Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market 2024

[ad_1]

Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is a well-known Korean avenue meals market positioned pretty near the Dongdaemun Design Plaza. This conventional meals market provides quite a lot of conventional Korean avenue 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. If you’re new to Korea or simply touring it’s important to add Gwangjang market to your locations to go to not less than as soon as in your lifetime.

This website comprises affiliate hyperlinks to merchandise. We could obtain a fee for purchases made by way of these hyperlinks. Assist my weblog right here.

Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market

This market is Seoul’s oldest conventional market to get conventional clothes, conventional avenue meals, and extra. Gwangjang Night time Market is when many of the motion occurs, however there are some staff that are available to eat meals in the course of the lunch rush. Gwangjang Market is also referred to as Gwangjang sijang and Kwang jang Market. Kwangjang is the previous spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.

Why is Gwangjang Market Widespread?

Gwangjang market is a well-liked Seoul meals market as a result of it’s the oldest market in Seoul. It’s not solely identified for its Gwangjang market avenue meals, however you too can get lots of nice clothes objects on this space. It’s thought of to be considered one of Korea’s largest markets and is positioned within the coronary heart of Seoul. Right here you’ll find quite a lot of issues from silk, custom-made hanboks, classic clothes, and conventional Korean avenue meals. If you’re wanting extra for garments, then I extremely counsel visiting Dongdaemun market.

Planning a visit to Korea? Be part of our Korea Journey Planning + Information Fb Group to ask and get solutions to all of your burning questions.

Korea Travel Planning + Guide Facebook Group

What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Widespread 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 widespread amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nevertheless, it has not too long ago grow to be much more widespread because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix sequence on Korean Road Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals it is advisable strive there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.

In contrast to the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional compared. Listed below are a few of the hottest issues to eat at Gwangjang market.

Unsure what to eat or really feel intimidated? E book this Gwangjang Market meals tour!

Bindaetteok – Mungbean Pancakes – finest meals at gwangjang market

Gwangjang market Meals is thought for these well-known and widespread mung bean pancakes and all for good cause as properly. 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 a bit of crispy on the surface. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market.

Kimbap or Gimbap

This widespread Korean dish is finest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nevertheless, as a substitute of uncooked fish, this dish is often full of greens and meat together with carrots, cucumbers, pickled radishes, and meats like bulgogi (marinated beef), tuna, and extra. You may get quite a lot of several types of kimbap, though the smaller or mini ones known 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 crammed with knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for holding you heat in the course of the chilly winter months and full of consolation and taste. There are several types of Kalguksu you may get from seafood to beef.

This soup is gentle in taste which means it isn’t spicy nevertheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. If you happen to plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is considered one of her hottest dishes and one of the vital widespread knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu girl.

Mandu

There are two typical kinds of mandu or dumplings which are typical in Korea. There’s the normal taste crammed with minced meat and veggies and the kimchi mandu which is crammed with imply and kimchi. Kimchi mandu is simply frequent in Korea and it’s considered one of my favorites to eat in Korea. They’re so scrumptious and you may’t depart this market with out consuming them.

Most Koreans eat it steamed or in a soup, nevertheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I often like them panfried, nevertheless, it actually relies on how they’re made and what they’re full of. 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 widespread Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice desserts and lined in a candy and spicy sauce. You possibly can see any such avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s one of the vital widespread avenue meals to take pleasure in. If you happen to 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 widespread for the steak tartare. They often prime 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 thing else, it seemed completely scrumptious and I plan to return and have some. I actually take pleasure in beef tartare in South Korea as a result of it’s so flavorful and calmly 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 often stuffed pig intestines. They’re fairly scrumptious however may be considerably bland as properly. I feel the feel is what most individuals dislike about it.

Sannakji

Though you may get reside octopus right here, I might counsel you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. If you happen to don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you might strive it right here. It’s considered one of my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly minimize octopus lined in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a bit of little bit of salt. The octopus continues to be shifting on the plate and it’s possible you’ll want to make use of your chopsticks to pry the shifting 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 provides a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean avenue meals.

