Daegu’s Seomun & Chilseong Night Markets Reopen with Enhanced Offerings

Daegu’s Iconic Night Markets Reopen for the Season

Daegu’s renowned Seomun and Chilseong Night Markets are set to welcome visitors once again, officially reopening on Friday, March 27. After a three-month winter hiatus, these vibrant culinary and cultural hubs are ready to enchant both local and international tourists with an expanded array of attractions and improved facilities.

This year, the Seomun Night Market will operate from March through December, while the Chilseong Night Market will run from March through November. Both markets will now operate three days a week: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This change streamlines the previous schedule, which saw Chilseong operating five days a week, aiming to concentrate efforts and enhance service quality during peak visitor periods. Operating hours are from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM on Sundays.

A total of 36 food stall operators—26 at Seomun and 10 at Chilseong—have been meticulously selected through a rigorous screening process. Seomun Night Market, a popular spot for younger crowds and international tourists, will feature trendy items such as octopus butter stir-fry, lamb skewers, grilled pork intestines (makchang gui), cabbage yaki, and gochujang bulgogi tacos. Meanwhile, Chilseong Night Market, known for its relaxing urban atmosphere, will cater to families with offerings like steak, fried shrimp, chicken skewers (dakkochi), red bean shaved ice (patbingsu), and hotdogs.

Beyond the diverse food options, both markets are evolving into comprehensive cultural spaces. Visitors can explore a flea market showcasing local handicraft artists, and Chilseong Night Market will host a ‘Byeolbyeol Children’s Market,’ providing kids with an engaging economic experience. Cultural performances, including indie bands and acoustic groups, will kick off the opening weekend from March 27-29. Throughout the season, regular performances such as busking and dance will light up the evenings every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Special events are also planned, including the 9th Seomun Music Festival in July and the Chilseong Night Beer Festival in August. Notably, Seomun Night Market will celebrate its 10th anniversary this year with special commemorative events, while Chilseong Night Market will introduce new beam projectors for sports broadcasts and movie screenings.

Daegu Metropolitan City is prioritizing visitor safety and convenience. Enhancements include upgrading old electrical wiring, facility maintenance, painting the Chilseong Night Market bridge piers, installing shade canopies on stairs, and replacing walls of aging Mongolian tents to ensure a more comfortable experience. Both markets have received national acclaim, being selected among ‘Korea’s 100 Night Spots’ and collectively attracting over 1.4 million visitors last year. Kim Jeong-gi, Acting Mayor of Daegu, affirmed, “The vibrancy of Seomun and the romance of Chilseong are among Daegu’s best assets. We will make these markets a festival of night where tourists from home and abroad can experience Daegu’s unique flavors and charms.”

Source: 대구광역시 — Original Notice (Korean)