Suwon Yeongdong Market (수원 영동시장)

The neighborhood around Paldalmun Gate serves as the main business district of Suwon, where more than 300 stores and stalls are joined to make a large market. The atmosphere and the physical surroundings help to both keep traditions alive and move into the modern age, which is one of the main aspects of this market that draws in more visitors each year. Since 1917 when the market first opened to the public, the vendors here have specialized in traditional garments, including hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) and accessories. Among 300 stores, 40 stores feature finished hanbok, another 40 stores sell fabric, 70 stores are general clothing store, and the remaining stores sell daily goods, accessories, agricultural and stockbreeding products. In the past, the market was the largest market south of the metropolitan area so people from Suwon, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, and Osan frequently visited. An on-going maintenance project to keep the originality of the market began in 2002 and the market now features modernized facilities.