Seoul picks 10 night markets to remake neighborhood evenings

Seoul has chosen ten commercial areas to launch a new night market program in 2026. The initiative aims to transform local food and culture into popular evening destinations. The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced on Monday that these ten districts have been selected for the Moonlight Night Market program, marking the first major implementation of Mayor Oh Se-hoon's strategy to boost the city's nighttime economy.

The program seeks to connect neighborhood restaurants, cultural resources, and tourism attractions. It plans to create outdoor dining areas and nighttime streetscapes that will attract both residents and visitors. The ten districts chosen for the program are diverse, representing different areas of Seoul.

These include the Garosu-gil area in Gangnam District, known for its trendy cafes and bars. Suyu Station in Gangbuk District is another selected location, offering easy access to public transportation. Sadang Orak Moonlight Night Market in Gwanak District, Konkuk University area in Gwangjin District, and International Food Culture Street in Guro District are also part of the program.

Other selected districts are Dobong District, around Chang-dong Station, Dongjak District, with Sadang 1-dong Food Street, Jongno District's Songhae-gil, Jung District's Sinjungang Market, and Sangbo in the heart of Seoul. This diverse selection of districts showcases Seoul's commitment to making the city's neighborhoods vibrant and appealing after dark.