Gwangjang Market | What to eat in Seoul’s Conventional Market 2023

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 at the least 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 avenue meals, and extra. Gwangjang Evening Market is when a lot of the motion occurs, however there are some staff that are available in to eat meals in the course of 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 Kwangjang is the outdated spelling and sijang simply means market in Korean.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 Well-liked?

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 a whole lot of nice clothes gadgets on this space. It’s thought of to be one among 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 recommend visiting Dongdaemun market.

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What to eat at Gwangjang Market | Well-liked Korean Avenue Meals in Gwangjang market

There are such a lot of nice meals stalls at Gwangjang Market and it has at all times been standard amongst vacationers visiting South Korea. Nonetheless, it has not too long ago change into much more standard because of the well-known Gwangjang Netflix collection on Korean Avenue Meals. If you’re planning to go to Gwangjang Market, then these are the Korean avenue meals you should attempt there. I’ve listed Gwangjang market well-known meals choices beneath.

Not like the meals market Myeongdong, the meals at Gwangjang market is extra conventional compared. Listed below are a number 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 – greatest meals at gwangjang market

Gwangjang market Meals is thought for these well-known and standard mung bean pancakes and all for good purpose as nicely. You’ll go right here and have one and I’m positive you’ll crave one other and wish to return. This Gwangjang market pancake jogs my memory of potato pancakes and are heat and a little bit crispy on the skin. It’s completely scrumptious and a should eat at Gwangjang market. 

Kimbap or Gimbap

This standard Korean dish is greatest described as a Korean model of sushi. Nonetheless, as an alternative 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 will 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 full of knife-cut Korean-style noodles. This soup is nice for preserving you heat in the course of the chilly winter months and full of consolation and taste. There are several types of Kalguksu you will get from seafood to beef.

This soup is gentle in taste which means it isn’t spicy nonetheless like most Korean dishes is usually served with a aspect of kimchi. For those who plan to go go to the Gwangjang Market Netflix girl, that is one among her hottest dishes and some of the standard knife-cut noodles att Gwangjang market – she is called the Netflix kalguksu girl. 

Mandu

There are two typical forms of mandu or dumplings which are 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 barely frequent in Korea and it’s one among 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, nonetheless, there are locations that pan-fry them. I often like them panfried, nonetheless, it actually depends upon how they’re made and what they’re full of. The girl from the Netflix stand has each the normal and kimchi mandu and let me inform you, that kimchi mandu is one thing I wish to return for. 

떡볶이 – Tteokbokki

This can be a standard Korean avenue meals at Gwangjang market that’s product of cylinder-shaped rice muffins and coated in a candy and spicy sauce. You’ll be able to see such a avenue meals throughout South Korea and it’s some of the standard avenue meals to take pleasure in. For those who haven’t had it or discovered different distributors in different places, make sure to have some right here. 

육회 – Yuk-hoe or Steak Tartare

This market could be very standard 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 attempt it right here as a result of I used to be so full off of every part 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

Greatest often called 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 nicely. I believe the feel is what most individuals dislike about it. 

Sannakji

Though you will get dwell octopus right here, I might recommend you wait and get it at one of many fish markets in Seoul or Jagalchi market in Busan. For those who don’t have an opportunity to go to these locations, then you could possibly attempt it right here. It’s one among my favourite dishes to eat in South Korea. It’s a freshly minimize octopus coated in sesame oil, sesame seeds and a little bit little bit of salt. The octopus remains to be transferring on the plate and it’s possible you’ll 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 provides a wealthy, oceanic taste. It’s a hands-on consuming expertise that captures the essence of Korean avenue meals.

Different choices you may 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 – Rooster ft

Desserts at Gwangjang Market

Hotteok

This standard 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 if you happen to discover them it’s completely value testing. 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 generally 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. This can be a highly regarded donut that’s product of rice flour so it’s a little bit stickier than common donuts. They’re often sizzling and contemporary to be able to be good and coated in sugar and generally cinnamon sugar. If you’re a donut lover like myself, it’s essential to attempt one among these donuts. 

붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang

Now, it is a standard snack amongst many Asian youngsters. It was my favourite rising up and if you happen to aren’t an enormous fan of candy crimson beans then I don’t recommend you order this. This can be a fish-shaped pastry full of sweetened crimson bean paste. This standard dish originated in Japan and was introduced over and change into a preferred staple in Korean avenue meals delicacies. 

호두과자 – Hodo Kwaja

These pleasant treats are produced from a tender, cake-like batter that’s poured right into a walnut-shaped mildew. Inside, you’ll sometimes discover a filling of candy crimson bean paste, and generally even a bit of walnut for that additional crunch. The mildew is then closed and baked till the skin turns a golden brown. The outcome? A heat, fluffy pastry with a gooey, candy heart.

Hodo Kwaja is a well-liked snack not only for vacationers but in addition for locals. It’s like a hug to your style buds—comforting, candy, and oh-so-delicious. Plus, they’re often offered in little paper baggage, 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 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 nicely. I might say that the extra prestigious ones are upstairs with larger high quality, nonetheless, I discover all of them to be fairly nice in design.

How one can get to Gwangjang Market and Opening Hours

• Gwangjang Market Opening hours: Usually 8:30 am – 6 pm each day however the eating places are often 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)
• 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 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 a whole lot of issues to do close to Gwangjang Market. In addition to consuming foot at Gwangjang market, right here are some things I recommend 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 boys’s model has a jeogori and baji (pants). It’s an emblem of Korean tradition and heritage, usually worn on particular events and holidays.

Now, why do you have to purchase it at Gwangjang Market? Effectively, my buddy, this market is sort of a treasure trove for genuine, high-quality Hanboks. Not like the mass-produced variations you may discover elsewhere, the Hanboks right here are sometimes handmade, stitched collectively by artisans who’ve honed their craft over many years. You’ll be able to 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 overlook, the costs are sometimes way more cheap in comparison with specialty boutiques.

Purchase Conventional Souviners

Gwangjang Market is sort of a treasure chest on the subject of conventional Korean souvenirs. Let’s go on a little bit digital buying 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 useful but in addition extremely stunning. They’re simple to pack and make for an enthralling reward.
• Conventional Masks: Referred to as “Hahoe,” these masks are sometimes utilized in conventional Korean performs and dances. They make for distinctive wall decorations and are an ideal dialog starter.
• Korean Tea Units: For those who’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 might be remembered!
• Calligraphy Units: For those who’re into artwork or writing, a standard Korean calligraphy set may very well be a significant memento. It often consists of brushes, ink, and paper—all you should attempt your hand at this historical artwork kind.
• Jewellery: You will discover stunning items product of 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 simple 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 will discover it in numerous kinds, from roots to extracts and teas.

Gwangjang Market FAQs

Is Gwangjang market indoors?

It’s not positioned indoors, nonetheless, it’s below a coated construction. It’s a big open house with roofing which prevents rain and different climate from ruining your possibilities 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 nicely.

What’s the kimbap Korean spelling?

김밥 is the Korean spelling for Gimbap or Kimbap.

What are one of the 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 – Rooster 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 may take into account: Gohyang Kalguksu, hotteok, 꽈배기 – Twisted Korean doughnut, 붕어빵 – Bungeo-ppang, 떡볶이 – Tteokbokki, some mayak kimbap, and 물냉면 – Mul-naengmyeon – Chilly noodle soup.

How one can go to Gwangjang market by subway

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. 

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