By Lee Kyoung Mi and Hahm Hee-eun
Photos = Seoul Metropolitan Government

This week, the Seoul Bamdokkaebi "Goblin" Night Markets will open for food, performances and enjoyable evenings and nights across Seoul.

The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Markets open at night and disappear by morning, just like a traditional dokkaebi goblin, the legendary creature from myths both famous and infamous. The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Markets started with preliminary runs in 2015, and became permanent in 2016. Last year, around 5 million people visited the night markets, now one of the most representative leisure events in Seoul's spring and summer nights.

At the night markets, you can find food trucks with snacks from all around the world, starting with Korean food such as bibimbap and bulgogi, through to European food such as pasta and garlic shrimp, and even Japanese food like sushi and octopus balls. People sell a variety of merchandise, including handmade herb-scented candles, porcelain bowls, and cosmetic pouches. There are also one-day classes for making your own hand mirrors, bracelets or earrings.



The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Markets at six locations across Seoul are operated with different themes. According to the themes, musical performances including classical music, jazz, indie, mariachi and samba will be held every week at the night markets. In particular, the Oil Tank Culture Park, which was previously a petroleum storage base that was transformed through an urban regeneration program, is planning to use porcelain dishes instead of disposable items to ensure an environmentally friendly campaign.

The night markets at the Yeouido Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Oil Tank Culture Park are open from March 30 or 31 until the end of October. As for the night market at Cheonggye Plaza, seasonal markets with different concepts are expected to open in May, June, September and October.

Further information and performance schedules are available at the official website of the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Night Market (http://www.bamdokkaebi.org) in English, simplified Chinese and Japanese, or at its official Facebook profile (www.facebook.com/bamdokkaebi). Since it’s all outdoors, the schedules are subject to change according to weather conditions. Confirmation in advance is necessary.

Venue	Theme	Content	Operation
Yeouido Hangang Park (Mulbit Square)	World Night Market	A trip around the world in one night	Every Friday & Saturday 18:00-23:00
Banpo Hangang Park (Dalbit Square)	Romantic Moonlight Market	A market with a wonderful nightscape and fountain
Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP)	Youth Runway Market	A design market based on the brilliant and stylish ideas of young artists
Cheonggyecheon Stream	Time Tour Market	A distinctly Korean atmosphere offering unique products and experiences	Every Saturday  17:00-22:00 & Sunday 16:00-21:00
Oil Tank Culture Park	Forest Picnic Market	A leisurely picnic in the woods: A night market combined with a citizens’ flea market	Every Saturday & Sunday 16:00-21:00
Cheonggye Plaza	Season Market	Seasonal markets in May, Aug., Sep., and Oct.	Friday to Sunday (varies by season) 18:00-23:00

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