A bustling marketplace known for its famous food stalls, Gwangjang Market (광장시장) is the one of the oldest and largest traditional markets found in Seoul, South Korea. Although the market was established in 1905, the authentic allure of this market remains present today. Popular among both locals and foreigners, the market was incredibly easy to find and was a simple quick bus ride from our hotel situated in Myeongdong.
A seafood vendor carefully places her fresh goods on display
You can find just about anything you could want or need at this authentic market. From housewares to fabrics, to fresh seafood and produce. There is no shortage of goods here, and as you walk down alley after alley you are certain to discover something that catches your eye. My hope is that the next time we visit Gwangjang, I will have time to have a Korean hanbok specially made here.
This covered market had reminded me so much of the market I once visited while living in Bago, Myanmar. There is something so beautiful about visiting markets like these. Although walking into a Kroger or Central Market is convenient, grocery stores back home just lack the charm and genuineness of overseas local marketplaces filled with independent vendors.
The true heart of the marketplace is the food stalls, where patrons can hop from stall to stall to grab freshly prepared meals of mayak gimbap, eomuk, tteok-bokki, soondae, and so many more. There is a strong sense of community here, locals settling on wooden benches or plastic stools to grab a quick lunch. Laughter and shouts echo between vendors as they furiously prepare their special dishes for hungry customers.
A culinary enthusiasts dream, there is no shortage of masterful delicacies to try at Gwangjang Market. Here you can find the treasured handmade knife-cut noodles lovingly made by Cho Yonsoon at her stall Gohyang Kalguksu, made known to the world by the Netflix series Street Food. Sadly, Cho had not opened her stall at the time we were feeling a bit peckish. I will definitely be grabbing a steaming bowl of those heavenly noodles the next time we are in Korea. It is said that the best time to visit the market to enjoy the food stalls is mid-late afternoon and the evening.
You will also find the most delicious, light and crispy fried mung bean pancakes (bindaetteok). Dredge them in warm, very mildly sweet soy sauce and top with chunks of white onion to further enhance their flavor.
Savoring the tasty bindaetteok & a sea creatures attempt to escape lunch rush hour
If you find yourself hungry in Seoul, visiting the marketplace is well worth the trip. The experience of strolling through the walkways lined with fabrics, fruits, seafood and wares of one the oldest markets in Korea is one you'll never forget.
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