Yangjae Flower Market is your one stop shop if you are looking for anything to do with gardening including plants, flowers, trees, orchids, herbs, and soil. The market opened in June 1991 and at first only sold cut flowers.
When the market opened in Seocho-gu, only an auction building existed. Since then, the market has expanded to become the largest flower market in South Korea. and also a popular tourist attraction, that is, for those who even know this place even exists.
It is here where you can find almost any type of plant, flower, tree, or shrub you can think of including many varieties not native to Korea or even Asia.
Stall after stall sell everything from fresh herbs ready to be used in food dishes (1,500-3000 won) to plants in plastic pots ready to be grown. You can even find small trees in large pots for sale. If you look around you will easily find unique plants that you might have never seen before.
Prices vary widely by stall and item but many stalls do sell the same items. This means that prices are usually competitively priced, but if you want, try to bargain. Some sellers speak at least a little bit of English.
The Yangjae Flower Market is one of the most unique in Seoul and has become popular with both locals and tourists. Just taking a stroll down the aisles of the market and browsing through one of the buildings here is a great experience. The fresh smells and vibrant and beautiful colors is quite a sight to see and smell.
The area is separated into greenhouses buildings so be sure to walk into each section to get a complete view of the market and see as many products as you can.
If you happen to walk into the auction building, stand back and watch for a few minutes. Even if you have no idea what is going on and do not speak Korean, it can be very interesting to watch buyers and sellers trying to score great deals on wholesale flowers, plants, and trees.
Prices for flowers and plants here are considerably lower than retail shops elsewhere in the city. This is because most of the retail shops buy their products at the Yangjae Flower Market and then mark up the prices and sell them in their own shops to make a profit.
Wholesale store prices are even cheaper but products are usually only sold in large quantities.
If you are looking for a souvenir, check out the Oriental orchids which make great gifts. If you make a purchase, sellers may offer you the choice of having your purchase planted in a pot.
