Seoul Turns Subway Stations Into Farmers' Markets
Saturday, November 14, 2026164 words3 minutes46 reads
Seoul is bringing farm shopping into its subway stations. A preview market opened at Gwanghwamun Station on November 9 and ran until November 10. Fourteen farms from five regions took part, selling their products directly to shoppers.
The city says prices can be up to 30 percent below retail prices. Direct sales remove businesses that normally stand between farmers and customers. However, the maximum discount does not mean every product is 30 percent cheaper. The markets offer commuters a chance to buy food during their usual journey home.
From November 16, the programme will rotate through four stations near residential areas. Products include rice, chestnuts, corn, garlic and apples. Each station has its own schedule and selection, so shoppers should check before visiting. The programme runs through November 28.
The markets use unused station space. Seoul plans to explore similar markets in other neighbourhood spaces after this pilot. That is a future plan, rather than a permanent change already made across the subway system.
