Where to Buy Korean Antiques in Seoul: A Janganpyeong & Dapsimni Walking Course

Janganpyeong and Dapsimni in Seoul’s Dongdaemun-gu form Korea’s largest antique art district — Joseon furniture, white porcelain and buncheong, earthenware and small objects, all in one place. Following the path GOBOKII actually walks, here is a shop-by-shop loop that starts in Janganpyeong and carries on to Dapsimni.

When to go

Opening days vary from shop to shop, so a weekend afternoon is best. GOBOKII’s Object Shop opens Saturdays 11:00–17:00. The GOBOKII Atelier opens only in spring and autumn, and occasionally holds exhibitions — please check opening information on Instagram @gobokii_kr before you visit.

Janganpyeong

Songhwa Building

Begin at 경주사 (Gyeongju-sa) in Songhwa Building — a first stop to settle the eye.

Useong Building, 1st floor

Cross over to the first floor of Useong Building. Start at 인앤온 (In&On) and continue through 아랑 · 고운 · 진성당 · 만고당 · 현송갤러리 · 학일사 · 희방 · 고우사 — each dealer has its own character, so take your time.

Useong Building, 2nd floor

Upstairs on the second floor, pass through 고전 · 신라갤러리 · 선조마루 · 한림당 and on to 갤러리 진, where old furniture, ceramics and paintings continue floor by floor.

GOBOKII Atelier ★

After Janganpyeong, stop by the GOBOKII Atelier, a space that re-reads Joseon furniture and objects through a contemporary eye. As noted, it opens only in spring and autumn and may be showing an exhibition, so please confirm on Instagram @gobokii_kr before visiting.

Dapsimni

The Dapsimni antique arcade is close by — a short walk or bus ride — so many visitors take in both streets in one day. If you’re hungry along the way, a bowl of buckwheat noodles at 성천막국수 (Seongcheon Makguksu) is a good place to pause.

Samhui Arcade, Building 6

Dapsimni begins at Samhui Arcade, Building 6: browse 고유당 · 대영 · 삼부당 · 심원 · 장미방 in turn. Each building has its own flavor, so it’s worth setting your eye here first.

Samhui Arcade, Buildings 2 & 3

Then on to Buildings 2 and 3. Starting with 예든 · 예명당, continue through 남강 · 석황 · 대덕당, past the GOBOKII Object Shop (Bldg 2, #158), and on to 만복당 · 오프 · 금사리 · 호박. From practical pieces like the bandaji and soban to a moon jar or a scroll painting, prices run from entry-level objects to masterpieces.

GOBOKII Object Shop ★

Inside Samhui Building 2 you’ll find the GOBOKII Object Shop, gathering incense, small vessels and antique objects you’ll want to pick up. (21 Gomisul-ro, Samhui Bldg 2 #158 · Saturdays 11:00–17:00)

A pause

When your feet grow heavy, rest with a coffee at the bakery 올크팩 (Allkpack) and 엘엘씨카페 (LLC Cafe). As the sun sets, 명동칼국수 (Myeongdong Kalguksu) near Dapsimni Station is a fine place to end the day.

Tips for the walk

· Cash is handy, and larger furniture can usually be arranged for delivery.
· Inspect each piece for repairs and condition, and ask prices politely.
· If it’s your first time, start with small objects and build your eye from there.

This is GOBOKII’s first Janganpyeong–Dapsimni course. More routes will follow — a food-led loop, a light-and-easy small-finds route, a collector’s taste-driven course, and a deep-digging route for the dedicated.