Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean road meals market positioned pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market affords a wide range of conventional Korean road meals from Mungbean pancakes, mandu (Korean dumplings), and extra. If you wish to get conventional Korean meals in South Korea, that is the place to do it. In case you are new to Korea or simply touring you must add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to not less than as soon as in your lifetime.
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Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market
This market is Seoul’s oldest conventional market to get conventional clothes, conventional road meals, and extra. Gwangjang Evening Market is when many of the motion occurs, however there are some employees that are available to eat meals throughout the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also called Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.
Why is Gwangjang Market Common?
Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It isn’t solely recognized for its Gwangjang market road meals, however you may as well get loads of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought of to be certainly one of Korea’s largest markets and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here yow will discover a wide range of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean road meals. In case you are wanting extra for garments, then I extremely recommend visiting Dongdaemun market.
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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Common Korean Road Meals in Gwangjang market
There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has all the time been in style amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has not too long ago develop into much more in style as a result of well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Road Meals. In case you are planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean road meals you could strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices under.
In contrast to the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional as compared. Listed here are a few of the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.
Undecided what to eat or really feel intimidated? E book this Gwangjang Market meals tour!

Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – greatest meals at gwangjang market
Gwangjang market Meals is understood for these well-known and in style mung bean pancakes and all for good cause as effectively. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m certain you’ll crave one other and need to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and just a little crispy on the skin. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.
Kimbap or Gimbap
This in style Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, as an alternative of uncooked fish, this dish is normally filled with greens and meat together with carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and extra. You will get a wide range of several types of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones referred to as Mayak kimbap additionally spelled Mayak gimbap are thought of to be extra favorable on this market.
Kalguksu
This Gwangjang market kalguksu conventional Korean soup is full of knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for maintaining you heat throughout the chilly winter months and filled with consolation and taste. There are several types of Kalguksu you will get from seafood to beef.
This soup is gentle in taste that means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is commonly served with a facet of kimchi. When you plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is certainly one of her hottest dishes and probably the most in style knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is named the Netflix kalguksu girl.

Mandu
There are two typical kinds of mandu or dumplings which can be typical in Korea. There may be the normal taste full of minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is full of imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is just widespread in Korea and it’s certainly one of my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you’ll’t go away this market with out consuming them.
Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I normally like them panfried, nevertheless, it actually depends upon how they’re made and what they’re filled with. The lady from the Netflix stand has each the normal and kimchi mandu and let me let you know, that kimchi mandu is one thing I need to return for.
떡볶이 – Tteokbokki
It is a in style Korean road meals at Gwangjang market that’s manufactured from cylinder-shaped rice truffles and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You may see this sort of road meals throughout South Korea and it’s probably the most in style road meals to get pleasure from. When you haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, you should definitely have some right here.
육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare
This market could be very in style for the steak tartare. They normally high it off with a uncooked yellow yolk that you just combine in with the steak tartare. Though I didn’t get an opportunity to strive it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every little thing else, it regarded completely scrumptious and I plan to return and have some. I actually get pleasure from beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and flippantly seasoned.
Soondae
Finest generally known as blood sausages. This dish is for the adventurous as a result of it’s a bit chewy in texture and blood sausages are normally stuffed pig intestines. They’re fairly scrumptious however may be considerably bland as effectively. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.
Sannakji
Though you will get dwell octopus right here, I’d recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. When you don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you could possibly strive it right here. It’s certainly one of my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly minimize octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and just a little little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be transferring on the plate and you might want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the transferring tentacles, however actually, don’t let that scare you away.
Soy Marinated Crab
Soy Marinated Crab at Gwangjang Market in Seoul is a must-try delicacy. This dish options crab marinated in a mix of soy sauce, garlic, and a touch of sweetness. The meat is tender, and the roe affords a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean road meals.
Different choices you’ll be able to eat at Gwangjang Market
- 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
- 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup
- 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft
- 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft
Desserts at Gwangjang Market

