Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market
Explore Korea's rich tradition of herbal medicine at Yangnyeongsi Market. Discover ancient remedies, enjoy free museum exhibits, and join affordable w...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Hands-on activities start
Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market
Best Time
Hands-on activities start

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Korea's rich tradition of herbal medicine at Yangnyeongsi Market. Discover ancient remedies, enjoy free museum exhibits, and join affordable workshops.
"Highly encourage everyone to visit this place! It is very educational and interactive for families."
π― Book Workshops Early!
Hands-on activities like soap making and foot baths are popular and require advance booking. Arrive early to secure your spot!
π Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the market stalls and museum. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Herbal Medicine Museum
Inside the market complex
Discover the rich history of Korean traditional medicine with interactive exhibits and free Hanbok try-ons.
Herbal Soap Making Workshop
Various workshop stations
Create your own natural soap using traditional Korean herbs for a unique, hands-on souvenir.

Medicinal Foot Bath
Designated foot bath area
Relax and rejuvenate with an affordable herbal foot soak, a popular and therapeutic experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Aroma of Tradition
Free Museum & Interactive Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
π― Book Workshops Early!
Hands-on activities like soap making and foot baths are popular and require advance booking. Arrive early to secure your spot!
π Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the market stalls and museum. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
π° Affordable Fun
Most activities, like the museum and workshops, are incredibly affordable, with some even being free! :moneywithwings:
πΈ Free Hanbok Photos
Dress up in traditional Korean attire for free in the museum and capture memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
Entrance to the Seoul Yangnyeongsi Market selling herbal medicine, Dongdaemun District, northeastern Seoul [OS] [1080Γ1350]
Tips
from all over the internet
π― Book Workshops Early!
Hands-on activities like soap making and foot baths are popular and require advance booking. Arrive early to secure your spot!
π Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the market stalls and museum. Comfortable footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
π° Affordable Fun
Most activities, like the museum and workshops, are incredibly affordable, with some even being free! :moneywithwings:
πΈ Free Hanbok Photos
Dress up in traditional Korean attire for free in the museum and capture memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
π Embrace the Scents
The market is filled with unique herbal aromas. It's part of the authentic experience! :herb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Yangnyeongsi Herbal Medicine Market for its educational value, affordability, and unique interactive experiences. The free museum, Hanbok try-ons, and low-cost workshops like soap making and foot baths are consistently praised. While some find the market's aromas intense, most appreciate it as part of the authentic cultural immersion.
"Highly encourage everyone to visit this place! It is very educational and interactive for families. Minimal fee of $2 for herbal soap making and $2 for herbal foot bath."
Yi Ning
"You can visit the museum for free. In this museum you will learn the history of oriental medicine in Korea. You can also try the Hanbok for free! I dressed as Dae Janggeum from the korean drama "Jewel In The Palace", the first female physician in the Joseon Dynasty. I also tried the Royal Guard Uniform hahaha. For male, you can dressed as Heo Jun which is also a famous physician in the Joseon Dynasty."
Ellana Nabilah Nur Averina Ansar
"If you have an hour or two, go to this free museum for an educational tour. Make sure you book the herbal feet bath when you get there as it can be fully booked quickly. Good for 5,000 W."
Frank Lu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
π πΊοΈ Getting There
The market is easily accessible by public transport. Take the Seoul Subway to Jegi-dong Station (Line 1), Exit 1. It's a short walk from there. Many visitors find it a convenient stop on their Seoul itinerary.
Yes, parking is available. You can get your parking pass stamped for an hour of free parking, making it convenient if you're driving.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk! The market is best explored on foot, allowing you to browse the stalls and visit the museum at your own pace. :athletic_shoe:
Absolutely! Yangnyeongsi is located within Seoul, making it an excellent addition to any day trip exploring the city's cultural attractions. It's a unique experience that offers a different perspective on Korean heritage.
Yes, ride-sharing services are readily available in Seoul and can drop you off near the market. It's a convenient option if you prefer not to navigate public transport.
π« π« Tickets & Entry
The market itself is free to enter and explore. The museum is also free, offering a wealth of information about traditional Korean medicine.
Hands-on activities like herbal soap making and medicinal foot baths are very affordable, typically costing around 5,000 KRW (approximately $2 USD) per person.
No, the museum has free admission and does not require advance booking. You can visit it anytime during operating hours.
The market generally opens around 9 AM, with hands-on experiences often starting at 10 AM. It's best to check specific operating hours for the museum and workshops closer to your visit, as they can vary.
Yes, credit card payments are generally accepted for the workshops and any purchases made at the market's store.
