▲ Dokkaebi, the official mascot of the Bamdokkaebi Market, in Banpo Hangang Park // Photo taken by Yewon Chang

“Dokkaebi” is a mythical creature in Korea that appears at night and disappears before sunrise. Like its namesake, the Seoul Bamdokkaebi Market opens only at night and is gone by the next morning. Opening weekly on Fridays and Saturdays with the exception of rainy days, it contributes to the boost of the economy, as well as providing local citizens and tourists with a wide range of cultural and societal experience. The Bamdokkaebi Market is operated in several places in Seoul, including Yeouido Hangang Park, Banpo Hangang Park, DDP(Dongdaemun Design Plaza), and Cheonggyecheon.

If you go to any of the Bamdokkaebi Markets, you will be amazed by the realm of diverse food and goods. People line up to eat things such as steak, grilled seafood, tacos, and noodles. In the night market held in Banpo Hangang Park, a cluster of pop-up stores are arrayed in the middle of the park. Visitors purchase goods such as handmade keychains, purses, and accessories for reasonable and affordable prices. Families and friends have a great time, chattering away on the streets while enjoying the unique and enriching atmosphere of the city. It is widely viewed as a source of luxuriating space for local citizens that they can go to casually, after a long week of working.

▲ The Bamdokkaebi Market is expected to have a positive effect on Seoul in many perspectives// Photo by Yewon Chang

The Seoul Bamdokkaebi Market influences our society in another way. It plays a part in advancing our economy to a higher level in many different ways. One of the reasons Seoul decided to operate a night market was to invigorate youth businesses. Invigorating youth businesses can also lead to creating jobs and consequently lowering the unemployment rate. This is a particularly significant point, as many youths are struggling with unemployment. There are also hopes that the Bamdokkaebi Market will promote Seoul and South Korea to tourists and represent Seoul’s active nightlife.

▲ Locals and tourists enjoying the bright and energetic atmosphere provided by the Bamdokkaebi Market // Photo by Yewon Chang

Mr. Shin(47), who lives in Seocho-Gu, Seoul, was with his family in the Bamdokkaebi Market held in Banpo Hangang Park when I interviewed him. He regularly comes out to enjoy the nightlife recreation with his wife and children. “It’s always refreshing to come to Bamdokkaebi Market, especially when I have had an exhausting week. Here, I can relieve all my stress, and I think it has the same effect on a lot of us here.”
Since the Bamdokkaebi Market started operating, Seoul’s nightlife has become even more zestful and energetic than ever before. Illuminating the daily lives of citizens, offering tourists a distinguished experience, and escalating the economy, this market will surely bloom in years to come. I envision that it will settle down as a “traditional” culture every Korean will be proud of.