Hotteok
This in style road meals in Korea and normally served throughout the winter months. I solely discovered a couple of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however in the event you discover them it’s completely value testing. It’s my favourite dessert road meals choice in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s normally filled with brown sugar and typically sunflower seeds and nuts relying on the seller.
꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut
Proper subsequent to the hotteok stand I noticed contained in the Gwangjang market was a stall promoting Gwabaegi which is a well-liked Korean doughnut. It is a highly regarded donut that’s manufactured from rice flour so it’s just a little stickier than common donuts. They’re normally scorching and recent with a view to be good and coated in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. In case you are a donut lover like myself, you need to strive certainly one of these donuts.
붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang
Now, it is a in style snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and in the event you aren’t a giant fan of candy pink beans then I don’t recommend you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry filled with sweetened pink bean paste. This in style dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and develop into a well-liked staple in Korean road meals delicacies.
호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja
These pleasant treats are constituted of a tender, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy pink bean paste, and typically even a piece of walnut for that additional crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the skin turns a golden brown. The consequence? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy middle.
Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but in addition for locals. It’s like a hug on your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re normally offered in little paper luggage, making them the right on-the-go snack as you proceed to discover the wonders of Gwangjang Market.
The place to buy at Gwangjang Market
So the entire road meals distributors are sometimes on the primary ground. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second ground. There are a couple of distributors on the primary ground down some alleyways as effectively. I’d say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with greater high quality, nevertheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely recommend taking certainly one of Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.
Easy methods to get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours
- Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm day by day however the eating places are normally 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I recommend you go within the afternoon or night though locations are opening within the morning, most of them are prepping the meals for the day. Some locations are closed on Sunday.
- Handle: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
- Easy methods to get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet.
- Costs: Okayorean road meals costs fluctuate, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 gained (~$9USD) for a bowl of Kalguksu and Mandu. We shared the dish and it was fairly filling for two individuals. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 gained (~$2.50). So actually, it depends upon the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 gained and up.
- Web site: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr
Issues to do close to Gwangjang Market
There are loads of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. Apart from consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I recommend you do whereas right here.
Buy a Hanbok
The Hanbok is a conventional Korean gown characterised by its vibrant colours and easy strains. The ladies’s model normally consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the boys’s model has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s a logo of Korean tradition and heritage, usually worn on particular events and holidays.
Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Effectively, my pal, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. In contrast to the mass-produced variations you would possibly discover elsewhere, the Hanboks right here are sometimes handmade, stitched collectively by artisans who’ve honed their craft over a long time. You may really feel the love and custom in each thread. Plus, the range is astounding—whether or not you need one thing conventional or a contemporary twist, you’ll discover it right here. And let’s not neglect, the costs are sometimes way more cheap in comparison with specialty boutiques.
Purchase Conventional Souviners
Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest with regards to conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on just a little digital procuring spree, lets?
- Korean Pottery: Whether or not it’s a celadon vase or a cute kimchi pot, Korean pottery is famend for its craftsmanship. These make for elegant items or dwelling decor.
- Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers will not be simply purposeful but in addition extremely lovely. They’re straightforward to pack and make for a captivating reward.
- Conventional Masks: Often called “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are a terrific dialog starter.
- Korean Tea Units: When you’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal Korean tea units. They usually include a teapot, cups, and a serving tray, all exquisitely designed.
- Korean Snacks: From dried seaweed to honey-filled “Yakgwa” cookies, Korean snacks are a tasty memento that gained’t final lengthy however can be remembered!
- Calligraphy Units: When you’re into artwork or writing, a conventional Korean calligraphy set could possibly be a significant memento. It normally contains brushes, ink, and paper—all you could strive your hand at this historical artwork type.
- Jewellery: You’ll find lovely items manufactured from jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s stated to convey good luck and prosperity.
- Silk Scarves: These are sometimes hand-painted and have conventional Korean patterns. They’re light-weight, making them straightforward to pack, they usually add a contact of class to any outfit.
- Korean Ginseng: Recognized for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked reward. You’ll find it in numerous kinds, from roots to extracts and teas.
Gwangjang Market FAQs
Is Gwangjang market indoors?
It isn’t positioned indoors, nevertheless, it’s underneath a coated construction. It’s a big open area with roofing which prevents rain and different climate from ruining your probabilities of consuming at this classic market in Seoul.
The place is Gwangjang market positioned?
It’s positioned in Seoul, South Korea. The deal with is 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동).
Does Gwangjang market take card?
Not sometimes. This Korean meals market in Seoul is just about a cash-heavy space to seize low-cost and scrumptious meals. Myeongdong meals market is just about the identical as effectively.
What’s the kimbap Korean spelling?
김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.
What are the very best meals in Gwangjang Market?
I’ve listed them above, however to be brief and concise, the highest selections are binddatteok, kimbap particularly mayak kimbap, Kalguksu, mandu, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, 육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare, Soondae, Sannakji, 비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat, 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup, 족발 – Jokbal – Pigs ft, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Hen ft, Hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, and 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang.
What are some halal meals at Gwangjang market?
Whereas I can’t assure any of the meat is halal, listed below are some halal choices you’ll be able to think about: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.
Easy methods to go to Gwangjang market by subway
Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will note the doorway to the market in your right-hand facet.
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