Discover Mangwon Market: Seoul’s Hidden Gem for Food Lovers


Mangwon Market is a traditional market located in Mangwon-dong, Mapo-gu. In recent years, it has gained popularity among younger Koreans in their 20s and 30s, and thanks to word of mouth, it's now becoming well-known among international visitors to Korea as well.


Personally, I find Mangwon Market much more relaxed and welcoming than the more famous Gwangjang Market.

It’s also full of delicious street food and has been featured in many YouTube videos. If you're planning a trip to Korea, I highly recommend adding Mangwon Market to your itinerary!

 

If you're planning a trip to Seoul and want to experience something beyond the usual tourist spots, Mangwon Market (망원시장) is a must-visit. Tucked away in the laid-back Mangwon neighborhood, this vibrant traditional market is where locals go for fresh produce, mouthwatering street food, and affordable eats — all with an authentic, no-frills charm.





Why You’ll Love Mangwon Market

1. Street Food Paradise 
From crispy Korean fried chicken to chewy tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes filled with brown sugar and nuts), the market is packed with vendors offering tasty, freshly made Korean snacks. The best part? You can try a little bit of everything without breaking the bank.


2. Authentic Korean Experience 
Unlike the more touristy areas like Myeongdong, Mangwon Market is a place where you’ll see everyday Koreans shopping, chatting, and eating. It’s a great way to get a glimpse of local life in Seoul.


3. Instagram-worthy Moments 
Colorful displays of fruits, traditional Korean sweets, cozy alleyways, and neon signs make this market a visual treat. Plus, the nearby Mangwon Hangang Park offers a perfect riverside walk after all that eating.


4. Unique Finds & Souvenirs 
You’ll find everything from handmade Korean side dishes (banchan) to quirky local snacks you won’t get anywhere else. They make fun gifts or souvenirs to take home.



Top 5 Must-Try Eats at Mangwon Market: A Local's Guide

Mangwon Market is one of my favorite spots in Seoul. It's a place where you can find a variety of delicious street foods like tteokbokki, gimbap, hotteok, twisted donuts, and pork cutlets all in one place. As someone who's explored many markets, here are five must-try foods at Mangwon Market.

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No 1. Mangwon Tteokgalbi (망원떡갈비)

They grill freshly prepared domestic beef patties on an iron plate. The juicy patties come in two flavors: original mild and slightly spicy chili. Even those sensitive to spice can enjoy the chili flavor. Dip it in the wasabi sauce for a clean finish. Note: There's usually a wait, so it's best to reserve and return at the given time, typically about an hour later.​

  • Location: Midway through Mangwon Market​
  • Reservation: On-site only​
  • Price: 4 patties for 10,000 KRW

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No 2. Hongdukkae Handmade Kalguksu (홍두깨 손칼국수)

Known for its chewy noodles, this place offers a hearty bowl of knife-cut noodles for just 5,000 KRW. The spicy and refreshing broth is perfect for a filling meal.​

  • Menu Highlights: Handmade Kalguksu - 5,000 KRW; Sujebi - 6,000 KRW





No 3. Uirak (우이락)

Currently one of the hottest spots in Mangwon Market, Uirak offers large chili fritters and a variety of makgeolli (Korean rice wine). Their thin, crispy batter is best enjoyed on-site. While there's always a line, it's worth the wait!​

  • Reservation: Via Catch Table kiosk in front of the store​
  • Menu Highlights: 3-4 Chili Fritters - 10,000 KRW; Various Makgeolli options (Haechang 6° is a favorite)
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No 4. Basakmacha (바삭마차)

For the past five years, Basakmacha has been my go-to spot. They serve freshly fried pork cutlets made from domestic pork, rivaling those from specialty restaurants. The best part? A pork loin cutlet is just 3,000 KRW. Even after cooling down, the cutlet remains crispy. Highly recommend the pork loin!​

  • Location: First shop at the entrance of Mangwon Market​
  • Menu Highlights: Pork Loin Cutlet - 3,000 KRW; Jalapeño Ham Cheese Cutlet - 4,500 KRW
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No 5. Matitneun Jip (맛있는 집)

True to its name, this place is genuinely delicious. They serve tteokbokki and gimbap, and among the many snack shops in the market, this one stands out. The thick rice tteokbokki is a must-try, and the simple yet addictive gimbap will have you finishing a roll in no time.​

  • Featured On: TV show "전지적 참견시점" by Kim Nan-hee​
  • Menu Highlights: Rice Tteokbokki - 5,000 KRW; Gimbap - 3,500 KRW​
  • Tip: Check out the adjacent "Mom's Side Dishes" shop!
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There's so much more to taste at Mangwon Market beyond the spots I mentioned.
It's truly a food lover's paradise! :)

Sweet and sour chicken (닭강정)


Marshmallow Ice Cream





Hotteok (호떡)


How to Get There

Take Line 6 of the Seoul Subway and get off at Mangwon Station (망원역). The market is just a short walk from Exit 2.


Pro Tip:

Just a heads-up — not all vendors at traditional markets in Korea take cards, so make sure to bring some cash!





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