For those who enjoy the lively atmosphere of crowded Dongmyo Flea Market, make sure not to leave the Dongmyo area without visiting Hwanghakdong Flea Market as well.

If Dongmyo Flea Market is the equivalent of Hongdae for Korea's baby boomers, or a vintage fashion paradise, Hwanghak-dong Flea Market is a playground for collectors.

Located a three- to five-minute walk away from Dongmyo Flea Market, Hwanghak-dong Flea Market is a hotspot for antiques and collectibles.

The market is widely known as Dokkaebi Market -- with "dokkaebi" in Korean meaning a goblin -- because some people feel like a goblin could jump out from one of the market's stalls, amid the stacks of old items. Meanwhile, others use the name to refer to how worn-out items sold in the market can seem like new with the work of a goblin.

Though you can get off at Dongmyo Station Exit No. 4 to begin your journey, you might also head over to Exit No. 5 for a short detour to check out the nearby tool shops and “nopo” -- old restaurants that have been passed down for generations -- offering classic versions of Korean food, which give off a contrasting atmosphere compared to the fancy shopping complexes along the opposite side of the stream.

The entire market provides a great backdrop for those who wish to capture in photos the country’s 1980s to 1990s moments with different items, including shoes, watches, wallets and other items displayed on the ground or on thin, wooden boards.

It will not take long for you to start wondering about the total number of used items in the market.

The list includes: tools, machines and electronics, analog televisions, smartphones, vintage digital cameras, shoes – including hiking shoes, boots and sneakers -- kitchenware, golf equipment, military collectibles, DVDs, CDs, records, typewriters and fishing rods, not to mention toys, puzzles and more.

You might have wanted to take just a peak down an alley, but you will soon find yourself drawn into window shopping at a plethora of shops.

One of the highlights is record shops filled with CDs, cassettes and LPs of early K-pop idols, including TVXQ, BoA, Big Bang, Seo Taiji and Boys and more.

Korean oop music aside, popular film soundtracks, classical music and records by overseas artists can all be found, satisfying music lovers of all ages and types.

Visitors can get a glimpse of people haggling over the prices as well, which has become a rare sight in Korean markets these days.

To warm up, stop by a food stand and treat yourself to a hotteok -- a crispy, sweet pancake filled with brown sugar -- or enjoy some bungeoppang, a fish-shaped waffle filled with red bean paste, for a delightful break from your flea market tour.

Misugaru -- a traditional Korean drink made from powdered grains -- is another treat especially for the children who love sweet cold drinks.

Visiting a traditional Korean market is a must for both locals and visitors -- be it for the first time or otherwise. For visitors to Seoul, these markets offer the chance to experience local Korean life, explore lesser-known areas of the city and have a look at unique items. This article is the first in a series in which The Korea Herald introduces Seoul's street and flea markets. -- Ed.