Suwon Paldalmun Market

Suwon Paldalmun Market is found in the blocks surrounding Paldalmun (one of the gates of Hwaseong Fortress) in Suwon. We used to live in Suwon and would shop around Paldalmun from time to time, but more and more often we find ourselves heading back there to shop around and eat nice food. From our apartment in Gangnam it's only a 45 minute express bus ride, so it's really convenient for us to visit. I can't believe it, but we've actually found ourselves in the market for the past three weekends in a row. The shame! We should just move back!



I've never posted anything about this gem of a place, so I thought I'd share some pictures.



Clothes, shoes and bags are the main items for sale here, and there are a few square blocks of shops. What I like the most about this market is that there are hardly any brand name stores. The clothes are still pretty unique and well-made, but because you're not in Seoul and not buying brands, it's very cheap. When it got colder here a few weeks ago we headed to the market to pick up some winter clothes and our money just went so much farther than it usually does in the city. Plus, unlike most markets which sell mostly to women, about half of the shops here are for men.



Our three favorite stores: One Point, Workshop and Y-Teen Total Gift Market. All three sell both men's and women's wear so we both have something to look at.



Some of the stores have seen better days. This place should be re-named "I Was Shop".



Most of the fashions are pretty normal, but there's something for all tastes at this market.





It seems that this winter, Sleepy and Mario are the hottest things in K-fashion. I can't even tell you how many Mario-related clothing items are sold here for some reason.



Of course, I mostly just posted pics of the strangey fashion, but I also bought this suit for just over $100 at Workshop for the jacket, pants, vest and shirt.



A few weeks ago we decided to spend the night in Suwon, and we were happy to find a cheap and nice love motel just a few blocks north of the market. The BMW motel was only 30,000 Won for the night and there was a computer, big screen TV and a whirlpool in the room.



The TV even featured the popular "Ching" channel, now in HD!



The food is pretty good around the market too. There's some fast food options like Lotteria and Han's Deli, but this BBQ restaurant ("Hwa-lo-ku-ee") one block west of the market is our favorite galbi place in Korea.



The seasoned ribs are so good, but the reason this restaurant is the best is because the side dishes are awesome. You get my three galbi favorites: macaroni salad, vinegar-radish soup and the grass in brown sauce. Score! And if you go before 4pm, it's only 9,000 Won each.



I keep meaning to try this place across from the galbi restaurant- they serve pasta, noodle AND Bob. No word on if they serve Sam or Bill too.



You could always pick up a snack from these kind vegetable ajummas that sell from behind the bus stop.



If that's not to your liking there are sandrich shops around too.



And a Pizza Hut... I mean Chicken Hut. I <3 Korean libel laws.



Yep, Paldalmun Market has something from everyone. You could even buy a tank of gas off the back of this guy's pick-up. Why not come for a visit? The market is just a few minutes from Suwon Station, or take bus 3000 from Gangnam. Chances are I'll probably see you there next weekend.