FROM ROOTS TO REMEDIES: THE MAGIC OF YANGNYEONG HERBAL MARKET

How about stepping into a world of aromatic roots, dried herbs, and centuries-old wellness traditions at Yangnyeong Herbal Market in Seoul? Nestled in Dongdaemun-gu and easily accessible from Jegi-dong Station, this market is South Korea’s largest hub for traditional medicine, a place where you can find red ginseng, herbal tonics, and medicinal roots on the shelves.

1.     A GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY

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The Yangnyeong Herbal Market traces its heritage back to the site of Bojewon, a Joseon-era medical institution. Over time, starting from the 1960s, it developed into one of South Korea’s most popular herbal-medicine districts. Today, it is estimated that 70% of the country’s oriental medicine trade flows through here, partly because of the lower distribution costs and high volume.

2.     WHAT TO SHOP AND HUNT FOR

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As you are shopping at Yangnyeong Herbal Market, you’ll be surrounded by piles of various medicinal products from red ginseng and jujubes to milk vetch and angelica. Piles of medicinal herbs and roots such as red ginseng, dates, milk vetch, and more are displayed in clear sacks or wooden boxes. Many shops sell speciality tonics and processed herbal remedies crafted for health, wellness, and traditional treatments. Along the side alleys, you’ll find herbal tea stalls, wellness consultations, and even medicinal foot baths offered through the nearby K-Medi Centre. With more than 800 businesses dedicated to herbal medicine, the market is a fascinating blend of commerce and culture.

3.     WHAT ELSE TO EXPLORE

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Beyond its rows of herbal stalls and fragrant displays, Yangnyeong Herbal Market offers much more to explore! Just nearby, you can visit the Seoul K-Medi Centre, where visitors can learn about the history and science behind traditional Korean medicine (Hanbang) through interactive exhibits, hands-on programs, and even personalised wellness experiences. If you’re a foodie, the area around the market is filled with restaurants serving herbal soups and teas, often made with ingredients sold right at the stalls. You can also browse Hanok-style shops selling traditional crafts, natural skincare products, and herbal-infused cosmetics. For those interested in culture, the nearby Cheonggyecheon Stream offers a scenic stroll where you can relax and take in a quieter side of the city after the market visit.

4.     THE MARKET EXPERIENCE

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The experience at Yangnyeong Herbal Market is part market-tour, part cultural immersion. Here you’ll see merchants discussing remedies, jars of dried bark and seed, and visitors sampling herbal tea in cafés. This is a side of Seoul you won’t find at typical tourist sites, so it’s really worth visiting!

5.     PRACTICAL INFORMATION

·       ADDRESS: 10 Yangnyeongjungang-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul 02570 OPENING HOURS: The market is typically open from 9 AM to 6 PM, and it’s closed on Sundays, but keep in mind that hours may vary by store.

·       TRANSPORT: Take the underground train from Jegi-dong Station (Subway Line 1) and then take Exit 2, which is just a minute’s walk from the entrance gate.

·       BEST TIME TO VISIT: The best time to visit the Yangnyeong Herbal Market is in the morning, between 9 AM and noon. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, making it easier to browse and take photos. Avoid visiting too late in the afternoon, as many shops begin to close around 6 PM.

·       TIPS FOR FOREIGNERS:

-        Bring cash, as many speciality shops may prefer it, and prices reflect wholesale-market benefits.

-        Visit the museum and K-Medi Centre to deepen your understanding of Korean herbal medicine traditions.

-        Ask permission before touching products, and customs for export may apply if you’re buying for travel.

Yangnyeong Herbal Market is a deep dive into Korea’s rich tradition of herbal medicine, wellness culture, and trade legacy. With its fragrant lanes and historic roots, it stands as a unique destination for curious travellers who want to explore Seoul beyond the usual. Will you step through the herb-scented streets and discover what secrets lie in its countless jars?