π« πΏ Onsite Experience
You can explore stalls selling a vast array of traditional Korean herbs, visit the free museum, participate in affordable workshops like soap making and foot baths, and even get a basic health check.
It's a fun, hands-on experience where you can create your own natural soap using various herbal ingredients. It's a great way to learn about the properties of different herbs and make a unique souvenir.
For a small fee, you can soak your feet in a warm bath infused with medicinal herbs. It's a relaxing and therapeutic experience, highly recommended by visitors. Booking in advance is advised as it's popular.
Yes! The free museum offers Hanbok try-ons, allowing you to dress up as historical figures like Dae Janggeum or Heo Jun and take photos.
Some areas within the market may offer basic health checks or consultations related to traditional Korean medicine. It's a unique opportunity to learn more about your well-being from a traditional perspective.
π½οΈ ποΈ Shopping & Dining
You can find a wide variety of dried herbs, medicinal roots, teas, health supplements, and natural skincare products. Ginseng candy is also a popular purchase.
While the primary focus is on herbal medicine, you might find small eateries or tea houses within or near the market complex offering traditional Korean snacks and beverages. The nearby Dongdaemun area has extensive dining options.
The Yangnyeongsi market is renowned for its ginseng products. Look for reputable vendors within the market for authentic and high-quality ginseng roots, powders, and extracts.
Some vendors may offer samples of teas or other herbal products. It's always a good idea to ask politely if you can try something before making a purchase.
Besides the herbal products, consider purchasing handmade herbal soaps from the workshop, traditional Korean teas, or unique health-related items that reflect Korean culture.
πΈ πΈ Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside the museum for personal use, especially for capturing the exhibits and your Hanbok photos. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and any specific signage.
The entrance to the market with its traditional signage, the colorful displays of herbs, and the Hanbok try-on area in the museum are all great for photos. The alleyways lined with herb shops also offer a unique atmosphere.
It's polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of vendors or their specific product displays. Most will be happy to oblige if you explain you're a tourist capturing the market's essence.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in crowded public spaces like markets and museums in Seoul due to safety and privacy regulations. Stick to handheld photography.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm or a prime lens (e.g., 35mm or 50mm) would be great for capturing both wider market scenes and detailed shots of herbs. A smartphone camera is also perfectly adequate for most visitors. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
π¨βπ©βπ§ Families with Kids
The hands-on workshops, such as herbal soap making, are perfect for little hands and provide a creative outlet. While the herbal foot bath might be more appealing to adults, the overall atmosphere of the market, with its unique sights and smells, can be an adventure in itself. It's a great way to introduce children to different cultural practices in an accessible and enjoyable way.
π° Budget Travelers
The workshops are incredibly affordable, typically costing only around 5,000 KRW (about $2 USD) each. This makes activities like herbal soap making or a relaxing foot bath accessible to everyone. Even if you don't participate in workshops, browsing the market stalls and soaking in the unique atmosphere is a rewarding experience that costs nothing.
πΏ Wellness Enthusiasts
The medicinal foot bath is a must-try for a therapeutic and relaxing experience, utilizing the healing properties of herbs. The workshops, like making natural soaps or facial sprays, align perfectly with a holistic approach to well-being. It's a chance to connect with ancient wellness traditions and perhaps discover new natural products for your self-care routine.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heart of Korean Herbal Medicine
The market's significance is further amplified by the presence of the free museum. This educational space delves into the history of Oriental medicine in Korea, showcasing its evolution and its integral role in society. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to learn about different medicinal herbs, their properties, and their applications. The opportunity to try on traditional Korean clothing, such as Hanbok, adds a fun and immersive dimension, allowing visitors to connect with the historical context of Korean medicine and culture.
Beyond the historical and educational aspects, Yangnyeongsi offers practical, hands-on experiences. The popular workshops, such as herbal soap making and medicinal foot baths, provide an affordable way to engage with traditional practices. These activities are not only enjoyable but also offer a tangible takeaway, whether it's a custom-made soap or a sense of well-being from the foot soak. The market truly offers a multi-faceted experience, blending history, culture, and wellness.
Experiencing Yangnyeongsi: Tips from Visitors
Booking workshops in advance is a recurring tip, as it ensures you don't miss out on the hands-on fun. The herbal soap making and facial spray workshops are highlighted as particularly enjoyable and rewarding. Visitors also emphasize the importance of wearing comfortable shoes due to the extensive walking involved in exploring the market stalls and museum.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, dressing up in free Hanbok within the museum is a must-do for photo opportunities. The market's unique aroma is part of its charm, so visitors are advised to embrace the sensory experience. Overall, the consensus is that Yangnyeongsi offers a unique, educational, and enjoyable cultural outing that is well worth the visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit