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

The content of this guide is provided by the publisher Antique Archive.

Janganpyeong and Dapsimni in Seoul's Dongdaemun-gu are the streets where Korean antiques and old objects feel closest at hand. Joseon furniture, white porcelain and buncheong, earthenware, folk objects and old household wares rest quietly throughout the arcades. Following the path GOBOKII actually walks, this guide maps a day's stroll that begins 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

Starting from Dapsimni Station Exit 4, the walk begins with the Janganpyeong antique arcades.

Songhwa Building

Begin at Songhwa Building: 경주사 (Gyeongju-sa) · 문화사 · T1 갤러리 · 청암갤러리 · 석인방 · 유진당 · Urah · 정명당, browsed in turn to settle the eye.

Useong Building, 1st floor

Right next door to Songhwa, the first floor of Useong Building: 아랑 (Arang) · 고운 · 진성당 · 갤러리 인앤온 · 학일사 · 현송갤러리 · 만고당 · 민속당 · 희방 · 고아사 — each dealer has its own character, so take your time comparing.

아랑(Arang) — @ahrang1983

Useong Building, 2nd floor

Upstairs on the second floor: 고전 (Gojeon) · 신라갤러리 · 상보당 · 한림당 · 선조마루 · 민속문화 · 중앙당 · 우당고미술, where old furniture, ceramics and paintings continue floor by floor.

At the end of the Janganpyeong walk, GOBOKII Atelier

A space that looks anew at Joseon furniture and old objects through a contemporary eye. It opens only in spring and autumn and may be showing an exhibition, so check Instagram @gobokii_kr before you visit.

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

The Dapsimni arcades span several buildings. There is also a Building 5, but if Korean antiques are what you're after, you can pass it by. Dapsimni begins at Samhui Arcade, Building 6: browse 고유당 · 대영 · 삼보당 · 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, then in Building 2 the 향미당 · 가화 and 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.

Within the Dapsimni antique quarter, GOBOKII Object Shop

A small shop brimming with a young sensibility and the owner's own curation. It gathers incense, little vessels and antique objects you'll want to pick up. In particular, you can try three incenses — Gohyang (古香), Bokhyang (福香) and Huihyang (囍香) — blended entirely from Korean medicinal herbs by a monk who studies Joseon-era incense. Visitors from Japan and across Asia come to Seoul seeking out GOBOKII's incense. Tucked inside Samhui Building 2, it's an easy stop as you wander Dapsimni. (21 Gomisul-ro, Samhui Bldg 2 #158 · Saturdays 11:00–17:00)

A pause

When your feet grow heavy, rest with a coffee at 올크팩 (Allkpack) — a bakery famous for croissants that always sell out fast — 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

· At any shop, mentioning that you came on GOBOKII's recommendation tends to earn you a little extra care from the owners.
· 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.

Food & Cafés

Dapsimni — Myeongdong Kalguksu

For a hearty meal near Dapsimni, we recommend Myeongdong Kalguksu. Go for the bossam set (bossam jeongsik) — it comes with kalguksu (knife-cut noodles) too, making a generous spread on a single table.

Janganpyeong — Galbi Myeongga Isang

Over by Janganpyeong, head to Galbi Myeongga Isang. The grilled galbi (short ribs) is excellent, and so is the steaming galbitang (short-rib soup).

Dapsimni noodles — Seongcheon Makguksu

Looking for Dapsimni's most famous spot? About ten minutes on foot is Seongcheon Makguksu — a cool bowl of buckwheat noodles to catch your breath mid-walk.

Cafés

There aren't many cafés in this area. For something hip — though it's a 10-minute-plus walk — try Gongyu (2nd branch). For somewhere closer, between Dapsimni and Janganpyeong, Starbucks, Tous Les Jours and Twosome Place are fine, but we'd point you to LLC cafe, where you can pick from a range of beans and the owner speaks fluent Japanese.

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.

Published & content by Antique Archive