Different choices you possibly can eat at Gwangjang Market

비빔밥 – Bimbimbap – A spicy rice dish with veggies and meat
물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup
족발 – Jokbal – Pigs toes
닭발 – Dalkbal – Rooster toes

Desserts at Gwangjang Market

Hotteok

This widespread avenue meals in Korea and often served in the course of the winter months. I solely discovered a couple of stalls on the Gwangjang market that had them, however should you discover them it’s completely price trying out. It’s my favourite dessert avenue meals possibility in South Korea. A hotteok is a candy rice flour pancake that’s often full of 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 very talked-about donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s a bit of stickier than common donuts. They’re often scorching and contemporary with a view to be good and lined in sugar and typically cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, you need to strive considered one of these donuts.

붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang

Now, it is a widespread snack amongst many Asian children. It was my favourite rising up and should you aren’t a giant fan of candy crimson beans then I don’t counsel you order this. It is a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened crimson bean paste. This widespread dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and grow to be a preferred staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies.

호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja

These pleasant treats are comprised of a gentle, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mould. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy crimson bean paste, and typically even a piece of walnut for that further crunch. The mould is then closed and baked till the surface 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 additionally for locals. It’s like a hug to your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re often bought in little paper luggage, making them the proper on-the-go snack as you proceed to discover the wonders of Gwangjang Market.

The place to buy at Gwangjang Market

So all the avenue meals distributors are sometimes on the primary flooring. If you wish to search for materials, clothes, and extra, they’re totally on the second flooring. There are a couple of distributors on the primary flooring down some alleyways as properly. I might say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with increased high quality, nevertheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design. I extremely counsel taking considered one of Gwangjang Market’s day excursions in Seoul to get extra out of it.

How one can get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours

Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm every day however the eating places are often 8:30 am to 11:00 pm, however I counsel 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.
Deal with: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 서울특별시 종로구 창경궁로 88 (예지동)
How one can get there: Take the subway to Jongno-5 station and exit quantity 7. Head straight and you will notice the doorway to the market in your right-hand aspect.
Costs: Okayorean avenue meals costs differ, on the Netflix stall we paid 10,000 received (~$9USD) for a bowl of Kalguksu and Mandu. We shared the dish and it was fairly filling for two folks. The Bindaetteok was about 2 for 3,000 received (~$2.50). So actually, it relies on the place you go and what you get. Most locations are 1,500 received and up.
Web site: www.kwangjangmarket.co.kr

Issues to do close to Gwangjang Market

There are lots of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. Apart from consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I counsel you do whereas right here.

Buy a Hanbok

The Hanbok is a standard Korean costume characterised by its vibrant colours and easy traces. The ladies’s model often consists of a jeogori (shirt) and a chima (skirt), whereas the lads’s model has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s an emblem of Korean tradition and heritage, typically worn on particular events and holidays.

Now, why must you purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Effectively, my good friend, 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 many years. You possibly can really feel the love and custom in each thread. Plus, the variability 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 in the case of conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a bit of digital purchasing spree, we could?

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 presents or residence decor.
Korean Followers: Hand-painted with intricate designs, these followers usually are not simply useful but additionally extremely lovely. They’re straightforward to pack and make for a captivating present.
Conventional Masks: Often known as “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: If you happen to’re a tea lover, you’ll adore the normal Korean tea units. They typically 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 received’t final lengthy however can be remembered!
Calligraphy Units: If you happen to’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set may very well be a significant memento. It often contains brushes, ink, and paper—all it is advisable strive your hand at this historical artwork type.
Jewellery: Yow will discover lovely items product of jade, a stone that holds particular significance in Korean tradition. It’s mentioned 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 magnificence to any outfit.
Korean Ginseng: Identified for its well being advantages, Korean ginseng is a well-liked present. Yow will discover it in numerous varieties, from roots to extracts and teas.

Gwangjang Market FAQs

Is Gwangjang market indoors?

It’s not positioned indoors, nevertheless, it’s underneath a lined 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 properly.

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 quick and concise, the highest decisions 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 toes, 닭발 – Dalkbal – Rooster toes, 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 here are some halal choices you possibly can contemplate: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.