Daein Market & Night Market

Gunarta · CC BY-SA 4.0

A market close to dying that artists moved into, and which now lights up every Saturday night.

By the early 2000s Daein market was nearly empty — stalls shuttered, the tin roof leaking. Then the Gwangju Biennale invited artists to rent the abandoned stalls as studios for very little, and they stayed. Now, between the dried fish and the dry goods, there are potteries, print workshops, painting studios and painted walls. On Saturday nights the market runs 'Byeolbam Market' — the starlight night market — with strings of lights down the aisles, food stalls run jointly by the artists and the old traders, and live music in the middle. It is a rare case of artists moving into a market without pushing the original sellers out.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Daein Market & Night Market?

Year-round; Saturday evenings

How long do you need at Daein Market & Night Market?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of Daein Market & Night Market?

Day market 09:00–19:00. The 2026 Daein Art Night Market runs just 12 sessions, on Friday or Saturday evenings 16:00–21:00, ending 31 October — check the schedule before going

Did you know

Daein market declined in the early 2000s and was revived by artists moving in.
The artists-in-the-market project began with the Gwangju Biennale in 2008.
The 'Byeolbam' night market runs on Saturday evenings.
Traditional stalls and art studios operate side by side.

Travel tips

Come on a Saturday evening — other nights the market is fairly quiet.
Many artists' studios are open to visitors; just ask.
It is about 10 minutes' walk from the Asia Culture Center.

Source: https://v.daum.net/v/YQF83MMVhJ

Updated: 2026-08-05