A Creative Outing to Dongdaemun
I recently took my 6-year-old to the 5th floor of Building A at the Dongdaemun Shopping Complex to hunt for materials to make custom keycaps. Since my child loves arts and crafts, just browsing the endless rows of supplies was an adventure in itself. We ended up spending over an hour exploring the stalls, completely captivated by the sheer variety of items on display.
Practical Information
If you are planning a visit, here are the details you need to know:
- Location: 5th Floor, Building A, Dongdaemun Shopping Complex, 266 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
- Hours: Monday to Saturday, 09:30–19:00. Please note that the market is closed on Sundays, and some shops may close early on Saturdays.
- Getting There: You can easily reach the complex by walking from Exit 9 of Dongdaemun Station (Lines 1 and 4) or from the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station (Lines 2, 4, and 5).
A Treasure Trove of Craft Supplies
The 5th floor is packed with everything a crafter could want: beads, keycap charms, ribbons, chains, pearls, acrylic decorations, and various metal findings. It is a fantastic spot for anyone interested in DIY projects like phone decoration or custom keychains.
Budgeting Tips
While individual items are quite affordable, it is very easy to lose track of your spending. We picked up a variety of beads, keycap charms, and keychain findings, and our total spend came to 15,000 KRW. Because the small parts add up quickly, I recommend setting a budget before you start shopping to keep your costs in check.
Making the Most of Your Visit
One of the best parts of our trip was heading to a nearby cafe immediately after shopping to assemble our keycaps. It was a great way to turn our shopping trip into a hands-on activity. My child felt so proud of the finished product, and it was a wonderful, focused way to spend time together.
Since the facility is well-air-conditioned, it is an ideal destination for a summer or rainy day outing in Seoul. If you are looking for a way to escape the heat while keeping your little one entertained, this is a perfect half-day activity.
