Opened in 1905, Gwangjang Market is one of the oldest and largest traditional markets in Korea. Located near Jongno 5-ga Station, it's a maze of narrow alleys filled with energy, sizzling pans, and the irresistible aroma of Korean street food.
While it used to be more local-focused, it has now become a global hotspot, especially after appearing in shows like Netflix’s Street Food Asia.
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| Gwangjang Market |
Many travelers who are planning a trip to Korea have probably come across Gwangjang Market during their research.
It’s one of the most famous traditional markets in Seoul, and chances are, it’s already on your list of places to visit.
But today, rather than introducing what to eat there,
I want to share a few important things to be aware of when visiting Kwangjang Market.
Recently, There's Been Some Controversy.
There have been growing concerns lately about some food vendors at Kwangjang Market allegedly overcharging foreign tourists.
According to online reviews and local reports, certain vendors may:
- Quote higher prices to foreigners compared to locals
- Serve different (and more expensive) dishes than what you ordered
- Reduce portions or serve food that doesn't match its price or menu description
My heart aches whenever I hear such news.
It's cruel to see merchants pay high prices for tourists who are happy to come.
There is also a movement at midnight to prevent such a thing from happening at Gwangjang Market Merchants Association. However, improvements are still not being made well.
So, I would like to introduce some tips for tourists traveling to Gwangjang Market to enjoy their trip as much as possible.
Exploring Gwangjang Market’s food alley can be overwhelming at first—with so many smells, sounds, and people, where do you even begin? But don’t worry! Here are some practical tips to help you get the most out of your visit, especially if it’s your first time.
1. Check the Prices Before You Order
Most stalls will have a menu with prices listed (often in Korean, but some include English too). Be sure to check how much a dish costs per serving before ordering. This helps avoid any surprises when it’s time to pay.
2. Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re unsure what to order or how to do it, just ask the locals around you—especially younger Koreans. Many speak at least basic English and are more than happy to help.
And thanks to translation apps and AI tools, communication is easier than ever—even if you don’t speak Korean at all.
3. Follow the Crowd
Not sure which stall to choose? A good rule of thumb: go where the locals go. If you see a line of people, it’s usually a sign that the food is tasty and trustworthy.
Popular spots are less likely to overcharge and more likely to give you the full, authentic experience.
4. Bring Some Cash
While many vendors do accept credit cards these days, some are cash-only(KRW), especially smaller stalls. Having some Korean won on hand ensures you won’t miss out on any of your must-eat items.
Gwangjang Market is just one of many amazing traditional markets in Seoul. From the trendy vibes of Mangwon Market to the historic charm of Namdaemun Market, there are so many local spots where you can eat like a local and experience the real Korea.
In upcoming posts, I’ll be sharing more about these hidden gems—what to eat, what to see, and how to explore them like a pro.
So stay tuned if you're hungry for more authentic Korean street food adventures!
[ How to Get There ]
- π Location: 88 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
- π Subway: Jongno 5-ga Station (Line 1), Exit 8 – walk about 1 minute
- ⏰ Hours: Many food stalls open around 9 AM and close by 11 PM, but peak time is around lunch to early evening.
[ My Recommended Food in Gwangjang Market ]
Mayak Gimbap (λ§μ½κΉλ°₯) – “Addictive” Mini Rice Rolls
Don’t worry — there are no drugs involved!
This dish gets its name from how irresistibly tasty it is.
These tiny seaweed rice rolls are filled with simple ingredients like carrot, pickled radish, and spinach, but what makes them special is the mustard soy dipping sauce that comes with them.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and just a little spicy.
𧑠Tip: It’s light and not spicy, so it’s great even if you’re not used to Korean food!
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| Gordon Ramsay also ate...! :) |
Bindaetteok (λΉλλ‘) – Crispy Mung Bean Pancakes
A Korean-style savory pancake made from ground mung beans, with chopped vegetables and sometimes minced pork or kimchi added in.
It’s crispy on the outside, soft and nutty on the inside, and usually served with soy-vinegar dipping sauce and kimchi. Watch the vendors cook it right in front of you on huge sizzling pans — it’s part of the fun!
πΆ Pair it with a bowl of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) for the ultimate local experience.
Chapssal Kkwbaegi (μ°Ήμ΄κ½λ°°κΈ°) – Sweet Rice Twist Donuts
This one's for the sweet tooth!
Chewy, Soft and coated in sugar, these-fried twisted donuts are made with glutinous rice flour, giving them a texture that's crisp outside and mochi-like inside.
π Can't miss : The vendor usually fries them fresh, so grab one warm for maximum deliciousness.
Thank you for reading my article.
If you have any questions about Gwangjang Market, Please leave a comment.
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