It has a forgotten aura that I find charming as it means no crowds and no foreigners, besides me of course. The market is housed in three separate buildings with a variety of small shops inside that are crammed with all types of things from tiny bottles to large pieces of furniture in all price ranges. There are various descriptions on the internet as to what all is included in the area as part of the antique market. A friend & I visited two of the three most commonly mentioned buildings in this trip.
A large majority of the items in the stores are Buddhist related, but there were several other options as well. I found a beautiful box that was way out of my price range, pillow boxes, some lovely embroidery work, instruments, and more. There are some reproductions mixed in, but I didn't feel like there was any attempt to pass these off as actual antiques. The prices on everything that I asked about were very reasonable, although the only thing I purchased was a book of collector coins from China. Also unlike Insadong and Itaewon, the vendors here do not at all mind you taking pictures! A few of the shop owners spoke a little English, most of them didn't speak any. This is only a problem if you want to know some details about an item, which most people purchasing antiques do, so that can detract some from the experience. It is still a wonderful way to pass several hours with some good companionship.
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| The larger pieces were lined up and down the hallways. |
