π️ Spot #13: Gwangjang Market: Seoul’s Best Street Food & Culture Hub
Are you planning a trip to Seoul and wondering where to find the absolute best local food experience? Look no further than Gwangjang Market (κ΄μ₯μμ₯). Established in 1905, it is South Korea’s oldest continuously operating daily market.
While it began as a traditional textile and fabric market, today it is globally renowned as a bustling foodie paradise. Whether you are a Netflix Street Food fan or a traveler looking for an authentic taste of Korean culture, this guide covers everything you need to know before you visit.
π Refer to π️ Spot #4:Changgyeonggung Palace
Must-Try Foods at Gwangjang Market (The Ultimate Food Checklist)
If you only have one day to explore, these are the legendary dishes you cannot afford to miss:
1. Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes) • λΉλλ‘
What it is: Ground mung beans mixed with green onions, garlic, and kimchi, shallow-fried in hot oil until incredibly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Pro-Tip: Pair it with a cold bottle of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for the ultimate traditional combination.
Famous Stall: Soonhee’s Bindaetteok (μν¬λ€ λΉλλ‘) is the most celebrated spot in the market.
2. Mayak Kimbap (Narcotic Rice Rolls) • λ§μ½κΉλ°₯
What it is: Don't worry, there are no actual drugs inside! They get the nickname "mayak" (narcotic) because they are addictive. These are bite-sized rice rolls filled with carrots, pickled radish, and spinach, brushed with sesame oil, and served with a tangy mustard dipping sauce.
3. Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodles) • μΉΌκ΅μ
What it is: Hand-rolled, knife-cut wheat noodles served in a rich, comforting anchovy and seafood broth.
Famous Stall: Look for the stall featured on the Netflix series Street Food: Asia (Gohyang Kalguksu), run by the famously welcoming Cho Yonsoon.
4. Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare) • μ‘ν
What it is: High-quality, lean raw beef seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic, served over a bed of sweet Korean pear and topped with a raw egg yolk.
Where to go: Head down Yukhoe Alley located inside the market. Buchon Yukhoe (λΆμ΄μ‘ν) has consistently earned a place on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list.
Essential Visitor Information
Location & Address - 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Korean: μμΈνΉλ³μ μ’ λ‘ꡬ μ°½κ²½κΆλ‘ 88 (μμ§λ)
Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1): Take Exit 7 or Exit 8. The market entrance is right outside.
Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2 or Line 5): Take Exit 4 and walk straight for about 5 minutes.
Traditional Clothing & Textile Shops: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Infopick's Tips for Travel
1. Individual food stalls may have varying closing days, but the food section itself is always active.
2. Bring Cash: While some major stalls accept credit cards, many smaller vendors only accept cash or local bank transfers. Keep some 10,000 KRW notes handy.
3. Expect Crowds: Peak hours are during lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) and dinner/nightlife hours (6:00 PM onwards). For a more relaxed experience, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon.
4. Seating Etiquette: Bench space is limited. If you finish your food, it is polite to stand up so waiting customers can sit down.
5. Explore the Second Floor: If the food stalls become overwhelming, head upstairs to explore the sprawling vintage clothing market and traditional bedding shops.
While it began as a traditional textile and fabric market, today it is globally renowned as a bustling foodie paradise. Whether you are a Netflix Street Food fan or a traveler looking for an authentic taste of Korean culture, this guide covers everything you need to know before you visit.
π Refer to π️ Spot #4:Changgyeonggung Palace
Why Visit Gwangjang Market?
Unlike modern shopping malls, Gwangjang Market offers a raw, vibrant glimpse into Seoul's living history. Under its expansive covered roof, you will find hundreds of stalls serving freshly prepared, affordable Korean comfort food, alongside traditional Korean clothing (Hanbok) and vintage goods.Must-Try Foods at Gwangjang Market (The Ultimate Food Checklist)
If you only have one day to explore, these are the legendary dishes you cannot afford to miss:
1. Bindaetteok (Mung Bean Pancakes) • λΉλλ‘
What it is: Ground mung beans mixed with green onions, garlic, and kimchi, shallow-fried in hot oil until incredibly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
Pro-Tip: Pair it with a cold bottle of Makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for the ultimate traditional combination.
Famous Stall: Soonhee’s Bindaetteok (μν¬λ€ λΉλλ‘) is the most celebrated spot in the market.
2. Mayak Kimbap (Narcotic Rice Rolls) • λ§μ½κΉλ°₯
What it is: Don't worry, there are no actual drugs inside! They get the nickname "mayak" (narcotic) because they are addictive. These are bite-sized rice rolls filled with carrots, pickled radish, and spinach, brushed with sesame oil, and served with a tangy mustard dipping sauce.
3. Kalguksu (Knife-Cut Noodles) • μΉΌκ΅μ
What it is: Hand-rolled, knife-cut wheat noodles served in a rich, comforting anchovy and seafood broth.
Famous Stall: Look for the stall featured on the Netflix series Street Food: Asia (Gohyang Kalguksu), run by the famously welcoming Cho Yonsoon.
4. Yukhoe (Korean Beef Tartare) • μ‘ν
What it is: High-quality, lean raw beef seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce, and garlic, served over a bed of sweet Korean pear and topped with a raw egg yolk.
Where to go: Head down Yukhoe Alley located inside the market. Buchon Yukhoe (λΆμ΄μ‘ν) has consistently earned a place on the Michelin Guide's Bib Gourmand list.
Essential Visitor Information
Location & Address - 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Korean: μμΈνΉλ³μ μ’ λ‘ꡬ μ°½κ²½κΆλ‘ 88 (μμ§λ)
How to Get There (Subway Directions)
Taking the Seoul Metropolitan Subway is the easiest way to reach the market:Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1): Take Exit 7 or Exit 8. The market entrance is right outside.
Euljiro 4-ga Station (Line 2 or Line 5): Take Exit 4 and walk straight for about 5 minutes.
πOpening Hours
General Food Stalls: 09:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Open daily, year-round)Traditional Clothing & Textile Shops: 09:00 AM – 06:00 PM (Closed on Sundays)
Infopick's Tips for Travel
1. Individual food stalls may have varying closing days, but the food section itself is always active.
2. Bring Cash: While some major stalls accept credit cards, many smaller vendors only accept cash or local bank transfers. Keep some 10,000 KRW notes handy.
3. Expect Crowds: Peak hours are during lunch (12:00 PM – 2:00 PM) and dinner/nightlife hours (6:00 PM onwards). For a more relaxed experience, aim for mid-morning or late afternoon.
4. Seating Etiquette: Bench space is limited. If you finish your food, it is polite to stand up so waiting customers can sit down.
5. Explore the Second Floor: If the food stalls become overwhelming, head upstairs to explore the sprawling vintage clothing market and traditional bedding shops.
References & Authority Links
Official Tourism Portal: VisitSeoul.net - Gwangjang Market Overview
Culinary Recognition: Michelin Guide Seoul - Buchon Yukhoe Profile
Public Transportation: Seoul Metro Official Route Guide
Official Tourism Portal: VisitSeoul.net - Gwangjang Market Overview
Culinary Recognition: Michelin Guide Seoul - Buchon Yukhoe Profile
Public Transportation: Seoul Metro Official Route Guide
